Talk of the Neighborhood
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of items that were discussed during the Feb. 5 Greater Park Hill Community monthly meeting. The next GPHN meeting is on Thursday, March 5 beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Greater Park Hill Community Room at 2823 Fairfax St. It is free and open to the public.
District 2 Police Report – Puffer Vehicles Targeted
District 2 Officer Reyes Trujillo reported on crimes and incidents in Park Hill. In January, eight burglaries and one residential robbery were reported in Park Hill north of 28th Avenue, as well as 10 auto thefts. Those thefts were the result of “puffer” cars, which were stolen after their owners left them running and unattended to warm up in cold weather.
There were eight thefts from motor vehicles, in which lawbreakers “help themselves” to valuables in cars. Two aggravated assaults with firearms also occurred, both gang related and both resulting in arrests. Trujillo briefly mentioned the Jan. 26 police killing of 17-year-old Jessica Hernandez, who was in a stolen car with four friends that had been parked in an alley west of Newport between 25th and 26th avenues. That incident is still under investigation. In Park Hill south of 28th Avenue, 15 burglaries were reported, and Reyes indicated that he is hoping to recruit citizen volunteers to walk the neighborhood and help keep an eye out for criminal activity.
Also in south Park Hill, five auto thefts, one street robbery, and one robbery on Colfax were reported . There were five drug-related arrests. “Obviously we’ve been very busy and need your help to not make it easy on the bad guys,” Reyes told the gathering.
Reyes also provided an update on a Motel Task Force that has been working to “calm” some of the issues that have arisen at several motels on Colfax. Over the past several months representatives from several city agencies – including police, fire and probation department – have joined to investigate possible code and other violations at the motels. A raid on one motel resulted in 12 arrests – more than half the number of the 20 rooms total that were being rented out, Reyes said. The arrests included felonies for firearms violations.
Chairs, Dinner & Healthy Food
GPHC Executive Director Rebecca Born noted that the organization is growing and people need a place to sit. She is seeking ethically sourced folding chairs, so if anyone knows of a church or other organization that is selling off surplus, connect her at director@greaterparkhill.org.
Also, Park Hill is also helping to sponsor a March Community Dinner and Conversation on food justice and ways to improve access to healthy food in Greater Park Hill and surrounding areas. The event is free and open to all, Tuesday, March 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, 3333 Holly St. Bring your own story and ideas you have to enhance our access to fresh food in the neighborhood. Dinner, Spanish translation and child care provided. Please RSVP to director@greaterparkhill.org or 303-388-0918 by March 2.
The Urban Farm – a Haven For Kids and Adults
Harold Skramstad, the president of the board of the Urban Farm, provided an overview and an update of the farm that has been in operation for 20 years at 10200 Smith Road.
The Urban Farm offers an equestrian program, as well as community gardens. Its mission is to provide agricultural and environmental education to children, youth and their families in metropolitan Denver. “It’s one of the jewels of the northeast Denver community,” Skramstad said.
The horse program teaches children the discipline of riding, and respect for people and animals. The farm’s 4H program allows urban kids to raise and interact with smaller animals, and provides a forum that lets them interact with animals in a positive way.
The Urban Farm’s community gardens currently leases out 48 small plots to an active group of gardeners. “The uniqueness of the farm is that it brings all these elements together in one campus that makes us unique in Denver,” Skramstad said. “Our real focus is at-risk kids and kids who live in the northeast part of the city. It’s a real way to come together with adults and youth, and have each kid find own level and bliss, if you will.” Skramstad urged anyone who hasn’t been to the Urban Garden to come out and take a look around.
The Park People Offering Low-Cost Trees
Leah Jean Shafer, representing The Park People, provided a presentation about the organization and its free and low-cost tree program for Denver residents. The Park People has distributed 47,000 trees to Denver residents. Anybody in Denver can apply to get trees that normally cost $100-plus in a nursery, for $35 or less. Northeast Park Hill is one area that is targeted for more trees. Free trees are available for those with hardships, and planting assistance is also available. Check out theparkpeople.org for details and deadlines.
2015 Home Tour & Street Fair Kicks Off
Street Fair Director Kate Sultan provided preliminary details about the September annual Park Hill Home Tour & Street Fair. It may be early in the year, but Sultan noted the committees require months of planning. The Sunday date of this year’s event will not be determined until the NFL announces the Broncos schedule, as the Home Tour & Street Fair is held on a bye week to increase attendance.
Two Park Hill homeowners have already agreed to have their places showcased, and the committee is seeking four to five additional houses – ideally within a short distance of each other to make the tour viable for pedestrians. The committee this year is hoping to secure homes between the A to F streets. The Street Fair, held on the same day, is always on Forest Parkway at Montview Boulevard. The committee’s first big planning meeting of the year is scheduled for Monday, March 9, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the GPHC office, 2823 Fairfax St. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and sign up as volunteers.
Looking For Help For Dustin Redd Playground
GPHC Chair Dave Felice provided an update on a reconstruction proposal and resolution adopted by the South City Park neighborhood organization seeking improvements to the Dustin Redd playground in City Park. The playground, on the west side of the park, is in need of repairs and improvements (the City Parks and Recreation Department had hoped to tear it down last year and build a $5 million “City Loop” futuristic playground, but backed down in the wake of intense neighborhood opposition). The South City Park group has asked Park Hill to sign on as a sponsor to seek commitments for improvements and maintenance to the Dustin Redd Playground in 2017, 2018 and beyond. Several GPHC board members indicated that – while everyone agrees that the repairs and maintenance are critical – they would like the letter seeking improvements to be stronger. Felice indicated he would reach out to the South City Park organization and report back to the GPHC board.
Holiday Lights Boxed Post-Stock Show
GPHC Building Committee Chair Louis Plachowski reported that the holiday lights at the office at 2823 Fairfax St. were taken down after the Stock Show ended in late January – which is the tradition in Denver. An executive decision was made to permanently keep the lights on the tree in front of the office for decorative purposes.