INC PARC (Parks and Recreation Committee) met April 19 at 6 p.m. at Brookdale, 2020 S. Monroe. Present were co-chair Maggie Price, Brad Cameron, Katie Fisher, Diana Helper, Sonia John, Marlene Johnson, Ray Ehrenstein, James Sample, Jim Considine, Ronnie Crawford, Mara Owen, and guest John Davenport of Denver Trout Unlimited.

Katie reported on the recent PRAB (Parks/Rec Advisory Board) meeting where portions of two parks were voted to be re-named in honor of citizens who have worked diligently to improve and maintain them. The two parks are Ruth Lucille Dreiling Park .. section of Weir Gulch and M.L. Sam Sandos Park part of Barnum North park. Identifying markers will be placed when funds are raised. PRAB planned to vote on the City Park Golf Course flood-control matter, and was upset to be told that although DPR acknowledged that notification and public input were missing, it stated these were not necessary, and the project is going ahead.

It was announced a Coors Beer Garden will be in Skyline Park downtown, on a three –year trial. This was news to many who have been active in Downtown Outdoor plans.

Maggie received a request from DPR for someone to serve on Events and Rules and Regulations committees.  Jim Considine will serve in that role. All 2014 Rules/Regs are being replaced with new policies, for which no guidelines are available. INC remains opposed to commercialization of public parks. PARC believes different types of parks need different sets of rules and regs. Katie said a major need is for playing fields, as density of neighborhoods fills local parks. Decibel monitoring is understaffed.

A report on Red Rocks Park was sent from Nancy Francis. The working group is dissolved. The CPD member for historic info has left CPD. DPR has no funds for developing new guidelines. Friends of Red Rocks (FORR) needs our support, advocating for better representation of the citizens in all Denver park planning.

Ronnie and John D. presented a program on Denver Trout Unlimited, the renewing and rebuilding of the Denver South Platte, to clean, conserve, protect and restore cold water fisheries and watersheds (below the water line), from Chatfield to Commerce City. Studies, funding (grants and annual Carp Slam) and plans were described. Present water quality impaired by ecoli from geese, dogs. To report spills or other stream water dangers call 1-800-424-8802.

SEE VIDEO OF PRESENTATION BELOW

Ronnie Crawford explains a slide while John Davenport looks on. Photo by Ray Ehrenstein

Slide from presentation. Photo by Ray Ehrenstein

Jim Considine asked how the citizens of Denver can allow the city’s actions that are not improving or maintaining our neighborhoods. The decisions are no longer made by elected officials on City Council, but by mayor-appointed managers, giving the citizens little recourse.

Next PARC meeting will be May 17. — Diana Helper, PARC member