On walls along Federal Boulevard, graffiti can look like a fixture — as common as a stop sign or painted lines on the street.
That’s why for the past six years, Denver Public Works has called on residents to volunteer in the fight against graffiti, which often is . Those who want to join the cause can take help paint over graffiti July 23 during the seventh annual graffiti Brush Off day. This also marks the third year the day has included litter cleanup.
The event will run from 8 to 11:30 a.m., concluding with a free lunch. Denver Partners Against Graffiti, the city’s graffiti abatement program, will provide supplies.
In 2015, the program removed more than 1.6 million square feet of graffiti in Denver County. In 2014, the program removed than 2 million square feet, . Volunteers on Brush Off day removed graffiti from 105 signs, 98 poles, 35 utility boxes and 51 buildings along Colfax Avenue in 2014, the public works department said.
More than 100 people volunteer for the event each year, and Denver’s broader push against graffiti appears to be helping limit it.
“Denver Public Works created the graffiti abatement program back in the 90’s, when the city started focusing on graffiti removal,” said Heather Burke, a communications professional for DPW. Over 100 people volunteer for Brush Off each year, according to Burke.
Anyone interested in participating can or for more information.
Denver Public Works also encourages residents to report graffiti vandalism by calling 311 or by using , the city’s mobile web app. Residents can take a picture of the graffiti with their phones, tag the location and send the report. Residents can also at community paint banks to remove graffiti from neighborhood property year-round.
