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.
