Two weeks ago, I wrote a piece detailing the need to have a cleanup along Section 3 of the High Line Canal Trail. As my first post for DenverUrbanism, I was nervous about the reception that the post would get given people don’t dart to “trails” when they think of urbanism. Between the praise of friends, colleagues, and members of the urbanist community in Denver, my nerves were calmed.
Now, I am asking you to help make my vision a reality.
While it is true, as one reader pointed out, that a cleanup was hosted by Councilwoman Kendra Black (whose district oversees the trail) in early August, I believe that regular, sustained cleanups are important to keeping the trail beautiful, preventing ecological damage, and building community for those in the Southeast Denver area.
Images below: 1.) Tennis courts at Bible Park as viewed from near South Quebec Street and the High Line Canal Trail. 2.) Park users in Bible Park at sunset. Headline image at top: Entrance to the High Line Canal Trail along South Quebec Street at Bible Park.
If you are interested in participating, we will be meeting near the Quebec Street side of James A. Bible Park (at the bench near the tennis courts—see photo above) at 9:30 AM on Sunday, September 30. Forecast is expected to be roughly 50 degrees, so dress accordingly. Bring standard items for a cleanup, including trash bags, gloves, water, and food so we can snack after. I will also be reaching out to community members, including the office of Councilwoman Black and community organizations, to help aid in the cleanup. Depending on how big of a group we get, we will divide tasks up between different individuals. If possible, use alternative transportation. If you are on Facebook, you can RSVP here.
I hope you can make it out!
The Highline Canal is a treasure.
The high line canal stretches for 71 miles diagonally across the metro area from Waterton Canyon to Green Valley Ranch, only a portion of which traverses Denver. Efforts like this will hopefully one day expand to the entire stretch of the canal so that all metro-area communities can enjoy this unique amenity.
I absolutely agree, and Aurora and Denver as cities are definitely taking some positive action on this. We ended up only doing a cleanup of the Canal for about 1.5 miles near James A Bible park, but were able to pull out 6-7 substantive trash bags of materials, with everything from bicycle wheels to a Donald Duck themed juice box.I definitely hope our efforts expand to various other parts of the Metro Area, and will be writing about it in my wrap-up blog on this subject.