2026 Starburst Winners: 18 Projects Bringing Lottery Proceeds to Life Across Colorado

DENVER (April 14, 2026) – Across Colorado, communities are rebuilding, reconnecting, and expanding access to the outdoors—and this year’s Starburst Award winners bring those efforts to life.

Last year alone, the Colorado Lottery returned nearly $170 million to communities statewide, supporting parks, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. The 18 projects recognized through the 2026 Starburst Awards represent some of the top examples of that impact in action. From restoring spaces lost to the Marshall Fire to expanding access in underserved regions and connecting communities through regional trails, these projects highlight how Lottery proceeds are making a difference across Colorado.

Together, they highlight a shared commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring more Coloradans can get outside and explore.

Congratulations to the 2026 Starburst Award Winners!

1. Enclave and Sunflower Parks - Marshall Fire Park Rebuilds (Boulder County)Revitalized two community parks impacted by the Marshall Fire to provide renewed outdoor spaces that support recovery, resilience, and everyday recreation.

2. Children’s Park, Big Sagamore Park, and Little Sagamore Parks - Marshall Fire Park Rebuilds (Boulder County)Rebuilt three beloved neighborhood parks lost in the Marshall Fire, restoring safe, welcoming spaces for play, connection, and community healing.

3. Haymaker Recreation Hub Enhancement Project (Eagle County)Rebuilt a closed pool and expanded it into a multi-use hub with biking and BMX amenities, increasing access and year-round use.

4. Rico Town Park & Recreation Hub (Dolores County) Transformed a remediated brownfield into a multi-use park with year-round amenities, expanding recreation access in a small mountain community.

5. Lobatos Bridge Outdoor Classroom and Recreation Enhancement Project (Conejos County)Expanded public access to the Rio Grande with a boat ramp, trail and outdoor classroom, increasing recreation and education opportunities in an underserved region.

6. Nurtured by Nature (Arapahoe County)Supported at-risk youth through nature-based activities that promote mental health, reducing stress, and building connections to the outdoors.

7. Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy (Statewide)Created a statewide strategy aligning conservation, recreation and climate resilience efforts to guide coordinated investment and planning across Colorado.

8. Rockin’ S Ranch Conservation Easement (Conejos County)Protected a 301-acre working ranch, preserving agricultural land, wetlands, and wildlife habitat while preventing future development.

9. Poudre River Regional Trail Initiative (Larimer County)Completed final segments of a 45-mile regional trail, connecting communities, and expanding safe, non-motorized recreation and commuting options.

10. Billy Cordova Memorial Park (Chaffee County)Built an inclusive community park with accessible features and first responder elements, expanding recreation access and honoring a local hero.

11. Cheraw Community Complex (Otero County)Transformed a long-vacant lot into a multi-generational recreation hub with diverse amenities for residents of all ages.

12. Avenger Open Space (Teller County)Protected 120 acres of open space, preserving wildlife habitat and expanding access to trails and outdoor recreation.

13. The Slab (Pueblo County)Restored a historic community basketball court with modern upgrades and public art, expanding access to safe urban recreation.

14. Get Outdoors Day (El Paso County)Connected families to outdoor recreation through free, hands-on activities, reducing barriers and building lifelong outdoor engagement.

15. Emerson Skate Park (Mesa County)Transformed a historic park into a skate-and-wheeled sports destination, expanding recreation opportunities for youth and the community.

16. Stagecoach State Park Visitor Center (Routt County)Constructed a new visitor center to improve access, services, and overall experience at a high-use state park.

17. Right Relationship Boulder (Boulder County)Connects Arapaho youth and elders to ancestral lands through outdoor activities, cultural education, and language revitalization.

18. Logan County CSU Extension Outdoor Education Program (Logan County)Provides hands-on outdoor education and conservation programming for underserved youth in rural communities.