The City of Grand Junction was awarded a $555,000 Safer Streets Grant from the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the Division of Criminal Justice. The grant will be used for several improvements in the Parks and Recreation system including lighting upgrades at four city parks as well as providing secure storage containers for parks equipment. The lighting and storage will enhance the safety and usability of the parks while deterring vandalism and other crimes. The lighting and placement of the containers are expected to be complete this summer.
The new lighting will provide safety, comfort, and extended activation opportunities for community members to help reduce trespassing, vandalism, and theft. Sixty LED lights will be upgraded or installed at Whitman, Columbine, Hawthorne, and Sherwood Parks. Four conex containers will provide secure storage of park equipment and help prevent vandalism and theft at Las Colonias, Matchett, and Columbine Parks as well as the city Shops and Park Operations office. These grant funds will implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles in the parks which have been proven to reduce crime.
The reactivation of these parks is outlined as a priority in the 2021 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan for the parks and recreation system. More information about the PROS Master Plan.