Staunton State Park - On April 16, 2024, Governor Polis visited Staunton State Park to celebrate its selection as Colorado’s ‘March Madness’ favorite state park. To celebrate Colorado’s 42 state parks, Governor Polis hosted a bracket where Coloradans voted on their favorite. The finalists came down to Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Staunton State Park, and Coloradans chose Staunton.

“Congratulations to Staunton State Park on winning the inaugural Colorado March Madness State Parks tournament! Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country. Giving all Coloradans easier access to the outdoors is a top priority, from saving people money to making lands more accessible to protecting our incredible wildlife. With this competition, Coloradans got to pick their favorite state park and elevate all of the incredible public lands that draw visitors from around the world,” said Governor Polis. 

Staunton State Park opened to the public in May 2013, becoming the 41st Colorado State Park. The park is home to the Track Chair Program, which breaks down barriers to access by providing access to motorized wheelchairs, making it easier for everyone to explore Colorado’s public lands. Staunton hosts a range of activities throughout the year, including everything from camping, hiking, archery, fishing, education programs and more. 

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. 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 Colorado's great outdoors.