To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Update: Town America 250 - Colorado 150 Initiatives/Funding
Body
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Discussion
As previously reported, the Town of Castle Rock has numerous initiatives planned to mark America 250 - Colorado 150. The purpose of this memo is to update Council on the Town’s 250/150 activities, including the status of the program’s funding.
As part of the Town’s 2026 Budget, Town Council allocated $500,000 toward celebrating America 250 - Colorado 150. Here’s how those funds are being allocated: July 4 fireworks (weather dependent); parking garage banners; promotional items/signage, including July 9 Poundcake Popup event; time capsule project; three grant programs, plus the art grant requested later in this memo; Flag Day event; July 4 event; and Colorado Day events (net of revenue to be budgeted).
Based upon actual and estimated program expenses, a little over $10,000 is remaining for America 250 - Colorado 150 initiatives from the $500,000 budget. Staff plans to use these funds to account for any differences in estimated and actual expenses, as well as to fulfill any additional neighborhood grant requests that come in.
Neighborhood grants update
As of this writing, 37 neighborhood grants of up to $500 each have been awarded to residents and homeowners associations throughout Castle Rock. Most are being used to host block parties, but celebrations also include tree planting, mini golf and game truck events, and a pet parade. A map with basic details of each event is online at CRgov.com/NeighborhoodGrants. Staff will be collecting post-event reports from each celebration, which will be shared with Council later in the year.
Time capsule update
Staff in March launched a 250/150 time capsule project and since has collected postcards from 470 Castle Rock fourth graders and residents; 50 videos from local officials, residents and students; and more than 100 artifacts from Town teams and partners to include in the time capsule. The capsule will be buried in July at the Castle Rock Sports Center and opened in 2076, upon the 300th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 200th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood.
Art grant request
The Castle Rock Historical Society requests $15,000 in 250/150 grant funds in support of a public art project commemorating America 250 - Colorado 150. A sculpture would be installed on Town property near the museum and owned and maintained by the Town. Staff recommends approval of this request, which is detailed in Attachment A.
Staff continues to welcome Council’s ideas and input relative to America 250 - Colorado 150 initiatives and is glad to answer any questions from Council.
Attachment
Attachment A: Additional America 250/Colorado 150 Grant Request - Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum