INC PARC (Parks and Recreation Committee) met June 16 at Brookdale, 2020 S. Monroe. Present were: Co-chairs Maggie Price and Katie Fisher, Marlene Johnson, Jay and Kathleen Rust, Cindy Johnstone, Ronnie Crawford, B—- Peterson, Greg Sorensen, Frank Milteberger, John Chambandour, Nancy Francis, Louis Plachowski, Brad Cameron, Beyhan Titif Maybach, Paula Kauffman, Darcy Wilson, Diana Helper, Sonia John, Jim Sudderth, Rob Davis, Denver Forestry, Brenley McKenna and Damien Higham of Denver Water.

Brad spoke about Park Designations and potential sale of undesignated parkland at Lower Lakewood Gulch Park (W. 20 ^th-23 ^rd Ave between Platte River and Morrison Rd.) and a small area at 2700 S. Lafayette Street. Next month Brad will bring a motion for vote, asking that such portions of presently-considered parkland not be sold off. PARC members are urged to go look at these two.

The program by Denver Water dealt with problems created by the salinity of recycled water, which affects trees and other plantings in Denver Parks where it is used. The water meets drinking standards, but research is needed regarding improvement of soil and irrigation, use of supplemental water, and replacement of damaged trees. Denver Water partners with City Forestry and Parks, CSU and School of Mines research departments, and the Re-use community. Problems exist and PARC asked its best way to proceed to get action, considering budget limitations, cost effectiveness, priorities, and public information. PARC will hold a “brainstorming session” to identify the primary questions that need to be asked (and answered).

Denver Water provided four documents regarding studies of recycled water effects in parks and golf courses.

•  Evaluation of Trees Subjected to Reclaimed Water at Select Locations in Denver, CO
• PRZ Recycled Water Study and Economic Analysis 10 Sites
• Soil Testing Five Years after Irrigation with Recycled Water
• Water quality issues related to the use of recycled water on urban landscapes

Some of these files are quite large, save on personal computer to read

Katie reported that at PRAB (Parks & Rec Advisory Board) a number of members will be replaced when the new City Council members take office, and we should speak with the new councilpersons about their process to select appointees. Scott Gilmore is Mgr. of DPR pro tem, while the Mayor makes a national search for a new Manager, replacing Lauri Dannemiller. PARC signed a card for Lauri. PARC will write a letter to councilpersons and city administration, and news publications, addressing the qualifications it sees as essential to the selection of a new Manager, and guidelines and priorities for DPR concerns. RNOs are urged to consider this matter as well, and to write letters stating their concerns and ideas, and the need for a well-qualified, experienced manager.

Jay said that the ad hoc committee studying heath and safety issues regarding the gasification system to be installed at the Denver Zoo, will present its findings at our next meeting.

Ronnie spoke of the flood damage along the S. Platte, and announced the Summer Soltice event at Pond Park June 20 from 4 p.m. until dark.

Diana said 300 volunteers had spent impressive time at Prairie Park June 13 pulling weeds, mulching trees, cleaning up. This DPR event included 150 high school student members of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY- a national program) and 150 DU sorority and fraternity members. The help was much appreciated by all involved in this University Park project.

Next PARC meeting will be Tue., July 21, 6 p.m. at Brookdale. – Diana Helper, PARC member