The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners on July 22 approved a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.

The proclamation recognizes Arapahoe County’s parks, trails and open spaces and the county’s role in maintaining and expanding local recreation assets. Commissioner Fields moved to approve the proclamation and Commissioner Baker seconded; the board approved the item by voice vote.

Why it matters: County officials and the open‑spaces department said parks and trails contribute to resident health and quality of life and are supported in Arapahoe County by a dedicated sales and use tax that voters approved to fund open‑space acquisitions and maintenance.

Remarks and context: Commissioner Fields said parks are a necessity and praised staff and volunteers for maintaining playgrounds, trails and open‑space conservation. “We need trails. We need bike paths,” Fields said, urging residents to use the county’s outdoor offerings. Jenny Pangenot, director of Arapahoe County Open Spaces, thanked voters and described the sales and use tax that funds much of the department’s work, saying, “Your sales and use tax comes and supports the program that we do.” Commissioner Warren Gully, the board’s open‑spaces liaison, highlighted upcoming projects in the Bijou Basin area and thanked staff and partner agencies for their work.

The proclamation passed without dissent; no additional implementation actions were recorded at the meeting.