Wheat Ridge officials said today that they will not permit overnight camping in their parks and greenbelts during the Democratic National Convention.
Lisa Stigall, spokesperson for the Wheat Ridge Police Department, said it is expected that many visitors coming to Denver from Aug. 20 to Aug. 31, will either be sleeping in their cars, motor homes or tents.
“The Wheat Ridge Police Department would like to remind our citizens and park patrons that it is illegal to camp or stay overnight in our parks and greenbelt,” said Stigall. “If you see this activity taking place please contact the police department right away. Police will address the situation before it becomes a larger issue.”
Wheat Ridge said that all Wheat Ridge parks are closed from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. with the exception of the baseball fields at Anderson and Prospect Parks which are open until 10:30 p.m.
The city said that it welcomes people attending the DNC to its parks and expects the parks to be heavily used during the convention. But it said that it soon will be erecting signs indicating no overnight usage and police will increase patrols in the area.
Police ask citizens to report “any suspicious activity” to the Wheat Ridge Police Department by either dialing 9-1-1 or by calling 303-237-2220.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
