The Douglas County Planning Commission adopted the 2030 Parks, Trails, and Open Space (PTOS) Master Plan at a public hearing on Nov. 5, 2012. Adoption of the plan is a culmination of the efforts and participation of involved County citizens, the County Open Space Advisory Committee, the Parks, Trails, and Building Grounds Advisory Board, the Planning Commission, referral agencies, and County staff. The updated document is easier to use and more effectively serves as a guide for community conversation and decision-making for the County’s parks, trails, and open space programs and resources. You are invited and encouraged to review the document and use it as a guide and tool in communicating with fellow citizens, as well as appointed and elected officials. Staff hopes the PTOS Master Plan will inspire residents to learn more about and take advantage of the County’s wonderful outdoor amenities!
Local and regional park amenities are funded, in part, by a one-sixth of a cent Parks, Trails and Open Space Sales and Use Tax. An annual budget utilizing property taxes from the General Fund are appropriated for the construction, operation, and maintenance of regional parks and trails, as well as the purchase of capital equipment. Proceeds from the Colorado Lottery are placed into the Conservation Trust Fund and are dispersed quarterly to the County for regional parks and trails construction.