Governor Polis Celebrates the Launch of Colorado State Park History Book, Visits Small Business to Celebrate Colorado's Hispanic Community

AURORA - On September 20, 2024, Governor Polis, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Jeff Davis celebrated the launch of At Home in Nature: The History of Colorado State Parks, the first of its kind compilation of over 65 years of Colorado State Parks history.

“Colorado is home to the most beautiful parks in the country, and what better way to show them off than with a bound collection of our parks’ history. In Colorado, we are breaking down barriers for Coloradans to access the outdoors, from saving people money on park passes to protecting our incredible wildlife. Colorado is leading the way to continue and expand our great state parks for generations to come, and this book will help bring our parks to even more people,” said Governor Polis.

“For more than 125 years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has served Coloradans and our natural resources with unwavering dedication and determination. This book is a testament to Colorado’s incredible state park system and the people who serve as stewards to protect our public land and elevate our state parks so they provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis.

Colorado is home to 43 state parks that span over 220,000 acres of protected land. Colorado state parks generate over $65 billion in state funds because of outdoor recreation and Colorado’s thriving tourist economy.

In 2021, Governor Polis signed legislation creating the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which reduced Colorado’s state parks pass to just $29, breaking down barriers to the outdoors. The pass became available on January 3, 2023. In its first full year of being on sale, $1.5 million Coloradans opted to buy a Keep Colorado Wild Pass, generating $39.7 million to support Colorado state parks and outdoor first responders. Coloradans who qualify can also sign up for the Centennial State Park Pass, which costs just $14. Governor Polis also signed legislation creating the Outdoor Equity Grant Fund, which has provided 106 awards and over $5.5 million to organizations that help more Coloradans and Colorado kids access the state’s great outdoors.  

Governor Polis also visited La Fogata, a local Mexican restaurant, to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and highlight Colorado's vibrant Hispanic community and businesses. La Fogata opened its first location in 1990, and will now be celebrating 20 years at their second location in November. La Fogata has been serving Mexican food in Southeast Denver for 30 years.

“Today I am excited to continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at La Fogata. La Fogata is a story of entrepreneurship and hardwork, and here in Colorado we are proud to support small businesses and highlight the hardworking Coloradans who drive our economy and support our communities,” said Governor Polis.