Parts Of Civic Center Park To Reopen, Public Health Order Lifted

DENVER, CO — The public health order for Denver's Civic Center Park has been lifted, city officials announced Tuesday. Parts of the park are set to begin reopening Wednesday, the city said.

Pioneer Fountain (at the corner of Broadway and Colfax) and MacIntosh Park Plaza (at 15th Ave. and Cleveland St.) will remain closed for stone repair, hardscape and turf restoration, the city said.

Officials with The Department of Public Health and Environment have completed "a thorough inspection of the park and have ensured all public health hazards have been abated and the park is now safe for all park guests," the city said in a news release.

"During the park closure, several unhealthy hazards were addressed including the removal of significant amounts of food waste and litter, abatement of rodent burrows and human and pet waste, and the extensive cleanup of improperly discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia throughout the park."

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The city said that some parts of the park were "significantly damaged," and more restoration work is needed in the coming months. Some dead or dying trees were removed, and 19 new trees have been planted, officials said.

Surveillance cameras and lighting are also being added to the park, the city said.

"All Denver Park Rules and Regulations remain in effect including curfew between the hours of 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. when Denver urban parks are closed," the city's release read. "Entry into a park, recreational facility or parkway median during curfew is not allowed during this time. "

The city also said that "any and all types of donations left in the park are discouraged as most ends up as discarded trash attracting rodents."

Anyone who wants to make donations is asked to contact Denver Human Services at: GIVE@denvergov.org or 720-944-4483.