Commissioners approve $50,000 in Conservation Trust Funds for Flying Hills Arena bleacher replacement

Grand County commissioners voted Feb. 18 to award $50,000 in Conservation Trust Funds to the Flying Hills Arena Association to replace north-side bleachers at the Flying Hills Rodeo arena in Granby.

The association proposed a $128,876 project to remove small, older bleachers and install elevated, longer-lasting seating. The association said it would match the county contribution with $50,000 and raise the remaining $28,876 from private donors. County staff and the applicant said the replacement provides a net gain of roughly 300 spectator seats and improves sightlines and emergency access.

Tish Linker and a second public commenter raised questions during the public comment period about the arena’s governance, zoning and transparency. A member of the public who identified herself as Daniela noted that the parcel is zoned “A” (Accommodation) in the county code and that the arena association board includes local officials; she asked about parking, lodging impacts and gift or donation arrangements with municipalities.

County staff responded that the BLM land patent for the site permits recreational uses, that accommodations zoning also allows outdoor recreation uses by right, and that staff had reviewed parking and determined there was adequate space for the requested seating increase. The board asked the applicant to consult with Town of Granby officials about any town-level concerns.

During discussion the board noted remaining Conservation Trust Fund balances (approximately $88,000 countywide at the time of the meeting) and approved the request with a split allocation across commissioner districts: District 1 — $10,000; District 2 — $20,000; District 3 — $20,000 (total $50,000). One commissioner recused from the vote and did not participate in the discussion because of a potential conflict.

Applicant Tish Linker told the board the new bleachers were elevated to improve viewing, the project had been delayed previously as costs rose, and the association planned to match the county contribution and to raise the remainder from donors and local organizations that benefit from rodeo events.

The board asked staff and the applicant to coordinate timing of any vendor down payment so that the county’s vouchering and payment process could align with the arena’s ordering timeline. Staff said the applicant could make the down payment and the county would coordinate reimbursements or payment timing with the vendor and with the applicant to avoid delay.

Ending

The board authorized the chair to sign applicable documents and asked county staff to coordinate payment timing with the Flying Hills Arena Association. The applicant said she would coordinate with local public safety officials on parking and egress and would explore reusing replaced bleachers where feasible.