More than 100 people gathered in the cafeteria at Skinner Middle School in early April to share their feedback on the Vibrant Denver Bond, a general obligation bond likely to appear on the November ballot.
Mayor Mike Johnston welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that the intention is to use the bond dollars to accelerate the catalytic investments that are most important to Denver residents.
He clarified that the project list must include capital and ‘shovel-ready’ projects, and since it is a six-year bond, any project added must be completed within that timeframe.
The meeting in April aimed to gather the next set of ideas for funding, as well as provide details on an online survey available at denvergov.org/vibrantbond.
Previous bond projects in City Council District 1, which serves Northwest Denver, have seen upgrades to Inspiration Point Park, improvements at the Smiley Branch Library, and the Federal Boulevard road safety project in Jefferson Park.
Among the attendees was Councilwoman At-Large Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, a North Denver resident, who expressed her commitment to ensuring that the process is equitable for all Denver neighborhoods.
She stressed the importance of allowing historically marginalized communities to have their voices heard during this initiative.
Council President Amanda Sandoval, representing District 1, shared her memories of spending whole days at the Scheitler Recreation Center while growing up in North Denver.
She lamented that the recreation center lacks a full-size basketball court, forcing neighborhood kids to venture outside the area for games as they grow older, and expressed hope that upgrades to the center would be included in the upcoming projects.
Additionally, Sandoval highlighted the recent announcement of the final report for the West 38th Avenue Road Safety Project at the Potenza Lodge during a community open house.
She also acknowledged the work of the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation, committed to improving the water quality at Sloan’s Lake.
Sandoval pointed out that NW Denver does not possess some of the amenities that other neighborhoods enjoy.
She referred to her past work securing funding for Sloan’s Lake Park, which included a new maintenance facility and the remodel of the Boat House.
After the introductions, participants chose their own seats at designated tables for different interest groups.
Small group discussions then occurred to compile ideas for projects that the community wants the city to consider adding to the bond project list.
Once discussions concluded, each group presented their proposals to everyone in attendance.
The Safety Group proposed expanding a community-based center for child abuse victims and emphasized the need for better lighting along regional trails like the South Platte Trail to enhance safety.
The Transportation group voiced the need for improvements at Federal Boulevard and 52nd Avenue, the site of a recent child fatality.
They advocated for the establishment of a “school street” around neighborhood schools to create car-free zones for children, and sought better connectivity from the Regis neighborhood to other parts of Denver.
This group echoed Sandoval’s sentiments regarding the West 38th Avenue safety project as well.
The Recreation Center and Library group called for the establishment of two new library branches, one in Chaffee Park and one in Sunnyside, along with renovations to the Woodbury Library.
They also requested upgrades to Ashland and Scheitler Recreation Centers and the construction of a new recreation center in Chaffee Park.
The Arts and Culture Group similarly advocated for a new library in Chaffee Park, proposed a neighborhood concert venue, and suggested the introduction of interactive music in public parks.
Additionally, they called for a multipurpose and gallery space for makers that would serve as a community gathering point.
The Parks, Playgrounds, Trees, Trails, and Climate group expressed their commitment to improving the health of Sloan’s Lake.
They highlighted the Platte River Water Resiliency Project, called for the repair of tennis courts throughout North Denver, more soccer fields, and renovations to the bathhouse at Berkeley Park.
They also requested an additional dog park in North Denver and more shade structures in parks lacking them.
The feedback gathered from this session, alongside insights from 12 other sessions being hosted around the city and online, will be analyzed by the city.
The compiled information will then be presented to citywide subcommittees before reaching the mayor’s office and city council for the final decision on what will appear on the ballot this November.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Johnston noted that this bond is expected to have about a 2% interest rate due to Denver’s AAA bond rating.
Sandoval reminded attendees that Denver law mandates that 1% of the funding for the bond will be allocated for new artwork associated with these projects, aiming to enhance the city’s visual appeal.
image source from：https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/04/15/city-gets-north-denver-input-for-vibrant-denver-bond-projects/
