Adams County awards about $21.6 million in open‑space and parks grants

Adams County commissioners announced awards totaling roughly $21,551,295.95 from the county's Open Space sales‑tax program, approving funding for 24 projects on July 9, 2024. The grants, funded by sales‑tax revenues collected in late 2023, will support land acquisitions, accessible trails, park development and environmental education programs across the county.

The awards include a $1,100,000 grant to the City of Westminster; multiple awards to the City of Thornton (including a $1,744,521 design award and a $2,000,000 grounds/improvement award plus a $25,000 mini‑grant); a $550,000 grant to Steed School for Founders Field; $739,000 to the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies for environmental education at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal; and major county projects including $3,500,000 for the Confluence acquisition and $830,000 for the Highline Canal Trail underpass at K‑Fax Avenue. Smaller mini‑grants (e.g., $24,200 for invasive‑species control and several $25,000 awards) were also approved.

County staff said the Open Space Advisory Board reviewed 24 applications and recommended funding for all projects in this cycle. The program is funded by the voter‑approved open‑space sales tax passed in 1999; commissioners credited the voters for supporting local parks and trails. Award recipients will be invited forward for a photo and to receive certificates; more detailed project descriptions are listed on adcogov.org.

The commissioners presented the awards in public and closed the item after a group photo and brief staff directions about where grant descriptions can be found online.