MY Denver Card Gives Free Access to Recreation Centers for More than 90,000 Denver Kids
Kids these days have a lot of great ideas. In fact, one particular 12-year-old in Council District 7 - Maggie Trout - approached Councilman Nevitt in 2011 about her idea of a single-access card that gives kids in Denver access to all of our City's recreation centers and pools. Councilman Nevitt took Maggie's smart and simple idea to Mayor Hancock, and just last week Mayor Hancock's administration announced the official launch of the MY Denver Card to finally put Maggie's idea into reality - free and universal access to all of Denver's recreation centers and pools for all of Denver's kids.
Thanks to the passage of Measure 2A, which expanded hours at recreation centers, pools, and libraries, the MY Denver Card gives Denver students ages 5 to 18 free access to all 26 recreation centers and 29 pools in the City of Denver. It will also act as a library card for any child checking out books at one of our neighborhood libraries.
Parents may take their children to any of the 26 recreation centers throughout the city to fill out the appropriate paperwork and receive a MY Denver Card. In addition, UnitedHealthcare of Colorado will serve as the title sponsor of the MY Denver Card program, working with the city to help build awareness of the program, generate additional youth-focused programming at recreation centers and ensure that registration information is distributed citywide.
The MY Denver Card release comes on the heels of the Denver Public Library's announcement that, by the end of April, the Library will have increased hours by 40 percent thanks to additional Measure 2A funding. The expanded library hours are part of the significant improvements Measure 2A will have on every Denver neighborhood. For more information on the MY Denver Card, click here.
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Permitting Process for Outdoor Commercial Activity in Denver Parks
Everyone knows our parks are popular, and with summer coming upon us, more people than ever are taking advantage of everything great about Denver parks - including creative entrepreneurs offering outdoor yoga classes, boot camp clinics, painting classes, and other outdoor recreation commercial enterprises. As a result, the Denver Parks and Recreation Department is developing a new set of policies and permits to accommodate and regulate these activities.
At the beginning of the year, Parks and Recreation assembled a stakeholder group and developed a draft policy of regulatory policies and procedures, along with proposed fees for permits and limited park locations where such activity is allowed. A series of public meetings will take place in April, to seek public input on the draft policy:
- Tuesday, April 9, 5:30 p.m. - Scheitler Recreation Center
- Wednesday, April 17, 5:30 p.m. - Cook Park Recreation Center
- Thursday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. - Central Park Recreation Center
- Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m. - Fleming House (1510 South Grant Street)
In addition to these public meetings, the proposed policy will also be presented and discussed at the Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings on April 11th and May 9th at 5:30 p.m. The May 9th meeting will include a public hearing.
Additional information can be found on the Denver Parks and Recreation website by clicking here: DPR Community Relations.
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Citywide Youth Curfew Enforcement Helps Keep Kids Safe
Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, kids may be tempted to stay out a little too late at night. Because juvenile crimes peak during warm weather, Denver intensifies the Curfew Ordinance enforcement from April to September, with active enforcement beginning this year on Friday, April 5. Youths aged 17-and-under must be off the streets from midnight to 5 a.m. on weekend nights, and from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weeknights. Breaking curfew can result in citations, not just for the juvenile, but also for the parent or legal guardian.
For more information, contact the Denver Safe City Office at 720-913-6023.
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Street Sweeping Has Started! Show Your Pride - Move Your Ride
Vehicles parked on certain streets also have a once-a-month curfew. Seasonal residential street sweeping begins Tuesday, April 2 and run through November. SHOW YOUR PRIDE - MOVE YOUR RIDE (and avoid a $50 citation) on your sweeping day! We make it easy to remember: Sign up here for email or text reminders. You can check the street sweeping schedules in your neighborhood by clicking here.
Even if a sweeper has been by, please refrain from parking during the restricted times posted. Sweepers may need to return to the area for additional sweeping.
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Denver Water to Implement Mandatory Watering Restrictions
Despite a snowy March, Colorado remains in the second year of a drought that shows no signs of abating. In order not to deplete already low reservoirs below emergency levels, Denver Water has implemented Stage 2 drought restrictions. This includes a number of measures for business and restaurants, but for residential customers it means just 2 days per week for outdoor watering.
Beginning April 1, watering days are assigned as follows:
- Single-family residential properties with even-numbered addresses: Sunday, Thursday
- Single-family residential properties with odd-numbered addresses: Saturday, Wednesday
- All other properties (multi-family, HOA, commercial, industrial, government): Tuesday, Friday
In addition, customers must follow these watering rules:
- Do not water lawns between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Do not waste water by allowing it to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
- Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
- Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
- Do not water while it is raining or during high winds.
Perversely, while water conservation is vital, reduced water use by customers also reduces revenue to Denver Water. In response, Denver Water plans to cut operating expenses, defer projects, and tap cash reserves to help balance finances through the drought. Finally, a temporary drought pricing structure will also be implemented, to further encourage water conservation and help reduce revenue loss.
You can find important watering tips and more information about the Stage 2 drought at www.denverwater.org.
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Denver Public Works Begins Work on Iowa Outfall Project
Although we're in a drought, Denver can still experience heavy rainstorms, and this has often brought severe flooding along South Broadway and in the Platt Park neighborhood. Thankfully, those flooding problems are now being addressed with the installation of a new and expanded storm water drainage system underneath Iowa Avenue and South Logan Street.
Crews began work on Iowa in early March, and construction is expected to last until the end of 2013. Residents can expect intermittent lane closures on Iowa and Logan throughout construction, as well as limited water service interruptions. The good news is that when construction is completed in late 2013, this area will see major drainage improvements - meaning no more impromptu ponds or lakes on South Broadway or in the Platt Park neighborhood!
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Doors Open Denver 2013 Begins April 13th
Have you wanted to learn more about the history, architecture, and fun facts of some of Denver's most famous landmarks and destinations? Then Doors Open Denver is for you. Doors Open Denver is a FREE event that allows the public to tour Denver's buildings and learn about its history and architecture. The theme of this year's 9th Annual Doors Open Denver is City Beautiful-Then and Now, recognizing the on-going influence of Mayor Speer's early 20th century vision for Denver, which remains the most dominant design philosophy apparent in the Mile High City.
On the weekend of April 13th and 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Doors Open Denver offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to experience our City Beautiful, inside and out. Attendees will have access to 66 of Denver's most prominent architectural gems and lesser-known treasures - all of which help make our city beautiful. Featured sites include offices, mansions, museums, design studios, hotels, commercial, retail and civic buildings. Special this year is an emphasis on the design, architecture and art of our nationally recognized parks & parkway systems, born out of the City Beautiful vision. In addition to the 66 self-guided sites, there will also be over 100 expert-guided tours throughout the weekend.
More than 100 expert tours will be available for this year's Doors Open Denver, including:
- Mayor Robert Speer's Neighborhood
- Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center
- Bike Tour: Denver's Historic Parkways
- Downtown Denver after the City Beautiful by Alan G. Gass, FAIA
- Highlands: The City, the Old, the Bad & the Ugly with City Auditor Dennis Gallagher
- The Molly Brown House Museum
- City Beautiful Homes: The Architects Small House Service Bureau
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Earth Day is April 22nd - Attend a Fair and Volunteer
Blue skies, budding trees, and chirping birds. You can't beat springtime in Denver. Take a minute to appreciate it all at the "43rd Annual Earth Day Celebration" at the Denver City & County Building on Monday, April 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In the spirit of taking care of Mother Earth, you can also learn more about what Denver organizations are doing to protect our planet and how you can make a difference too. Start today by signing up to volunteer for a Parks & Recreation Stewardship effort that helps protect our environment and preserves everything beautiful about our City for future generations.
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FREE Mulch Giveaway and Compost Sale - May 4th
Denver is doing its stewardship part by putting your Christmas trees and yard debris to use! Denver's annual "Free Mulch Giveaway & Compost Sale" is on Saturday, May 4th from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (or while supplies last). Pick up what you need at:
Havana Nursery, 10450 Smith Road, just south of I-70 & Havana St.
Mulch and compost loader service for trucks and trailers, and dig your-own:
- Limit of 3 cubic yards of compost per vehicle
- Compost cost $3.50 per 1.25 cubic foot bag or $30.00 per cubic yard (plus tax)
Dig-Your-Own FREE mulch sites:
- Southeast: Veteran's Park, Iowa St. & Vine St.
- Southwest: Bear Creek Park, South of Dartmouth Ave. on Raleigh St.
Click here for more information.
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Learn to Compost
Don't feel like driving across town for compost? Want to get a little more hands-on and dirty when it comes to composting? Then learn to make your own! Denver Recycles, Denver Urban Gardens, and Metro Wastewater have partnered to offer free composting classes on:
- Backyard composting
- Worm workshop
- Build-a-pile
Participants need to register at least one week before the class to ensure proper staffing. Composting is good for your garden, good for the environment, easy to do, and fun! Click here to sign up.
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Eco-Rally - Electronics and Clothing Recycling Event - April 27th
While you are at it, if you have any old clothes or electronics to get rid of, participate in the "Eco-Rally Electronics and Clothing Recycling Event" on April 27.
Location: University of Denver Campus, Parking Lot at Buchtel Blvd. & S. Josephine.
Appointment times: April 27, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (appointments are mandatory).
For $5 you can recycle a carful of electronics including: TVs, monitors, CPUs, laptops, printers, scanners, faxes, keyboards, mice, stereos, external hard drives, cell phones, telephones, DVRs, VCRs, digital cameras, video recorders, MP3 players, and some small appliances such as microwaves. Goodwill will also be on site to accept clothing items at no charge.
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: Air conditioners, large appliances, vacuum cleaners, car batteries or household batteries (rechargeable batteries okay).
Again, event is by appointment only. Click here to sign up. Let the spring cleaning begin!
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Recycle Your Large Rigid Plastics on April 6th at the Great Denver Cleanup!
Denver Recycles and Waste Management of Colorado are partnering with Keep Denver Beautiful to accept large rigid plastic items for recycling at four locations around the City on Saturday, April 6 between 9:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m. as part of the Great Denver Cleanup! Locations are:
- Fred Thomas Park (26th and Quebec St.)
- East High School (16th and Josephine St.)
- North High School (W. 32nd and Clay St.)
- Cherry Creek Transfer Station (S. Quebec St. and E. Jewell Ave.)
Examples of large rigid plastics that will be accepted for recycling on this one-day only include:
- Plastic outdoor furniture (tables, chairs, etc.)
- Empty plastic buckets (5-gallons or larger, no metal handles)
- Rigid plastic kids toys (water tables, rigid plastic pools, picnic tables, sandboxes, outdoor playhouses, big wheels, plastic wagons - remove all metal pieces)
- Plastic laundry baskets
- Plastic storage containers
- Plastic garbage cans & diaper pails
- Plastic pet carriers & litter boxes
- Plastic soda & milk crates
- Plastic shelving
Please, no mixed materials! (Plastics combined with other materials like steel or glass.)
Look around your house, yard and garage for large rigid plastic items that you have been meaning to dispose of and bring them to the Great Denver Cleanup to be recycled. Please remember that only small, rigid plastic items of 3 gallons or less are accepted for recycling in your Denver Recycles purple recycling cart.
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University Neighbors Hosts a Community Shred-a-Thon on April 27th
Still have a box of old tax returns and canceled checks in your basement? Might as well ditch those too. Shred your sensitive documents on-site while you watch at a ProShred Mobile Shredding Truck. Household and business records are welcome. There is no limit!
When: Saturday, April 27- 9:00 a.m. to noon
Where: Asbury Elementary School, 1320 E. Asbury (just north of Evans on Lafayette)
Material will be collected and measured in the bins used on the truck, so it's unnecessary to box it first. Additionally, it's unnecessary to remove staples, paper clips, files, file folders, hanging files or spiral pads but, because all paper is recycled, vinyl, plastic and/or electronic material must be removed.
A $5.00 cash only donation is requested per bin. Proceeds will benefit University Neighbors, an all-volunteer association connecting neighbors with neighbors (www.UniversityNeighbors.org). For questions, contact Pat Lovett at 720-529-5941.
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Help for Homebuyers - Metro Cities Announce 2013 Homebuyer Assistance Program
Buoyed by successes from past homeowner programs and with an eye on the future, the City and County of Denver and the Metro Mayors Caucus have launched the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus Program - a new funding initiative to encourage home ownership in the Denver Metro area.
The program reduces the usual barriers to home ownership by providing a 4% grant for down payment and closing cost assistance-money the borrower does not repay-and can offer a competitive interest rate on 30-year mortgages. The program can be used to purchase any property in Denver or Littleton. Unlike past mortgage assistance programs, there is not a requirement that the buyers be first-time owners, and no time limit on when the individual or family last owned a home. There is also no maximum purchase price.
Interested buyers are encouraged to work with one of the 12 pre-approved lenders who are participating in the program. Along with completing free homebuyer counseling, each buyer needs to meet standard loan guidelines (a FICO of at least 640 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45) and income limits (not more than $91,100 for households of two or fewer people, and not more than $103,000 for three or more). For more information on the Metro Cities 2013 Homebuyer Assistance Program, click here.
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Arts & Venues Seeks Public Input on Denver Cultural Plan
Denver Arts & Venues will launch a citywide process to develop the new cultural plan for the city of Denver. Called Imagine 2020, Denver's new plan will guide our cultural and creative development for the next seven years and beyond. You can take a look at the original Cultural Plan by clicking here.
The public input period is being held from March through May. Arts & Venues will be holding a public meeting on the Cultural Plan at the Swallow Hill Music Association located at 71 East Yale Avenue on May 8th, starting at 6:00 p.m.
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