Crime flourishing under bridge along Denver dry gulch trail

Photo byCity and County of Denver

The City and County of Denver has received a state Safer Streets grant to combat crime on the Lakewood dry gulch trail in Denver, particularly in and around Paco Sanchez Park.

Council member Jamie Torres’ office announced the grant in a news release. "We recognize the pressing need to tackle large safety issues such as drug use, vandalism, traffic crashes, and property crime," Torres said. "This grant presents an opportunity to collaboratively address these concerns by improving the infrastructure."

The park resides in the West Colfax and Villa Park neighborhoods. Grant money will go toward improvements intended to decrease crime and enhance safety, according to the news release. This includes better lighting, new cameras, improved trash collection, fencing, a community mural, and other enhancements designed to create a safer park. “These improvements are coupled with partnerships with city agencies and Mayor Michael Johnston’s focus on Place Network Investigations, which has also identified Paco Sanchez Park as one of the top five locations for collective attention and improvement,” according to the news release.

Police Chief Ron Thomas lauded the cooperation that made the grant possible. “This grant and partnership are true examples of how working together creates a safer Denver,” Thomas said in the news release. “The Denver Police Department is grateful for councilwoman Torres, DPD District One and our grant writing team for finding and being awarded this grant that will increase safety in and around Paco Sanchez Park.”

According to the news release, crime has flourished along the trail under the bridge. “Measures will be taken to prevent displacement of people who are experiencing homelessness or adverse impacts on neighborhoods of color or vulnerable communities,” the news release states. “In addition, the grant allocates funding for Extreme Community Makeover to facilitate cleanups, in partnership with neighbors and community groups, in Paco Sanchez Park and its surrounding areas, ensuring that residents can enjoy a safe, clean park.”