Grand Junction Parks and Recreation February Newsletter: Scholarships, Extended Skate Park Hours, Hiring Events, and Community Updates
– 4 min read
Emerson Skate Park hours extended
Following a formal request from the local skate alliance and in response to strong evening use, Parks and Recreation approved extended hours at Emerson Skate Park. The park is now open until 10:00 p.m. during winter. Beginning March 2, summer hours take effect and the park will be open until 11:00 p.m.
Monument Connector Trail shelter rebuild planning
After high winds blew the roof off the Monument Connector Trail shelter shortly after installation last fall, City teams including Parks and Recreation, Purchasing, and Engineering met to determine next steps. With public safety as the primary concern, the City identified additional engineering and structural requirements for a rebuild designed to be safe and durable. The City has also begun negotiations with a local artist whose proposal was one of the highest-rated submissions from the original Call for Artists. The proposed shelter design is similar in style to shelters at the Lunch Loops Trailhead.
Seasonal job hiring events with on-the-spot interviews
The City is hiring for seasonal roles including lifeguards, summer camp staff, event staff, and more. Spring hiring events will offer on-the-spot interviews and may include same-day hiring:
Tuesday, February 17, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. | Lincoln Park Barn, 910 N 12th St
Wednesday, March 11, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. | Lincoln Park Barn, 910 N 12th St
Tuesday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 1/2 Rd
Applicants should arrive with a resume and be ready to interview. The City notes it is a drug-free workplace and applicants must pass a drug screening.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board seeks new volunteer members
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is accepting applications for new volunteer members, with a March 25 deadline. PRAB advises on parks and recreation programs that impact the community. More information is available through the City’s website, including details on the City’s boards, committees, commissions, and authorities.
Community Recreation Center construction updates
Construction continues on the Community Recreation Center, with recent progress including exterior metal panel installation, cabinetry delivery and installation, gymnasium equipment installation, dirt work for the synthetic turf multipurpose field, exterior concrete work, and stucco work beginning on the west side of the building.
Community Event Board: Housing open house and Japanese Beetle volunteer outreach
Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Action Plan open house
The City of Grand Junction and Mesa County will host a Community Open House for the Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Action Plan on:
- Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Mesa County Central Library, 443 N 6th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Attendees can learn about the Housing Needs Assessment and share input on housing needs, neighborhood conditions, and priorities for improvements. Residents are also encouraged to complete the housing survey, available in English and Spanish. The survey remains open through Tuesday, March 31.
Volunteers needed for Japanese Beetle education and outreach
Mesa County’s Noxious Weed and Pest Management Program is seeking community volunteers to support Japanese Beetle treatment outreach and door-to-door education in targeted areas.
Why it matters: The Japanese Beetle is an invasive pest that threatens lawns, gardens, and agriculture. Mesa County is taking proactive steps to control its spread and needs help reaching neighborhoods. To learn more, visit: Japanese Beetle in Mesa County
Contact: Ryan Surad, Coordinator, JB@mesacounty.us.
Round Up for Recreation supports youth scholarships
The City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department’s Round Up for Recreation program supports a dedicated scholarship fund that helps youth living within Grand Junction city limits, in financially constrained households, participate in fee-based recreation programs.
Funding comes through the City utility voluntary Round-Up program, where customers can round up their monthly bill, add a set monthly amount, or make a one-time contribution. Scholarships have helped local kids access swim lessons, summer camps, youth athletics, and other skill-building programs for more than 20 years, but recent declines in grants and City support have reduced the number of youth served by about 40%. Community contributions help sustain the program long-term, with examples including $10 supporting swim lessons, $11 supporting youth basketball, and $18 supporting a week of STARS or SCORE camp.
Visit Round Up for Recreation for details on how to start donating.
Residents who do not receive a City utility bill can still give by contacting Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, and lump-sum donations are accepted at the Parks and Recreation main office at 1340 Gunnison Avenue.
