Here's what's coming into view on Elevating Denver...

MOUNT BLUE SKY
Mount Blue Sky is back open and you can hike or drive your way to the top! Denver Mountain Parks took over management of the area after an extensive construction project to improve the road to the top. Hear about what they did, what to expect, and how the new name reflects the traditions of the Indigenous tribes who have lived on this land for generations.

ANDREA'S FARMER MARKET
During the pandemic Andrea Loudd, a disabled resident in a senior living community in Villa Park saw a need to provide fresh food for her community. She launched two initiatives that are still going strong today, Andrea’s No Cost Grocery Store and No Cost Famers Market. Building a huge coalition of support to supply homes with nutritious basic household produce she has also a created an intergenerational and culturally diverse community where families feed families as Andrea says, “We are all FAMILY here”.

FLORENCE CRITTENTON GARDEN
When an entire community comes together, amazing things can happen! This incredible new garden at Florence Crittenton High School is already making a huge difference.

HONORING ETHAN
Ethan Small was a beloved son, brother and community member who tragically lost his life to a drunk driver who selfishly got behind the wheel while intoxicated. Ethan deserved to arrive home safely, and we honor and remember him through the Memorial Sign Program. This program gives the family members of the victims an opportunity to provide a personal tribute in memory of their lost loved ones and also serve as a reminder the importance of driving safely and responsibly.

BRING BACK THE PAST
The legendary Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre didn't spring up out of nowhere. The stage, stairs and infrastructure were originally built by the hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal era program that provided skilled labor jobs to help build infrastructure around the country. Those workers who built Red Rocks lived in a camp just down the way. That camp still exists today, and Denver Mountain Parks is working to restore these buildings to provide a space where these skills can be taught to a new generation, who can then hone those skills by improving our mountain parks. Check out the video to hear more about how Denver Parks and Recreation is working to make this a reality.