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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.

Projects of the month

The monthly photo contests for this project are now closed, but please scroll down to see all the great photos and heartfelt stories that were submitted.


Thank you for sharing your photo and story with us.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Smiles at Bear Creek Trail on Facebook Share Smiles at Bear Creek Trail on Twitter Share Smiles at Bear Creek Trail on Linkedin Email Smiles at Bear Creek Trail link

    Smiles at Bear Creek Trail

    by Way, 12 months ago

    I love bringing my dog here in the summer to splash along the creek and just people watch along the many added benches along the trail. So much more pleasant now that the new trail system allows both cyclists, dog walkers, and runners to simultaneously use the trails.

  • Share Embracing Diversity on Facebook Share Embracing Diversity on Twitter Share Embracing Diversity on Linkedin Email Embracing Diversity link

    Embracing Diversity

    by Way, about 1 year ago

    How lucky are we as residents of Lakewood where we are all accepted for our diverse abilities!

  • Share An Evening at Chester-Portsmouth Park on Facebook Share An Evening at Chester-Portsmouth Park on Twitter Share An Evening at Chester-Portsmouth Park on Linkedin Email An Evening at Chester-Portsmouth Park link

    An Evening at Chester-Portsmouth Park

    by inapplewood, about 1 year ago

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


  • Share Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park on Facebook Share Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park on Twitter Share Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park on Linkedin Email Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park link

    Sheltering @ Ray Ross Park

    by LuckyGal, about 1 year 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 Fitness Fun @ Addenbrooke Park on Facebook Share Fitness Fun @ Addenbrooke Park on Twitter Share Fitness Fun @ Addenbrooke Park on Linkedin Email Fitness Fun @ Addenbrooke Park link

    Fitness Fun @ Addenbrooke Park

    by LuckyGal, over 1 year ago

  • Share Family Pool Night on Facebook Share Family Pool Night on Twitter Share Family Pool Night on Linkedin Email Family Pool Night link

    Family Pool Night

    by Valerie Griswold, over 1 year 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 All aboard at Idlewild park on Facebook Share All aboard at Idlewild park on Twitter Share All aboard at Idlewild park on Linkedin Email All aboard at Idlewild park link

    All aboard at Idlewild park

    by Jmag, over 1 year 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 Underpass had a great make over! on Facebook Share Underpass had a great make over! on Twitter Share Underpass had a great make over! on Linkedin Email Underpass had a great make over! link

    Underpass had a great make over!

    by benjammin1, over 1 year 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 View from the bridge on Facebook Share View from the bridge on Twitter Share View from the bridge on Linkedin Email View from the bridge link

    View from the bridge

    by benjammin1, over 1 year 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 Beauty in Bear Creek State Park on Facebook Share Beauty in Bear Creek State Park on Twitter Share Beauty in Bear Creek State Park on Linkedin Email Beauty in Bear Creek State Park link

    Beauty in Bear Creek State Park

    by Jo, over 1 year 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.

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