The results are in for the Colorado Lottery 2023 Starburst Awards. The Starburst Awards recognize community and conservation projects across the state that utilize Lottery funds. For fiscal year 2023, the Lottery selected eight projects based on various criteria, including creativity, as well as economic and social impacts on the community and the state. These projects received more than $4 million in Lottery funding, which supported areas such as:
- Leisure areas
- Open places
- Campgrounds
- Availability
- Outdoor education and learning
- Equity
Colorado Lotto Starburst Prizes represent several organizations
Unlike other states that primarily use Lottery funds for education, Colorado directs its funds towards the outdoors, fully funding Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). It also contributes to the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), and the Outdoor Equity Fund, which is managed by CPW.
The eight winners come from one or more of these agencies, demonstrating that Lottery funds are effectively utilized in all areas.
In the Lottery’s 40-year history, it has raised over $4 billion for outdoor projects. Depending on the year, the Lottery allocates between 22.6 and 25 cents of every dollar spent on the outdoors. Approximately 63 cents of every dollar goes back to players as prizes.
The Starburst Awards began in 1992 to highlight the best accomplishments in outdoor conservation each year. Colorado Lottery Director Tom Seaver commended the efforts of those working to improve Colorado.
“The Lottery’s conservation efforts are made possible by the incredible work of its partners who distribute Lottery funds to important projects throughout the state. To see Lottery funds at work across the state, protecting, supporting, and enhancing open spaces, wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities is truly rewarding. This year’s Starburst winners showcase the types of projects that help make Colorado the best state in the country.”
And the those who win are …
Adaptive Journeys
Project: Access Outdoors and Play Multisport Days
Organization (grant): OEF ($45,000)
The Westminster-based non-profit creates outdoor sports opportunities for children and adults, including individuals with disabilities and their families, irrespective of location, needs or financial status. The grant funds went towards adaptive cycling, hiking, kayaking and paddleboarding equipment.
Associated with Englewood
Project: Pirates Cove Play Structure Refurbish
Organization (grant): CTF ($207,478)
The Pirates Cove water park attracts over 100,000 annual visitors. Its 20-year-old play structures underwent refurbishments, including the addition of a new double slide, fresh paint jobs and several other features such as tunnel spaces, a treasure chest and cannons.
Associated with Wheat Shape
Project: Prospect Park Renovation
Organization (grant): GOCO and CTF ($1,237,970)
As the gateway to the regional Clear Creek Path and Wheat Ridge Trail, Prospect Park attracts around 45,000 visitors annually. The park renovation project includes the addition of new amenities such as pickleball courts, the removal of the picnic pavilion and improvements to roads and pathways throughout the park.
Crawford Express Park
Project: Clear Fork Campground Restoration
Organization (grant): CPW and GOCO
Crawford State Park underwent a campground restoration project that included the addition of new campsites with full RV hookups, as well as the installation of new shade shelters and picnic tables. The project also focused on improving ADA accessibility within the campground. Located east of Black Canyon National Park, the campground offers visitors access to fishing, waterskiing, swimming and various other outdoor activities available in the western slope region.
Environment Learning for children
Project: ANTELOPE Education Center
Organization (grant): GOCO ($425,000)
Part of the Montbello Open Space Park, the ANTELOPE Education Center is a result of a collaboration between Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK), The Trust for Public Land and Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR). The new 4,000-square-foot center serves as a hub for ELK’s programs and operations, and the surrounding area encompasses 4.5 acres of green space that is open to the public.
Montrose Fun District
Project: Holly Park Renovation
Organization (grant): GOCO ($214,348)
The City of Montrose undertook a renovation project at Holly Park, which included the construction of a new playground and multi-purpose field. The handball courts were also improved and the basketball courts were given a colorful repaint. Additional enhancements such as increased parking, lighting, irrigation, and the expansion of the hockey field were made possible through a $214,348 grant from GOCO’s Local Park and Outdoor Recreation (LPOR) program.
The particular Cycle Impact
Project: Women’s Mountain Bike Program
Organization (grant): OEF ($25,000)
The Women’s Mountain Bike Program, supported by a grant from the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), aims to make mountain biking accessible, affordable and inclusive, with a specific focus on women of color. The program is offered by Cycle Impact, an organization dedicated to providing equal outdoor access for all women, particularly in the realm of mountain biking. Through this program, Cycle Impact aims to foster stronger communities and create better futures for women by empowering them to engage in the sport of mountain biking.
City of Esses Park
Project: Thumb Open Space
Organization (grant): GOCO ($350,000)
The Thumb Open Space is a collaborative project between the Town of Estes Park and Esses Valley Land Trust (EVLT), made possible by a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The grant funds were used to acquire the 65-acre land, and future conservation efforts will be directed towards enhancing the amenities, signage, and trail patrolling for the area. This includes the improvement and maintenance of trails and rock climbing sites, with a specific focus on the Thumb and Hook areas. The Thumb Open Space provides valuable outdoor recreational opportunities and contributes to the preservation of natural spaces in the Estes Park region.
Education is not forgotten
Co may prioritize the outdoors with its Lottery profits, but education will still receive a substantial amount from the 2022-23 fiscal year. The Colorado Lottery reached the GOCO funding cap on March 20, which is the earliest in state history. GOCO receives half of all Lottery profits up to a limit based on the previous year’s revenue.
However, there are some corrections to be made in the following sentences:
“Since that cap has been reached, GOCO’s 50% share will go to three more funds:
BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) will receive half of the remaining funds. The other 50% will go to CPW’s two funding programs, the Wildlife Cash Fund and the Parks and Outdoor Recreation cash fund. Each will receive 25%.”
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