2025 Starburst Award Winners Announced!

From the Front Range to the far corners of the state, 14 projects have earned this year’s Colorado Lottery Starburst Awards—a recognition of exceptional use of Lottery funds that make life better for Coloradans. These winning projects represent more than $116 million in total investment, all powered by Lottery sales.

Each of these efforts brings something unique to the table—whether it’s restoring iconic hiking trails, creating safer school buildings, conserving open space, or helping youth connect with the land. From Fort Collins to Grand Junction and Lamar, they’re making a big difference in their communities.

Thanks to players, the Colorado Lottery has reinvested over $4.4 billion since 1983 to support all the ways Coloradans enjoy our great outdoors. Lottery dollars are distributed through grants by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), and the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program.

Congratulations to the 2025 Starburst Award Winners! Thank you for putting Lottery dollars to work for every Coloradan.

1. Bear Creek Trail – City of Lakewood
   GOCO: $500,000 | Total Budget: $3,800,000
2. Hanging Lake Trail Restoration – National Forest Foundation
   GOCO & CPW: $2,532,000 | Total Budget: $4,789,462
3. Fort Lupton Community Park – City of Fort Lupton
   GOCO: $500,000 | Total Budget: $3,245,965
4. Arkansas River Levee Trail – City of Pueblo
   GOCO: $1,238,500 | Total Budget: $5,637,175
5. Amache-Sand Creek Youth Ambassador Program – Amache Alliance
   OEGP: $50,000
6. Canyon Edge Open Space – Larimer County
   GOCO: $1,500,000 | Total Budget: $9,331,416
7. Denver Parks Green Corps – City and County of Denver
   GOCO: $456,646 | Total Budget: $867,881
8. Camp Hale National Monument Planning – Summit County
   GOCO: $43,575 | Total Budget: $75,800
9. Lewis Heritage Farm – Conservation Partners & Lewis Family
   GOCO: $1,500,000 | Total Budget: $16,163,000
10. O’Brien Park – Town of Parker
    CTF: $600,000 | Total Budget: $2,299,736
11. Julesburg School Construction – Julesburg School District
    BEST: $33,470,964 | Total Budget: $41,600,000
12. Reed Park Renovation – City of Fruita
    CTF & GOCO: $927,800 | Total Budget: $2,324,114
13. Mt. Tom Conservation Corridor – Multiple Partners
    GOCO & CPW: $15,654,500 | Total Budget: $25,000,000
14. Serene Conservancy – Prospect Recreation & Park District 
    ​​CTF: $157,751 | Total Budget: $1,309,372