People caught using, selling or buying drugs on the Cherry Creek trail are now subject to 90-day suspensions from the trail, following a rule issued last week by the Denver Parks and Recreation department.
The directive is part of a citywide crackdown on drug use in parks and on trails.
However, it has drawn criticism, including from the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, which questions whether the parks director has the authority to issue such a rule.
And a Denver Post editorial argues that while a crackdown on drugs is warranted, “the city needs to take action in a way that doesn’t encroach on civil liberties or grant the parks director too much unchecked power.”
In a statement last week, Parks and Recreation explained: “The Cherry Creek bike trail has become a hub for drug sales and use, jeopardizing the public’s ability to safely enjoy one of Denver’s signature amenities in our outdoor recreation system. The purpose of the directive is to protect public health and parkland, increase safety and improve the overall experience for trail users.”
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