The Town of Frederick has received positive confirmation that it will be awarded a Planning Grant from the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO). Twenty applications were submitted requesting more than $1 million. The GOCO Board awarded a total of $359,500 to six projects, including $50,000 for the Town of Frederick Parks, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan.
The grant funds will be matched by Town funds to create a Parks, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan that will serve the Frederick community for many years into the future in the preparation, construction, and preservation of outdoor recreation amenities for its residents, businesses, and visitors. A request for proposals has been issued to allow planning firms to compete for the opportunity to work with the community to develop the master plan over a period of several months. Responses to the request for proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. January 15, 2010, and a consultant is expected to be under contract in February 2010.
Public participation is strongly encouraged in the creation of this document that will inventory the Town’s existing outdoor recreational amenities, define the types of parks and trails and evaluate their related service areas, prescribe standards for critical components, and devise a program to acquire additional open space for public use. Several public meetings and events will be coordinated and publicized to elicit community input from all who wish to participate. Additionally, the Town’s seated Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission will play an integral role in advising the Town in the creation of the plan.
Recently, Mayor Eric Doering stated, “This is an essential component of the Town’s efforts to create and solidify vision and standards for the community. The plan will contribute to Frederick’s continued appeal as a place where people want to live and raise families, one where businesses will continue to locate and develop, and one where guests will continue to visit and contribute. It is my hope that many will take the time to participate in this important effort to define the future of our growing and dynamic community.”
For further information about how to get involved in this effort or for more information about this grant award and the Town’s plans for its use, please contact the Town’s Planning Director Jennifer Simmons at jsimmons@frederickco.gov or 720-382-5500.