Your Money at Work

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DECEMBER UPDATE: This project has come to a close, and the monthly photo contest has ended. We'll get back to you soon to report on all the participation in this project, so stay tuned for that.

Your Money at Work
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

DECEMBER UPDATE: This project has come to a close, and the monthly photo contest has ended. We'll get back to you soon to report on all the participation in this project, so stay tuned for that.

Your Money at Work
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.

Ask a question

Ask your question about park, open space and trail projects or about parkland purchases here, and city staff will respond within three business days. Questions and answers about this project will be visible to the public. 

For general questions and concerns about the city, please visit Lakewood.org/RequestLakewood(External link), which is the city's online customer service hub available online 24 hours a day.

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  • Share Hey! I would love to know where Bonvue Park is on the upgrade list. It is very old/small.. I would also love a horse riding ring to be considered in the open space area. Most homes in that neighborhood are zoned for horses and it would be amazing to have another place to ride right "in our backyard" . Thanks! on Facebook Share Hey! I would love to know where Bonvue Park is on the upgrade list. It is very old/small.. I would also love a horse riding ring to be considered in the open space area. Most homes in that neighborhood are zoned for horses and it would be amazing to have another place to ride right "in our backyard" . Thanks! on Twitter Share Hey! I would love to know where Bonvue Park is on the upgrade list. It is very old/small.. I would also love a horse riding ring to be considered in the open space area. Most homes in that neighborhood are zoned for horses and it would be amazing to have another place to ride right "in our backyard" . Thanks! on Linkedin Email Hey! I would love to know where Bonvue Park is on the upgrade list. It is very old/small.. I would also love a horse riding ring to be considered in the open space area. Most homes in that neighborhood are zoned for horses and it would be amazing to have another place to ride right "in our backyard" . Thanks! link

    Hey! I would love to know where Bonvue Park is on the upgrade list. It is very old/small.. I would also love a horse riding ring to be considered in the open space area. Most homes in that neighborhood are zoned for horses and it would be amazing to have another place to ride right "in our backyard" . Thanks!

    Jms1920 asked 24 days ago

    We wanted to let you know that Bonvue Park is No. 11 on the playground replacement schedule based on year of installation and current condition. We typically replace two-four playgrounds a year, depending on funding and construction schedules. We appreciate the interest in this special park and would encourage you to consider having your neighborhood apply for a Neighborhood Participation Program grant   for new amenities at Bonvue such as the horse riding ring. The application deadline for this year's  NPP grants has been extended to July 1.

    Sincerely,

    The Project Team

  • Share Hello, wondering if the playground at Holbrook park is scheduled to get redone. It’s really bad/broken. on Facebook Share Hello, wondering if the playground at Holbrook park is scheduled to get redone. It’s really bad/broken. on Twitter Share Hello, wondering if the playground at Holbrook park is scheduled to get redone. It’s really bad/broken. on Linkedin Email Hello, wondering if the playground at Holbrook park is scheduled to get redone. It’s really bad/broken. link

    Hello, wondering if the playground at Holbrook park is scheduled to get redone. It’s really bad/broken.

    Kmcgowan asked 10 months ago

    Hi there,

    We agree, Holbrook Park playground is rated in fair condition on the City's playground replacement schedule. There are a few of the 82 playgrounds rated in poor condition that will need to be replaced prior and are budgeted for improvements in the next year or two. We anticipate Holbrook would be replaced in a few years. If you have interest, residents are also welcome to submit an application for a Neighborhood Participation Program grant to support the playground replacement. You can learn more about the NPP grant at Lakewood.org/NPP. 

    Thanks!

  • Share Are there any plans to update the playground at Union Square Park? on Facebook Share Are there any plans to update the playground at Union Square Park? on Twitter Share Are there any plans to update the playground at Union Square Park? on Linkedin Email Are there any plans to update the playground at Union Square Park? link

    Are there any plans to update the playground at Union Square Park?

    WhatsUp asked 11 months ago

    Thanks for your interest in the city's parks. Lakewood has 83 playgrounds and a replacement schedule that is followed based on the lifecycle of the existing playground and any safety repair needs. At this time, Union Square Park playground is not on the replacement schedule for the next two years. Nearby, the Wright Park playground is targeted for replacement later this year along with other exciting park improvements. You can learn more about this project at LakewoodTogether.org/Wright-Park-Plan.

    Additionally, neighborhoods are welcome to apply for funding support for park projects such a new playgrounds through the city’s Neighborhood Participation Program. Grants were just awarded for the 2023 NPP neighborhood projects, but applications for 2024 grants will open late this year. This program provides a great opportunity for neighborhoods to receive grants for improvements they feel are important to the neighborhood. You can learn more at Lakewood.org/NPP.

  • Share Hello, I have two questions: 1. What happened to the Big Belly trash cans that were place along the Bear Creek Trail? The city payed $1000 for these and now they are all gone and we just have the old ones back. 2. When will the Bear Creek trail work between Garrison and Kipling Street be completed? According to the calendar it is way over it's original completion date and I can find the new estimated completion date. Thank you. on Facebook Share Hello, I have two questions: 1. What happened to the Big Belly trash cans that were place along the Bear Creek Trail? The city payed $1000 for these and now they are all gone and we just have the old ones back. 2. When will the Bear Creek trail work between Garrison and Kipling Street be completed? According to the calendar it is way over it's original completion date and I can find the new estimated completion date. Thank you. on Twitter Share Hello, I have two questions: 1. What happened to the Big Belly trash cans that were place along the Bear Creek Trail? The city payed $1000 for these and now they are all gone and we just have the old ones back. 2. When will the Bear Creek trail work between Garrison and Kipling Street be completed? According to the calendar it is way over it's original completion date and I can find the new estimated completion date. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Hello, I have two questions: 1. What happened to the Big Belly trash cans that were place along the Bear Creek Trail? The city payed $1000 for these and now they are all gone and we just have the old ones back. 2. When will the Bear Creek trail work between Garrison and Kipling Street be completed? According to the calendar it is way over it's original completion date and I can find the new estimated completion date. Thank you. link

    Hello, I have two questions: 1. What happened to the Big Belly trash cans that were place along the Bear Creek Trail? The city payed $1000 for these and now they are all gone and we just have the old ones back. 2. When will the Bear Creek trail work between Garrison and Kipling Street be completed? According to the calendar it is way over it's original completion date and I can find the new estimated completion date. Thank you.

    Pattie asked about 1 year ago

    Hi there,

    Unfortunately the Big Belly system contract and annual cost for service did not compact appropriately or provide the resource savings initially anticipated, so it was discontinued. 

    The Bear Creek Trail project was initially anticipated for completion in early 2023, several factors have delayed segments of the project including wildlife nesting, supply chain issues, and weather delays. Most of the trail is now open including the Stonehouse Trail and bridge which opened on Monday! The section you are referring to should be completed in the next couple weeks. You can visit LakewoodTogether.org/BearCreekTrail for updates. Thank you for your patience!

  • Share what is being constructed west of Wadsworth Blvd across from where Morrison Road dead ends into Wadsworth? on Facebook Share what is being constructed west of Wadsworth Blvd across from where Morrison Road dead ends into Wadsworth? on Twitter Share what is being constructed west of Wadsworth Blvd across from where Morrison Road dead ends into Wadsworth? on Linkedin Email what is being constructed west of Wadsworth Blvd across from where Morrison Road dead ends into Wadsworth? link

    what is being constructed west of Wadsworth Blvd across from where Morrison Road dead ends into Wadsworth?

    CHRIS887958 asked over 1 year ago

    Chris, thanks for participating in this project and asking your question. What you are seeing is the construction for several items. First, the concrete and soft-surface trails in the new Peak View Park are being built as well as the entrance to the park. Second, there will also be a sidewalk installed on the east side of Wadsworth to the south of Morrison Road, and the excavation you are seeing is for that sidewalk. 

  • Share Nice park but we coul yes a dog park Fance around the unused part for dogs to run around. Like the one across from lakeside. Everyone around here has dogs. on Facebook Share Nice park but we coul yes a dog park Fance around the unused part for dogs to run around. Like the one across from lakeside. Everyone around here has dogs. on Twitter Share Nice park but we coul yes a dog park Fance around the unused part for dogs to run around. Like the one across from lakeside. Everyone around here has dogs. on Linkedin Email Nice park but we coul yes a dog park Fance around the unused part for dogs to run around. Like the one across from lakeside. Everyone around here has dogs. link

    Nice park but we coul yes a dog park Fance around the unused part for dogs to run around. Like the one across from lakeside. Everyone around here has dogs.

    Gloria asked over 1 year ago

    Gloria, thanks for participating in this project and asking your question. Yes, we agree that there is a need for more dog parks in Lakewood, and we have dog parks in the works and under consideration. There are dog parks planned at Wright Park and Walker-Branch Park. You can see these plans referenced in the "completed projects" and "in progress" lists on this Your Money at Work page. Lastly, visit the Bear Creek Dog Park project on Lakewood Together to learn about the one under consideration. 

Page last updated: 04 Dec 2023, 03:05 PM