The Metropolitan Football Stadium District Funding may be used for a variety of youth activities programs. One category the Douglas County Youth Initiative and Douglas County Youth Commission are exploring is Arts, Recreation and Sports. Proposals submitted that fit into this category can be found below.
Funding requests will be presented at the Commissioners’ Business on January 23. To listen to the meeting and view the agenda please click here.
Project Name: Aspen View Academy Pickle Ball Program
Funding Amount Requested: $510.91
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Aspen View Academy is a public charter school in Castle Rock in the Douglas County School District of Colorado. It serves students in grades pre kindergarten through 8th grade. We have a variety of students at AVA some on IEP’s, or 504 plans, GT.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Modern students are not exercising enough. They hardly have PE class. There are 6 pickle ball courts next to our school that we can use. I can teach a pickle ball course to students in addition to PE, but I need equipment to offer the class.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Pickle ball is a sport that is not intimidating for most. Most can have success at a novice level playing the sport. It is a way to get students who consider themselves to be un-athletic to have success in a sport. 100 -150 students per year.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
One of the benefits of pickle ball is the success that novices can have playing it. Students who usually do not play sports can have success with pickle ball. Also, since the program is during school hours there are no after school time constraints.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Any student who attends Aspen View Academy will be able to participate in the pickle ball program. The program will be offered as a class during school hours, but there will also be an after school club that other youth will be able to access.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Once the paddles and balls are purchased the program is set. The courts are maintained by the town. As balls are broken/lost they will be replaced. A teacher will need to run the program. I would like to have full competitions between schools soon.
Project Name: Turfing of Grass Fields
Funding Amount Requested: $25,000-$50,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club – Castle Rock Region
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Turf fields have many benefits: more durable, consistent playing surface, weather resistance, increase playing hours, cost efffective, environment, accessible, year round use, quality of play.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Reduced Risk of Injuries, Greater Accessibility and Inclusivity, Opportunities for Tournaments and Events, Lower Maintenance Requirements, Water Conservation, Longevity and Cost-Effectiveness.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Reduced transportation barriers, safe and inclusive space, community development (gathering space for all), increased participation opportunities.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Advocate with local authorities, educate the community (town hall meetings, info sessions).
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Turfed fields are often associated with competitive leagues and events. By providing access to these facilities, underserved youth can showcase their talents, potentially leading to opportunities for scholarships, college recruitment, and exposure to higher levels of competition.
Project Name: FRTC presents Young Artists’ Workshop
Funding Amount Requested: $13,450.00
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Front Range Theatre Company is a community theatre that serves Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock and surrounding areas to enrich the lives of students through a quality performing arts experience by providing programming for over 10 years.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Empower young artists (14-18) interested in playwriting, directing, and technical directing. Gain hands-on experience, exposure to pros, and craft honing. Help build portfolios for college and beyond!
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
We want to expand the current program to include writing, directing and technical directing experiences for students. We will partner with renowned Broadway mentors and facilitate publishing by allocating funds to market playwrights’ works.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
With students having limited playwright, directing, & technical theatre experiences during the school year, we offer one of the only programs with a professional company providing access to Local and Broadway mentors to put their work on its feet.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
With staff working as teachers at several schools, we are confident we are able to serve all those in DougCo. FRTC would host an info night to share the impact from our pilot year, we have already served over 350 DougCo. youth.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Because we are a company that has been serving the DougCo community for 10+ years, we will be able to sustain the program. Our long term plan is to make this a program for students who are looking for experiences in underserved aspects of theatre.
Project Name: La Liga Youth Club
Funding Amount Requested: $15,000.00
Funding Awarded: $15,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
We are a church that provides support for all people by offering times of corporate worship, Bible-based teaching, community events, and benevolence assistance. We are followers of Jesus Christ whose mission is to reflect his love to the world.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
The mental health of young people is in a concerning state with escalating anxiety and depression. Many can’t afford extracurricular activities that have shown to promote positive self-esteem, character formation, and resilience.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
La Liga is an endeavor to support the underprivileged youth of Douglas County, Colorado by offering free athletics, music, meals, and other support given by bilingual, caring adult role models. Historically, we support at 100-150 youth per year.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Twice a year we offer once weekly soccer sessions that include skills training followed by a competitive game, a delicious meal, and a virtues talk (i.e patience, respect). The champions receive a gift, or experience (i.e. Rapids game). All for free.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Our main partner for La Liga has been Douglas County Youth Initiative. They, as well as Douglas County School District, local community groups, and word of mouth have been our means of promotion to date.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
We are going into our 5th year and, with continued financial and volunteer support, plan to continue providing sports, music, and other extracurricular opportunities to the underserved for years to come.
Project Name: Equipment for Scholarship Players
Funding Amount Requested: $10,000.00
Funding Awarded: $10,000.00
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Parker Youth Sports, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer youth sports organization dedicated to providing and developing quality youth athletic programs for the youth of the Parker community and surrounding areas.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
We do have several children that register in need of a scholarship to play. These players are on “free and reduced” lunch programs in Parker. We do not have the funds to supply them with equipment to play the sport they are choosing to play.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
The goal is to provide equipment to play a sport if they could otherwise not afford it. If they are on free and reduced lunch we can provide the scholarship to play, but the parent do not have the means to purchase the equipment needed for the sport.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Receiving funding for equipment for those in need would provide access to several sports they parents could not otherwise afford to play. Football, lacrosse, baseball and softball are the greatest needs for us.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Once parents register for a sport and request a scholarship we will provide them forms to fill out. Once the need is shown, we can “lend” out the equipment to them. We would collect the equipment at the end of the season for another player to use.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
We have been in existence since the mid 80’s as an all volunteer group. We will be sure the parents return the equipment so it can be used by another family the next year. We have found, most in Parker only need help for a short time.
Project Name: Spotlight Theater Scholarship Program and Spotlight Theater Actors with Disabilities Program
Funding Amount Requested: $46,000.00
Funding Awarded: $46,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Spotlight Theater has been a youth and community theater in Castle Rock since 2014. We bring the Arts to the youth of Douglas County through acting, singing, and dancing classes. We put on 2-4 large youth productions each year.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
We receive many scholarship requests. We often get a lot more requests than we can fund. We also want to open up a program for performers with disabilities. This will require funding for teacher training and money to run a fully adapted program.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
We want to fund 15 or more scholarships per production with the money. We usually have 150 or more students per production. Most of the funds would be to start our Actors with Disabilities adapted program.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
The scholarships would provide the opportunity for any youth to participate in our program. Actors with Disabilities would open up the theater program to a marginalized group that doesn’t have many opportunities to join an Arts program.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
We serve over 500 youth per year with our musical theater programs and summer camps. We also have a large online presence and we market our programs through specific school “Friday Folder” advertisements.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Once we get the Actors with Disabilities program up and running, it will be self-sustainable through ticket sales and traditional fundraisers. The scholarship fund will continue to grow as we participate in fundraising activities and direct donations.
Project Name: Douglas County Youth Orchestra Education and Personnel Support
Funding Amount Requested: $8,000.00
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) organization maintaining a relationship with the Douglas County Youth Orchestra. The DCYO provides youth with a means to develop their musical understanding, social growth, and self-esteem.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
LTSO has been asked to coach DCYO students, and their ability to perform challenging music requires advanced musicians. DCYO lacks specific instrumentation for specific music. The LTSO provides additional coaching support and supplemental musicians.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
Our goal is to provide music education support, increase participation benefits for young musicians, and allow DCYO to expand their services. Multiple orchestras could form for differing ability levels of youth musicians, increasing enrollment.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
Supporting DCYO provides music education opportunities for financially limited youth. Helping DCYO serve different ability levels gives beginners the attention needed to improve their skills. Advanced students receive challenges needed to progress.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
This program would be promoted to Douglas County Youth through social media, concert program advertising, and most importantly, through the schools and music educators throughout the community.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Expanding the program increases community awareness, resulting in additional donor support. As more families become involved, parents and grandparents will be encouraged to volunteer and financially support the efforts.
Project Name: Youth Sports Coaches’ Incentive Program
Funding Amount Requested: $10,000.00
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Parker Recreation Division is part of a government agency providing quality recreation leisure services and programs within Douglas County committed to providing new and innovative opportunities.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
The Sports Division is seeking funding to provide incentives for coaches to continue coaching for multiple seasons. This would increase retention rates and build continuity within the leagues, which would benefit the children.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
To incentivize coaches to continue coaching for multiple seasons providing continuity for 9130 youth participants creating a safe and fun learning environment for them. Kids will learn sports specific and life skills such as collaboration and trust.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
A 50% discount on registration fees for coaches, including those from underserved families, would make youth sports more accessible and allow children to participate in programs they may not have been able to afford otherwise.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Current coaches and participants; Industry resources; current scholarship recipients; Parker Rec print/electronic publications: brochure, website, Social Media, Town and TR Newsletters, email.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Funds will kickstart the Coaches’ Incentive program in 2024. Additional sources of revenue will be sought in the long term, such as increases in contracted programs, participation numbers, grant opportunities, and incremental league fee increases.
Project Name: ASL Training
Funding Amount Requested: $3,000.00
Funding Awarded: $3,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
Parker Recreation Division is part of a government agency providing quality recreation leisure services and programs within Douglas County committed to providing new and innovative opportunities.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
Funding request to train 3 employees as ASL instructors & address the critical need in Douglas County as currently only 3 instructors within 50 miles. This will break down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing and raise awareness.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
200 youth learning ASL/interacting with deaf community. This will improve cognitive skills, test scores, reading age, & self-esteem. Increase awareness of deaf culture/language, improve communication between hearing and deaf people, reduce isolation.
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
The ASL program will be affordable, accessible, and awareness-raising to promote access to programs and activities for underserved DC youth. It will help improve communication skills, increase self-confidence and increase participation in programs.
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Current Participants; Partners serving IWDs & their contacts within the industry; CTRS Section of Colorado Parks and Recreation Association; Parker Rec print/electronic publications: brochure, website, Social Media, Town and TR Newsletters, email.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
The ASL program will be sustainable through a combination of participant fees, scholarships, and partnerships. The program will start with beginner programs and expand to more challenging, intermediate programs.
Project Name: Adaptive Summer Day Camp
Funding Amount Requested: $5,000.00
Funding Awarded: $5,000
Response to Application Questions
1. Describe the agency/organization applying for this funding.
The Recreation Division is part of a government agency providing quality rec./leisure services and programs within Douglas County; committed to providing new and innovative opportunities to community members, including individuals with disabilities.
2. Describe the need for this funding. What is the problem/opportunity this program/project would address?
More specialized programming for youth with disabilities IN Parker is needed. Other municipalities have TR programs that are far away or only serve older youth. The proposed Summer Day Camps for IWDs provides a Parker camp for children ages 6-18.
3. What are the goals of the project? How many Douglas County youth will be impacted and what specific impacts or benefits will they receive?
40 children with disabilities. Provide a unique, fun camp opportunity. Provide a safe-place for youth needing adaptive services. Offer activities tailored to needs of children with disabilities. Increased self-confidence, make friends, improve skills
4. How would this effort promote access to programs and activities for youth who are underserved in the Douglas County community?
This affordable camp will provide a safe and accepting space for youth with disabilities to participate in a variety of activities tailored to their needs. The camp will be financially accessible providing families a necessary break..
5. How will the effort be promoted to Douglas County youth?
Current Participants; Partners serving IWDs & their contacts within the industry; CTRS Section of Colorado Parks and Recreation Association; Parker Rec print/electronic publications: brochure, website, Social Media, Town and TR Newsletters, email.
6. How will this project be sustainable and continue to support Douglas County youth after this one-time funding source? What are the plans for the program long term?
Grant funding is used for start up costs of the Adaptive Summer Day Camp only. The division will also work to ensure the program’s sustainability in the long term. The division will develop other partnerships, fundraise, participant fees and more.
