Anythink awarded Adams County Open Space grant

Anythink has been awarded $32,000 by Adams County Open Space to help build Explore Outdoors at Anythink Commerce City, an outdoor classroom designed to help children make connections with the natural world. Explore Outdoors at Anythink Commerce City will complete Anythink’s Explore Outdoors project, which started in 2010 with the vision of outdoor classrooms at three Anythink locations in Thornton, Brighton and Commerce City. 

“We’ve dreamed of Explore Outdoors at Commerce City since the original plans were drawn in December 2010,” says Lynda Freas, director of special projects at Anythink. “Now, with the generosity of this Adams County Open Space grant, the dream will become a reality. When the beautiful new outdoor space opens this summer, families will have a complete indoor and outdoor experience.”

Explore Outdoors classrooms encourage kids to spend time outside while improving their math, science, language and socialization skills. With areas for building, exploring natural materials and making music and art, each element of these classrooms encourage creative play. In March 2013, Explore Outdoors at Anythink Wright Farms was certified as an official Nature Explore classroom, making it part of a network of recognized schools and organizations committed to reconnecting children with nature. Nature Explore is a collaborative project of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, certifying dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces across the country. 

“Creating this Explore Outdoors classroom is yet another layer of learning and exploration, which is a natural extension for Anythink,” says Anythink Director Pam Sandlian Smith. “This generous funding from Adams County Open Space expands our library service outdoors for our Commerce City community.”

This project was funded in part with proceeds from the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax. The Adams County Open Space Sales Tax was passed by the Adams County voters in 1999, and reauthorized in November 2004, to be extended until December 31, 2026.