There’s a lot of fanfare around grant awards, but what happens after the ceremonial checks are presented and the reporters have published their articles? Our partners get down to business.
For over 30 years, GOCO has improved Colorado’s great outdoors with the help of Colorado Lottery proceeds. To date, we’ve invested more than $1.4 billion in 5,800 projects to improve the lives of Coloradans across the state.
After projects are awarded funding, grant recipients have about two years to make their projects happen.
Recently, 6 projects wrapped up, representing $3.5 million in GOCO investments in local communities across the state. Scroll to see if one’s near you:
Arroyos Del Sol (formerly Shurview/Missile Site Bluffs)
$1,250,000 to Trust for Public Land
With a $1 million Land Acquisition grant and a $250,000 Planning grant, the Trust for Public Land partnered with the City of Greeley and the Town of Windsor to acquire the 978-acre Arroyos Del Sol property, formerly known as Shurview or Missile Site Bluffs property. The site contains ecologically rich and culturally significant land including bluffs (small cliffs or hills), arroyos (seasonal creeks), shortgrass prairie, and river habitats that support diverse plants and wildlife. The property connects Greeley and Windsor and was one of the last large, undeveloped parcels in a historically agricultural area facing increasing development pressure.
The site buffers development, offers iconic views and historical value, supporting natural water management and providing critical wildlife habitat. Partners gathered input from more than 4,100 participants to guide the planning process. Trust for Public Land has since transferred the property to the City of Greeley, and Colorado Open Lands now holds the conservation easement that will permanently protect it.
Check for updates as the project progresses
Construction of the Missing Link of the 10-Mile Redlands Loop Trail
$500,000 grant to City of Grand Junction
Using a Community Impact grant, the City of Grand Junction partnered with Colorado West Land Trust to complete the final 1.5 miles of the 10‑mile Redlands Loop Trail. The ADA-compliant paved trail is located at the base of Colorado National Monument and connects downtown Grand Junction to nearby natural and open spaces along the Monument Corridor. Guided by resident input, the trail links neighborhoods, the Colorado Riverfront, and downtown Grand Junction to the Lunch Loop Trailhead, Mesa County’s most‑visited trailhead.
Learn more about the project
Delta Fairgrounds Recreation Development
$598,843 grant to Delta County
A Community Impact grant helped Delta County transform its historic fairgrounds into a community hub for recreation, education, and events. The updated site includes a new playground and gathering area, an improved boat ramp and frisbee golf course, and the new Miners Trail connecting the fairgrounds to North Fork High School, the Parks and Recreation District, and the Town of Hotchkiss. The trail gives students and families a safe route for walking and biking while supporting the local economy by attracting visitors. These improvements were guided by public input and align with the county’s 2020 master plan.
Read the local press release
The Green at 38th in Wheat Ridge
$500,000 grant to City of Wheat Ridge
The City of Wheat Ridge used a Community Impact grant to transform the area between Stevens Elementary and 38th Avenue into The Green at 38th, a vibrant public gathering space (pictured above). The park features a playground, an art exhibit, a fire pit with rocking chairs, a stage, and an open grassy area. It hosts city-wide events, provides a welcoming place for neighbors to connect and enjoy the outdoors, and helps support nearby local businesses. Developed through the city’s planning and development initiatives, the project was guided by meetings, feedback, and surveys with residents, local businesses, and Jefferson County Public Schools.
Learn more about the project
The Rico Town Park and Outdoor Recreation Hub Project
$594,990 grant to Town of Rico
The Town of Rico used a Community Impact grant to transform an abandoned property along the Dolores River into a vibrant park that doubled the community’s outdoor space. Located below Depot Hill near the Rio Grande Southern Railroad trailhead, Depot Park features a bike pump track, a covered ice rink, a picnic shelter, tables, riverside benches, and a skatepark. The town also upgraded playground equipment to better serve kids from preschool through preteen ages. The project came to life through years of community engagement and more than 50 public meetings and surveys.
Learn more about the project
Poncha Springs Recreation Master Plan
$90,000 grant to Town of Poncha Springs
The Town of Poncha Springs used a Planning and Capacity grant to create a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Town’s population has grown more than 50% since its last plan, making the increasing demand for recreational amenities a top priority. The Town also recently acquired 30 acres, creating opportunities to add new amenities that support equitable outdoor access for residents and visitors. The plan was shaped by input from community members and partners, residents, local sports leagues, the Envision Chaffee County coalition, and nearby towns including Buena Vista and Salida.
Learn more about the plan