On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) awarded more than $8 million in open space grants for 16 projects thanks to the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax. Funding for the fall 2023 grant cycle came from revenues from the first half of the 2023 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999, and in perpetuity in 2020.

When the Open Space Sales Tax was presented to voters in 1999, the ballot question called for the creation of an Open Space Advisory Board. This board recommends open space projects to the BoCC for funding. Grants are funded from 68% of the tax proceeds and are awarded twice a year.

The grants going to Northglenn for the fall 2023 grant cycle are as follows:

Alvin B. Thomas Memorial Park Renovation

This project includes the design and construction of significant improvements at Alvin B. Thomas Memorial Park. These improvements include the complete replacement of the playground and park amenities, new lighting, and the addition of trail connections to both the residential neighborhood and the regional trail.

Grant Request: $600,000

Kiwanis Pool Improvements Phase 2

Kiwanis Pool, the city's only outdoor aquatics facility, has been in operation since approximately 1960. This project aims to complete the rehabilitation of this aging outdoor aquatics facility by replacing the concrete pool deck and all the leaking underground plumbing, modernizing the inefficient filtration system, bringing all electrical components to code, resurfacing the large pool and the toddler pool, and providing additional shade structures and site amenities for participants. The project is now fully designed and bid, but pricing is nearly double the original budget. This request is for additional funding to help cover the gap in funding.

Grant Request: $919,722

 Wayfinding, Walkability, and Vinyl Wraps

Throughout our history, Northglenn has struggled with identity. Staff consistently hears feedback from both residents and non-residents that they didn't realize an amenity or landmark was located within Northglenn or get asked, "Where is that again?" This project aims to help grow a sense of identity through pedestrian wayfinding by redesigning traffic signal cabinets in key locations along major trails adjacent to arterial roadways throughout the city. An artist or team of artists would be commissioned to develop a customized series of 35-40 pieces that would incorporate wayfinding and walkability messaging, as well as iconic imagery to help passersby know they are in Northglenn and assist them in finding their way along these trails associated with major arterial roadways (Huron Street, Washington Street, 104th Avenue, 112th Avenue, Malley Drive, Melody Drive, and Irma Drive) that lead to desirable destinations within the community. In addition to the commissioned art, including the associated public outreach, artist selection, development of wayfinding components, and coordination of the artistic process, this project also includes the cost to digitize, print, prepare, and install the completed wraps on approximately 35-40 traffic signal cabinets. The wraps would include an anti-graffiti lamination as one layer of protection against vandalism. Unlike artwork that is applied directly to a cabinet, if the wraps are damaged beyond repair, the original art is digitized and can be re-printed and re-applied in the future.

Grant Request: $25,000