The Adams County Board of Commissioners awarded more than $17 million in open space grants for 22 projects Tuesday, using the Open Space Sales Tax funds approved by voters.

Funding for this cycle of projects comes from the first half of the year’s open space sales tax, which was passed by voters in 1999 and then in perpetuity in 2020, according to a county news release.

The ballot measure also created an Open Space Advisory Board, which recommends open space projects to the commissioners for funding.

Projects getting funding in this cycle include goat grazing for noxious plant removal, high school tree planting and a new park on a vacant lot.

The projects are as follows:

Adams County Riverdale Bluffs Open Space construction, $4 million

The 225-acre Riverdale Bluffs Open Space will get improvements to regional trail connections by extending the E-470 Trail to the South Platte River Greenway. The project includes adding trails, biking routes, a trailhead, scenic overlooks, picnic shelters, public art, pedestrian crossings at two major roadways and habitat restoration.

Town of Bennet Civic Center Park Phase III, $574,000

Phase III of the project will include adding field lighting, safety improvements and picnic pavilions to the park. Phases I and II added ballfields, parking, a playground, splash pad, concessions and restrooms.

Bennett Park and Recreation District face lift phase IV, $210,000

The district’s locker rooms need safety and usability renovations to fix things including slippery shower floors, rusted lockers, nonfunctional fixtures and peeling ceilings.

Bennett Park and Recreation District office flooring, $17,500

The district’s flooring is deteriorating, splintering and lifting in places. Floor replacements are necessary for health and safety.

City of Brighton RecPlex Phase II, $3 million

The project will add two artificial turf multi-use fields, tri-plex ballfields, an inclusive playground, picnic areas and trail connections. It also includes parking lots, fencing and lighting improvements.

City of Brighton High School tree planting at Benedict Park, $9,500

Brighton High School will buy 35 trees from a local nursery for an annual senior tree-planting event.

Butterfly Pavilion Urban Prairies Project, $24,749

The Urban Prairies Project provides science-based training, stewardship opportunities and public events to engage community members and local agencies in improving habitat quality and climate resilience.

Commerce City Stampede Park improvements and playground expansion, $175,000

Commerce City will improve the 9-acre Stampede Park, which was built 23 years ago and now has aging infrastructure. The project will replace the irrigation system, add to the playground and install a basketball court and restroom with plumbing.

Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District Clear Lake Park improvements, $140,000

Clear Lake Park is located in an underserved neighborhood and currently has aging infrastructure. The project will upgrade the park by adding a shade shelter, benches and a natural playground.

Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District goat removal of noxious plants, $25,000

The grant pays for managed goat grazing at Carstens-Camenisch Park and Bell Roth Park to clear overgrown vegetation along the Allen Irrigation Ditch. Goats are a sustainable alternative to traditional mechanical removal.

Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District Sherrelwood Park phase II, $795,200

Sherrelwood Park will get a 76,000-square-foot, multi-use artificial turf field to expand opportunities for drop-in sports play, youth and adult sports programs and rentals. The turf will reduce water use, pesticide needs and maintenance time.

Northglenn Eleanor M. Wyatt Centennial Park and Sculpture Garden design, $116,600

The project will restore themed gardens, modernize irrigation and enhance trails. Community members will help create the design to honor the park’s legacy, and the final concept will be unveiled on Colorado Day next year.

Northglenn Kiwanis Pool enhancement, $23,000

Kiwanis Pool plans to add two aquatic play features that were removed from the original project due to cost. They will be a shallow water play feature for young kids and an aquatic climbing wall for older youth.

Northglenn Odell Barry Park, $1.8 million

Odell Barry Park will sprout from a vacant 6.3-acre lot and will serve almost 6,000 residents within a 10-minute walk. It will include nature play areas, accessible trails, outdoor fitness stations, educational features and sustainable landscaping.

Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership community-informed signage planning project, $24,998

A comprehensive signage plan based on community engagement will come to the trail. The plan explores additions like mile markers, labeled access points, bilingual nature signage and safety information.

Strasburg Parks and Recreation District indoor-outdoor golf training and tech, $112,500

Strasburg Parks and Recreation will equip a new golf training center focused on technology and skill development. It will offer year-round indoor and outdoor training, including adaptive golf programs for people with disabilities.

Strasburg Parks and Recreation District security cameras, $16,100

The district will install surveillance cameras to improve safety and protect facilities. Recent vandalism, illegal dumping and after-hours activity highlight a need for better oversight.

Thornton Bridging the Gap, $660,000

Thornton will build a new pedestrian bridge over Big Dry Creek. An upcoming roadway widening project will eliminate the existing sidewalk attached to the bridge, and the new separated structure will provide safe, continuous access for pedestrians and bicyclists while protecting the riparian corridor.

Thornton fishing hole improvements, $25,000

Thornton will restore docks and improve safety at Gravel Lakes, one of the city’s most popular fishing spots. Plans include stabilizing docks, improving parking and removal of unsafe shade structures. The project also supports continued native fish stocking.

Thornton community center construction, $4.3 million

Phase II of a new 40,000-square-foot community center will include replacing the 50-year-old original facility with one that includes an Anythink Library, gym, dance and boxing studios, teen space, maker space, classrooms and a weight room, among other amenities.

Westminster Ranch Creek Trail, $995,316

Westminster plans to build a half-mile multi-modal trail through Ranch Creek Open Space, providing safe walking and biking trails close to home for surrounding neighborhoods.

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers environmental stewardship, $194,646

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers will partner with residents, community groups and land managers to train leaders in ecological restoration and expand access to open space. The project includes completing 20 restoration projects that improve habitat, reduce pollution and strengthen climate resilience.