Press Releases & Announcements

Adams County Commissioners Award More Than $17 Million in Open Space Grants

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded more than $17 million in open space grants for 22 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the fall 2025 grant cycle came from revenues from the first half of the 2025 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 fall 2025 grant cycle are as follows:

Open Space Sales Tax
Competitive Grant Program
2025 Fall Cycle

Adams County
Riverdale Bluffs Open Space Construction
$3,955,000

Adams County will develop the 225-acre Riverdale Bluffs Open Space to improve regional trail connections by extending the E-470 Trail to the South Platte River Greenway. The project includes concrete and crusher-fine trails, singletrack biking routes, a trailhead, scenic overlooks, picnic shelters, and public art. It also adds pedestrian crossings at two major roadways and restores habitat through native plantings. Design work is complete, and construction preparation is underway to bring the Colorado experience to Adams County.

Town of Bennett
Civic Center Park Phase III
$574,000

The Bennett Civic Center, envisioned as the community’s hub along Highway 79, continues to evolve through phased development. Phases I and II added ballfields, parking, a playground, a splash pad, concessions, and restrooms. Phase III will add field lighting, safety improvements, and picnic pavilions. These upgrades will support recreation and strengthen the park as a central gathering place.

Bennett Park and Recreation District
Face Lift Phase IV – Locker Rooms
$210,000

The district’s locker rooms require major renovations to meet safety and usability standards. Shower floors are slippery, lockers are rusted, and several fixtures—including the baby changing table—are no longer functional. Ceilings are peeling, counters are chipped, and towel hooks are damaged. Improvements are essential to ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Bennett Park and Recreation District
Office Flooring
$17,500

The district’s office flooring is deteriorating, splintering, and lifting in multiple areas. The material can no longer be sanitized effectively, posing safety and hygiene concerns. Its current condition does not meet maintenance standards. Replacing the flooring will help maintain a safe and professional environment.

City of Brighton
Brighton RecPlex Phase II – Sports Field
$3,000,000

This phase of the Brighton RecPlex will add two artificial turf multi-use fields, tri-plex ballfields, an inclusive playground, picnic areas, and trail connections. The project also includes parking lots, fencing, and pedestrian and sports lighting. A concession and restroom facility will support year-round use. These additions will expand recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

City of Brighton
High School Tree Planting at Benedict Park
$9,500

Brighton High School will purchase trees from a local nursery for its annual senior tree-planting event. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Brighton’s Tree City USA designation, and 35 trees will be planted at Benedict Park. The grant will fund tree purchases and planting supplies, enabling a meaningful student volunteer project. Without this support, the city could not provide the number of trees needed to impact the park’s canopy.

Butterfly Pavilion
Urban Prairies Project
$24,749

The Urban Prairies Project engages community members and local agencies to improve habitat quality and connectivity in urban natural areas. The program provides science-based training, stewardship opportunities, and public events that build local leadership. These partnerships support biodiversity and climate resilience. Volunteers become advocates for protecting urban nature and the benefits it provides.

City of Commerce City
Stampede Park Improvements and Playground Expansion
$175,000

Commerce City seeks funding to improve the nine-acre Stampede Park, built 23 years ago. The project will replace the irrigation system, add to the playground that was upgraded with prior grant support, and install a basketball court and plumbed restroom. These improvements will update aging infrastructure and expand recreational options for the neighborhood.

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Clear Lake Park Improvements
$140,000

Hyland Hills plans to upgrade Clear Lake Park with a shade shelter, benches, and a natural playground. Located in an underserved neighborhood, the park currently features an aging play area and a soft-surface trail. The project aligns with the district’s 2023 Strategic Plan. Improvements will create a more inviting space for families and youth.

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Goat Removal of Noxious Plants
$25,000

Hyland Hills seeks funding for managed goat grazing at Carstens-Camenisch Park and Bell Roth Park to clear overgrown vegetation along the Allen Irrigation Ditch. Traditional mechanical removal is effective but leaves debris and increases environmental impacts. Goats offer a sustainable alternative by removing invasive plants, aerating soil, and improving habitat. This approach supports long-term ecological health while reducing maintenance needs.

Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
Sherrelwood Park Phase II
$795,200

Hyland Hills plans to build a 76,000-square-foot multi-use artificial turf field with ADA access at Sherrelwood Park. The park was improved in 2024 with a new playground and shade shelter funded in part by the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax. The turf field will expand opportunities for drop-in play, youth and adult sports programs, and third-party rentals. It will also reduce water use, pesticide needs, and maintenance time.

City of Northglenn
Eleanor M. Wyatt Centennial Park & Sculpture Garden – Design
$116,600

Northglenn will lead a community-driven redesign of the Eleanor M. Wyatt Centennial Park & Sculpture Garden ahead of the city’s 2026 Centennial and other milestone anniversaries. The project will restore themed gardens, modernize irrigation, and enhance trails. Community members will help shape the design to honor the park’s legacy. The final concept will be unveiled on Colorado Day in 2026.

City of Northglenn
Kiwanis Pool Enhancement
$23,000

Following a major renovation, Kiwanis Pool plans to add two aquatic play features that were removed from the original project due to cost. The additions include a shallow water play feature for young children and an aquatic climbing wall for older youth. These enhancements will expand recreation options and improve inclusivity. Together, they complete the long-term vision for the facility.

City of Northglenn
Odell Barry Park – Additional Funding Request
$1,835,604

Odell Barry Park will transform a vacant 6.3-acre lot into a community park serving nearly 6,000 residents within a 10-minute walk. It will include nature play areas, accessible trails, outdoor fitness stations, educational features, and sustainable landscaping. The park honors former Mayor Odell Barry, celebrating his contributions to equity and public service. This request provides the final funding needed to complete the project.

Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership
Community-Informed Signage Planning Project
$24,997.91

This project will develop a comprehensive signage plan based on extensive community engagement. Residents have consistently noted that outdated and inconsistent signage limits their use of the trail. The plan will explore additions such as mile markers, labeled access points, bilingual nature signage, and safety information. The process builds on two years of community input and will reflect the priorities of those who live near and use the Greenway.

Strasburg Parks & Recreation District
Indoor-Outdoor Golf Training & Technology
$112,500

Strasburg Parks & Rec seeks funding to equip a new golf training center focused on technology and skill development. The facility will offer year-round indoor and outdoor training and will serve users of all abilities. A key feature is an adaptive golf program for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The program will be the first of its kind in the region.

Strasburg Parks & Recreation District
Security Cameras
$16,100

The district plans to install surveillance cameras to improve safety and protect facilities. Cameras will monitor playgrounds, restrooms, athletic fields, and parking lots. Recent vandalism, illegal dumping, and after-hours activity highlight the need for better oversight. The system will deter crime, aid investigations, and support efficient use of limited staff resources.

City of Thornton
Bridging the Gap
$660,000

Thornton plans to build a new pedestrian bridge over Big Dry Creek to maintain a key multimodal connection along 136th Avenue. An upcoming roadway widening project will eliminate the existing sidewalk attached to the bridge. The new separated structure will provide safe, continuous access for pedestrians and bicyclists while protecting the riparian corridor. Funds will be used solely for pedestrian bridge construction.

City of Thornton
Dock, Lock, and Barrel: Improving Thornton’s Favorite Fishing Holes
$25,000

Thornton seeks funding to restore docks and improve safety at Gravel Lakes, one of the city’s most popular fishing spots. Planned work includes dock stabilization, automated access control, parking improvements, and removal of unsafe shade structures. The project also supports continued native fish stocking. These upgrades enhance recreation while protecting raw water infrastructure.

City of Thornton
Thornton Community Center Construction
$4,266,335

Thornton is requesting support for Phase II of its new 40,000-square-foot community center, replacing the 50-year-old original facility. The new center will include an Anythink Library, gym, dance and boxing studios, teen space, makerspace, meeting rooms, weight room, classrooms, and a daycare with a preschool playground. Additional features include an elevated indoor walkway, coffee lounge, meditation garden, outdoor allée, bike and skateboard repair stations, native landscaping, expanded parking, and improved ADA access. A Spring 2024 award supported project design.

City of Westminster
Ranch Creek Trail
$995,316

Westminster will construct a 0.55-mile multimodal trail through newly acquired Ranch Creek Open Space. The project will provide safe walking and biking opportunities close to home for surrounding neighborhoods. The alignment protects and highlights the site’s riparian corridor. The trail will balance ecological preservation with community access.

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Resilient Communities Through Local Environmental Stewardship
$194,646

This project supports community-driven environmental stewardship in Commerce City and throughout Adams County. Wildlands Restoration Volunteers will partner with residents, community groups, and land managers to train leaders in ecological restoration and expand access to open space. The effort includes completing 20 restoration projects that improve habitat, reduce pollution, and strengthen climate resilience. Activities will also build civic engagement and support community well-being.