A local activist observes that public process in Denver is akin to a cow’s digestive system: Everything must go through four stomachs.
Well, there’s nothing bovine about the kerfuffle emerging around the efforts of a group of civic volunteers – the Civic Center Conservancy – who are partnering with the city to enliven and enhance Denver’s aging Civic Center.
Envisioned a century ago as Denver’s primary public gathering space, Civic Center is a key component in the city’s larger urban framework and open space system. A component of the larger City Beautiful movement inspired by the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, civic centers became wildly popular at the turn of the 20th century. The Chicago Exposition set the tone for a style of civic improvements adopted by many American cities – none more enthusiastically than Denver.
Mayor Robert W. Speer and a well- heeled cadre of civic leaders were determined to convert a dusty frontier town into a well-organized and beautiful green oasis. They believed that fine boulevards, parks and beautiful civic buildings would enhance the civic virtue of both populace and place.
Civic Center is the most important symbol of that vision and is one of the most complete and intact examples of City Beautiful civic centers in the nation. It continues as the nexus of the region’s governmental and cultural institutions as it expands west to Speer Boulevard to accommodate Denver’s new courthouse and jail.
In addition, the residential and commercial districts adjacent to Civic Center – the Central Business District, Golden Triangle and Silver Triangle – are thriving. Increasing numbers of residents, conventioneers and cultural tourists bring welcome and diverse demands to Denver’s central gathering place.
That’s why, in 2004, Denver Park’s Manager Kim Bailey convened a broad public dialogue, part of a historic assessment and master plan for this treasured asset. Funded in part by a grant from the Colorado Historical Fund, the Civic Center Park Master Plan, crafted by Mundus Bishop Design, included broad community outreach and process resulting in public acceptance of the Plan’s Preferred Alternative. It’s important to note that the adopted Mundus Bishop Plan calls for new structures and improvements as well as restoration of historic assets.
The Preferred Alternative clearly articulates the formation of broad partnerships, identifying the Civic Center Conservancy as the “umbrella partner” committed to:
The Civic Center Master Plan was approved by a host of community stakeholders prior to its adoption by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Denver Planning Board, Landmark Preservation Commission and City Council.
The conservancy model – though new to Denver – is a tried-and-true way for private citizens to partner with government to maintain, preserve and enhance civic assets. They are funded privately but work closely with elected and appointed leaders and citizens to care for and enhance beloved public assets.
Denver needs $90 million simply to address citywide parks’ needs. This does not include enhancements or replacement of Denver’s obsolete, inefficient irrigation system.
Every Denver park needs a conservancy. It’s a necessity if we are going to maintain, restore and improve Denver’s defining parks legacy for future generations.
The Civic Center Conservancy – led by bright, energetic and passionate citizens – has accomplished a great deal in a very short time. They have not, however, agreed to a secret plan.
They have, along with countless other citizens and public officials, agreed to the vision, intent and principles of the Civic Center Park Master Plan.
There is no other plan. There are ideas and grand visions and provocative concepts. The Civic Center’s history as Denver’s most important place of passionate public dialogue, debate and engagement demands no less.
The Civic Center Conservancy came about through the inclusive, vibrant collaborative spirit of the planning process – a process that led to a plan that will “provide guidance for appropriate change … so that the park will be a vital public space for generations to come.”
The cow has not yet begun to graze, but there will be ample chewing when the meal is ready.
Susan Barnes-Gelt served eight years on the Denver City Council and was an aide to former Denver Mayor Federico Peña. Her column appears on alternate Sundays.
