BRIGHTON — Thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax, the Adams County Board of Commissioners awarded more than $4.5 million in Open Space grants for 19 projects at a public hearing June 7.

    “We are pleased to be able to use Open Space Sales Tax Funds to support a range of projects throughout the county,” said Commissioner Alice J. Nichol.  “The grants awarded in this cycle will provide funding for three open space acquisition projects, eight parks projects and two projects with significant cultural and historical value.”

    Funding for this grant cycle came from 2009 Adams County Open Space sales tax revenues.  The Adams County Open Space Sales Tax was passed by county voters in 1999.  When the Open Space Sales Tax was presented to voters, the ballot question called for the creation of a citizen Open Space Advisory Board.  This board reviews and recommends open space projects to the county commissioners for funding.  Grants are funded from 68 percent of the tax proceeds and are awarded twice a year.

    “The economic downturn has provided jurisdictions the opportunity to acquire important open space areas at an affordable rate,” said commissioner W. R. “Skip” Fischer.  “Funding from the Open Space Sales Tax Program has helped applicants take advantage of this unique, and possibly limited, opportunity by providing matching funds for land acquisitions.”

    The Open Space Advisory Board reviewed 20 grant applications for this grant cycle, including nine passive grant applications, seven active grant applications and four mini-grant applications. Below are descriptions of some of the local projects awarded.

City of Brighton – Brighton Outdoor Family Aquatic Park – Phase I - $300,000

    Brighton will use this grant award to help fund construction of a new aquatic park that addresses Brighton’s need for outdoor swimming facilities.  The new ADA accessible aquatic park will include water slides, a spray park, a lazy river, landscaping and more.  The park will be at 1852 E. Bromley Lane.

Adams County – E-470 Open Space Acquisition - $193,020

    Adams County will use this grant award to purchase 17.8 acres of undeveloped land on the east bank of the South Platte River, directly south of E-470. This property will provide an important link along the South Platte River Trail north from 136th Avenue to Brighton and will serve to preserve floodplain, riparian woodland and wetland habitat.

City of Commerce City – Foxton Village Playground - $35,000

    Commerce City will use this grant award to purchase and install playground equipment in the Foxton Village subdivision.  The new playground will be in the northern portion of the subdivision and provide a much-needed play area for the residents of Foxton Village and the public at large. The Foxton Village Playground will be at E. 102nd Place and Sable Boulevard.

Barr Lake State Park – Lake Appreciation Day - $3,120

    Barr Lake State Park, sponsored by Adams County, will use this grant award to purchase items for volunteer recognition and zero waste materials for the annual cleanup event. This event will provide the park with an opportunity to bring public awareness to water quality and issues facing our lakes and waterways and will also be used as a tool to bring the community together for a great cause.  Barr Lake State Park is at 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton.

Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory – Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Environmental Learning Center at Barr Lake State Park - $163,708

    The Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, sponsored by Adams County, will use this grant award for site improvements, including the creation of an outdoor classroom, development of a trailhead and implementation of interpretive signage.  These improvements will allow the RMBO to have on-site landowner and teacher workshops, along with student and family programs that empower the community to take personal responsibility for local conservation actions.  The RMBO is at 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton.