FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
DENVER – The Colorado Lottery has awarded a 2009 Starburst Community Award to the City of Brighton for maximizing Lottery funds to construct a safe haven for local skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX riders. The city used $450,000 in Lottery dollars to build the Brian Aragon Skate Park within the Brighton Sports Complex.

The 13,000-square-foot skate park was constructed at the request of the community. The project, named for Brighton native and national in-line skating star Brian Aragon, includes two bowls, picnic tables, benches, a restroom, a drinking fountain and a small entry plaza. Local youth volunteered their time to help design the skate park through several phases.

“I love that kids helped with the design,” said Robin Wise, vice-chair of the Colorado Lottery Commission.

The park serves many purposes. In addition to serving as a gathering place for skaters to test their skills on a variety of obstacles, siblings of participants in baseball/softball tournaments at the Brighton Sports Complex often use the park during those events. The Brighton Economic Development Corporation is also showcasing the park as a marketing tool to help attract new businesses to Brighton. And even workers at the nearby Adams County Judicial Center are finding time to board the bowls.

The Colorado Lottery Starburst Awards recognize excellence in the use of Lottery proceeds for projects that promote community-building, partnership, conservation and commitment to the recreational needs of Colorado residents. The city of Brighton financed nearly half of the Brian Aragon Skate Park with Lottery dollars.

In Fiscal Year 2009 alone, the Lottery distributed $119.6 million in proceeds. Since its creation 26 years ago, the Lottery has returned more than $2 billion to the state. Lottery proceeds are distributed to three primary beneficiaries: Great Outdoors Colorado, Conservation Trust Fund and Colorado State Parks. These organizations then provide grants and direct funding for parks, recreation, open space acquisition, trails, wildlife and conservation education.

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MEDIA CONTACT:  
Erika Gonzalez
PHONE 303.759.6872  | CELL 303.945.9724
erika.gonzalez@lottery.state.co.us

September 23, 2009

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