Thornton

Named for then governor Daniel Thornton, construction of the new city began in 1953 on a ridge almost 500 feet higher than any of the surrounding area.

Between 1970 and 1980, Thornton was the fastest growing of all Colorado municipalities and the city continues to actively seek new industry for the area. Thornton, which is located just north of Denver, began in the 1950's as a moderately priced community giving young couples a chance to own their own homes. Today's home prices, however, range from moderate to expensive with many developers taking advantage of the panoramic views available in this community.

The Thornton Recreation Center is a 79,000 square foot, $11 million facility located on 112th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. It has amenities to include: an indoor wave pool and a six-lane lap pool, a second swimming pool, sauna and steam room, conditioning center, fitness and dance room, gym and gymnastics center, racquetball courts, indoor tack, multi-purpose room for meetings with state and pre-school care.

Thornton's major employers are Tele Tech, Fischer Imaging, Hi Tech Manufacturing Company, Auto-Trol Technology, Echo Star Communications and Space Imaging, Inc.

Quick facts on Thornton

• POPULATION: 72,000
• Government: Mayor - Council
• Sales Taxes: 8.05%
• Utilities: Gas & Electric (Excel Energies), Water, Sewer, and Trash (City)

Education

• Mapleton School District #1
  591 East 80th Avenue
  Thornton, Colorado 80229
  (303) 288-6681
  Number of Students: 4,436
  Number of Schools: 10
  Pupil/Teacher ratio: 30:1
  Expenditure per Student: $4,484
  

• Northglenn School Dist. #12
  11285 Highline Dr.
  Northglenn, Colorado 80233
  (303) 451-1561
  Number of Students: 22,000
  Number of Schools: 34
  Pupil/Teacher ratio: 24:1
  Expenditure per Student: $3,434

• Commerce City School District #14
  4720 East 69th Avenue
  Commerce City, Colorado 80022
  (303) 289-3944
  Number of Students: 6,200
  Number of Schools: 13
  Pupil/Teacher ratio: 23:1
  Expenditure per Student: $4,178

Transportation

• 20-25 min. - Denver Int'l Airport 1-800-342-2000
• 15-20 min. - Central Business District
• 30-35 min. - DTC/Greenwood Plaza
• RTD Information: (303) 299-6700

Utilities

• Gas and Electric: Xcel Energies (303) 623-1234
• Water: Thornton Utilities Dept. (303) 538-7370

Licenses

• Driver's License: Division of Motor Vehicles 8996 Washington St. Thornton, Colorado 80229 (303) 534-1230
• License Plates: Adams County Clerk & Recorder 3947 East 120th Ave. Thornton, Colorado 80229 (303) 654-6020

Post Office

• Thornton Main Branch 8804 Washington St. Thornton, Colorado 80229 (303) 297 -6000

Library

• Adams County Public Library 2211 Eppinger Blvd. Thornton, Colorado 80229 (303) 287-2514

Shopping Centers

• North Valley Mall - I-25 & 84th
• Northglenn - I-25 & 104th
• Biggs Hypermarket - I-25 & 104th
• Westminster Mall - 88th & Sheridan

Recreation

• Parks and Recreation 2211 Eppinger Blvd.Thornton, Colorado 80229 (303) 538-7310

Information Source

• Metro North Chamber of Commerce 11990 Grant Street, #101 Northglenn, Colorado 80233 (303) 450-0335

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