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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 Labyrinth at Cottage Park on Facebook Share Labyrinth at Cottage Park on Twitter Share Labyrinth at Cottage Park on Linkedin Email Labyrinth at Cottage Park link

    Labyrinth at Cottage Park

    by Natalie80232, almost 2 years 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 The Embrace at Cottage Park on Facebook Share The Embrace at Cottage Park on Twitter Share The Embrace at Cottage Park on Linkedin Email The Embrace at Cottage Park link

    The Embrace at Cottage Park

    by LuckyGal, almost 2 years 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

  • Share My Happy Place on Facebook Share My Happy Place on Twitter Share My Happy Place on Linkedin Email My Happy Place link

    My Happy Place

    by Way, almost 2 years ago

    The rework of trails on Green Mountain provides both mountain bikers and hikers a very smooth flowy experience. One in which from the balls of your feet to hips to your shoulders fluidly glide over from one edge of the trail to the next section on auto pilot mode. Almost like a dance with gravity.

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

    Center

    by Way, almost 2 years ago

    In the middle of our neighborhood, we can retreat to a place of quiet serenity where time is on hold for a brief moment. Time to inhale deeply and take in all that is good for us. At Cottage Park, we can find our balance, our inner peace, and what really centers us all.


  • Share Bicycle and pedestrian path on Facebook Share Bicycle and pedestrian path on Twitter Share Bicycle and pedestrian path on Linkedin Email Bicycle and pedestrian path link

    Bicycle and pedestrian path

    almost 2 years ago

    Between Garrison and Kipling a new pedestrian and bike path is under way and near completion. Safe for people not in the cars.

  • Share Movement Feels Good on Facebook Share Movement Feels Good on Twitter Share Movement Feels Good on Linkedin Email Movement Feels Good link

    Movement Feels Good

    by Way, almost 2 years ago


  • Share Nurturing Healthy Development on Facebook Share Nurturing Healthy Development on Twitter Share Nurturing Healthy Development on Linkedin Email Nurturing Healthy Development link

    Nurturing Healthy Development

    by LuckyGal, almost 2 years ago

    Many thanks Lakewood to listening and incorporating our suggestions into your design and installation of the new Quail Street Park Playground. We love the convenience of a nearby neighborhood park, its safety feature, gentile surfaces, and its sails provided comfortable shade for the adults to socialize while our kids played. I feel very blessed to live in a city where there is a high quality of life and the amenities nurture healthy development for all ages whether it be physical, social, or mental.

  • Share Moments of Inspiration on Facebook Share Moments of Inspiration on Twitter Share Moments of Inspiration on Linkedin Email Moments of Inspiration link

    Moments of Inspiration

    by LuckyGal, almost 2 years ago

    Remember those early childhood memories of playing on the school playgrounds on the monkey bars and those rings? Those times with your best friend laughing away and living totally carefree. Those hours spent on those rings until your palms turned white and imagining you are the Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton? Thanks Lakewood for allowing me to relive those moments and share it with my friends and neighbors as I am today at Fitness Court at Green Mountain Recreation Center.

  • Share Children At Play on Facebook Share Children At Play on Twitter Share Children At Play on Linkedin Email Children At Play link

    Children At Play

    by Galisa79, about 2 years ago

    The newly renovated Quail Street Park is a great addition to Lakewood. By investing in local parks, we are directly investing in Lakewood families. The renovation of Quail St. Park, like many others, boasts many opportunities for children to play, imagine, and connect in our wonderful city. We’re proud to call Lakewood our home.

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

    Reflections

    by LuckyGal, about 2 years ago

    Through the years, Addenbrooke Park has been a gathering place to meet with friends for a quick catch up or to just get some fresh air. In the last several years, it has served as a refreshing escape from my mundane work from home routine whenever I want a change of scenery. And what beautiful scenery it is. With digital devices and wireless earbuds in tow, I cycle to the park and settle near the mirrors by the fireplace. As I look at my reflection in the mirrors, I am inspired to find something new. Perhaps it is the fresh... Continue reading

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