INC PARC met August 18 at Brookdale UPark. Present were co-chair Maggie Price, Nancy Francis, Brad Cameron, Cindy Johnstone, Sonia John, Marlene Johnson, Tom Morris, Ray Ehrenstein, James Samples, Ronnie Crawford, Louis Plachowski, Dave Felice, Diana Helper, and guest speaker May Mock Fenton from DPR.

May Fenton distributed flyers stating DPR Recycling program is tripling in size. It is now in eleven Denver parks. She said this will result in savings for DPR, which can be passed along to add recycling to more parks, provide more staff and monitoring. She described various types of recycling containers DPR is selecting, working with Public Works. PARC asked for further cost analysis figures, and will revisit this topic. PARC mentioned that natural areas and trails might be better served aesthetically with the present “barrel” containers rather than large purple bins.

Sonia reported on recycled water use. In 2004 Denver Water foresaw needs and suggested remedial action to DPR. Doug Woods of DPR replied to Sonia’s question of how these actions have been taken regarding flushing soil around trees (some done, no figures given), digging trenches (too expensive), and selecting advisable species (yes, no figures given). He said it’s hard to tell if it’s the water or not that causes tree problems in parks, and that DPR and PW will form a study group in 2016 on this situation. PARC will send a statement to be written by Sonia and discussed at next PARC meeting, regarding actions it wishes PARC to take, including placing a citizen rep in the study group.

Sonia reported on tree trunk damage from mowers in parks. There is a rule to provide circular spray around trees, and where this is done there is no new mower damage and former damage begins to heal. Where this has not been done, there is new damage. PARC will reply to Doug Woods about this need for compliance in all parks. She pointed out that along Cherry Creek Dr. South there is marked difference between the good tree care in Glendale and the very poor care in Denver . (DPR says its trees were planted by PW, so are their responsibility. Tree care in Parkways/ROWs is a continuing concern. Diana said trees along Buchtel Pkwy in UP are getting attention.)

Brad reported INC adopted PARC’s resolution to continue park designations in timely fashion, and focus on gulches, greenways and such city-wide parks, and has sent this resolution to DPR, the mayor, etc. INC also has sent PARC’s request to City Council (copies to DPR, Mayor, PRAB) to study in detail, with citizen reps, the operations and safety of the gasification plant slated for the Zoo. Brad discovered that nearly 1/2 acre of right Of way on Monaco Blvd. were given to the developer of the planned Crestmoor Park apartment building.

Ronnie said as many as seven cars were found in the S. Platte when waters subsided.

Next meeting Tue., Sept. 15, 6 p.m. at Brookdale, 2020 S. Monroe St .

–Diana Helper, PARC member