I support a pilot program designed to use a very limited portions of Denver Parks for paid entertainment events.   We need new, fresh ideas to reduce city expenditures and increase city revenues.  The Admission Based Event policy is one of these ideas.  These events have the potential to bring new residents to the parks, increase park visibility and assist in creating safer parks.  If the pilot program fails to achieve those objectives, it can be adjusted, changed or eliminated.

The current City Attorney believes that this pilot program does not violate the Denver City Charter.  I agree with the City Attorney.  The City Charter provides that park property may be leased on approval by the Denver City Council.

Section 2.4.5 of Subtitle B – Charter states:

“Without the approval of a majority of those registered electors voting in an election held by the City and County of Denver, no park or portion of any park belonging to the city as of December 31, 1955 shall be sold or leased at any time . . . provided, however, that property in parks may be leased for park purposes to concessionaires, to charitable or non-profit organizations, or to governmental jurisdictions.  All such leases shall require the approval of Council as provided for in Article III of this Charter.” (emphasis added)

These new, creative ideas will potentially bring different residents to our parks, increase our parks visibility, and develop a safer and friendlier park atmosphere for use and enjoyment of all residents of District 1 and the City of Denver.