The Civic Center Conservatory is turning to the community for assistance following budget cuts affecting flowerbed planting by Denver Parks & Recreation. These cuts stem from the city’s efforts to address its illegal immigration crisis.
Officials from the Civic Center Conservatory announced in a news release on Tuesday their aim to raise $25,000 in donations to fund flower beds in Civic Center Park. They also emphasized the need for volunteers to support this initiative.
Civic Center Park, situated between the City and County of Denver building and the Colorado Capitol building, serves as the focal point for these efforts.
In February, Mayor Mike Johnston alerted the City Council about the potential costs associated with Denver’s immigration crisis, initially estimated at $180 million. Following the closure of four out of ten immigrant shelters, this estimate was revised down to $120 million.
To meet the financial demands posed by the crisis, Johnston instructed all city departments to implement budget cuts of at least 10%, including Denver Parks and Recreation, responsible for maintaining the flowerbeds.
The exact savings resulting from the elimination of flowerbed planting remain unclear, as does the cost incurred by the Civic Center Conservatory for seasonal planting.
While flower beds are still planned for Civic Center Park, reports indicate that Washington Park and City Park will experience significant reductions in floral displays this year.
However, Civic Center Park, boasting approximately 14,000 square feet of flowerbeds, is set to receive full planting this year.
Despite this, the Civic Center Conservatory is reaching out for financial support from the community.
Executive Director Eric Lazzari affirmed the Conservatory’s commitment to maintaining the park’s floral displays, stating, “We’re committed to shouldering the financial burden of upkeep for the park’s flowers this summer with the help of our community.” Lazzari emphasized the significance of flowerbeds, noting that they contribute not only to aesthetics but also to safety and community cohesion.
Beyond flowers, Denver recreation centers are facing operational cutbacks, reducing their operating days from seven to six per week.
To support their endeavors, the Civic Center Conservatory is offering volunteer opportunities through the “Civic Center SPARKLES” volunteer program.
Lazzari acknowledged the unique circumstances enabling this initiative in Civic Center Park, citing the presence of a nonprofit dedicated to meeting its needs and the longstanding partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation.
“We know that efforts like this aren’t an option for all of Denver’s parks,” said Lazzari. “The only reason this is possible in Civic Center is because Civic Center has a nonprofit dedicated to helping meet its needs and because of our longstanding unique partnership with the Denver Parks and Recreation.”