Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts

The Open Space Sales Tax was approved by Adams County voters in 1999 as a 1/5 of one percent sales tax authorized through 2006. In 2004, voters approved an increase to ¼ of one percent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase, and extended the sales tax through 2026. Proceeds from the sales tax benefit parks, recreation, trails, and open space projects countywide. Funds are distributed in three ways:

• 2% is allocated to administration costs
• 30% is distributed back to the jurisdiction where the tax was generated
• 68% is awarded through a competitive grant program

The Open Space Advisory Board, a seven-member board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, reviews all grant applications and makes recommendations for funding to the Board of County Commissioners.

Adams County Open Space Sales Tax celebrated 20 years. Over these years, more than 538 projects have received funding, totaling more than $212 million dollars invested into parks and open space across Adams County.