The purpose of this Admissions Based Events Policy is to establish the policy of the Department of Parks and Recreation and implement respective rules and regulations regarding the permitting of admissions based events in DPR parks and related facilities.

Representatives from all City Council offices, 20 members of festival and concert promoter groups, 9 Park Advocacy Groups, and 15 Neighborhood Organizations (targeting those entities located around parks that were more likely to be impacted by such a policy) formed a committee to create and discuss the policy.

However, the question of whether closing off the parks is even possible under City Charter never entered the conversation. A number of neighborhood organizations and individuals oppose closing off parks from users. They have proposed a plan to create a distinct "event park" where all the logistical issues can be successfully managed (parking, transportation, crowd control, etc).

For more information:

Support: http://www.denvergov.org/ContactUs/AdvisoryBoard/tabid/430499/Default.aspx

Opposition: http://denverdirect.blogspot.com/2009/11/parks-as-profit-centers.html
     (scroll down through other parks topics)

OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS

Denver Parks and Recreations has proposed a pilot program for unfenced, off-leash dog areas. City Park has been proposed for this kind of off-leash area. Supporters cite less cost, less wear and tear on the grass and that it would reduce uncollected dog waste. Opponents say these areas could be a hazard for dog-walkers passing the area, they don't solve the dog waste problem and don't address the issue of the huge number of unregistered dogs in Denver.

For more information:

News article: http://www.lifeoncaphill.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1241&Itemid=6

Opposition: http://denverdirect.blogspot.com/2009/10/denver-dogs.html    (scroll down through other parks topics)

ZONING POLICY CHANGE FOR PARKS OVERSIGHT

Denver's current charter gives oversight and control of all the parks to Denver City Council. In Draft #3 of the new zoning code, control over the City's parks, including all decisions about park uses, fees, restrictions, closures, buildings, etc, will be given to the Manager of Parks and Recreation, an appointed position. 

For more information:

Zoning Draft #3: http://www.newcodedenver.org/rezoning/page/the-draft-code-and-draft-map 
(scroll down to: Review Article 9:  Special Context  Sections 9.3.3–9.3.5 in pdf)

Opponents: http://denverdirect.blogspot.com/2009/11/citizens-will-lose-control-of-parks.html

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