Category: Park Projects

Amy Mancini & Brooke Baydon & Friends, Ida’s Garden Team

ADOPT-A-FLOWERBED IN CITY PARK LAUNCHED:

Well over 50 volunteers responded to the call for help in maintaining flowerbeds in City Park this summer. Eleven teams of 5-8 members from neighborhoods surrounding City Park have been formed with Captains heading each team. Participating neighborhoods include Whittier, South City Park, South Park Hill, North Park Hill, Congress Park  and Mayfair. Teams are assigned to the Rose Garden, the Cordova Rock Garden, the Sopris Garden, the Burns Garden, the MLK Garden and Urns and Ida’s Rock Garden.

Adam Smith, Denver Parks and Recreation Superintendent of the East District that includes City Park, gave two orientation/trainings for volunteers at the pavilion in mid-May. He thanked everyone for pitching in at a time when staff and funding have been halved in City Park. Horticulturists, Miranda Davide and Aaric Stark were on hand to provide demonstrations. Miranda demonstrated proper rose pruning methods and pointed out the products she uses to protect and feed City Park’s roses. Aaric pointed out the methods he uses for maintaining the Sopris and nearby Burns Gardens. Miranda also led a group to Ida’s Rock Garden where she voiced particular concern about the invasive bindweed taking over some sections. She pointed out that plants like Rose Mallow could take root and crowd out the bindweed once it was weeded from the area. City Park Horticulturist, Debbie Gallegos was not present at the initial orientations but provided welcome support after the event.

Adam Smith gives Orientation to volunteers

Maria Flora, Parks and Open Space Chair of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc, Georgia Garnsey and Marcia Doty from City Park Friends and Neighbors and Patty Cordova from City Park Alliance are all moved and gratified by the huge neighborhood response to the Adopt-a-Flowerbed initiative. We all love City Park and look forward to establishing flowerbeds and gardens that will profoundly delight the diverse visitors to Denver’s City Park, known affectionately as the Peoples’ Park from its early history to the present day. Several Adopt-a-Flowerbed teams have already started work on their assigned flowerbeds and are transforming these areas, in particular the Cordova Rock Garden, Ida’s Rock Garden and the Rose Garden opposite the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. It’s not too late to join us in beautifying City Park and getting to know City Park’s dedicated Horticulturists and Maintenance Crew. Email info@cpfan.org if you are interested in becoming involved.   Ida’ Garden perks up!