Arapahoe County hosts annual Shareback & Grant Awards Ceremony

Nearly $25 million distributed to agency partners in 20th anniversary year 

Arapahoe County Commissioners today celebrated the distribution of nearly $25 million to cities, towns and partner agencies as part of the County’s Open Spaces Shareback & Grant Awards Ceremony. The event recognizes their work to improve local parks, trails and open spaces. Attendees are beneficiaries of the County’s Shareback and Open Space Grant Programs, which support recreation and conservation efforts that are funded by the County’s Open Space Sales and Use Tax.

Fifty percent of the annual Open Space Sales and Use Tax revenue is distributed directly back to participating cities and towns across the County through the Shareback program. Funds are allocated according to population, and they contribute to the quality of life and overall health of County residents via trail, playground and park improvement projects. 

“This annual event celebrates the power of partnerships and their critical role in providing outstanding parks, trails, and open spaces for Arapahoe County communities,” says Carrie Warren-Gully, Chair of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the County’s Open Spaces program, which has brought about countless exciting opportunities for collaboration among local agencies—strengthening our collective impact and resulting in immense benefit to our residents.

In addition to Shareback funds, the Board also awarded grants ranging from $80,000 to $600,000 in support of 12 projects in seven local cities, towns and special districts. These include improving trail connectivity and quality in Littleton and Centennial, a new pump track for mountain bikers in Greenwood Village, and an inclusive playground in Englewood.

Details about the 2023 grant awards are below. Each year, 12 percent of the tax revenue is dedicated to the Open Space Grant Program. The County’s investment in these projects is leveraged by more than $2 million in matching funds provided by the grant recipients.  

When these projects are completed, communities across the County will benefit from improvements at six parks across the metro area, 1.4 miles of new or improved trails, and four park or trail planning projects that will guide the way for future improvements. 

2023 grant recipients—cities and towns: 

• City of Englewood 
  • $600,000 for a new playground and accessible pathways at Bates/Logan Park
• City of Glendale
  • $600,000 for improvements at Glendale Park, including a half rugby pitch, dog park, and picnic facilities
• City of Greenwood Village
  • $225,000 for a new pump track at the Village Greens North Park mountain bike skills course
• City of Littleton
  • $562,500 to pave and widen a portion of the Mineral Trail to improve for multiple user types (designated cycle track and pedestrian path)
  • $135,000 to support a feasibility study for a potential underpass of the High Line Canal Trail at Mineral Avenue
  • $80,000 to support a master plan for Ketring and Gallup Parks

 2023 grant recipients—special districts:  

• Arapahoe Park & Recreation District
  • $148,833 to convert an acre of turf grass at Tollgate Park to xeric landscaping with the goal of conserving water
  • $103,266 to create a master plan for an underutilized area of Lookout Park
• Dove Valley Metropolitan District
  • $479,200 to complete approximately one mile of multiuse trail along East Fremont Avenue in Centennial 
• South Suburban Park & Recreation District
  • $550,000 for renovation of Columbine Manor Park in unincorporated Arapahoe County, including a new playground, shade structure, and other park amenities
  • $600,000 for a new playground and picnic pavilion at Harlow Park in Littleton 
  • $100,000 to plan future improvements to Powers Park in Littleton

About Arapahoe County Open Spaces  

The Arapahoe County Open Spaces Program was created in 2003 when residents of Arapahoe County voted to fund the program through a quarter-cent Open Space Sales and Use Tax (25 cents on every $100 spent). The tax was renewed in 2011 when voters approved to extend the tax to 2023, and permanently reauthorized in 2021.

Since the program’s inception through end of 2022, $446 million in tax revenue has been collected. More than $331 million has been distributed back to municipalities and special districts within Arapahoe County. Total fund distribution includes $57 million in grant funding, $234 in Shareback, and $40 million in joint projects. 

To learn more about the Arapahoe County Open Spaces program, including current projects, properties and upcoming events, visit www.arapahoeco.gov/openspaces

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