Your Money at Work

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

SEPTEMBER UPDATE: September has a great project for the monthly photo contest: Labyrinth @ Chester-Portsmouth Park, which is a different kind of park amenity designed for walking meditation and stress reduction. It is also a project completed as part of the city's Neighborhood Participation Program, which means this park improvement is something the neighborhood asked to have in the park.

The other project for the month is the future plans for Wright Park. Take photos of the current park and let us know what it will mean to have improvements for this park.

Sheltering @ Ray Ross

SEPTEMBER UPDATE: September has a great project for the monthly photo contest: Labyrinth @ Chester-Portsmouth Park, which is a different kind of park amenity designed for walking meditation and stress reduction. It is also a project completed as part of the city's Neighborhood Participation Program, which means this park improvement is something the neighborhood asked to have in the park.

The other project for the month is the future plans for Wright Park. Take photos of the current park and let us know what it will mean to have improvements for this park.

Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park won the photo contest for August, and the resident said, "I love participating in your contests because it takes me to different corners of my own town."

Participate in this project in other ways:

Your Money at Work description
Lakewood, you really love your parks, open space and trails! When asked, you have said that the overall quality of the natural environment in the city is one of the most important factors to you, and 80% of you said you visit the city’s parks regularly or occasionally. Seeing what a priority this is for you, as reflected in the 2022 Community Survey, we want to update you on all the ways the city pays for parks, open space and trails. This website will help you see Your Money at Work.

Participate with us to learn about Your Money at Work:

Funding the great outdoors
How are parks, open space and trails paid for? The city uses every way it can to pay for improvements to parks, open space and trails and to buy new parkland for residents to enjoy. Review all the ways taxpayer funds and other dollars are put to work to help you enjoy the great outdoors in Lakewood.

  • Open Space Fund: This is a specific fund in the city’s budget that comes from Lakewood’s share of Jefferson County’s Open Space Tax. In 1972, voters approved a one half of 1 percent – or 0.5% -- sales tax on goods to help pay for buying and improving parks and open space throughout the county. The money in this fund can only be spent on parks, open space and trail needs.
  • TABOR: This stands for the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a complex state law that affects all governments in Colorado by placing limits on their budgets. Voters, however, can approve lifting the TABOR limits and allow that money to be keep in government budgets. Lakewood voters approved lifting TABOR limits on the city’s budget from 2017 to 2025, and they designated a portion of those funds to be spent on parks and open space. Watch "TABOR in 90 seconds" video or read more in the "Learn about TABOR" section to the right.
  • Grants: The city seeks grants from numerous organizations such as the state’s Great Outdoors Colorado agency; Colorado Parks and Recreation Association; State Historic Fund; Scientific and Cultural Facilities District; Jefferson Open Space that provides grants in addition to the city’s share of the sales tax; and other organizations.
  • Conservation Trust Fund: These funds come from the city’s share of the state lottery proceeds.
  • Federal funds: The city receives federal funds designated for each city called the Community Development Block Grant that can be used to support parks and open space, and Lakewood also applies for grants from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
  • Other funds: The city’s longstanding Neighborhood Participation Program has supported improvements to neighborhood parks. In some specific instances, economic development funds that come from a lodging tax on hotel rooms have been used along with the city’s General Fund.
  • Donations: The city also has received donations and sponsorships supporting outdoor program needs.
  • Golf Enterprise Fund: The maintenance and operation of the city’s two golf courses are funded by the fees that golfers pay to play at the courses.

Projects of the month

September's featured projects can provide some contemplative reflection. Take a photo to be eligible to win a prize package. (Scroll to see photos and stories from the previous months.)

PROJECTS OF THE MONTH: 

How to participate in photo contest
Post your photo here and tell us your story of what this project has meant to you, what memories you've created there or how you use the project.

We'll announce a monthly winner who will receive a prize package including a commemorative copy of the city's 50th anniversary book, a recreation pass for city facilities and more. The winner will be posted on the newsfeed and contacted by email to receive the prize package.

By submitting a photo you understand:

  • Photos and their stories will be visible to visitors of this site. Photos of children must be of your own family members.
  • The city has permission to share any photos in other city media.
  • Entries will be reviewed using the Forum Etiquette & Moderation guidelines.

Past Projects of the Month

Thank you for sharing your photo and story with us.

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
Cancel
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    An Evening at Chester-Portsmouth Park

    by inapplewood, 7 days ago

    Walking the Labyrinth after a long day of school and work to relax.


  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park

    by LuckyGal, 21 days ago

    Even with the splash pad closed for the season, we can still enjoy the last of the warm summer days in good company under the canopy of the shelter.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Fitness Fun @ Addenbrooke Park

    by LuckyGal, about 2 months ago

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Family Pool Night

    by Valerie Griswold, 3 months ago

    We are really enjoying the remodeled Glennon Heights Pool this summer so far! The pandemic was very hard on families with little ones, so to be able to meet up casually for an afternoon swim and potluck dinner with friends is not something we take for granted anymore. We love the combo of the big pool and the baby pool, something for everyone to enjoy! Our 1 year old loves splashing and meeting new friends in the baby pool. Here’s to more summer magic at this great neighborhood pool!

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    All aboard at Idlewild park

    by Jmag, 3 months ago

    In 2020 during the signs of uncertainty and fear due to covid, sports for our children were canceled and our favorite play places were closed or limited. We were ecstatic when we found a new train-themed park built near our home! We were over the moon about something new and fun to experience! Our children were wearing masks at school but they were able to enjoy the fresh air almost daily at the this happy park. As healthcare professionals, my husband and I looked forward to spending our time at the beautiful park our children came to love. It was... Continue reading

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Underpass had a great make over!

    by benjammin1, 5 months ago

    When the Bear Creek Trail dropped under Estes Street, riders used to have to honk their horns and duck! They also had to hope no one was coming as it was short and very narrow. The improvements have made the underpass so much safer with a wider path and a rail. What a great improvement!

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    View from the bridge

    by benjammin1, 5 months ago

    My first experience with the Bear Creek Trail was pushing a stroller on a beautiful fall morning about 30 years ago. I fell in love with the area but lived in Denver. A few years later I moved to Lakewood to a home adjacent to the Trail which has allowed me the privilege of watching it change through each season and from year to year.

    I am thrilled with the new improvements. The wider path and adjacent soft path will really improve the experience for all to enjoy without having to scoot over as bikes blast by. The trail's wider... Continue reading

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Beauty in Bear Creek State Park

    by Jo, 5 months ago

    I spend a lot of time walking in the park and find beauty everywhere, even after a fire! We are so blessed to have such a great park where you can go and experience nature and find something new every time you visit.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Labyrinth at Cottage Park

    by Natalie80232, 9 months ago

    Thank you Lakewood for creating parks that are inclusive of all demographics and not just children. After all, it is the adults that bring the kids to the parks the majority of the time. I especially enjoy sitting in the swing chair overlooking the labyrinth and artworks at one end of Cottage Park. These are the moments of tranquility where I discard the To Do List and celebrate the Done List.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    The Embrace at Cottage Park

    by LuckyGal, 9 months ago

    Embrace all the twists and turns

    Embrace all the senses

    Embrace every step of the way

    Embrace all the challenges that may come your way

Page last updated: 14 Sep 2023, 10:26 AM