Creek Restoration Walks: Reviving an Obliterated Creek
The creek’s obliteration began a long time ago. Denver was about 20 years old.
In 1878, the Colorado state legislature passed a bill allowing Denver to acquire 1,280 acres of state land for parks. In 1880 a 320-acre portion of that state land was designated for City Park.The initial park layout was prepared in 1882, with subsequent modifications in the early 1890’s. Ferril Lake was constructed in 1896, in part to drain the surrounding land. By the turn of the century, the Denver Zoo and the boat pavilion had been added to the park. The obliteration of Montclair Creek was well underway.
The drainage basin for Montclair Creek is east of downtown Denver and Capitol Hill, west of the Westerly Creek watershed, and north of the Cherry Creek watershed. The southeast (upstream) end is about 4 blocks south of Alameda, in Fairmount Cemetery. The northwest (downstream) end is at the South Platte River, at the site of the National Western Stock Show.
Engineering consultants have prepared flood risk maps for Monclair Creek and its two major branches: 1) the Park Hill branch; 2) the Hale Parkway branch. Those maps are currently unavailable for public viewing.
Not to fear! On the Park Hill branch it rained very hard on July 7, 2011. The flood that resulted gave a clear indication of the 100-year floodplain boundaries. An experienced floodplain manager looking at topographic mapping can reasonably estimate flood risk for the Hale Parkway branch. One can, on that basis, suggest specific stream segments that could be revived – literally opened up. Stream revival could be considered in parks and parkways and on private lands being redeveloped. A segment of open channel and adjacent open floodplain could be designed and then constructed.
Possibilities are discussed below.
- Park Hill branch originates in the Buckley Annex portion of Lowry and crosses Monaco at about 11th Avenue. It meets Colfax at Jersey and continues along Colfax to Glencoe. The stream flows along 16th Avenue to Cherry and eventually leaves Park Hill at 17th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, on its way to City Park.
Potential stream revival site
- Buckley Annex redevelopment
- Monaco Street Parkway (8th Avenue to 11th Avenue)
- 17th Avenue Parkway (Ash Street to Colorado Boulevard)
- City Park (southeast of Ferril Lake)
Consider redevelopment study that includes stream revival
- Mayfair “east town center” (from Monaco to Jersey; from 12th to Colfax)
- Hale Parkway branch originates near George Washington High School and flows through Crestmoor Park. It crosses 6th Avenue at Krameria and follows Severn Avenue from Krameria to Grape. It then follows Hale Parkway from 8th Avenue to 12th Avenue & Albion; it crosses Colorado Boulevard between 12th and 14th. The stream flows through the National Jewish Hospital campus and crosses Colfax at Jackson, continuing along Jackson to City Park.
Potential stream revival site
- Buckley Annex redevelopment
- Crestmoor Park
- Hale Parkway (8th and Grape to 11th and Dahlia)
- Hale Parkway/ Lindsley Park (Dahlia to Albion) – including VA hospital site redevelopment
- National Jewish Hospital expansion site (former Gove Middle School, on east side of Colorado Boulevard between 13th and 14th)
- Sprouts Market redevelopment site (along west side of Jackson, north of Colfax for 1/3 block)
- City Park (southeast of Ferril Lake)
Consider redevelopment study that includes stream revival
- Mayfair “west town center” (Dahlia to Colorado Boulevard; 9th to 12th)
An expert in floodplain management, Brian Hyde leads a regular Creek Restoration Walk. He wants your feedback at westerly_connect_brian@comcast.net or 720-939-6039.