A ‘Shared Street’ in Central Park

A stretch of roadway in the Central Park neighborhood is on the list of potential shared streets under consideration by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI).

The area of 29th Ave. from Quebec to Roslyn streets is on the list to make the area near the Founders Green Park more pedestrian-friendly with fewer cars at slower speeds.

The proposal would also make it easier to temporarily close the road during big events, creating flexible outdoor dining and gathering areas in the 29th Avenue Town Center.

DOTI was at the Winter Welcome in the area in December and had a public comment survey open to residents until late in 2025.

The Safe Streets Committee of the Central Park United Neighbors organization has been engaged in the process and will be providing future updates.

It’s Time to Think About Spring Trees

January is the start of a new year and the time to start planning for spring with a new tree. Applications open on Jan. 6 for the Denver Digs Trees Program.

Residents, businesses, nonprofits, and schools are eligible to apply for a free or low-cost tree through the program from The Park People. Call 303-722-6262 for a paper application or visit TheParkPeople.org. The deadline is Feb. 15 or while supplies last.

“We’re so lucky to live in Denver where this resource exists. Trees are one of the most essential aspects of a landscape and yet also one of the most expensive,” said Lindsay Cutler, program director of The Park People. “Denver Digs Trees not only provides low-cost trees, but our experts make sure they are beautiful and strong enough to take what Denver’s environment throws at them.”

Pickup and planting happen from April 17 to 19.

Aurora Library Doubles in Size

The $2.5 million expansion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library is now complete, and visitors will find new technology, learning rooms, and collaborative spaces, including a maker’s space with sewing machines and a 3D printer.

“This library is really the anchor to the revitalization and the redevelopment of Colfax. It is so critical, the work that has been done here,” said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman at the ribbon cutting in December.

The library at 9898 E. Colfax Ave. has doubled in size from 7,000 to 14,000 square feet, with money for the project coming from a federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Aurora) in 2023. The lawmaker attended the ribbon cutting and added his gratitude for the library staff for “being there for our kids and being there for the families.” Crow added that the library will be “an anchor to the broader vision for East Colfax, in this part of the community that we love so much.”

He said he believes in public libraries as safe places for people to come and learn and read and places where people can grow.

Local Breweries Join Support for The Blue Bench

Fiction Beer company on East Colfax is now an official Safe Bar certified by The Blue Bench, a non-profit organization committed to eliminating sexual assault and its impact through comprehensive issue advocacy, prevention, and care.

Staff at the neighborhood brewery were trained to identify and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations at the bar before they escalate into violence.

Fiction is also a Change on Tap bar partner, with one dollar from every pint of Madame NEIPA donated to support services at The Blue Bench.

Second Dawn Brewing in northwest Aurora was also part of the donation program in 2025, contributing one dollar from every Mexican lager and West Coast IPA sold, and will do so again in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Redefining the Future of Public Education

Denver Public Schools is collaborating with business leader Jimmy Iovine and musician Andre “Dr. Dre” Young to bring new centers of innovation to Denver School of the Arts and Manual High School.

The centers will offer an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends design, technology, business, and the arts to prepare students for the industries of the future. The first ninth grade cohort will begin in fall 2026, with DSA also piloting classes for middle school students.

“We look forward to working with Denver Public Schools to unlock the superpowers of these students,” said Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of the Iovine and Young Education Group. “Together, we’ll empower young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to think differently, dream bigger, and lead the next wave of innovation.”

The program lets students work in a team-based environment throughout the school year, collaborating with others on an end-of-year innovation pitch to industry and community leaders.

A Colorful World

An exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science takes visitors on a journey around the world through sculptures made with LEGO bricks.

Brick Planet features colorful landscapes from polar bears to coral reefs and bustling cities. Artist Sean Kenney built the creations designed to create a sense of wonder.

There are hands-on opportunities for children and adults who love the building bricks. The exhibit is free with regular admission and is open through May 3.

Openings and Closings

Opening

Friends of Friends Art Cafe: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora

Replay Sports Cards: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora

Closing

Rosso Pomodoro: 7505 E. 29th Pl., Denver

Big Wave Taco: 10155 E. 29th Dr., Denver

Recovering Hipster: Stanley Marketplace. Moving to 2940 East Colfax Ave., at the end of January. Store owner Kayte Green said, “The store’s first chapter was written at Stanley, and we’re deeply grateful for that trust, support, and encouragement. We are excited to carry that into our next chapter on Colfax and the Bluebird District.”