INC Parks and Recreation Committee (PARC) met February 20 at Brookdale University Park, 2020 S. Monroe St.  Present were co-chairs Cindy Johnstone and Maggie Price, Marlene Johnson, Amber Clark, Ean Tafoya, Helene Orr, Diana Helper, Katie and Steve Fisher.

Ean reported on  the Parks/Rec Advisory Board (PRAB) meeting: raising zoo fees( last raised 3-4 years), possible plans to remove 35 yr old trees on 16th Street Mail with updating  and the annual PRAB retreat where they discussed the Game Plan, finance and redefining roles. During public comment at PRAB he reported on improving public transit to Red Rocks, having OS zoning decisions revert to City Council and need for more open space.

PARC and ZAP are planning to have people attend the next PRAB meeting March 14th to address open space and OS zoning.  Plans for a minimum  of 10 people to attend and speak.

Ean discussed much used slack lines attached to poles in Harvard Gulch and the users group move to have more of them at other parks. He encouraged them to pursue with DPR a line item in the 2019 budget to locate slack lines in other quadrants of the City.  DPR should involved RNOs early on in any planning.

In April PARC hopes to meet with ZAP to discuss matters that involve both committees such as returning to City Council the decision for major park changes (a zoning change for parks) and requiring more usable green open space to offset density development.

PARC is researching the guidelines for needed available open space per capita.  Denver is presently falling behind and data comparing Denver to other major cities is available at:

Trust for Public Lans 2017 City Park Facts

There will be some discussion on PARC topics via email before the next meeting.

Ean passed around fliers from PRAB on St. Charles Park improvements, Fairfax Neighborhood Pocket Park, Sloan’s Lake Loop Trail.

http://www.denverinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/parkplan002.pdf

http://www.denverinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/parkplan003.pdf

http://www.denverinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/parkplan001.pdf

A developer and the  City’s plan to exchange a S. Fairfax City property for what was to have been a green pocket-park for a “park” plaza mid street owned by the developer is going through in spite of community opposition.

On Feb 20 some members of the Fairfax Steering committee spoke at the General Public Hearing before the City Council Meeting.

Amber reported on progress at Loretto  Heights area, where the developer is quite cooperative with the neighborhood in discussing development plans.  The neighborhood has been diligent in expressing its considered wishes including open space. There is a 4-story building height limit. Traffic matters are also of great importance.  Amber is on the neighborhood committee working with the developers.

Maggie reported that there will be a community forum updating the Park Hill Golf Course situation on Sat., March 10 at Park Hill Congregational Church. 2600 Leyden St. from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  A panel of speakers will talk about options.  That morning at the same place, INC will hold its March meeting, with elections, and focused on a fair and balanced discussion of a Colorado Olympics bid.

Maggie also reported that on Feb 20 the City held a public rule-making hearing to consider rules and regulations governing private off-leash dog enclosures

http://www.denverinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Private-Off-Leash-Enclosure-Rules-and-Regulations-Draft-1-2.pdf

Helene had to leave before her update on Overland Park, Music Festival, will report next meeting.

There was a miscommunication with the planned speaker on special rental venues and she will be rescheduled.

Next meeting is Tues., March 20, 6-8 PM at Brookdale  –Diana Helper, PARC