ARAPAHOE COUNTY — County commissioners have approved a new master plan for the county fairgrounds and an adjacent park, but funding for part of the project is still in question.
The upgrades at the fairgrounds would include adding an additional exhibit hall, expanding the current stall barn if there is a need and possibly an indoor arena, said county spokeswoman Nichole Parmelly.
Land adjacent to the park would be used for a regional park with a trail system for walking and horseback riding, a trailhead with parking and possibly an outdoor amphitheater.
“This plan is a bold vision for the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Regional Park as a premiere destination for family entertainment, recreation, education and relaxation,” said Arapahoe County Commissioner Susan Beckman in a written statement.
“This is a spectacular plan that will take many, many years to implement,” Beckman said.
Funding for the park would come from the county’s open space sales and use tax. There is, however, no money earmarked for the fairgrounds, at 25690 E. Quincy Ave.
Parmelly said that although money is tight now, it could improve in the years to come and the county could dedicate funding to expand the fairgrounds. She also suggested that private sponsorship could help pay for the upgrades.
“We won’t be able to do much for a while because of the funding issue,” she said. “But the master plan gives us a guide as to how it could be developed in the future.”
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
