It is officially spring! Now is a great time to start thinking about all things outdoors. The urban canopy is critically important for our overall quality of life. Trees produce oxygen, reduce smog, cool our neighborhoods and homes, and increase our property values. Below are some resources to beautify your neighborhood while helping the environment!
Please continue to reach out with your questions, comments and ideas.
Jolon Clark
Councilman, Lucky District 7Emerald Ash Borer Since the discovery of the invasive species, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Colorado in 2013, planting trees to maintain Denver’s urban forest has become increasingly important. Find out what trees you have in your yard or neighborhood with this interactive map.
To combat the inevitable arrival of the pest, the Forester’s Office launched the Be A Smart Ash campaign, to educate and enlist the help residents in the process of identifying, treating and replacing ash trees over the course of the next 15 years. Here is what you can do:
Apply for a free tree of a different species to plant in the right-of-way adjacent to your property
Half-Priced Trees Available
The Park People’s program is the only initiative offering trees for planting both in the public right-of-way and on private property, making it is easy for homeowners to do their part to cultivate and support the city forest.
WHAT: Fruit and Yard Tree Sale WHEN: Saturday, April 27, Noon-2 pm WHERE: City Park Greenhouse - 2500 E. 23rd Ave. and Sloan's Lake Park - 5003 W 17th Ave. COST: $45 for bare-root trees, $65 for balled-and-burlap and container trees. CASH and CHECK only.
Family Spring Stewardship Day Saturday, April 20, 9 am - 12 pm Johnson Habitat Park (610 S Jason St.) Kick off Earth Day with an hour-long volunteer project, followed by games and crafts with the South Platte River Environmental Education staff! The event is free and breakfast is provided, but prior registration is required.Compost Now Available at Ace Hardware Stores
Compost by Denver's residents is for sale (Denver’s Own EcoGro™ Compost) at metro-area Ace Hardware stores for $6.99 per bag. Compost is nature’s way of recycling and returning valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil and is a great way to grow healthy gardens! Mulch Giveaway & Compost Sale
The Annual Sale on May 4 provides a great opportunity to save money on landscaping and to keep recycled materials utilized locally. Denver residents may pick up free mulch and buy compost at a reduced price. The mulch for this event is made from ground up Christmas trees, raked leaves and from the organic materials in green bins all thanks to Denver Composts participants! Location(s) and details here.
GET INVOLVED
Iowa Underpass Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements
The Iowa Underpass project will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with a safe, comfortable, intuitive connection underneath the railroad tracks. The fully funded project will remove the stairs to create an ADA accessible, separated path that will eliminate the gap along the bike route providing increased safety, clearer wayfinding, and an improved user experience. The project will include improved crossings at Santa Fe Drive and a new sidewalk on Santa Fe from Jewell to Florida. More info here. Come learn more at the open house: Tuesday, April 9, 5:30 -7 PM
Grant Beacon Middle School (1751 S Washington Street)
Multimodal Design Elements for Broadway
Take transit, ride a bike, walk, or drive along Broadway? Public Works wants your feedback on multimodal improvements that will extend from 16th to Center Avenues through an online survey at denvermovesbroadway.com.
The Elevate Denver Bond will fund improvements for the southern section of Broadway from 7th to Center Avenues, which will include:
A two-way parking protected bike lane, which will improve access to the Cherry Creek Trail.
Bus stop enhancements along the existing 24-hour transit lane.
Rebuilding 13 traffic signals along the corridor, which includes installing larger traffic signal heads (red/yellow/green) that are more visible to drivers and adding pedestrian countdown signals to provide people with better direction to cross the street safely
Intersection improvements for better connectivity and access.
Comments received through the online survey will help shape a more detailed design for South Broadway, which will be released in late summer. A final design is expected to be complete by the fall. Construction is anticipated to begin on South Broadway in 2020/2021, pending future bond debt issuances.
Grandoozy Community Meeting
Wednesday, May 15, 6-7 pm
The Studios at Overland (2205 S Delaware St.)
Public Works and Parks & Rec will present cost estimates and feasibility of the projects recommended by the community. The Grandoozy Community Fund will go toward neighborhood and parks capital improvement projects. Join us for the follow-up meeting in May!
Happy Hour with Councilman Clark
We host monthly happy hours and coffee get-togethers around the Lucky District 7. Stop on by to ask a question, hear what is going on in the neighborhood or just to enjoy a drink. Hope to see you there!
April 11, 6-8 pm, Las Islitas (1550 S. Federal)
May 18, 8-9:30 am, location TBD
June 20 6 - 8 pm, location TBD
Dog Park in Lucky District 7
Thanks to the advocacy of neighbors, Parks and Recreation has identified a need for a dog park in southwest Denver. Funding has been secured but the location is still undecided. That is why we need you!
Let Parks and Rec know the need for a dog park in Lucky District 7, suggest a location and receive important updates on the project by emailing Laura.Morales@denvergov.org.
Artist Needed for Placemaking Project
The “Friends of Little Saigon” initiative is leading a community beautification and improved safety campaign along Federal. As part of this initiative, a placemaking demonstration project will test out designs that could be installed more permanently in the future. An artist is needed to design and implement a sidewalk mural, as well as complementary artistic elements that could be incorporated into banners, planters, or other aspects. The art must reflect and celebrate the strong Vietnamese cultural heritage. Artists submission are due April 5. Apply HERE.
NTMP Baker Transportation Update
Thank you Baker neighbors for participating! Many of you have concerns on speeding, bicycling safety on Broadway & Bannock, visibility, pedestrian crossing and parking. Read the full results.
Please be on the lookout for a second public meeting date to be announced in April 2019. Due to frequent snow events this winter, Public Works has experienced delays in collecting traffic counts and analysis, used to develop transportation concepts that will be presented at the public meeting.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
LED Lights in Denver Streetlights
In a partnership between Xcel Energy and Public Works, crews have started converting all 44,000 Denver streetlights to LED - considered one of most energy-efficient and durable lighting technologies. In addition to enhanced quality of lighting and reducing nighttime light pollution, the efficiency of LED lights provides a cost savings of 4-7% and sustainability benefits begin immediately with a 50% reduction in energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and no carbon footprint. Xcel Energy crews marked the occasion by changing out the first bulb right in District 7 at the intersection of Federal and Exposition. Learn more and see the progress at www.denvergov.org/visionzero
Input needed: Transportation in Downtown Denver
Whether you walk, bike, take transit, or drive downtown, Public Works would like to get your feedback on downtown Denver’s current transportation system to help re-envision it as part of the Denver Moves: Downtown planning effort. The public can share their voice at denvermovesdowntown.org through April 14. Comments received will help prioritize near-term transportation improvements while identifying a long-term vision for moving more people in the city center.
Celebrate all children at Día del Niño at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) on Sunday, April 28, from 10 am to 5 pm. Enjoy FREE general admission and a day full of arts experiences, hands-on activities and incredible performances by groups from around the world. More info here.
All exhibitions are included in general admission, which is free for members and youth 18 and younger.
Improved Safety & Access for Pedestrians in Construction Zones
Public Works has released updated procedures that aim to lessen construction impacts to people as they move about the city. Thanks to input by council-members, residents and businesses, new requirements on contractors when closing the public right of way (vehicle travel lanes, parking lanes, alleys, and sidewalks) for construction activities include:
Traffic Management Plan for All Modes to show how all mobility modes will be provided safe and convenient access around a project site.
Pedestrian Canopies on new projects where vertical construction is occurring directly adjacent to a pedestrian pathway (ex: multi-story building).
Construction Worker Parking Plan for their workers and subcontractors’ workers who will access the construction site.
Starting April 1, the posting of information signs for all private projects lasting longer than seven days will be required. The signs will list the contractor, their contact information along with details of the permit.
Building & Fire Codes Updates
Denver is working to adopt the 2018 ICC (International Code Council), including new, voluntary standards for greener construction. The ICC is based on international standards for safe, habitable structures. All city code adoptions are a public process and amendments can be proposed. The Department of Public Health & Environment intends to propose amendments that center on helping move Denver closer to net-zero-energy buildings by 2035. Learn more here.
OTHER RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Job & Resource Fairs for Young Adults
Young adults ages 16-24 are invited to hiring events with employers looking for seasonal and permanent help. Jobseeker youth are encouraged to create a profile in advance at ConnectingColorado.com, bring printed copies of a professional resume and dress for interviewing.
Athmar Recreation Center (2680 W Mexico Ave.) on Saturday, April 13, 10 am -12 pm. More info.
Central Park Recreation Center (9651 MLK Jr Blvd.) on Saturday, April 27, 11am- 1pm. More info.
South Platte River Environmental Education
Monday, April 29: Camping 101 Join SPREE to learn camping skills, and make some treats at the firepit along the South Platte River!
Summer Camp
Looking for a way to get your kids outside and active this summer while you are at work? Don't want them to stop learning just because it's summer? SPREE has 10 unique week of camp filled with activities, games, and crafts that allow campers to engage with and learn about their environment while having fun.
Who: Campers entering 1st (must be at least 6 years old) through 5th grade. For kids entering 6th -9th grade, click here to apply for our Leaders in Training program.
When: Week-long day camps. Camps run Monday through Friday from June 3- August 16, 8 am- to 6 pm. 2019 Cost and Locations:
Get involved with your neighborhood by attending the next RNO or Police community meeting in Lucky District 7 by clicking here.
City Services & 3-1-1
Contact Denver 311 to report an issue or get answers to common questions
Online: pocketgov.og
Phone: Within Denver Dial: 3-1-1 or outside Denver: 720-913-1311
Since the discovery of the invasive species, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Colorado in 2013, planting trees to maintain Denver’s urban forest has become increasingly important. Find out what trees you have in your yard or neighborhood with this 
ompost) at metro-area Ace Hardware stores for $6.99 per bag. Compost is nature’s way of recycling and returning valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil and is a great way to grow healthy gardens! 
The Iowa Underpass project will provide pedestrians and bicyclists with a safe, comfortable, intuitive connection underneath the railroad tracks. The fully funded project will remove the stairs to create an ADA accessible, separated path that will eliminate the gap along the bike route providing increased safety, clearer wayfinding, and an improved user experience. The project will include improved crossings at Santa Fe Drive and a new sidewalk on Santa Fe from Jewell to Florida. 
initiative is leading a community beautification and improved safety campaign along Federal. As part of this initiative, a placemaking demonstration project will test out designs that could be installed more permanently in the future. An artist is needed to design and implement a sidewalk mural, as well as complementary artistic elements that could be incorporated into banners, planters, or other aspects. The art must reflect and celebrate the strong Vietnamese cultural heritage. Artists submission are due April 5. 
n crossing and parking. 
Energy and Public Works, crews have started converting all 44,000 Denver streetlights to LED - considered one of most energy-efficient and durable lighting technologies. In addition to enhanced quality of lighting and reducing nighttime light pollution, the efficiency of LED lights provides a cost savings of 4-7% and sustainability benefits begin immediately with a 50% reduction in energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and no carbon footprint. Xcel Energy crews marked the occasion by changing out the first bulb right in District 7 at the intersection of Federal and Exposition. Learn more and see the progress at www.denvergov.org/visionzero
like to get your feedback on downtown Denver’s current transportation system to help re-envision it as part of the Denver Moves: Downtown planning effort. The public can share their voice at 
im to lessen construction impacts to people as they move about the city. Thanks to input by council-members, residents and businesses, new requirements on contractors when closing the public right of way (vehicle travel lanes, parking lanes, alleys, and sidewalks) for construction activities include:
with employers looking for seasonal and permanent help. Jobseeker youth are encouraged to create a profile in advance at 
