Adams County Commissioners Award More Than $16 Million in Open Space Grants

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded more than $16 million in open space grants for 27 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the fall 2024 grant cycle came from revenues from the second half of the 2024 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999, and in perpetuity in 2020.

When the Open Space Sales Tax was presented to voters in 1999, the ballot question called for the creation of an Open Space Advisory Board. This board recommends open space projects to the BoCC for funding. Grants are funded from 68% of the tax proceeds and awarded twice a year.

The grant recipients for the Spring 2025 grant cycle are as follows:

Open Space Sales Tax
Competitive Grant Program
2025 Spring Cycle

Adams County
Riverdale Regional Park Maintenance Enhancements
$231,373.33

Adams County Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts was awarded funding to improve sustainability and reduce maintenance challenges by replacing outdated fencing at Riverdale Regional Park. The current fencing is supplied by a single vendor, leading to long lead times and limited repair options. The new fencing will simplify maintenance, reduce staff workload, and enhance the park’s appearance.

Adams County
Riverdale Regional Park Trail Improvements
$210,000

Adams County will use funding to extend the paved trail around Mann-Nyholt Lake to improve accessibility and safety. The current gravel sections pose usability challenges, especially for those with mobility needs. The project will add ADA-compliant concrete walkways, enhance connectivity, and improve the park experience for all visitors.

Bennett Park and Recreation District
Weight Room Renovation - Facelift Phase 6
$70,000

To modernize its facility, Bennett Park and Recreation District will replace outdated equipment and reorganize the weight room for a more functional layout. The renovation includes safe, industrial-grade equipment and an updated design while preserving valuable existing pieces.

Bennett Park and Recreation District
Weight Room Flooring Phase 7
$17,500

This project will replace torn, uneven stall mats in the weight room with industrial-grade, recycled flooring designed specifically for fitness equipment. The new surface will be safer, longer lasting, and easier to maintain, completing one of the building’s last major upgrades.

City of Brighton
Brighton RecPlex Phase 1 - Community Park
$3,000,000

The first phase of Brighton’s RecPlex will deliver a vibrant new park with pickleball courts, an inclusive playground, walking paths, a concession building, and picnic areas. Designed for community engagement and outdoor recreation, the park will offer green spaces, a maintenance building, and ADA-accessible infrastructure to meet diverse resident needs.

City of Brighton
Water Tower Park Connectivity and Parking Lots
$1,050,000

The City of Brighton will enhance Water Tower Park with improved sidewalk and trail connections and additional parking to support accessibility, safety, and neighborhood connectivity. The upgrades aim to improve the visitor experience and support park use for surrounding communities.

City of Commerce City
Pioneer Park Improvements
$749,999

Funding will support major upgrades at Pioneer Park, Commerce City’s largest park. Plans include replacing two playgrounds, adding a new adventure dome, enhancing picnic areas, and modernizing infrastructure built between 2004 and 2015 to better serve residents and events.

City of Commerce City
Second Creek Trail Connections Planning
$50,000

This project will connect existing trail segments near Second Creek Trail using roads built by Metro Water Recovery. Improvements will link Bison Ridge Recreation Center to Tower Road, improving resident access and trail usability.

City of Commerce City
Interpretive Signage at CALU Park and Second Creek Trail
$5,750

Commerce City will install interpretive signage at CALU Park and along Second Creek Trail to educate visitors on the land’s Indigenous history, wildlife, and native plants. The project includes input from Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and local experts to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.

City of Northglenn
Festival Lawn Shade Structure & Public Art Project
$560,000

Northglenn will add a functional, artistic shade structure at Festival Lawn, a central hub for concerts and events. Developed with the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation, the project promotes inclusivity, comfort, and year-round use of the space.

City of Northglenn
Huron Crossing Park Safety Project
$290,500

To improve safety and accessibility, Northglenn will install fencing, pedestrian lighting, and upgraded trail connections at Huron Crossing Park. Enhancements will address resident concerns and create a more inclusive, welcoming environment.

City of Northglenn
Northwest Open Space Ballfield Shade Project
$25,000

This project will replace temporary dugout tarps at Northwest Open Space with permanent shade structures. The upgrade will improve player safety, comfort, and usability, especially during peak sun hours.

City of Thornton
Wise Water at Brandon Place Park
$805,000

This project includes irrigation system replacements, grading improvements, and water-wise landscaping at Brandon Place and Cherry Lane parks. Goals include sustainability, ADA accessibility, and improved recreational experiences through drought-tolerant upgrades and new fitness stations.

City of Thornton
Big Dry Creek Trailhead Design & Underpass Construction
$704,088

Thornton received funding to design a new trailhead and construct a pedestrian underpass near York Street, improving access to the Big Dry Creek open space corridor. The project supports trail safety, connectivity, and recreation.

City of Thornton
Drone Pilot Program
$25,000

Thornton will use two drones—one for mapping and one for weed control—to support park operations and open space maintenance. The project includes staff training and will enhance GIS capabilities and targeted vegetation management.

City of Westminster
Bishop Square Park Improvements
$1,500,000

Westminster will renovate Bishop Square Park to meet ADA standards and modern sustainability goals. Planned improvements include new accessible paths, a redesigned playground, stormwater controls, and transforming an unused tennis court into a lighted recreation space.

City of Westminster
Municipal Court Park
$1,400,000

Westminster’s new Municipal Court Park will feature walking paths, shade trees, seating, and xeric landscaping. The park supports community wellness and responds to resident feedback calling for accessible outdoor gathering spaces.

City of Westminster
Westminster Parks and Open Space Equipment Electrification
$20,845

To meet new state regulations and reduce emissions, Westminster will replace gas-powered park maintenance tools with battery-powered alternatives. The purchase includes electric trimmers, blowers, edgers, and chargers, supporting the city’s environmental goals.

High Line Canal Conservancy
High Line Canal Conservation Easement Stewardship
$197,103

The High Line Canal Conservancy will use funding to support stewardship and monitoring of the conservation easement on the Adams County portion of the High Line Canal. This includes equipment, training, and a long-term endowment to protect the five-mile segment.

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Learn to Swim Pool
$910,000

Funding will support design and engineering for a new Learn to Swim Pool at Carstens-Camenisch Park. The pool will be part of a larger recreation vision that includes improved trails, accessibility, and water-saving turf conversions.

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Carstens-Camenisch Park Plan Implementation
$840,000

Hyland Hills will complete construction documents for the Carstens-Camenisch Master Plan, covering 150 acres in Federal Heights. Planned features include trails, gardens, amphitheaters, accessibility upgrades, and sustainable landscaping to serve diverse recreational needs.

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Fitness Center Pickleball Court Design
$25,000

This project funds the design of new pickleball courts adjacent to the Hyland Hills Fitness Center. The effort includes community engagement, site planning, ADA compliance, and sustainable materials to support healthy, active lifestyles.

Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
SCRGP Environmental Education
$273,947.05

SCRGP will expand its nature-based education programs for underserved youth and families in the northeast metro area. Programs use the Greenway as a living classroom to inspire environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
Wetland Park Destination
$224,930

This project will develop Wetland Park into a vibrant community space with inclusive swings, murals, educational signage, and native landscaping. Part of the “Many Destinations” initiative, the park promotes equitable access to the Greenway.

Town of Bennett
Kiowa Creek Trail and Multi-Modal Improvements
$2,323,581.40

This project will fund the Adams County segment of a regional multi-modal trail that connects Bennett Regional Park to Kiowa Preserve Open Space. The new hard-surface trail will extend across I-70 and follow Highway 79, offering a safe, accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists. Several road crossings will improve connectivity and support regional trail access.

Town of Bennett
Trupp Park Food Truck Plaza
$25,000

Bennett will build a dedicated food truck plaza north of Trupp Park’s parking lot to ease congestion during events. The new space will improve logistics, ensure safer parking and pedestrian flow, and support the park’s growing role as a hub for food truck gatherings.

UN Heritage for Korean War
Korean War Memorial at Generals Park
$635,050

Aurora’s Korean War Memorial honors veterans from 22 nations who served in the conflict. Located at General’s Park, the memorial includes storyboards, gardens, monuments, and a reflection space, offering visitors a place to remember and learn about the war’s history.