Arapahoe County awards $4.8 million for open space projects
Arapahoe County awarded $4.8 million to 11 open space projects in six communities across the county this year, according to a news release.
The grants will fund various open space improvements, including new playgrounds, updated tennis courts, interpretive signage and accessible fishing docks, the news release said.
Grant money comes from the Open Space Sales and Use Tax, which goes to cities, towns, recreation districts and special districts in Arapahoe County with the intent of creating “safe, accessible and enjoyable outdoor spaces for residents of all ages,” according to the news release.
Awardees are providing $12.7 million in matching local funding.
The grants are a “perfect example” of the county’s “Investing in Arapahoe” campaign, launched after the passing of ballot measure 1A to help the county guide the use of the funds from the measure, board Chair Leslie Summey said in the release.
“By partnering with local communities, we’re able to stretch every dollar from the Open Space Sales and Use Tax to create meaningful, lasting improvements in parks, trails and public spaces across the county,” Summey said. “This is about building stronger, healthier communities for everyone.”
The grant program started in 2005 and Arapahoe County has since invested more than $67 million in 305 parks and recreation programs, according to the release.
South Suburban Park and Recreation District got three grants totaling $1.3 million:
- Cornerstone Park improvements Phase II ($600,000): adding an inclusive playground, accessible restroom, shade pavilions and seating
- Milliken Park improvements ($600,000): renovating a park along the High Line Canal with a new playground, pavilion and reconfigured parking
- Ridgeview Park redevelopment planning ($125,000): planning and designing for future park upgrades
City of Aurora got $1.2 million:
- Side Creek Park renovation ($600,000): adding a new playground, upgraded sports courts, turf conversion for water conservation and new picnic areas
- Utah Park tennis courts and lighting replacement ($600,000): rebuilding nine courts with new lighting, seating, fencing and ADA improvements
City of Littleton got $1.2 million:
- Powers Park improvements ($600,000): adding a playground, loop trail, boulder scramble and seating areas
- Jackass Hill Park ($600,000): adding new trails, a scenic viewpoint, native vegetation and interpretive signage
City of Englewood got $500,000 for Centennial Park Trail enhancements, creating accessible fishing docks, adding solar lighting and interpretive signage and creating a “story time walk” in collaboration with the public library.
City of Greenwood Village got $510,000 to add new accessible restrooms to Carson Park.
Strasburg Metropolitan Park and Recreation District got $90,280:
- Lyons Park trees and trains ($24,800): planting trees, shade structures and education signage
- Comanche Crossing Museum safety and security ($65,480): improving access, parking and signage as well as perimeter fencing
More information can be found on Arapahoe County’s Open Space website.