CO HB1061

HB 25-1061: Community Schoolyards Grant Program

• Creates a two-part grant program within the Division of Local Government: a Planning and Design Grant (up to $150,000 per recipient) and a Capital Construction Grant (up to $850,000 per recipient) for developing park-like outdoor learning spaces at elementary and secondary schools.

• Targets underserved communities affected by mineral and energy development, with goals of improving physical activity and mental health opportunities, incorporating natural landscapes and outdoor classrooms, and making schoolyards accessible to the broader community outside school hours.

• Requires applicants (local governments or school districts) to establish community-use agreements with partners, partner with organizations experienced in outdoor education, and demonstrate need using a nationally recognized interactive map.

• Appropriates $2 million for FY 2025-26 and $2 million for FY 2026-27 from the Local Government Mineral Impact Fund or Local Government Severance Tax Fund, plus $50,000 for administration (0.4 FTE).

• Division must implement program timelines by January 15, 2026, submit a summary report to legislative committees by January 15, 2028, and the program repeals January 1, 2030.