DENVER - Today the GOCO board awarded a total of $440,050 for three projects across Colorado. The planning grants are part of GOCO’s Centennial Program, through which GOCO invests in high-value, once-in-a-generation visions and projects that will create lasting impacts on the Centennial State and future generations.  

Projects include: 

Creating Sustainable Recreation Opportunities across Colorado’s Iconic 14ers, $147,000 grant to the National Forest Foundation and Chaffee County

With this funding, the National Forest Foundation and Chaffee County will convene more than 20 partners, including outdoor recreation organizations, sovereign tribal nations, and local communities, to create a shared vision for sustainable recreation across Colorado’s 14ers. Partners will identify a statewide, scaled approach to meet trail sustainability, resource protection, and outdoor recreation access goals. Partners will also identify an investment plan for sustainably funding future work. The effort will consider equitable access to these sites and how to break down local barriers to the outdoors while considering needs for visitor use, trail and other recreation experiences, and cultural or tribal significance. The visioning process will occur over 18 months beginning in the spring of 2022. 

Clifton Community Commons, $147,300 grant to Mesa County

Through the Clifton Community Commons plan, Mesa County and community partners will evaluate how to connect and enhance existing schoolyards and neighborhood parks, explore improved access to the Colorado Riverfront, and identify opportunities for expanding Clifton-area open spaces. Clifton Community Commons will serve Clifton residents and improve connections between the area and the greater Grand Valley Region. Visioning work will capitalize on the momentum of other river-focused groups to seek a potential path for the Colorado Riverfront Trail from Clifton to Palisade. 

High Line Canal Trail Completion, Access and Activation in Denver and Aurora, $145,750

The High Line Canal Conservancy, in partnership with the City and County of Denver and the City of Aurora, will improve access to the High Line Canal Trail. The High Line Canal Trail Completion, Access and Activation program will use resident-led engagement to design community-driven trail improvements and accelerate those of highest priority, including the northeast sections of the trail in Denver and Aurora that run through 15 distinct neighborhoods. The conservancy will also develop plans to upgrade the trail with tree plantings, signage, gathering areas, fitness stations, shade structures, nature play areas, and other amenities to make it a more engaging destination for recreation and community health. The resulting work will close trail gaps, establish needed access points, improve environmental health, and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of residents.

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 5,500 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.