SHOWING MOUNTAIN YOUTH CREATIVE PATHWAYS
ALSO INSIDE: Creative Programming for Active Adults
The Highly Qualified Entry Level Candidate You Might Be Missing Funding Colorado’s Water Future
WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION
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CONTENTS
UPCOMING BYLINE DEADLINES
Spring 2025 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: March 25, 2025 | Mails: May 2025
Summer 2025 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: June 13, 2025 | Mails: Aug. 2025
Fall 2025 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: September 28, 2025 | Mails: Nov. 2024
Winter 2026 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: January 22, 2026 | Mails: March 2026
Learn more about advertising at www.bit.ly/CPRA2025.
COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034
[P] 303-231-0943
[F] 303-237-9750 cpra@cpra-web.org www.cpra-web.org
Ashley Perillo Executive Director ashleyp@cpra-web.org
Rachel Hungerbuhler Professional Development Program Manager rachelh@cpra-web.org
Jillian Galoci (Strogis) Membership & Communications Coordinator jilliang@cpra-web.org
Aleigh Scott Administrative Coordinator aleighs@cpra-web.org
Colorado Byline is the official member magazine of CPRA, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association. CPRA is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.
2024-25 CPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Clay Shuck City and County of Broomfield cshuck@broomfield.org
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Ali Rhodes City of Boulder rhodesa@bouldercolorado.gov
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Adam Hamm South Suburban Parkas and Recreation District ahamm@ssprd.org
AT-LARGE
Luke Bolinger Town of Erie lbolinger@erieco.gov
Jaclynn Alvarez South Suburban Parks and Recreation JAlvarez@ssprd.org
Mari Steinbach Montrose Recreation District mari@montroserec.com
Nicole Reeves Widefield Parks & Recreation reevesn@wsd3.org
2024-25 CPRA ADVISORY COUNCIL
AAPS
Linda Kudrna City of Fort Lupton Parks & Recreation lkudrna@fortluptonco.gov
AQUATICS
Steve Hanson Town of Parker shanson@parkeronline.org
CARA
Nicole Reeves Widefield Parks and Recreation reevesn@wsd3.org
DIRECTORS
Mari Steinbach
Montrose Recreation District mari@montroserec.com
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
Marc Rademacher
City of Fort Collins mrademacher@fcgov.com
FITNESS
Veronica Mueller City and County of Broomfield vmueller@broomfield.org
PARKS
Brent Delehoy
City of Aurora Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces bdelehoy@auroragov.org
PLAaY
Becca Mack City of Lafayette becca.mack@lafayetteco.gov
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (TR) Ashley Bordenet City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services ashley.bordenet@coloradosprings.gov
BYLINE, ONLINE & EMAIL
ADVERTISING: Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.com
GO DIGITAL
View this issue online at cpra-web.org/page/byline. Keep up on all things CPRA via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Colorado Byline is the quarterly publication of Colorado Parks & Recreation Association (CPRA) and is provided as a benefit to members. Submit your article to www. cpra-web.org/page/bylinearticlesub under publication resources. Submissions are edited and published as space allows. Letters to the editor, suggestions, comments and encouragement are welcome. Expressed opinions and statements in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CPRA board of directors or its membership.
On the Cover: Gilpin County Parks & Recreation
Bryan Gentilini, Town of Parker
Bryan has been an unwavering pillar in the Colorado aquatics community, dedicating his passion, expertise, and vision to the growth and advancement of the field. What began as an idea—a simple yet ambitious project—has evolved into the largest aquatics educational opportunity in the state’s history. His commitment to innovation and excellence has not only elevated industry standards but has also created invaluable opportunities for young professionals.
Through his efforts, countless individuals have been empowered to begin their careers, refine their skills, and stay at the forefront of new techniques and methodologies. His leadership and forward-thinking approach continue to inspire and shape the next generation of aquatics professionals, ensuring that the community thrives for years to come.
Bryan’s impact is immeasurable, and his dedication serves as a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and a genuine passion for making a difference.
StarGuard ELITE – Keeping Pools Safer, One Lifeguard at a Time
At StarGuard ELITE (SGE), safety is our passion. With a mission to keep swimmers safe and operations teams prepared, SGE provides science-driven training, risk management, and ongoing support to aquatic facilities around the world. From community pools to waterparks to resorts and more, we provide training programs, resources, and expertise for facilities to create safe environments and be prepared to act if needed.
What makes SGE training different? The approach goes well beyond certifications. Our training programs focus on experiential learning, real-world scenarios, and strong decision-making skills to ensure lifeguards feel confident to act in the event of an emergency. From in-water rescue techniques to advanced first aid, SGE provides comprehensive programs that meet or exceed industry
best practices such as the Model Aquatic Health Code.
We don’t stop at training—SGE also partners with aquatic facilities to provide aquatic safety audits and advisory services to help keep operations running safe and efficient. The SGE Portal is an industry leading training and operations system available to all clients designed with the operator in mind.
At SGE, our team is always looking to evolve the aquatics industry by incorporating the most current science, technologies, emergency equipment, or instructional approach. With our continual commitment to innovation and excellence, SGE aquatic safety solutions are steeped in knowledge, experience, and passion; together we create sustainable safety cultures that save lives.
SHOWING MOUNTAIN YOUTH CREATIVE PATHWAYS
By
Britton Barrett, Recreation Generalist, Gilpin County Parks & Recreation
Residing in Gilpin County mountains can be a peaceful, quaint experience where you are nestled away from the highway and hustle of the front range. Yet, for teenagers in the rural areas, it can be hard to find creative outlets and a safe space to be.
Transportation issues also make getting together with friends even more difficult. The Gilpin County Parks & Recreation team has been working on ideas to provide programming for teens since 2019. The Gilpin Eagles program first started as a teen program with CSU Extension. The purpose was to offer programming opportunities for teenagers in the Gilpin area to explore new life skills and have a safe space to share experiences. The first director, Katherine Harvey, developed a model of teen leadership with a committee called the Youth Leadership Team. The Eagles YLT was designed as a diverse group of teenagers under the age of 18 who would initiate activities for youth. The YLT supported the program and took initiative to plan out the monthly
activities and field trips for the teens program.
Since then, the Eagles program has merged with the Gilpin County Parks & Recreation department and together they have developed a strong standing within the area to provide a presence amongst the youth of Gilpin and Nederland Schools. In July of 2024, Britton Barrett became director of the
program and quickly realized what opportunities could be had for the teens in future creative pathways. He has been learning about the program, joining a group of teens who have been together for years and figuring out new ideas for teens to enhance their minds and bodies.
In the program, Barrett has shown support for the artistic activities the
teens have been participating in such as karaoke, line dancing, painting and jewelry bracelet making. At the Community Center, teens have also taken the time to relax, play video games, study for their tests or utilize the gym and pool for their leisure. Barrett has rekindled partnerships with Gilpin’s neighbors, TEENS Inc. in Nederland and Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Building these relationships is another reminder for the young adults that there
are organizations that provide alternative activities that are still close by.
Another aspect of the Eagles teen program has been offering field trips to various locations to educate, entertain and provide possibilities outside of Gilpin County. The Youth Leadership Team has also established annual traditions of attending Terror In the Corn in Erie and the Denver Zoo Lights during the holidays. The biggest venture for
the new year is being in contact with Copper Mountain Resorts to provide a “career day” for the teens. The trip will include talking with human resources, learning what it is like to work at a ski resort and enjoy the mountain’s amenities. An additional goal is to be able to provide possibilities for youth to learn about further options after graduation and still enjoy the activities that are provided after school. n
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Our low-maintenance, high-performance courts provide exceptional shock absorption, traction, and durability, ensuring athletes stay safe, comfortable, and at the top of their game—every time they step onto the court.
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The Highly Qualified Entry Level Candidate You Might Be Missing
By Matt McCarthy, CPRP, Senior Recreation Supervisor, Facilities & Operations, City of Fort Collins
Recruiting and retaining top talent is fundamental to our operations as recreation departments but far too often the searches we engage in are cookie cutter. We post our jobs to the same sites every time and hope for the best. This article will focus on how you can expand the scope of your search to recruit top entry level staff. It’s my belief that municipal recreation departments might be missing a large pool of motivated, highly educated, and experienced top talent from the world of Campus Recreation.
For those that don’t know, there is a large adjacent industry of recreation facilities and services on just about every fouryear college campus in the country. Times have changed a bit in higher education due to funding challenges but traditionally there has been a high barrier of entry for these positions. For
years, and it is still commonplace, entry level campus recreation jobs require a candidate to have a master’s degree; and if it isn’t required, it is a preferred qualification. So how does this insulated industry find professionals wanting to work in recreation with the desired degree? They create them. Often times
undergraduate students who show an interest in pursuing a career in campus recreation are funneled into a graduate assistantship where they get their master’s degree as they work and develop within a campus rec program for two years. Students leave these experiences with a high level of academic knowledge
as well as having completed what is essentially an intensive two-year handson training program to prepare them for an entry level role. This is a system and incubation period that we in municipal recreation don’t have, but can certainly benefit from.
Campus recreation has its own job board, bluefishjobs.com, where graduate assistantships as well as the vast majority of full-time roles are posted, so everyone looking for campus rec jobs are looking there, and we can use that job board too. For the most part, hiring for campus recreation follows the traditional academic schedule with jobs posting in the early spring with an anticipated start date of late May/early June. Many departments even hold positions vacant if someone leaves “out of cycle” until the spring to recruit those finishing their graduate program. If you have entry level positions open or have funding for a new position, now is the time to start thinking about if you can get by for the next couple months, until the summer, if you want to try to take advantage of this avenue and increase the scope of your search to these eager and educated entry level staff. From
my experience students leave graduate school with a desire to make a difference in the lives of their staff and the guests that visit your facilities/participate in your programs and a wealth of knowledge in staff training and development as well as operations, program delivery, and risk management.
If you’re not convinced yet, there are far more graduate assistants looking for a full-time role each year than open entry level positions in campus rec. Several years ago, when I was searching it was 2:1 so twice as many folks were looking
for entry level work than there were openings. Additionally, after a quick search of bluefishjobs.com and the NRPA job site, there is about a 25% difference between salary ranges at all levels from campus rec to municipal recreation in favor of our industry – we pay more which can entice potential future staff. We as an industry of municipal recreation can benefit greatly from recruiting from this pool and the staff that are hired from this pool will enter the workforce with a toolbox of knowledge that we just don’t have the ability to build on our own.
Active Adults CREATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR
THE IMPORTANCE OF SENIOR FITNESS PROGRAMMING:
Strength, Health, and Socialization
By Suzi Shankweiler, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator , Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
As we age, staying active becomes increasingly important for maintaining overall health, independence, and quality of life. Senior fitness is not just about keeping the body strong— it also plays a vital role in mental well-being and social engagement. Exercise helps older adults maintain mobility, prevent chronic diseases, and foster meaningful connections with others. Here’s why senior fitness should be a priority and how it supports both physical and social wellbeing.
The Physical Benefits of Senior Fitness
Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for older adults, including:
• Improved Strength and Mobility: Strength training and flexibility exercises help maintain muscle mass, reduce the risk of falls, and improve balance.
• Heart Health: Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, swimming, cycling, help keep the heart strong, lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Bone Density and Joint Health: Weight-bearing activities help prevent osteoporosis and reduce joint pain associated with arthritis.
• Cog nitive Function: Exercise has been linked to improved memory and cognitive function, potentially reducing
The Social Benefits of Senior Fitness
Beyond the physical benefits, staying active is also an excellent way for seniors to stay socially engaged. Isolation and loneliness are common among older adults, but participating in fitness activities can help counter these challenges.
• Bu ilding Friendships: Group exercise classes, walking clubs, and community fitness programs provide opportunities to meet new people and maintain social connections.
• Encouragement and Motivation: Exercising with others helps create accountability and motivation, making it easier to stick to a routine.
• Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Social interaction and physical activity
the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
both help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improving overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Best Fitness Activities for Seniors
Not all exercise programs are suitable for seniors, so it’s important to offer a variety of activities or classes that match individual abilities and health conditions. Some great options include:
• Wa lking: A simple, low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health and can be done with friends.
• Chair Yoga: Gentle stretching and balance exercises that enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Water Aerobics: Low-impact, jointfriendly movements that provide a full-body workout.
• Strength Training: Light resistance exercises to maintain muscle mass and bone strength.
• Dance or Tai Chi: Fun, social activities and classes that improve coordination and cognitive function.
Encouraging Seniors to Stay Active
For seniors who are hesitant to start an exercise routine, it’s important to remind them that fitness doesn’t have to be intense or overwhelming. Small, enjoyable movements are better than no activity at all. Joining a class, finding a workout buddy, or participating in community wellness programs can make exercise more fun and engaging.
Programming Specific Classes for Seniors: Where to Start?
When considering fitness class programming for your facilities’ Active Adults and Seniors, SilverSneakers is truly a cut above the rest. This program is specifically designed to focus on the importance of improving strength and cardiovascular endurance, agility,
balance, coordination and fall prevention. Instructors are specifically trained by SilverSneakers to teach these skills in every class. It is a fun, friendly, motivating community that cares about their participants, which is incredibly valuable as you age.
For more information on the SilverSneakers program reach out to Tivity Health at www.tivityhealth.com.
Conclusion
Senior fitness is about more than just physical health, it’s also a way to maintain social connections and mental well-being. Staying active helps older adults live independently, enjoy life, and build strong relationships. By offering specific fitness programming we are incorporating fitness into their daily lives, seniors can improve both their physical and emotional well-being, ensuring a happier and healthier aging process. n
SENIOR
Creativity ZEST FOR
By Chrysanthemum Greene, Recreation Coordinator
At Clements Community Center in Lakewood, a focus on creative play keeps the young at heart feeling full of life. This intimate community hub offers a wide array of programming to support physical, mental and emotional health for active adults 55+ and the arts programs are especially popular.
From pottery and stained glass to the popular coloring club, the creative patrons enjoy exploring new art mediums and sharing their work. As artistic expression soars throughout the center, many of the staff join in and share the joy. The bi-weekly coloring club members share thoughtfully handcrafted greeting cards to commemorate holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. Patrons who focus their creative energy on the culinary world learn how to cook delicious and nutritious snacks and meals without breaking a budget. Blending spoken words and music in a slam-poetry performance or through creative writing classes allows other patrons to speak their minds. In the Improv class, participants enjoy the beauty of laughter and silly antics while wearing masks crafted by staff members. The selection of arts programming at Clements Center has expanded by adding classes in beadwork,
multimedia collage, drawing and watercolor painting allowing this group to further embrace a wide range of creative pursuits with boundless energy. For those who prefer to appreciate art versus creating it, the Clements Center offers excursions to various art-focused
locations in the Lakewood and Denver Metro area. Participants can experience the colorful quilt collection at Golden Quilt Museum, artisanal tea tasting and a stroll through Denver Art Museum, or tear-jerking performances by the talented dancers of the Colorado Ballet, among other scheduled destinations.
To celebrate Older American Month in May, Clements Community Center will be hosting a Talent and Art Showcase on Friday, May 2. The event will feature the artwork and creative skills of the active adults who have been honing their talents throughout the year.
From crafting and culinary delights to exploring new artistic mediums and enjoying cultural excursions, the vibrant programming at Clements community Center cultivates job and connection for active adults.
Check out the latest opportunities for adults 55+ at Lakewood.org/ ActiveAdults. n
45 TH ANNIVERSARY
2025 Parks Spring Workshop & Trade Show
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Island Grove Event Center, Greeley, CO
Attendee Pricing:
$80/members; $100/non-members
(Includes two education sessions worth 0.2 CEUs, Georgia Boys BBQ lunch buffet, trade show access plus coffee & doughnuts.)
Registration Deadline: April 7, 12 p.m.
NOTE: Do you need to register multiple crew members but aren’t sure who specifically will be attending? You can register generic names, (ex: Broomfield One, Broomfield Two, etc.), and update these names in your account at a later date.
Register at www.cpra-web.org.
Accessible Adventures:
MAKING PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
TRULY INCLUSIVE
Building Community Through Accessibility:
OAK MEADOWS PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
By April Allen, Marketing and Internal Communications Specialist
In southwest Colorado Springs, Oak Meadows
Park’s newly renovated playground is more than a place to play—it’s a symbol of inclusivity and community connection. It serves as a vibrant hub where people of all abilities can come together, proving the power of collaboration in creating welcoming accessible spaces.
The revitalized playground now features updated play equipment designed to meet the needs of all abilities. With colorful structures that encourage exploration and physical activity, it has become a place of joy and discovery. Approximately 3,900 square feet of artificial turf provides a safe and wheelchair-friendly surface, ensuring that children and caregivers can navigate the area with ease. The addition of nearly 3,000 square feet of new concrete sidewalks and accessible parking further enhances the experience, providing connectivity to the nearby Community Room at Fire Station 16 - a vital neighborhood resource for meetings, events, and gatherings.
This $445,000 project represents a true community effort. Funding came from the Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space,
and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program, the City’s Office of Accessibility, and generous contributions from neighbors in the Oak Meadows community. At one of the most well-attended public meetings for a playground project, local children and neighbors helped select the play equipment, ensuring the space reflected their needs and preferences.
“The Oak Meadows project shows what we can achieve when we work together to create spaces that welcome everyone,” said Jacob Butterfield, Capital Projects Coordinator for the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. “It’s not just a playground— it’s a space that fosters connection and equity.”
The renovation aligns with the City’s ADA Title II Transition Plan, which focuses on removing barriers and
creating equal opportunities for all. It also highlights the critical role of the TOPS sales tax program, which has funded countless enhancements to parks, trails, and open spaces across Colorado Springs. By investing in these projects, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all residents.
The impact of this renovation is undeniable, Oak Meadows Park has now become more than just a playground—it is a symbol of what’s possible when communities come together to prioritize accessibility and inclusion. This transformation sets a new benchmark for public spaces in Colorado Springs, inspiring future projects that embrace inclusivity and innovation. n
By investing in these projects, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all residents.
A New Model for Holistic Health and Creative Play
ARVADA’S SERENITY RIDGE PARK
By Sean Star, Communications Manager, Department of Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods, City of Arvada
In August 2024, the City of Arvada opened the doors to a groundbreaking park that integrates wellness, creativity and outdoor recreation: Serenity Ridge Park. As the latest addition to Arvada’s robust park, trails and open space system, this holistic health-based space was designed to foster physical, mental and emotional well-being for users of all ages and ability levels.
The park’s design reflects principles from holistic health practices, such as Feng Shui, and aims to support the community’s growing demand for accessible, multi-use spaces that encourage both active and restorative experiences. The park is one of the first public parks of its kind in the nation with elements that include a labyrinth, reflexology path and amphitheater-style outdoor classroom that takes advantage of existing topography.
Located a mile north of I-70 just off Kipling Parkway, the park was designed in collaboration between the City of Arvada and Red Rocks Community College, whose Arvada campus is located just across the street.
A Space for Creative Play and Learning
Serenity Ridge was designed to provide health-based opportunities to meet the needs of a variety of users. The park
is a destination for traditional outdoor recreation like walking and yoga but also a space where visitors can engage with their environment in innovative ways. A looped concrete path and a soft-surface crusher fines trail invite visitors to explore the park’s diverse landscape, while shaded seating areas and an activity lawn offer space for relaxation and group activities like tai chi or meditation.
For Red Rocks Community College’s Integrative Health Professions program, the park also doubles as an outdoor classroom. The space was designed to enhance the learning experiences of students studying disciplines such as Reflexology, Herbology, and Aromatherapy. Outdoor educational elements like the herbal garden and reflexology path provide hands-on learning opportunities, turning the park into a living laboratory for students and a model for other public parks in the region.
Inclusive Wellness for All
One of the park’s most exciting features is its universal approach to health and recreation. While some health-focused parks are limited to private institutions or specialized programs, Serenity Ridge Park is open to the public, ensuring that all members of the Arvada community have access to its benefits.
This inclusivity extends to the park’s diverse offerings, which encourage active play, mindfulness, and relaxation — whether through creative play structures, a stress-relief labyrinth, or simply connecting with nature in a calm, peaceful environment. Speaking of
ARCHITECTURAL DOG PARK PRODUCTS
which, the hillside park features stunning views of the mountains to the west and of the Denver skyline to the southeast.
Maki Boyle, a senior landscape architect for the City of Arvada’s Parks and Urban Design Division and Serenity Ridge’s project manager, shared her vision for the park’s impact on the community.
“We hope that Serenity Ridge Park becomes a place of inspiration for other cities, where holistic health and recreation are combined in accessible, public spaces,” Boyle said. “These design elements can have significant benefits for our health and well-being, and we’re proud to offer them to Arvada residents.”
A Future of Holistic Health in Public Spaces
Serenity Ridge Park represents a new chapter in Arvada’s commitment to creating inclusive, creative spaces that promote healthy living for all. By blending design, education and play, the park provides an innovative model for public parks across the Front Range. With its emphasis on wellness, nature, and community engagement, Serenity Ridge Park is poised to be a valuable resource for Arvada residents and visitors alike for years to come. n
Get Your Agency Noticed in Your Magazine!
Attention CPRA Agency Members!
Your agency can be featured in the next issue of Byline. Why not add being published in your state professional magazine to your resume?!
Have something to share?
1. Get Included in the NEW Keeping Up Section
Submit your brief updates (up to 300 words) about your events, projects, staff news, or retirements. Photos welcome.
2. Submit a Feature Article
CPRA agencies are invited to submit articles (350-700 words) aligned with our mission, along with 3-4 high-resolution photos. Suggested themes are available, or you may propose a topic that would benefit our members.
3. Send Article Leads/Ideas
Spring Issue
Deadline: March 20, 2025
CPRA Industry Partner Members
If you’re short on time, send us your article ideas and contact details. We’ll handle the research and writing whenever possible.
Send your article or suggested topic and photos to Jillian Galoci at jilliang@cpra-web.org. If you have questions, please call (720) 588-0943. For reference, CPRA members can view past issues of Byline at
Looking for amazing exposure to your target audience? Get in front of CPRA members with a customized advertising or sponsorship package that could include Byline magazine, sponsored editorial, online, email and event sponsorships. Onetime magazine, email and website advertising opportunities are also available. Unsure of what you’d like to do, contact us to discuss options!
Contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111 or download the 2025 media kit at www.bit.ly/ CPRAADS2025
If your small team is stretched thin, you need a reliable partner who can jump in and lighten the load. Pernsteiner Creative Group specializes in park and recreation marketing, delivering the results you need, with minimal ramp-up time. Our affordable, effective design and marketing solutions are tailored to help you maximize every dollar and minute. Let us be the creative extension of your team—ready to tackle projects and keep things moving smoothly. When you’re ready to get things done, we’re here for you!
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• Flyers & posters • Social media
• Direct mail • Marketing management
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• Signage & displays
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• Strategic plans • Incentive products
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
–Benjamin Franklin
Existing condition
Funding Colorado’s Water Future:
HOW WATER PLAN GRANTS SUPPORT PROJECTS LIKE WESTMINSTER’S LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION
By Dean
At its March 2024 Board Meeting, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) awarded the City of Westminster with a $225,000 Water Plan Grant for their, “City Hall Landscape Transformation Project.” This project will replace “non-functional bluegrass turf” with low-water-use plant material.
In Colorado, “non-functional turf” refers to grass that is primarily decorative and not used for recreational, community, or civic purposes. This landscape transformation project will result in an approximate annual water savings of about 1.6 million gallons or five acre-feet of water per year.
As part of the City of Westminster’s project, there is also an educational component that includes installation of plant identification signage, detailing each plants’ water use requirement. With its high-visibility location, the transformed landscape will showcase what a low-water-use landscape can look like, while also providing an opportunity for continued public education on wise water use practices.
The City of Westminster’s project is just one of the many examples of projects awarded a Water Plan Grant through the Colorado Water Conservation Board, that
supports water conservation efforts and innovative water management strategies across the state.
The Water Plan Grant Program
The State of Colorado has a Water Plan that provides a framework for helping Colorado meet its water challenges through collaborative action around water development and water conservation. The plan contains 50 agency actions and 50 partner actions that supports vibrant communities, thriving watersheds, robust agriculture and resilient planning . The Colorado Water Conservation Board provides Water Plan Implementation grants for organizations to act.
In the current State Fiscal Year, $23.3 was made available for grantmaking through sports betting tax revenue, which can be utilized for a variety of studies and projects.
Johnson, Contract Administrator for the Colorado Water Conservation Board (Department of Natural Resources)
Colorado Water Plan Grant program funding categories include:
• Conservation & Land Use Planning - includes long-term strategies for conservation, land use, water efficiency, and drought planning.
• Engagement & Innovation - includes water education, outreach, and innovation efforts.
• Water Storage & Supply - includes development of additional storage, artificial recharge into aquifers, and dredging existing reservoirs to restore the reservoirs’ full decreed storage capacity for multi-beneficial projects
and projects identified in basin implementation plans to address the water supply and demand gap.
• Water Sharing Agreements - includes projects that meet defined water needs while mitigating impacts associated with traditional water transfers.
• Agricultural - includes technical assistance or project/program funding for agricultural projects.
• Watershed Health & Recreation - includes planning, design, and implementation of watershed health and recreation projects.
Deadline
The next grant application deadline is July 1, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s regional Water Plan Grant staff member several months ahead of the deadline.
More Information
For more information on this grant program, to see the full guidelines, and to find a regional grant manager to connect with, please visit https://cwcb. colorado.gov/funding/colorado-waterplan-grants. n
Wheat Ridge Investing USDA Urban & Community Forestry Funding and Increasing the Urban Tree Canopy
By Jim Roemmelt and Brandon Altenburg, Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation
In 2024, the Wheat Ridge forestry team completed the first of four years investing USDA Urban and Community Forestry grant funds. The Urban Sustainability Director’s Network is the pass-through funder to the City of Wheat Ridge.
When putting the proposal together for the grant, Wheat Ridge parks and forestry staff identified areas that were considered underserved or lacking in tree canopy. Factors such as income, pollution or those that are difficult development areas were all ranked in order to establish future planting zones to increase tree canopy where it is needed most. These “sensitive areas”, coupled with the recent impact of pests and pathogens affecting tree species that make up a significant portion of the canopy, highlight the growing importance of tree diversity. A healthy, diverse canopy can absorb air pollutants,
control storm water runoff and promote mental and physical well-being. By selecting numerous species of trees from different families, the resiliency of the urban forest can be maintained.
Year one accomplishments included planting 125 trees in Wheat Ridge public spaces such as parks, the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, and street-trees in the right of way. 30 of those trees were planted by volunteers in Prospect Park at an Arbor Day and Earth Day event. The team also began utilizing TreePlotter Canopy software program to plan effective and equitable planting locations and added a tablet for improved fieldwork efficiency.
The Mile High Youth Corps planted approximately 60 trees during a 2-week planting project. The Corps also removed invasive species and fire fuels from Wheat Ridge open spaces. In 2024, the Parks and Recreation Department began laying the foundation to expand the Tree Stewards volunteer program, which is dedicated to caring for non-irrigated trees in the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt throughout the summer months.
Looking ahead in 2025, the team plans to plant another 125 trees in public spaces, 65 trees at the new Green at 38th Park (currently under construction), and even more trees planted through the Youngfield Beautification and Ward TransitOriented Development projects. The team will receive planting assistance through the partnership with the Mile High Youth Corps and another volunteer planting day, this year at Fruitdale Park. To support these efforts, the department will acquire two water trailers to aid in irrigation and expand its supply of tools, compost, mycorrhizae, stakes, tethers, and other necessary materials for maintaining the newly planted trees. n
CPRA Industry Partners
A to Z Recreation www. atozrecreation.com
Advanced Exercise www.advancedexercise.com
All American Sports Material bill.schell@burnco.com
Altitude Recreation Doug@altituderec.com
American Ramp Company www.americanrampcompany.com
American Red Cross nayeli.trejos@redcross.org
Aquatic Chemical Solutions, Inc. www.acsrm.com
Ballard*King & Associates, LTD. www.ballardking.com
Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture (BRS) www.brsarch.com
Basalite Concrete Products www.basalite.com
BerryDunn www.berrydunn.com
Bobcat of the Rockies www.bobcatoftherockies.com
Brightly Software www.brightlysoftware.com
Buckeye International www.buckeyeinternational.com
CEM Sales & Service www.cemsales.com
Churchich Recreation LLC www.miracleplaygroup.com
Colorado Hardscapes, Inc www.coloradohardscapes.com
Colorado Lottery www.varney@state.co.us
Colorado Pool Designs www.coloradopooldesigns.com
Commercial Fitness Solutions www.commercialfitness.com
Counsilman-Hunsaker www.chh2o.com
Delta Timber & Landscape Supply www.deltatimber.com
Design 2B Fit www.design2bfit.com
Design Concepts www.dcla.net
ECI Site Construction Management www.ecisite.net
EGO Outdoor Power Equipment www.egopowerplus.com
Essenza Architecture www.essenza-arch.com
EVstudio, LLC www.evstudio.com
Ewing Irrigation www.ewingirrigation.com
Express Mulching & Soil LLC www.expressmulching.com
Fitness Gallery www.efitnessgallery.com
ForeverLawn Mile High www.eforeverlawnmilehigh.com
Fresh Vending www.eFreshVendingNow.com
GameTime www.egametime.com
Granite Seed & Erosion Control casey@graniteseed.com
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) www.egoco.org
Ground Solutions www.e@groundsolutionsco.com
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources - Colorado State University www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/ hdnr/
Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe www.eirelandstapleton.com
JHL Constructors, Inc www.jhlconstructors.com
Kaizen Labs www.kaizenlabs.co
Kay Park Recreation www.kaypark.com
Landmark Aquatic www.landmarkaquatic.com
Les Mills International www.lesmills.com
Linemark Paint www.linemarkpaint.com
Lively Tours and Talks www.LivelyToursandTalks.com
LL Johnson www.lljohnson.com
Lose Design www.lose.design
Magellan Strategies www.magellanstrategies.com
Mid-America Pool Renovation www.poolrenovation.com
Milwaukee Tool www.milwaukeetool.com
Miracle League Denver www.miracleleaguedenver.com
Musco Sports Lighting www.musco.com
MyRec.com Recreation www.myrec.com
National Fitness Campaign (NFC) www.@nfchq.com
OLC Architecture, Interiors and Aquatics www.olcdesigns.com
Omega II Fence Systems www.omegatwo.com
Outdoorlink Inc. www.outdoorlinkinc.com
Oxbow Design Collaborative www.oxbowdc.com
Perkins & Will www.perkinswill.com
PidjCo www.pidj.co
Potestio Brothers Equipment Inc www.pbequip.com
Push Pedal Pull www.pushpedalpull.com
Rain Bird Corporation www.rainbird.com
RecDesk Software www.recdesk.com
Recreation Plus, Ltd www.recreationplus.com
Renner Sports Surfaces www.rennersports.com
Rocky Mountain Playground Services www.rmplaygroundservices.com
Rocky Mountain Recreation Inc www.rmrec.com
Rocky Mountain Turf Solutions www.rmtsconst.com
Romtec, Inc. www.romtec.com
RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture www.rviplanning.com
As of February 19, 2025
Safety Solved www.safety-solved.com
Scienturfic Sod www.scienturficsod.com
SCJ Alliance www.scjalliance.com
SECURA Insurance www.secura.net
SiteOne Landscape Supply www.siteone.com
Slate Communications www.slatecommunications.com
Slatercom Lighting Solutions www.slatercom.com
SmartRec by Amilia www.amilia.com
SOLitude Lake Management www.solitudelake.com
Splash Pool Services, Inc. www.splashpoolservices.com
Sport & Fitness Commercial Exercise Equipment and Service www.sportandfitnessinc.com
Sport Court of the Rockies, LLC www.sportcourtoftherockies.com
Star Playgrounds www.starplaygrounds.com
Starguard ELITE www.starguardelite.com
Summit Recreation www. summitrecreation.com
Team Up Athletics www.teamupathletics.com
Technogym USA www.technogym.com
The Aqueous Solution www.aqusolco.com
The Flourish Lab www.theflourishlab.org
The PlayWell Group, Inc. www.playwellgroup.com
Vermont Systems www.vermontsystems.com
Vinrock Media www.vinrockmedia.com
Vortex Aquatic Structures International www.vortex-intl.com
Water Technology, Inc www.watertechnologyinc.com
Upcoming CPRA Events
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