Tuesday, November 19
2020 S. Monroe (Heritage Club)
600PM to 800PM

INC PARC Notes from meeting 10/15/13

Guest speaker Michael Bouchard, Sr., Landscape Architect for DPR (Denver Parks and Recreation).

Katie reported PRAB (Parks and Recreation Advisory Board) items including consideration of the Denver Zoo Gasification Process, which was presented to PARC in August.  This is a positive move and Katie asked if PARC wished to support it with a formal vote.  Maggie moved that INC PARC gives favorable support to the Gasification Process at the Denver Zoo, seconded by Ray, passed unanimously.  This action will go to INC general meeting Nov. 9.

Katie also reported that PRAB’s Mary Ewing has resigned.

At PRAB creation of Platte Park Natural Area in Globeville was discussed.  PARC will invite a local representative and a City Council member to speak and answer questions about this project.  PARC believes all natural areas should be so designated by DPR before any plans are implemented.  The DPR designation process is moving along; all involved want to get it accomplished.  Five INC members are on the committee and will urge it forward.

Michael Bouchard spoke on the Denver “RiverVision” project’s Overland and Grant Frontier Park renovation plans.  Grant Frontier is to be a “Destination” park.  PARC members asked about cost to DPR budget, balancing the needs of other Denver Parks (Prairie Park was mentioned), costs of maintenance, parking, access, safety and lighting concerns, build-up of surrounding areas (height, views, gentrification).  One of the Mayor’s priorities for this extensive Platte project is economic growth.  Michael will visit PARC again.  PARC asked for information on the Weir Gulch and the I-25/Alameda areas of the project.

Larry presented a “Proposed Resolution on GDP Open Space Requirements.”   General Development Plans (GDPs) are needed for development of 10 acres or more, and deal with height, infrastructure and open space.  GPD precedes zoning.  Larry asks that INC request the Denver Planning Board require 10% of Total (Gross) GDP areas (including primary and secondary areas) for all GDPs be devoted to publicly accessible open space as is clearly required in the new Zoning Code, and not approve GDPs deficient in open space that would have the effect of diminishing the average per person amount of open space available to residents.  After discussion, unanimous vote of approval by PARC.  This also will go to INC general meeting, with an explanatory introduction to be written by Kathleen.

Renee reported that Judge Stern wants to discuss the question of administrative or legislative authority in the Hentzell Park case.  Please see http://www.friendsofdenverparks.org for all the latest information.  A gala fund raiser will be October 26 at the Crystal Rose on E. Hampden Ave.  All are invited. (see website).

Myles distributed copies of Denver Regional Council of Government’s MetroVision2040 Parks and Open Space Overview survey to fill out and return, with your opinion of parks and open space system strengths, weaknesses, and ideas to establish an integrated, linked, permanent system to make open space accessible to everyone.  Visit www.drcog.org/mv2040 for more info. The online survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y7KZVC2