Mesa County commissioners have agreed to purchase 27 acres in Clifton for a new community hall as well as other facilities.

“Mesa County’s priority is to build a community campus that will meet the needs and better serve residents in Clifton,”  said Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland. “Our goal is to connect community members and promote a better quality of life through accessible services and resources.” 

The commissioners approved an $800,000 contract between Mesa County and Mesa County School District 51 to purchase the property at 3260 D 1/2 Road. The anticipated purchase date for the property is January.

The property will be used to build a community campus that will include the community hall as well as an early childhood education center, training center and more. 

The property is located near Rocky Mountain Elementary School and within walking distance to a large portion of the Clifton population.

Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis said public engagement will be critical in developing the campus. “We have been gathering and listening to residents’ input. We are so excited to develop a vision with our residents and businesses to create a better Mesa County.”

Mesa County Commissioner Scott McInnis agreed. “We are in the early stages of this project. The location is still a hayfield. Nothing will be a done deal without the neighborhood’s input. Strong partnerships matter when it comes to strengthening our community. We are eager to lead and innovate with the services and resources that will be provided at this campus.”

The commissioners announced in July plans to construct community Halls not only in Clifton, but also De Beque, Whitewater and the Loma and Mack area. The estimated cost of all four halls, including land acquisition, was estimated at $8 million.

McInnis said the project will fulfill a promise made prior to an election in 1981 in which voters approved a measure imposing a 2 percent county sales and use tax earmarked in part for capital projects. The oil shale bust and other economic downturns that followed made it difficult to keep the promise until now, he said.