...Tables in trees? That doesn't seem right.

DPR’s Forestry Division has had to deal with heavy snow and high winds that have brought down trees all spring. But the strangest call this year has to be near Governors’ Mansion where foresters were called to remove a table in a tree. No evidence of what bird was going to use it to nest up there. Fortunately, we can confirm both the tree and table are fine. “Those Denver housing prices…am I right, folks!” (uncomfortably pulling on tie).  

Recreation Center Hours Restored by June 7 ⏲

With Mayor Mike Johnston announcing the new budget, recreation centers will return to their original operating hours.

Parks and Recreation Centers Want YOU 👇🏻

Soak up the sun while making our parks shine. With many full-time positions open, enjoy a competitive starting pay with eligibility for the City and County of Denver Government’s 457(b) Retirement Plan. Learn more and apply today.


DPR's 2023 Annual Report

Dive in to learn about numerous accomplishments that are advancing our long-term Game Plan for a Healthy City.

Read DPR’s 2023 Game Plan for a Healthy City Annual Report

Rosamond Park Ribbon Cutting

In April, the community celebrated the opening of two renovated play areas for older and younger children, a full-size basketball court, benches and picnic tables. Tennis court improvements and natural grass areas near the gulch are coming soon.

No Party like a Westwood Party

Westwood celebrated a new park with Aztec Dancers, Cambodian monks, breakdancing and tlayudas (iykyk). By the end of the month, residents were experiencing the future recreation center with tacos. See the final of the design here, minus the tacos. 

It Pays to Be a Tree Hugger 💰

The Park People to deploy Treeforce graduates to assist DPR Forestry staff in tasks like tree planting in parks, at no cost to the city. Treeforce is a pre-apprenticeship which provides career readiness training in tree care and connects local employers to qualified, pre-screened applicants.

LAST CALL: Urban Forest Plan

Please review and provide feedback on what will be Denver's first Urban Forest Strategic Plan before we work on implementation. After reviewing the plan, share your feedback through a short online survey (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese).

Don't Be Alarmed 🚨

The City and County of Denver will be conducting a TEST of the Outdoor Warning System on May 8, 2024 at 11 AM. This test does NOT require any action!

Reimagine Cap Hills | Community Event Series


Governors' Park Play Day 🏐

May 9 | 3:30-5:30 PM | Governors' Park, 701 N Pennsylvania St

Join the family-friendly community field day! There will be fun games for all ages, treats, and more. Help us shape the future of play in your neighborhood park.


Governors' Park Nature Day 🌿

May 18 | 8:00-11:00 AM | Governors' Park, 701 N Pennsylvania St

Learn to identify local flora and fauna on a guided walk through the park. Share your nature-based preferences for the Cap Hill parks with a community of local nature lovers!


Quality Hill Park Pride Day 🌈

June 1 | 1:00-3:00 PM | Quality Hill Park, 450 E 10th Ave

Lavender Hill Cultural District partners with DPR to kickoff Pride Month in Quality Hill Park. Witness the unveiling of a historical public art installation and learn about Cap Hill’s place in the LGBTQ+ movement!

La Raza Park Survey #2 (5 mins) 📢

Your feedback is valuable and needed for La Raza Park improvements. Please take 5 minutes to let DPR know your preference on two concepts for the full park and playground

English Survey
Encuesta en español

Listeners Left on Season Ending Cliffhanger

It’s In Denver’s Nature Podcast features the urban forest and the benefits it provides to the city’s environment. Trees will continue to be an important supporter of our physical and mental health.

Listen to Episode 6
Platte River

Keeping up with South Platte River Trail 🗺

A new map tool combines all the projects underway along the S Platte River into one map. Through 2030, various projects are planned. You may be antsy to see the final product, and now you can stay on top of the latest project updates. Continue to use extra caution while following posted detours. Thank you for your patience!

Summer Registration Opens on May 7 at Noon

Sumer registration is just around the corner! Take a peek at this season's program offerings in our Online Service Center via the link below:

Summer Activities

Experience the Ultimate Summer Adventure 🚀

DPR's brand-new, free day camp for kids ages 8-12! Dive into a world of excitement with weekly themed activities including Outdoor Survivor Challenges, Medieval Times escapades, and the opportunity to embark on thrilling field trips. Join us for a summer of discovery, friendship, and unforgettable memories at Summer Rec Kidz!

DPR Is Soliciting Proposals to Partner with Night Moves Program 📢

Night Moves Youth Violence Prevention program targets youth 12-18 who may be at risk, involved or impacted by violence. The approach is to build skills, foster healthy relationships and provide new experiences in a safe space. Activities are provided on Friday nights at select recreation centers; Aztlan, College View, La Alma and Montbello.


Partners will work with DPR to design, plan, coordinate and implement activities and events that are appealing to youth and keep them returning. Youth voice will be elevated to ensure services are in alignment with youth needs and interests. Learn more by setting up a Bidnet account and logging in. Closes on May 22nd.

Partner with DPR

Crestmoor Park Open House 🏫

May 2 | 5:00-7:00 PM | George Washington High School, 655 S Monaco St Pkwy

Meet DPR staff in person to provide feedback on the proposed park improvements. Learn more at denvergov.org/ParkProjects.


Denver Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) 🌟

May 8 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Join via ZOOM

Did you know? Denver Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is open to the public. PRAB community members are stewards of the Denver Parks & Recreation system.


Denver Park Trust Event: 3rd Annual Parks, Rivers, Trails & Trees 🚯

May 11 | 10:30 AM-3:00 PM |Register here: bit.ly/PRTT24

A great volunteer opportunity for individuals, families, neighborhood organizations, and businesses who care about our shared public outdoor spaces. Learn more.


Annual "Purge Your Spurge” Plant Exchange 🌱

2 Days: May 18 @ 8:00 AM-3:00 PM | May 19 @ 8:00 AM-12:00 PM | Harvard Gulch Park, 888 E Illiff Ave

In partnership with CSU’s Annual 2024 Denver Master Gardener Plant Sale. Bring your myrtle spurge plants to receive FREE native plants from DPR’s greenhouse. Learn more.


Save the Date: Verbena Park Celebration 🎉

May 19 | 2:00-5:00 PM | Verbena Park, 1151 N Verbena St

Community celebration with the East Colfax Neighborhood Association.


Crestmoor Park Virtual Meeting 💻

May 30 | 5:30-6:30 PM | Join via ZOOM

Join the virtual presentation with next steps on playground and walking path improvements.

Every Day is Earth Day

We know most Denverites were contributing to the beautification of our parks this year. Let us know how you celebrated Earth Day for your chance to win a swag bag!

Win a DPR swag bag

What Other Pets Should Have Their Own Parks in Our System?

You may be surprised to learn that Chickens were voted #1 to have a park -- keep an eye out. One loyal reader suggested a pet rock park. We'd like to clarify that pet rocks have always been allowed in parks - as long as they’re on a leash!


Congratulations to the winner from last month! Melisa Jaenisch from Central Park neighborhood writes: I love reading the DPR newsletter! It keeps me up to date on changes and updates regarding DPR. The format makes it easy to see what going on and delve in deeper to stories that interest me.


Thank you for reading! See you next month.

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