DENVER (KDVR) — Fear not, lovers of color, flowers and civic engagement: The Civic Center Conservancy has stepped up to ensure blooms fill Civic Center Park’s beds this year, despite city budget cuts.
Denver announced in early February that as part of cost-saving measures to continue supporting migrants and sheltering them, the city would not be planting its flower beds.
The city projected a cost of $180 million to shelter migrants brought to the Mile High City from the southern border in 2024 alone. That cost dropped to $120 million after the city consolidated four shelters.
It’s not clear how much the city anticipates saving by not planting flowers. The city’s largest plantings are in Civic Center Park, Washington Park and City Park.
But the flower beds are one of the more visual measures that residents are starting to notice.
“If we weren’t stepping into this role this year, we would certainly not see — we would see dirt beds in Civic Center Park just like we are going to see throughout the city,” said Eric Lazzari, executive director of Civic Center Conservancy. “The flower beds here represent more than just plant life but an opportunity of welcome and accessibility. Parks are public health and so are flowers.”
The conservatory is seeking volunteers to help maintain the flower beds. The nonprofit also says that they are also raising $25,000 to help with future beautifying efforts. Details are available at civiccenterpark.org.
Heather Willard
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