Area Break-Ins

Please be alert.

The police think that the same person is responsible for at least two
recent house robberies in our neighborhood. In both cases, the burglar
came in from the back of the house and entered by prying a deadbolt
out of a door.

In one case, the burglar stole several items and in both cases,
ransacked the houses.

Please remember to:
• keep all doors and windows for your house and garage locked
• remove valuables from inside your car
• get to know your neighbors and who should be on your block

These kinds of crimes are devastating to residents. Let's look out
for each other and keep our neighborhood safe.

Job Posting for a full-time Parent Liaison at Pioneer Charter School

Pioneer Charter School
3230 E. 38th Avenue
Denver, CO 80205

Now Hiring
Parent Liaison

Pioneer Charter School is seeking a parent liaison to be the catalyst for creating and/or promoting a variety of entry points for our parents, helping parents to understand the mission and model of our school reform plan, and leveraging other relationships in support of the ultimate goal of strong academic achievement for our children. The parent liaison will work in the context of a community organizing model that promotes a relational culture that engages parents in their child’s education; parents are key to Pioneer’s success.

Pioneer Charter School, located at 3230 E. 38th Avenue, in near Northeast Denver, serves 307 students in grades Pre-K through grade 6. The current student population is 95% Latino/English Language Learners.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Implementing Article VII-Pioneer Family School Partnership Team (FSPT)
• Build relationships with parents, build parent leaders
• Facilitate and participate in parent organized meetings and trainings
• Facilitate and/or track forums for engaging parents (classes, committees, school events)
• Promote parent understanding and support of school model
• Coordinate parent volunteers
• Facilitate communication with parents and staff including newsletters and flyers, small group meetings, one-to-one visits
• Translate and interpret for staff and parents

Qualifications: Communication and organizational skills. Basic computer skills (MS Office such as Word and Excel, Internet, Email) Must be bilingual (English/Spanish). A passion for student success! Background or experience in education or working in schools is a plus.

Compensation: $26,000-35,000 per year, depending on experience and education. Benefits are also available. This is a grant-funded position. Funding is currently committed for the 2009-10 academic school year.

Please submit cover letter and resumé to Angie Rueda, Director of Operations, via email at arueda@pioneercharter.org or fax to 303-468-1133.

Denver Digs Trees DEADLINE February 15

The deadline for residents to submit street tree applications is February 15, so we need your help to get the word out now. Please read below for ideas about how you can tell folks about our free and low-cost street trees. Adopt a target neighborhood (one of Denver 's most under-treed communities) or spread the word in your own neighborhood.

More information about the Street Tree Distribution, this spring's tree species, and applications is available here.

http://www.theparkpeople.com/denverdigs.php

Applications are available for The Park People’s annual Denver Digs Trees Spring Street Tree Distribution!

Apply for a street tree that will beautify your neighborhood, improve your property value, filter air pollution, and cool your neighborhood in the summer.

Trees this size usually sell for more than $100, but Denver Digs brings them to Denver residents for only $25 each!

Trees are FREE for residents in our target neighborhoods. These neighborhoods, chosen for their particularly low canopy cover, include Athmar Park, Baker, Barnum, Barnum West, Chaffee Park, Clayton, Cole, Elyria-Swansea, Five Points, Globeville, Jefferson Park, Lincoln Park, Montbello, Northeast Park Hill, Ruby Hill, Skyland, Sunnyside, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, Westwood, and Whittier. While trees for all other neighborhoods cost $25, “Treeships” are available for those with financial hardship.

Application DEADLINE: February 15. Availability is limited this year, so apply now!
Tree Pick-up: April 17 (You will be notified of your pick-up location in early April)

Learn more and Apply today:
http://www.theparkpeople.com/denverdigs.php
To have an application mailed to you, call 303-722-6262 or email info@theparkpeople.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
City Trees… Improving our Quality of Life
Studies Show that Trees…
· beautify urban spaces
· enhance property values – up to 10%!
· attract businesses and shoppers and help revitalize local economies
· build community by creating great public spaces, from our sidewalks to our parks to our city centers
· improve our mental health and sense of well being
· improve our physical health by attracting us outdoors
· buffer noise
· improve traffic safety by calming traffic
· reduce air pollution
· improve water quality and reduce runoff
· provide shelter for birds and other wildlife
· save energy (and money and our warming planet) by cooling our buildings, neighborhoods, and city

Climate Justice in Cole and Westwood

The following article about Cole Neighborhood is from the Groundwork Denver December Newsletter.

http://www.groundworkdenver.org/newsletter/gwdnewsletter-dec09.html

Climate Justice in Cole and Westwood
Climate change is predicted to have numerous negative public health impacts even in the U.S. In Denver, experts predict drought, heat waves, hail storms and increased smog. The health impacts of these changes are likely to fall disproportionately on elderly, low-income, and uninsured residents. To address this "climate justice" issue, Groundwork Denver has been working with low-income immigrants in the Cole and Westwood neighborhoods to address the potential future health impacts of climate change through activities such as energy conservation, household waste recycling and by providing emergency preparedness information. Our findings indicate a community that takes climate change seriously, many having seen its effects in their home country, and one that is ready to reduce energy use, recycle more and plant trees to combat these impacts.

DEC 16 - Gang Reduction Initiative of Denver

The Gang Reduction Initiative of Denver (GRID) will be hosting a free 101- Gang training for parents and community members next Wednesday the 16th of December at Saint Charles Recreation Center ( 3777 Lafayette St. Denver , CO. 80205), from 6 – 8:00 p.m. The training will cover information on how to recognize indicators of gang involvement, why individuals join gangs and specifics around Denver gangs/tagging crews.

Denver City Council & Planning Board extend timeline for review and comment on City’s new zoning code

Responding to requests from neighborhoods, businesses and individuals for additional time to review and comment on Denver ’s new zoning code, Denver City Council and the Denver Planning Board have agreed to extend the final stages of the public review process for the code.

Denver City Council President Jeanne Robb, Planning Board Chair Brad Buchanan and District 8 Councilwoman and Zoning Code Task Force member Carla Madison announced today that the deadline for public comment on the third and latest draft of the new code has been extended to Jan. 4 from Dec. 1, and that citizens now will have a full month to review the fourth and final draft of the code once it is posted Jan. 18 on the New Code website, http://www.newcodedenver.org. The new timetable also will allow additional time for review by the Planning Board and the Blueprint Denver Committee of City Council.

In addition, the Zoning Code Task Force has recommended that, following adoption of the new code, residents and businesses be permitted to file development applications (but not rezoning applications) under either the new code or the old code for six months (expanded from four months) to allow additional time to transition to the requirements of the new code. City Council will consider this recommendation at its next regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Dec. 7, 2009.

Today’s announcement responds to input received during six hours of listening sessions on the new code sponsored last month by City Council and the Planning Board. More than 140 of the 400 who attended the sessions shared their comments.

“We want those who have taken the time and interest to participate in the zoning code process to know that we have heard you and are listening to you,” Robb said. “Today’s schedule adjustments create additional time for citizens to review and comment on the new code and still allow us to maintain the momentum of this important process.” Robb added that the City will continue to address issues as they arise, both during the remainder of the process and following adoption of the new code.

Added Buchanan: “We were extremely impressed during our listening sessions with the effort so many Denver residents have made to understand the new code, and with the respect they have demonstrated for the zoning code process. Given that we are already in the midst of the year-end holidays, it seems appropriate to grant additional time for questions and comments on the new code.”

Councilwoman Madison concurred, saying, “As important as it is to all of us to continue to move this process forward, it’s equally important for our residents and those doing business in Denver to have time to review the new code and provide input.”

The revised schedule for adoption and implementation of Denver ’s new zoning code is as follows:

Jan. 18, 2010 Posting of fourth and final draft of the new code on the Internet at
http://www.newcodedenver.org.

Feb. 17, 2010 Planning Board public hearing, after which the Board will forward a recom-mendation to City Council

Mar. 10, 2010 Blueprint Denver Committee of Denver City Council considers new code and
whether to approve filing a bill for adoption by the full City Council

Mar. 16, 2010 Mayor and Council review and discuss Blueprint Denver recommendation

Mar. 18, 2010 Community Planning & Development files a bill for an ordinance adopting the
new code to be to be considered by City Council

Mar. 22, 2010 City Council – first reading of new code ordinance proposal

Apr. 19, 2010 City Council – public hearing and final consideration of proposed ordinance adopting the new code

The New Denver Zoning Code fixes Denver 's 53-year-old, unwieldy, patchworked zoning code. The new code is a comprehensive rewrite that embraces sustainability and will support a growing economy, a diverse mix of housing, strong neighborhoods and a high quality of life.

Public Meeting Notice: planned environmental assessment for the Phillips Center

Public Meeting Notice

The City and County of Denver ’s Office of Economic Development and Department of Environmental Health in partnership with the Urban Land Conservancy will be holding two public meetings on a planned environmental assessment for the Phillips Center .

Meeting dates at the Phillips Center ( 3532 Franklin Street ):

§ November 30, 6:00 PM

§ December 2, 6:00 PM



If you have any questions, please contact David Wilmoth with DEH at (720) 865-5438.

Denver Parks and Recreation December Newsletter

December 2009

Church in the City site selected for New Central Recreation Center

Denver Parks and Recreation will purchase the land formerly occupied by the Church in the City for a new central Denver recreation center.

The land, located at 1530 Josephine Street , will be acquired for $6 million. The purchase is funded through the Better Denver Bond program. In 2007, voters approved up to $11.9 million to provide funding for planning, design and land acquisition of a new recreation center in central Denver . After the site is acquired, there will be approximately $5 million remaining, which will be used for the planning and eventual construction of a new center.

Numerous centrally-located sites were considered, with the Church in the City and Congress Park eventually being selected as the two most feasible sites. A September 15 community meeting and other public input via e-mail and phone calls showed strong support for the Colfax site. At the October 8 board meeting, the Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended unanimously the former Church in the City location.

"The Colfax location has better transit connections and will help with the revitalization of Colfax. This will give easier access by the more disadvantaged neighborhoods of both Districts 8 and 10 that have been in need of a local recreation center," said Carla Madison, District 8 Councilwoman. "The proximity of City Park and East High make this a great choice."

District 10 Councilwoman Jeanne Robb, in whose district Congress Park lies, added, "It's not easy to find two acres of land in landlocked Central Denver . We had a window of opportunity to option the Colfax site, and I'm delighted we were able to present a choice to Central Denver residents. The site creates numerous opportunities for partnership and mixed use development, creating a real town center at this corner."

The purchase includes approximately 2.56 acres, which will eventually be developed into a recreation center and may also allow for additional retail possibilities. Because the lot is larger than what is required for the recreation center footprint, the City will consider the retail options or the eventual parceling of the property and selling it to offset future costs.

In 2006, Denver Parks and Recreation completed a Recreation Center Needs Assessment, which identified Capitol Hill and Stapleton as two areas not served by a recreation center. In 2007, both locations were included on the Better Denver Bond package that was passed by Denver voters.


Park Stewardship Program Lauches in 2010

In January 2010 the Denver Parks & Recreation Department will formally begin our Park Stewardship Program. Park Stewards will be asked to commit to one to two year enrollment in a designated park, trail or open space location to support staff by performing general care and maintenance based on the needs of each area. Parks staff will approve locations and and provide a needs assessment for volunteer services as well as provide ongoing support. This new program will include opportunities for more active volunteer involvement for people of all ages while promoting environmental stewardship.

Objectives of the Program are to:
· Support staff in maintaining high standards of care through ongoing community partnerships.
· Educate park visitors about how to help our department maintain and enhance the beauty of our open spaces.
· Promote Environmental Stewardship throughout our park system.

Volunteers will perform a variety of tasks including tree planting, planting and maintaining flowerbeds, filling and maintainign dog bag dispensers, park ambassador program, litter management, landscape maintenance, playground care, painting/graffiti removal, picnic shelter care, athletic field and facility maintenance.

To get involved or obtain more information on this program please contact Susan Fry at 303-331-4040 or susan.fry@denvergov.org.


Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program for Youth


Denver Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Win ter Park Resort for a tremendous "LEARN TO SKI & SNOWBOARD" opportunity! This weekday program is designed specifically for groups of first-time and beginner-level skiers and snowboarders, ages 7-17 years old. The program runs November 2009 through March 2010. Winter Park will provide lift tickets, rental gear, and an all-day lesson. Instruction will be pro vided by the professionals at the Winter Park Ski & Ride School . The cost of the program is $25 per student not including transportation.
Organized groups of up to 40 students are invited to participate in this unique program. These weekday trips depart from Denver at 6am and generally return between 5pm-6pm the same day. Children will be ac companied and supervised by your school and a DPR staff member throughout the day at a 1-10 staff/stu dent ratio. This is an incredible opportunity for your child to establish a life-long interest in winter snow sports.
Groups leaders and group organizers should contact Outdoor Recreation at 720-865-0680 or email outdoor.recreation@denvergov.org for more information. Interested individuals can call their local recreation center or Out door Recreation to learn of participating centers.

Critter Corner

Let's Talk Turkey for the Holidays
You knew there were turkeys in the city..well here's your proof! Local birders have spotted multiple wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) hanging out between Wash Park and Cherry Creek. Wild turkeys are more cunning and surprisingly agile flyers compared to their domestic counterparts. And these omnivorous animals have been lured in by the abundant resources in our city. Turkeys are opportunistic eaters, enjoying acorns, nuts, trees, as well as seeds, berries, roots, insects and the occasional small animal. The backyard bird feeder can be a popular destination! Turkeys used to number in the millions before human settlement, and were drastically reduced in number due to uncontrolled hunting and habitat loss. Turkeys have since been reintroduced and protected in parts of their ranges and are doing well throughout the country.
Are they common urban residents? Not usually! Preferred habitat includes brush areas next to streams, rivers or mesquite pine and scrub oak forests. The Merriam subspecies, the most common Colorado turkey, can also be found in mountain regions.
Turkeys are typically not dangerous to people or pets, and although they are large (averaging 15-24 pounds), they'll avoid contact and usually fly at the first sign of danger. Within the past 10 years, wild turkeys have begun to appear more often in suburban settings. Wild turkeys are normally very shy birds, but males (called toms) do sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior towards people-particularly during the breeding season, March through April. They may also act aggressively towards shiny surfaces, such as windows or vehicles, mistaking their own reflection as an "intruder" that needs to be driven away.
To prevent any conflicts with our local gobblers:
DON'T FEED TURKEYS - Keep wild things wild! Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season.
KEEP BIRD FEEDER AREAS CLEAN - Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts turkeys and other wild animals. Clean up spilled seed from other types of feeders daily. Remove feeders in the spring, as there is plenty of natural food available for all birds.
DON'T LET TURKEYS INTIMIDATE YOU - Don't hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose.
COVER WINDOWS OR OTHER REFLECTIVE OBJECTS - If a turkey is pecking at a shiny object such as a vehicle or window, cover or otherwise disguise the object.
Will the turkeys stay in Denver ? Only time will tell! In the meanwhile, sit back and enjoy seeing another amazing wild creature in our neighborhoods!


The Buffalo Bill Story Exhibit Opens December 12, 2009

Buffalo Bill loved Christmas and he loved children. He often dressed up as Santa Claus to give gifts to his employees' children. So it's appropriate that the Buffalo Bill Museum is opening a new and comprehensive exhibit about Buffalo Bill on December 12, just in time for the holidays. Entitled "The Buffalo Bill Story," this exhibit, the Museum's largest, will be a permanent installation about Buffalo Bill's life.
"The Buffalo Bill Story", based on the latest research about Buffalo Bill, includes rare and never-before-seen artifacts including the Stetson hat worn by Buffalo Bill at the last performance before his death. Other rare artifacts include a peace pipe that belonged to Sitting Bull and the head of the last buffalo shot by Buffalo Bill. There are several Masonic artifacts (Cody was a lifelong member of the Masons), Buffalo Bill's fez from the Tangier Shrine and his tuxedo jacket, found in the prop department of Bonfils Theater back in 1974.
Posters, photographs and archival materials supplement the many artifacts in the exhibit that belonged to Buffalo Bill. Visitors also can hear early recordings of Buffalo Bill's voice introducing the Wild West show and the "Buffalo Bill Farewell March," played during a series of farewell exhibitions in 1912.
"The Buffalo Bill Story" opens to the public on Saturday, December 12. During the holiday season, the Buffalo Bill Museum is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The Museum will close at 2:00 pm on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. The Museum will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.


Meet Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Heidi Loshbaugh

Heidi G. Loshbaugh represents City Council District 9, having joined the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in late 2003; she served as the Board's vice-president, co-chair, and chair between 2005 and 2009. Loshbaugh sees Denver 's parks and recreation system as a living legacy granted by earlier residents of the city to contemporary citizens and advocates thoughtful stewardship and creative engagement of this invaluable resource.

Mary Ewing

Community organizing and activism has been Mary Ewing's passion over the 40 years that she has lived in central Denver . As a founding member of the Alamo Placita Neighbors she found a calling which led her down the rewarding path of public service. It has become second nature for her to be a community advocate. She proudly serves today as Jeanne Robb's representative for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board from District 10. She encourages her neighbors to contact her when they have concerns about parks and recreation issues.

December Upcoming Events

Cook Park Recreation Center
7100 Cherry Creek South Drive
720-865-0610

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 5th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Fee: $4 per person Age: 2+

Count down to Santa
Session I - Monday, December 21st - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Session II - Tuesday, December 22nd - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Decorate Cookies & Candies
Session III - Wednesday, December 23rd - 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Ornament Making
Fee: $5 per session Age: 6 - 14 yrs.

Holiday Party
Friday, December 11th from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Fee: $10 (Cash Only) Age: 50+

Hot Shots Sports - Holiday Basketball Camp
December 21st - 23rd from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Fee: $80 Boys & Girls Ages: 7 - 14 yrs.


Platt Park Recreation Center
1500 S. Grant St.
720-865-0630

Platt Park will be closed: Friday, Dec. 25th for Christmas Holiday

Friday, Dec. 11th - Holiday Luncheon 12:00 noon Cost: $6.50 includes luncheon, entertainment and door prizes Limited Space- Sign up Soon

Dance to Live Music:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, Mondays - 7:00pm - 9:30pm. $4.00 per person includes dance lesson from 6:00-7:00pm includes refreshments.
Dec. 7th - Tom Yook
Dec. 14th - Terry Norona
Dec. 21st - Hal Rarick Trio

Friday, Tea Dance:
Jan. 8th Tom Yook - POST NOON YEARS TEA DANCE- $5.00 includes lunch

Check at Platt Park for 2010 Dance Schedule

Cooking Classes: 10:00am - Noon Cost : $6.50

Friday, Dec. 4th Traditional French Toast
Wed. Dec. 16th Surprise Holiday Meal
Wed. Jan. 10th TBA
Fri. Jan. 29th Quick Bean Soup

Food Bank is Dec. 4th and Jan. 30th at 1:00pm $2.00

Line Dance - Tuesday 11:00am - 12:30pm and Thurs. 10:00am - 11:30am $2.00 senior/$3.00 under 65. Drop in

Ballroom Dance - Thursday 1:00pm - 3:00pm $2.00 senior/$3.00 under 65. Drop in

Bingo - Tuesday 1:00pm - 3:00pm $2.00 senior/$3.00 under 65. Drop in

Misc. Classes
Call for dates and times: 720-865-0630
* Exercise Classes: Yoga, Tai Chi, Stretching, Swimnastics, Weight Training
* Language Classes: Spanish, German, French
* Craft Classes: Jewelry, pottery and more
* Artreach: What a great Program - Don't miss the chance to get tickets weekly to sporting events, symphony etc.
*Cards: Bridge, Pinochle

College View Recreation Center
2525 S. Decatur St.
303-937-4630
Thursday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 - 12:30
Share a delicious meal , enjoy fantastic entertainment. Please bring a canned goods or a new toy to share with the Salvation Army Drive .
Price: $3; Please reserve by Dec. 4

Holiday Hoola
Ages 5-12
December 21, 22, 23
FREE

Graham Craker Houses
December 22, 2009
2:00- 3:00 pm
Ages 4+
$2.00

Public Meeting Schedule


Date: December 2, 2009
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Project: Bezoff Playground-Bond Project
Location of Meeting: Windsor Gardens Auditorium-Colorado Room-595 South Clinton Street , Denver 80231
Brief Description: Neighborhood meeting to present preliminary concept plan of playground rehabilitation project and obtain input/comments on the concept.
Council Member: 5-Marcia Johnson

Date: December 3, 2009
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Project: Babi Yar Maintenance
Location of Meeting: CW Peggy Lehman's office - 3540 Poplar Street , Denver Co

Brief Description: Open house to provide input o proposed improvements including drainage way; completion of Yale Streetscape; restoration of Star of David path and grove of remembrance. Improvements funded by Bond and UDFCD.
Council Member: 4-Peggy Lehmann

Date: December 8, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Project: Sanderson Gulch Playground-Bond Project
Location of Meeting: Brentwood United Methodist Church at 1899 South Irving Street
Brief Description: Neighborhood meeting to present preliminary concept plan of playground rehabilitation project and obtain input/comments on the concept.
Council Member: 2-Jeanne Faatz

Date: December 9, 2009
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Project: West Bar Val Wood Playground-Bond Project
Location of Meeting: TBD
Brief Description: Neighborhood meeting to present preliminary concept plan of playground rehabilitation project and obtain input/comments on the concept.
Council Member: 3-Paul Lopez

District 11 in Need of Big Brothers and Sisters

Councilman Hancock congratulates Big Brother Larry and his Little Brother Mustafa on their One-Year Anniversary as Big Brother/Little Brother on August 18th! Matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, Larry and Mustafa enjoy simple activities like playing catch with the football, going to a movie, flying kites and bowling. Larry has really encouraged Mustafa's talent for football, and attends many of his practices and games. They are a classic example of a successful Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring relationship - rewarding for both the child and the volunteer.

Many families in District 11 are requesting volunteer Big Brothers and Big Sisters. We need more volunteers stepping up. Do you have a few hours a couple times a month to have fun with a child? Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (303) 433-6002 or bbbs@biglittlecolorado.org. For more information, visit the Web site www.BigLittleColorado.org.

Make a BIG impact in District 11 - be a big brother or big sister!

DPR Advisory Board Updates

Next Meeting December 10, 2009
6:00 to 8:00 PM
La ALma Recreation Center , 1325 W 11th Ave

DENVER PARKS AND RECREATION POLICIES 2009

Denver Parks and Recreation is excited to be working with our Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on two policies this Fall. Following is a short summary of each policy for your review. The Policies of the Department are posted for public comment on the City website (see below), and distributed city-wide to stakeholders. After a public hearing at the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the board has 45 days to make a formal recommendation to the Manager. Often, the Department also presents these policies at the Public Amenities City Council Committee meetings, which are open to the public. The policies are formally adopted by the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

If you are interested in having a Department representative come to a meeting to present these or other policies, please contact chantal.unfug@denvergov.org or angela.casias@denvergov.org.

We strongly encourage you to give the Department your thoughts and input. Don't forget you can post your comments online at:

www.denvergov.org/parksandrec


Public Notification and Civic Engagement
Public hearing: December 10, 2009 6:00 pm
City Park Pavilion
Click here for a link to the policy

It is the policy of Denver Department Parks and Recreation that Denver's residents have ample opportunity for input about proposed actions which would have impacts on Parks or Facilities; on planning, policies, development, uses or programs for Parks or Facilities; on surrounding neighborhoods or the City as a whole; and that the public process follow the guidelines set out in this Public Notification and Civic Engagement Policy. DPR is committed to substantial, systematic, and ongoing public participation. DPR seeks to involve, as a standing ethic and practice, the voice of the public in proposals with respect to Parks and Facilities which could significantly impact the Parks and Recreation system and the benefits and uses derived by the public.

Effective civic engagement for DPR is based on the following core principles: accountability, equity, transparency, responsibility, accessibility, openness, diversity, effectiveness, flexibility, communication and listening. DPR strives to engage the public with strong mechanisms for listening and responding to concerns, strives to be respectful of the public's time and efforts, and strives to effectively communicate through the uses of improved technology.

This draft proposal outlines three tiers of projects, and/or proposals and connects them to the three tiers of community notification and civic engagement.

Admissions Based Events Policy
Expected Public hearing: December 10, 2009 6:00 pm
City Park Pavilion
Click here for link

Increasingly over the years, citizens and event organizations have contacted DPR to clarify the implementation of admissions based events in the Denver park system. To ensure a broad level of participation, DPR invited a diverse group of individuals and organizations to join in the discussion including representatives from all City Council offices, 20 members of festival and concert promoter groups, 9 Park Advocacy Groups, and 15 Neighborhood Organizations (targeting those entities located around parks that were more likely to be impacted by such a policy). After two years of research, deliberation and policy development, the Task Force recommended the Department create a policy addressing admissions based events in DPR Park Facilities. Taking into consideration scope, neighborhood impact and based on reasonable parameters and permitting guidelines, the Department of Parks and Recreation identified Park Facilities currently listed as Festival sites for Admissions Based Events subject to the specified restrictions and permitting procedures.

The purpose of this Admissions Based Events Policy is to establish the policy of the Department of Parks and Recreation and implement respective rules and regulations regarding the permitting of admissions based events in DPR parks and related facilities. It is the intention of the DPR to provide the citizens of Denver the broadest range of opportunities to enjoy admissions based events held in DPR parks and related facilities subject to the qualifications, restrictions and criteria of this Policy.

Alternatives at Overland Considered as part of the River South Master Planning Effort


Complementing the River North Master Plan that was completed in 2008, the River South (RISO) Master Plan presents various options for park land along the South Platte from Confluence Park to Dartmouth Avenue .

Every year close to a million people walk, ride or run the 10.5 mile South Platte River Greenway in Denver. The trails, parks and native open spaces along the South Platte are one of the recreation centerpieces of the metro Denver area. The Greenway Foundation, established in 1974, has been a driving force in the effort to enhance and preserve the South Platte River and its tributaries throughout the metro area. Together, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) and The Greenway Foundation are developing the RISO Master Plan to complement more than $5 billion in improvements along the Central Platte Valley over the last 20 years.

One option being considered is converting Overland Golf Course from an 18-hole course to a 9-hole course and using the remaining parkland to create a new community park. This option was brought forward in response to the growing population along the South Platte River .

Some of the reasons for considering this alternative vision for Overland include:

The planned Transit-Oriented Development of the Evans Street Station and the Gates redevelopment will bring high density development and a greater demand for park land to serve the residential population.
Nearby Washington Park is already operating at maximum capacity due to the increasing population in this part of Denver ;
The adjacent Ruby Hill Park , while offering many recreation options and amenities, is primarily a hill and does not afford the traditional park amenities that city residents expect in a regional park. The vision is a combined park complex that would act as a regional destination.
DPR's adopted Game Plan, a 50-year vision for Denver Parks and Recreation, recognizes the need for a large regional park in this part of Denver to better achieve equity in Denver 's park system.
An executive or 9-hole course is envisioned in place of the current 18-hole course. This newly renovated course would be an updated and exciting course and would provide Denver Golf with an improved junior golf facility. In addition, DPR would seek Audubon certification of the new course, ensuring that the course is built to the highest standards with a large reduction in use of water, fertilizer and daily maintenance activities.

Because of public interest, this conceptual idea has been discussed extensively. However, it is important to remember that this is only a concept and not being considered for implementation at this time. If this conceptual plan more forward as part of the final River South Master Plan, DPR would engage its public notification and civic engagement policy to solicit public input and support for the concept. s which includes public meetings to gauge support for the plan. For more information on the RISO Master Plan, contact Devon Buckels at devon.buckels@denvergov.org.


Aquatics
Making Denver 's pools better and safer

Denver Parks and Recreation is taking advantage of the winter months to upgrade and improve our outdoor pools before the 2010 summer season.

The La Alma outdoor pool, located in Lincoln park , will be completely replaced as part of the Better Denver Bond Program. Shade structures have already been installed at Aztlan, Berkeley , Congress, Cook, Eisenhower, Garfield , Globeville, Green Valley Ranch, Harvard Gulch, Harvey Park, Ruby Hill, Swansea , Barnum and Southwest Outdoor Pools. Better Denver bond improvements were also completed at Twentieth Street and Rude Recreation Center .

In addition to the cosmetic improvements, all outdoor pools will be brought into compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which requires all commercial and semi-commercial aquatic facilities to replace drain fittings and covers in pools with more than one drain or, in pools with only one drain, install an emergency shutoff to avoid entrapment. All outdoor pools will be in compliance in time for the 2010 summer season.

Indoor pools are currently being reviewed to determine if they can be brought into compliance without having to drain and close them. One pool is already compliant and two others are scheduled for repair.

Finally, construction begins in March on the new Barnum Splash pad will with an anticipated opening by July 4, 2010.

For more information, contact the Aquatics office at 720-865-0660.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard to Return this Winter

Returning for its third year, Ruby Hill Rail Yard brings the excitement and energy of skiing and snowboarding to Denver with a one-of-its-kind ski and rider urban rail yard.

Opening Day will depend on weather temperatures, but staff hopes to begin snow making sometime after December 8, 2009. To prepare the park for the rail yard, snowmaking equipment will be pumping snow for two weeks, creating more than an acre of snow. Ruby Hill Rail Yard features six rails of varying configurations and levels of advancement. it is estimated that the rail yard will be open through January 2010.

Many of the great programs and amenities will return to the Rail Yard this year, including Jibbin' for the Kids in partnership with Snowsport Outreach Society (SOS). Lighting and generators will be at the park every evening until 9 p.m., facilitating evening access for youth and parents who want to come with the children after work.

Christy Sports will also provide FREE snowboarding and ski equipment for youth to use with parent permission.

Ruby Hill Park is located off of South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue . The Rail Yard will be open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard is brought to you by Winter Park Resort, in partnership with Denver Parks + Recreation and Christy Sports, the Snowsport Outreach Society (SOS), and the generous support of Burton snowboards.

Silver Sneakers Expands in Denver Recreation Centers

The Recreation Division of Denver Parks & Recreation has expanded its Silver Sneakers Programs to additional Recreation Centers. Sites include:

Barnum
Highland
Hiawatha Davis
Montclair
Athmar

To enroll, participants must have a Silver Sneakers option within their health insurance plan. Please review your health insurance options with your carrier and contact any of these locations for details on current exercise programs, social functions, and other activities.

District 8 News Update

Carla Madison, Denver City Council District 8's representative, has updated the Active 8 Newsletter. Please go to the following link to access both the newsletter and news about the district.