The City of Brighton is pleased to announce it has been awarded more than $3 million in funding from the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) as part of the fall 2025 Adams County Open Space Grant cycle. The grants, made possible by the voter-approved Adams County Open Space Sales Tax, will support the second phase of the planned Brighton RecPlex — currently in design — by funding the sports-field portion of the project. The second grant will support Brighton High School’s annual spring tree-planting event at Benedict Park. 
 
Brighton RecPlex Phase II – Sports Field
This phase of the Brighton RecPlex will add two artificial turf multi-use fields, tri-plex ballfields, a playground, picnic areas, and trail connections. The project also includes parking lots, fencing, and pedestrian and sports lighting. A concession and restroom facility will support year-round use. These additions will expand recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. 
 
High School Tree Planting at Benedict Park 

Brighton High School will purchase trees from a local nursery for its annual senior tree-planting event. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Brighton’s Tree City USA designation, and 35 trees will be planted at Benedict Park. The grant will fund tree purchases and planting supplies, enabling a meaningful student volunteer project. Without this support, the city could not provide the number of trees needed to impact the park’s canopy. 
 
“We are grateful to Adams County for this continued commitment to parks and open space,” said Ryan Smith, parks planning, development, and grant manager for the City of Brighton. “These grant funds are essential for bringing these two projects to life, expanding our recreational opportunities, strengthening our community’s tree canopy and enhancing our parks.”  

For more information about Brighton’s parks and recreation projects, visit brightonco.gov/parks-recreation.