Party for Parks

The first fund-raising effort of Jeffco Outdoors was the Party for Parks, held April 5 at the Red Rocks Visitor Center. The event celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Denver Mountain Parks, the 40th Anniversary of the Jefferson County Open Space Program, and the 20th Anniversary of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Jan Wilkins and Greg Stevinson were co-chairs of the 14-member organizing committee and another 70 volunteers.

From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. a new video on the benefits of outdoor recreation, open space and parks was shown continuously. Major hors d’oeuvres were served by Aramark, there was opportunity to bid on silent auction items, and a lot of time was available for conversation and to listen to bluegrass music by Dr. Harlan’s Amazing Bluegrass Tonic. At 8:00 p.m. there were remarks from Greg Stevinson, Governor Hickenlooper, the Denver City Council President, County Commissioner Don Rosier, and GOCO Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug.

These were followed by a live auction of six unusual items, and a separate paddle raiser event, to solicit funds for Jeffco Outdoors.

More than 250 supporters attended the event. Contributions from sponsors totaled more than $100,000 and the net from the event was more than $90,000.

All attendees received a copy of the first regional parks and open spaces map. This map covers the Bear Creek drainage, from Kittredge to Kipling Street and Apex Park on the North to Highway 285 on the South. Maps from the initial printing are available at the Open Space office. A second printing will allow maps to be available at other locations.

You can read more about Party for the Parks at https://www.co.jefferson.co.us/news/news_item_np _T9_R2977.htm.