By Bridget Kochel
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to announce that Governor Polis, yesterday, signed bill SB21-112 that appropriates $20 million of the state general fund for capital improvements for increased access at certain state parks. The bill is a component of a bipartisan stimulus effort developed by the Governor and the General Assembly to jumpstart Colorado’s economy through investments in infrastructure projects.
This conservation-focused legislation will help direct funds to outdoor projects in Colorado that protect irreplaceable public lands and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. The bill was signed at Cherry Creek State Park, one of the parks that will receive funding to expand park facilities, which includes the construction of a new educational center facility and modernize restroom amenities at the swim beach.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado state parks saw explosive growth in park attendance as Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors sought outdoor and socially distanced activities. State parks usage grew by 2.2 million visitor days from the 2014-15 state fiscal year and a further 30 percent during the spring of 2020.
CPW will use the additional funding toward park enhancements and expansions necessary to meet the needs of park visitors and upgrade infrastructures to ensure Colorado state parks offer quality outdoor adventures for current and future generations. Examples of park projects will include building new trails, service buildings, campgrounds and shooting bays.
“Throughout the pandemic, we watched our Colorado community flock to our state parks in record numbers for solace and the mental and health benefits associated with spending time outdoors,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The increase in park visitation proves the importance of outdoor spaces to Coloradans, and our collective need to invest in preserving and improving our state park system so our human use does not overwhelm our state’s natural resources. This increased funding, which is part of Colorado’s bipartisan stimulus package, will provide additional access and recreational opportunities that connect people to the outdoors and protect the landscapes that make Colorado so spectacular.”
The appropriation for capital construction projects will be used at the following locations:
- Navajo State Park
- Boyd Lake State Park
- Lake Pueblo State Park
- Fishers Peak State Park
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
- Ridgway State Park
- Steamboat Lake State Park
- North Sterling State Park
- Chatfield State Park
- Jackson Lake State Park
- Cameo Shooting and Education Complex
“I applaud the leadership of the Governor and state legislators for the additional critical funding for our treasured state parks,” said Dan Gibbs, Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “The importance of our state parks and visiting our vast Great Outdoors has never been more important than today. This targeted funding will enhance Coloradan’s visitor experience to our state parks for generations to come.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife currently manages Colorado’s 42 state parks. State parks offer important places for outdoor recreation while also benefiting local economies, public health and residents’ quality of life. Public funding for state parks provides valuable contributions to conserving state lands for future generations.
CPW remains committed to collaborating with statewide conservation stakeholders and recreation partners to help secure a quality park system and successful wildlife legacy for Colorado. To learn more about CPW’s conservation principles and priorities, visit cpw.state.co.us.
Bridget Kochel is Statewide Public Information Officer with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
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