Occupy Denver: Parks and Rec launches expensive park clean-up, protesters help

By Kelsey Whipple Thu., Nov. 17 2011 at 7:31 AM

"We've seen other general damage and trash in the park, but this is the first time we felt the need to go in immediately," Green says. "I don't think the chalk was something we're concerned about, but this went to the next level. Your heart breaks when you see it because it was all restored last year."

Courtesy of Parks and Recreation maintenance crew

Another photo from the site.

In the meantime, Green says, several Occupy Denver protesters have volunteered to assist in the clean-up process, and none of the maintenance workers have reported any problems with the group. "Our park rangers have gone down there periodically and haven't had any problems," Green says. "They've been greeted kindly and with requests to help out and clean the park."

The department did, however, report the tagging to the Denver Police Department's graffiti investigation team, if only because the act can come with a criminal mischief charge. The DPD's investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, the main concerns for Public Works and Parks and Rec are the costs of the clean-up and the possible toll on the park.

"On our side, I know we're in the thousands of dollars so far, and we're not done," Green says. "Last year, taxpayers paid $3 million to restore and revitalize it, and it's the heart of the city. Public Works has also been out, and I don't know their totals."

Tags:

Civic Center Park, Denver Parks and Recreation, Denver Public Works, graffiti, Kathy Green, Occupy Denver, tagging

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TimothyTipton

Is Chalk now Illegal in Denver's Civic Center Park?

"Now I found this package of chalk and I know you guys are doing it. So, if any of you have any more chalk Hand it Over, Now!"said the unidentified Denver City 'Occupy Denver Clean up' worker."I know you are the ones doing it, so hand it over, she quipped to a group of seven remaining Occupy Denver protestors circled in blankets and sleeping bags around 9am this morning. "We worked eight hours cleaning this place up!" she said before walking and then driving away.Occupy Denver Protestor going by the name Markus says "Her boss is really on her ass. City worker(she) was mad about the chalk, saying her power washer was broke. "

Even as the business day begins in the hub of the Rocky Mountain State, pressure continues to be put on the Occupy Denver protesting forces. Four police cars remain strategically positioned in Civic Center Park, prepared for action from the dozen or so onsite protestors. It seems like a monumental waste of money, announced one self proclaimed 'Old Hippy' protestor. But this presence did not seem to diminish the resolve of the circle of protestors in any way, as they resumed singing, playing guitar and drum in the morning sunshine which was cutting through the brisk mid-40's air. The Winter Chill did not seem to dampen their spirits a bit. "we are here for the long haul," reported one activist.

Special Note:Seems this reporter was more interested in playing a PR Role on behalf of Denver Parks & Rec, instead of identifying Harmless chalk "1st Amendment" Protected Activities and other issues associated with covering a real news story.....in the field.

Seriously

HEY YOU FUCKING OCCUPIERS, WANT TO LOSE SUPPORT REAL FAST? TAG UP OUR PARKS AND WE WILL SUDDENLY SUPPORT KICKING YOUR ASS OUT!

Jtcolfax

let's not forget that the park has been a crack hell hole for decades. No one cared about it at all.

Jennifer Wohletz

It's probably a coincidence. There seem to be an awful lot of coincidences involving the Occupy movement lately.

Robert Chase

Using paint or indelible markers gives our enemies something tangible on which to hang their relentless and heretofore unsubstantiated claims of damage and usurpation of others' rights -- don't do it!

NotWoofka

Anyone surprised by the fact that the occupiers did this kind of damage? I'm sure that of course no one knows who did it, or even tried to stop them. Glad they're gone! I'll be curious to see how many come crawling back for today's little rally.

Robert Chase

Yes, I read in the Post that the protest is almost over.

Doofus! (Illegal, unconstitutional) oppression does not work.

I was through last night, and I was surprised to find two-dozen-plus protesters bedded down for the night -- "they" are not gone; far from it!

Come downtown Saturday and try to reconcile the lies in the media about the "gone" protesters with the presence of thousands of people standing up for their rights!.

Jennifer Wohletz

I'm glad that in these uncertain economic times you can still afford to go skiing and have fun. Somebody needs to look out for the 1%, and you seem to be doing a fine job! Thank you!

NotWoofka

Protesters or homeless? It's hard to tell. I'll definitely stop by this evening, but as for Saturday, well, I'll be out skiing and having fun...you know, the kind of thing that you can do when you're not being paranoid about your "enemies".