The American Rescue Plan Act
In response to the community's feedback and with guidance from the Aurora City Council, the city of Aurora has decided how to allocate federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awarded in 2021 to support economic and public health recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1.9 trillion ARPA economic stimulus bill, signed into law in March 2021, provided the city of Aurora with $65.4 million in one-time direct federal aid, with additional funding given for programs related to rental and housing assistance.

Because of the pandemic, the city experienced revenue shortfalls that negatively impacted its ability to deliver government services. To the extent of this lost revenue, the city can use ARPA funds to provide government services, including necessary infrastructure projects, in order to meet the community's needs.

To inform City Council’s funding decisions, they asked the community to dream big about their priorities in recovering from the pandemic. The community provided feedback through surveys, idea boards and community listening sessions. Items were prioritized under three funding categories: Community Assistance, Infrastructure and Service Preservation.

Park Renovations 
In January 2022, City Council approved $4.5 million in one-time direct federal aid for park renovation projects across the city. PROS staff prioritized properties and amenities for renovation based on a city-wide infrastructure survey completed in 2020. The 12 project sites selected will have far-reaching impacts as renovations are intended to fill gaps in service areas and provide inclusive and accessible amenities for residents of all ages and abilities. 

For a complete list of parks and renovations, visit AuroraGov.org/ARPAparks.

Posted drawings are subject to change during the design and construction drawing development process.

The city of Aurora is building a new neighborhood park at E. Smoky Hill Road and S. Ider Street in southeast Aurora and is seeking residents' feedback on the design. This park has the potential for a unique design and will provide new outdoor recreational opportunities for the nearby residents.

Potential project highlights may include:
· Playgrounds for all ages and abilities
· Open play areas
· Courts for various sports
· Outdoor fitness equipment
· Picnic areas with shade structures, seating and grills
· Walking paths

For more information and opportunities to provide feedback, visit EngageAurora.org/DomePark.

The updated master plans for Springhill Park (810 N. Telluride St.) and Memorial Park (726 N. Telluride St.), including the addition of the Freedom Visitor Center as proposed by the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation, were approved during the Jan. 10 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. 

Click here for more information about the project.

The city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is designing a new inclusive outdoor nature exploration area to be built at Morrison Center at Star K Ranch (16002 E. Smith Road). The exploration area will consist primarily of elements and textures found in nature, including tree logs, boulders, plants, stumps and climbing elements, all dependent on the final design.

Over time, Star K Ranch has been a special place where species of all kinds come together to find water, food, shelter, safety, and connection. Aurora residents can feel grounded as they enjoy the riparian ecosystem of Star K Ranch. The new nature exploration area at Star K Ranch will nurture the history of this unique Aurora Open Space while encouraging its community to explore and connect with the natural environment in new and exciting ways.

Construction begins June 18, and the project is expected to be completed by early winter. Please continue to check back here for updates.

For more information on the project and upcoming engagement opportunities, visit EngageAurora.org/NaturePlay.

Improvements are coming to Westerly Creek at Stanley Marketplace!

The Westerly Creek corridor from E. Montview Blvd. to 26th Ave. will see the improvements listed below. Work is expected to begin in early 2024 and be completed in fall 2025.

• Realignment of the channel to increase stormwater capacity and enhance water quality
• Completion of a missing gap in the Westerly Creek regional trail
• Enhancements to the park space adjacent to the Stanley Marketplace, including a new turf lawn and event space, seating, overlooks and more
• Enhancements to the native landscape to create a better habitat corridor
• Overall increased connectivity within the Westerly Creek corridor to benefit residents and wildlife
  
  Click the image below to view designs of the project.
  
  
  This project is funded by the city of Aurora, Mile High Flood District, Adams County Open Space sales tax and Stanley Marketplace.
  
  For more information, questions or feedback, please email PROS@AuroraGov.org.

The city of Aurora is making plans to design and construct a new park near the Central Recreation Center (18150 E. Vassar Place). This 12-acre park will add to the recreation center project by providing outdoor recreation activities and spaces for citizens. The park design will complement and enhance the existing recreation center. The project is currently in the formal approval and adoption from various Commissions, Committees and City Council.

 Project highlights may include:

The High Plains Trail will eventually stretch from the High Line Canal in northern Aurora to the Cherry Creek Trail in Parker. The project will ultimately improve regional trail connectivity, provide a safe crossing at South Parker Road, improve neighborhood access to the larger Denver regional trail network, and enhance quality of life for residents.

Funding for the trail connection project is provided by Arapahoe County, Town of Parker, City of Aurora, City of Centennial, Douglas County, and E-470 Public Highway Authority. The partner group has also secured funding from Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).

Phase One construction of the High Plains Trail connector, which included a pedestrian bridge over Parker Road, is complete.

Phase Two will construct the final trail connection between the High Plains Trail and the new bridge through Prairie Point, a planned residential community. It is scheduled to go out to bid in Summer 2025 once all easements and rights of way have been secured, and Arapahoe County will lead the construction of this phase. The pedestrian bridge will open to the public once the final trail connection has been completed.

For more updates and more information, visit Arapahoe County Open Spaces here.

The city of Aurora and its contractor, Hallmark Inc., will begin work April 10, 2023, to rehabilitate the Chambers Road Over Sand Creek Bridge, located just south of East 25th Drive. Construction activities will include installation of upgraded barriers to meet current Colorado Department of Transporation standards, water drainage corrections, and minor concrete repairs of the bridge over the Sand Creek flood plain.

Construction work is expected to be complete in the fall of 2023. For the project's duration, there will be extended single-lane closures on Chambers Road and sidewalk closures, with crews working behind a temporary concrete barrier. The sidewalk on one side of the street will remain open during construction to accommodate pedestrians.

The Sand Creek Trail will remain open to users; please respect the cone zones.

For updates, including project construction hours and weekly closures, click here. 

Utah Park, located at 1800 S. Peoria St., is a 46.5-acre park adjacent to Overland High School and Prairie Middle School. Known for its 1-mile walking loop, park shelters, and tennis courts, the park is a popular destination for outdoor activities and community events.

Improvements to the park include two full-size basketball courts at the southeast end of the park, a rain garden and additional solar security lighting.

Construction is set to begin on August 13 and will cause minimal disruption to the 1-mile walking loop. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with potential extensions due to weather.

Stay tuned for updates here as we work to make Utah Park an even more welcoming park!

(Click on the image below to zoom into a detailed map of planned improvements)