This meeting took place April 20 2021 6:00-7:30

In attendance:

Cindy Johnstone, Maggie Price, Katie Fisher, Steve Fisher, David Pailet, Jane Potts, Greg Sorensen

Jesús Orrantia DPR Community Engagement Specialist

Cindy asked if there were any other issues that we should discuss to put on radar for future meetings.

Jane Potts volunteered that she had contacted 311 about why many of the driving areas around regional parks have been closed down. She is concerned that without more parking and open roads in large regional parks the elderly and handicapped will be denied access. Her family created gatherings at the park that could include her mother because of the access in the park to motor vehicles.

Maggie referred the group to a recent program on the Brother Jeff Face Book page. Brother Jeff Fard is a news commentator from Denver who conducts many insightful interviews on his show about hot topics in Denver. Mr Fard was the recipient of the INC Person Of The Year 2021.

This particular program was about the blocking off of main thoroughfares in City Park which prevented many long time residents and former residents from gathering as they have for generations for picnics and celebrations. Typically these gatherings include extended family and elders who are now unable to walk long distances. Blocking off roads to only bicycles creates a hard ship for some people living outside the immediate area to conduct long time traditional events and to visit the Martin Luther King memorial.

The program of April 19 features Dr. Lisa Calderon and also includes Scott Gilmore, Deputy Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recs., Roslyn Washington and Vanesha.  https://www.facebook.com/jeff.fard/videos/5834640763220350

Those not using Face Book can view on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vGEdzOTPkLg

Cindy would like to bring the budget for Parks to one of the next meetings and perhaps invite Gordon Roberson to explain it. There is also a new regional park being developed in Globeville which will include Heron Pond and Platte Farm

David from College View commented on the lack of official parks in the area La Lomita at Asbury and Tejon. The park is in the last stages of renovation.

Meeting adjourned 7:30