ADAMS COUNTY | As part of the voter-approved Open Space Sales Tax, the Adams County Board of Commissioners awarded $6.3 million in open space grants for 16 projects at a public hearing in April, including $150,000 for the City of Aurora’s Norfolk Glen Park renovation.
Funding for this grant cycle came from revenues from the second half of the 2016 Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, which was passed by Adams County voters in 1999.
The Open Space Advisory Board reviewed 17 grant applications for grant cycle, recommending commissioners approve 12 of the projects for full funding and four projects for partial funding. The board awarded 16 open space grants in all, totaling $6,340,683.45.
“Adams County prides itself on these investments that help strengthen and grow our community,” said Eva J. Henry, BOCC chair. “The grants presented today will help improve local parks, provide additional recreational opportunities at schools, as well as build a baseball field complex.”
Renovations to Norfolk Glen Park, located along the High Line Canal trail, include ADA accessibility, a new playground, new concrete paths, site furnishings, landscape improvements, updates to the irrigation system and park signage. Norfolk Glen Park is located at 15800 E. 17th Pl.
When the Open Space Sales Tax was presented to voters in 1999, the ballot question called for the creation of a Open Space Advisory Board. This board recommends open space projects to commissioners for funding. Grants are funded from 68 percent of the tax proceeds and are awarded twice a year.