1) Take an Immersive Space Walk at Stanley Marketplace

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronaut working in the International Space Station, the Denver Center for Performing Arts is giving you a chance to put on a virtual reality headset and take a space walk at the Hangar in Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace. “Space Explorers: The Infinite” is a production created by two virtual reality studios that uses 360-degree videos gathered over two years in and outside the space station. More than 24 astronauts from around the world are featured doing science experiments, exercising, eating, and taking a space walk. The experience takes about 45 minutes and is divided into four “chapters.” Participants walk through the space station and choose from 60 short videos that let them experience many different aspects of life in space. Tickets start at $25 for children and $45 for adults. Children must be at least 8 years old. “The Infinite” runs through May 5. For more information, go to theinfiniteexperience.world/en/denver

Visitors to “Space Explorers: The Infinite” use headsets to experience life in the International Space Station.million. Photo courtesy of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts

2) Check to See If You Have Unclaimed Property

Last year, the Colorado State Treasurer returned $52 million to more than 71,000 claimants through its Unclaimed Property Division. The average claim was $733.78.  According to Unclaimed Property Director Bianca Gardelli, there’s at least a one in seven chance “that there’s unclaimed property, like gift certificates, unpaid wages, or uncashed checks with your name on it.” To see if you are owed money, visit colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com.

3) Proposed Changes to Sidewalk Repair Ordinance

A committee of homeowners and other stakeholders is recommending adjustments to a sidewalk repair ordinance passed by voters in 2022. The committee, established by Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, proposed that homeowners pay a flat rate of $148.64 instead of being charged by linear feet. It would also change the way discounts are given to low-income homeowners. The committee sought public feedback in February and will formally present its recommendations to City Council on March 4, with a goal of a final vote in June.  Voters passed the initiative to improve the 2,300 miles of sidewalk in Denver. Under the old system, homeowners were responsible for paying for all repairs. The voter-passed initiative was designed so that property owners would instead pay an annual fee that would be put into a general fund for repairs. After an outcry from residents that the new system put an undue burden on homeowners with corner lots, the committee was formed. “We want to honor the wishes of the voters, but we want to make sure the plan is workable and gets underway by July,” says Jill Locantore, committee chair and director of the Denver Streets Partnership.

4) Ashley Elementary First Graders Get Bicycles; School Doubles in Size

A non-profit organization that tries to encourage children to spend more time getting exercise outdoors donated 70 bikes to first graders that attend Ashley Elementary in Northeast Denver. Can’d Aid enlisted the help of local volunteers to build the bikes and sponsored an appearance by professional BMX rider Mike Murfitt to show students some biking tips and tricks. Can’d Aid is a national non-profit that has donated more than 18,000 skateboards and bikes to underprivileged youth.

The student population at Ashley Elementary has doubled this year because of the influx of migrant students. Since the school does not have a Parent Teacher Association to support students and families, Central Park United Neighbors (CPUN) created a GoFundMe page to raise money for grocery cards and other support. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ashley-elementary- refugee-drive.

Mike Murfitt, a volunteer with Can’d Aid and a BMX trick rider, helps fit helmets on Ashley Elementary students receiving free bikes through the program. Front Porch photo by Christie Gosch

5) Mayor’s Plan to Combat Auto Theft

Mayor Mike Johnston announced a plan to combat Denver’s high rate of auto thefts. The Denver Police Department will install 111 cameras across the city that will read license plates and flag stolen cars and vehicles associated with violent crimes. Denver International Airport installed a similar camera system last year and has seen a 90% decrease in thefts over the past six months.

In addition, Johnston said the City will host events this spring for owners of KIA and Hyundai cars, top targets for thieves, to upgrade software to make them more difficult to steal.  Johnston also urged all Denver residents to register their vehicles with DenverTrack, which gives police consent to use GPS data to find the car. Some 30 cars are stolen every day in Denver, including the mayor’s car, which was stolen from his Central Park home last November (it was later recovered).

In addition to new technology, Johnston’s plan includes hiring additional police officers, increasing patrols, and making permanent a pilot program that brought together a team of detectives focused solely on auto theft. To register your vehicle and learn more about what you can do to prevent your car from being stolen, visit denvergov.org/denvertrack.