Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Celebrate $15.7 Million to Increase Outdoor Recreation Access

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) celebrated a new $15.7 million investment to support La Alma-Lincoln Park in Denver and Gold Strike Park in Arvada, increasing access to outdoor recreation in Colorado.

"Here in Colorado we are known for our outdoor opportunities and incredible public lands and we want every Coloradan to have the chance to experience all our state has to offer. Whether it's enjoying your local park, hiking through the mountains, riding your bike and more, there is something for everyone. By securing this funding, we are increasing access to the outdoors for every Coloradan. The work happening in La Alma-Lincoln Park in Denver and Gold Strike Park in Arvada will have a lasting impact in these communities," said Governor Polis.

This funding is awarded by the Department of the Interior from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grants Program, which recently announced $254 million to support 54 projects that support local parks in underserved communities across America, the largest investment in the program's history. ORLP, part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) under the Department of the Interior. Administered locally by CPW on behalf of the NPS, CPW solicits applications, identifies top projects and screens for eligibility before finalizing submissions. CPW works closely with applicants to refine and strengthen their proposals. This collaboration is key to presenting competitive applications, increasing the likelihood of being selected in the national competition and securing critical funding for the State of Colorado.

"Securing $15.7 million in ORLP funding is a huge accomplishment for Colorado," said CPW Director Jeff Davis. "This funding will create new opportunities for outdoor recreation in communities that need it most. CPW is committed to ensuring current and future generations have access to outdoor spaces in Colorado."

Located in a Historic Cultural District in Denver, La Alma-Lincoln Park played a significant role in the history of Colorado's Chicano movement and is crucial to the culture and history of the local community. With an $8.4 million ORLP grant, the City and County of Denver will redevelop the park with a focus on celebrating its unique history. Development will include a new exercise and cultural story loop, skate park and playground expansion, new roller skate loop and plaza, picnic grove, pollinator garden, restored amphitheater, sports court and field improvements, landscaping and other support facilities.

"This is truly exciting news for the La Alma-Lincoln Park community," said Gordon Robertson, Denver Parks and Recreation Director, Park Planning, Design, and Construction. "The vision plan, developed through extensive neighborhood engagement, will revitalize this historic park as a vibrant gathering place that honors its rich cultural heritage while providing new amenities for residents of all ages. With this funding, we can begin bringing the community's vision to life - creating an inclusive space that celebrates the soul of the neighborhood and provides opportunities for recreation, connection, and pride for generations to come."

Gold Strike Park in Arvada is the site of Colorado's first gold discovery. The City of Arvada will utilize a $7.3 million ORLP grant to create a vibrant space with recreation amenities for the rapidly growing community, along with protecting and enhancing environmentally sensitive areas along Ralston Creek while celebrating the state's pioneering and indigenous history. Development will include a nature playground, water-play area, bouldering feature, trails, creek crossings, pedestrian bridge, flexible event lawn, picnic area, pavilion, pollinator garden, landscaping and other support facilities.

"Securing $7.3 million in funding for Gold Strike Park is a remarkable opportunity for our city," said Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson. "This grant will help us create a dynamic and welcoming space that honors the legacy of the site while improving it for families, neighbors and visitors who wish to gather, explore and connect with nature. As our city grows and as we reinvest back into our neighborhoods, it's critical that we prioritize these outdoor spaces, including how we harmonize recreation with environmental stewardship. We are incredibly grateful to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service for their support of this incredible project, and we look forward to seeing the positive community impacts this investment will have both now and for generations to come."

"Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud to have played a role in securing funding for these two transformative projects," said Fletcher Jacobs, CPW's Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation and Lands. "Expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for residents, particularly in underserved areas is critical to ensuring equitable access and promoting community connectedness and well-being."

The projects align with ORLP's goal of supporting outdoor recreation in urban areas, particularly for communities that have been historically underserved. It is typically an annual program, and while the next round hasn't been announced yet, it is expected soon, providing new opportunities to support other important outdoor recreation projects.

To learn more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership programs, including future grant opportunities, visit CPW's website.

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