Choosing the proper location for a new recreation center in central Denver is proving a ticklish political situation for Denver City Council president Jeanne Robb.
Robb secured $11.9 million from the city’s 2007 infrastructure bond election to at least purchase land for a recreation center in her district, which largely covers residential areas south of Colfax Avenue and east of downtown.
Then Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper suggested using the money to build the first phase of a recreation center, putting park land already owned by the city on the table as a possible site.
But in city politics, tampering with parks is one sure way to raise the hackles of nearby residents, who don’t universally welcome any change in their cherished urban oasis of green.
“Have you ever heard of controversies around buildings in parks before?” Robb deadpanned during a recent interview. Then she went on to list one of the top gripes: too much parking on residential streets.
“I can’t win for losing on this one,” she said.
Robb said Denver Parks and Recreation has suggested Congress Park as a good site for the recreation center. There’s already an outdoor pool there, city staffers point out.
“I’m not saying it shouldn’t be in a park,” Robb said. “But I am saying my goal is to have options people can consider.”
Those living close to Congress Park haven’t taken a formal position yet, but some living near the park are concerned, said Brent Hladky, president of Congress Park Neighbors.
“There isn’t a neighborhood consensus by any stretch of the imagination on where it could or should be,” Hladky said.
Denver Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Jill McGranahan said Congress Park is one of several possible sites. She said the department will soon prepare a short list of finalists and meet with residents to get their thoughts.
“The architects are doing site evaluations,” McGranahan said.
Councilwoman Peggy Lehmann, chairwoman of the City Council’s Public Amenities Committee, which also could weigh in on the subject, said that whenever she asks the city’s parks officials where they want to build the recreation center, she gets the same answer: “We’re still working on it.”
Robb said many of her constituents have suggested the long-shuttered Gove Junior High, next to National Jewish Health on East 13th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, as a better alternative.
But National Jewish wants the site, complicating the city’s attempts to purchase the land, especially considering the desire to keep more hospitals from leaving the city, Robb said.
Robb said she’s committed to making sure her constituents eventually end up with a recreation center. Surveys show district residents don’t have easy access to a rec center.
Robb said the Hickenlooper administration has the final say on the location.
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
