Corrections on Denver Moves: Bikes Update in Congress Park
Bryan Wilson
I've noticed some issues in Congress Park with the Denver Moves: Bikes Update.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f4fafe1405b6443da158f4d9e257887a
Hello Bryan,
I will do my best to respond to some of your specific items. Thanks
A.) No ADA sidewalk connection from the upper courts to the Outdoor Restroom area. Looks like plans end at the upper courts. DPR is implementing ADA improvements that connect the area to the parking lots and restrooms in the park. They might not be direct connections but due to slope and site constraints, DPR is adhering to the ADA requirements we need to meet.
B.) No Bike connection thru Congress Park E/W for the E9thAveNBW as called out in the East Central Area Plan. A bike connection through the park is not planned as there is limited space to provide trails and sidewalks through the park. The proposed 9th Ave bikeway is a Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) project and they would need to work with DPR and Denver Water to find a viable East-West path that would not cause conflicts with existing use that occur in the park currently.
C.) No ADA Crosswalk at E8thAve in the SE Corner. It appears as the crosswalk will remain unchanged, which is a problem as it doesn't get cleared connections in the winter months AND is the location of an RTD Bus Stop. The sidewalk along 8th Ave. is a DOTI funded project. They have done their best to install a functional sidewalk within the constraints of existing infrastructure, which would include trees, stormwater drainage, and existing underground utilities.
D.) The sidewalk looks to be installed too close to E 8th Ave at only a couple of feet. The sidewalk is being installed with the intention of minimizing impact to the existing trees along 8th Ave. This means that the sidewalk had to be placed where it is now being installed with a minimal space between the walk and 8th Ave.
E.) No Bike connection thru Congress Park N/S for the NClaytonStNBW connection from Denver Moves Cherry Creek. There will be North South bike connection through the center of Congress. There will be sidewalk improvements along Josephine that can be utilized or individuals can utilize the alley that is east of Congress Park to move North-South.
F.) No ADA crossing planned for Josephine at E9thAve. This would be a DOTI request at this is a public Right of Way and this area is managed by DOTI.
Scott Gilmore | Deputy Executive Director
Parks & Recreation | City and County of Denver
720.913.0665 Phone | 720.837.0489 Cell
Scott....@denvergov.org
From: Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 11:02 AM
To: Gilmore, Scott M. - DPR CA2951 Deputy Manager <Scott....@denvergov.org>
Cc: Schooler, Christopher P. - DPR CE2291 Project Manager I Engineering <Christophe...@denvergov.org>; Roybal, Mallory C. - DPR CE0429 City Planner Senior <Mallory...@denvergov.org>; Ford, Jeneanne M. - DPR Sr Recreation Supv <Jenean...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 10 <Distr...@denvergov.org>; Haynes, Allegra R. - DPR Mgr Dept Parks And Recreation <happy....@denvergov.org>; Disability Access <Disabili...@denvergov.org>; Denver Moves Bikes <bi...@denvergov.org>; Pulsipher, David C. - DOTI CE3124 City Planning Manager <David.P...@denvergov.org>; Jill Locantore <ji...@denverstreetspartnership.org>; Wright, Mercy - DPR CE2291 Project Manager I Engineering <Mercy....@denvergov.org>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Congress Park Sidewalk Plans
I don't see anything here that addresses the concerns emailed to you on Monday. On Wed, Sep 13, 2023, 10: 45 AM Gilmore, Scott M. - DPR CA2951 Deputy Manager <Scott. Gilmore@ denvergov. org> wrote: Bryan, This is what was sent out recently
I don't see anything here that addresses the concerns emailed to you on Monday.
On Wed, Sep 13, 2023, 10:45 AM Gilmore, Scott M. - DPR CA2951 Deputy Manager <Scott....@denvergov.org> wrote:
Bryan,
This is what was sent out recently to the community. It includes the on-going ADA improvements in the sidewalks throughout the park. Thanks
Dear Congress Park Neighbors,
Construction will be starting up soon for projects at Congress Park. Please see below for updates. Learn more about projects in Congress Park at https://denvergov.org/parkprojects.
Playground and Walk Improvements:
- Construction for the playground will start when the pool closes for the summer (mid-August 2023) and should be complete by summer 2024. The expanded playground will meet play, safety, and accessibility needs.
- The walkways along 8th and Josephine will begin construction in the next week, and finish in early 2024. The project will complement the improvements made at the adjacent pool and improve sidewalk connections within the interior and exterior of the park.
- Thanks to DPR Legacy Funds, Elevate Denver Bond, DOTI walk gaps project, and other sources, this project will build on community input to redesign and expand the existing playground.
Courts Replacement Project:
- Sports court improvements will include four new tennis courts, one new basketball court, and accessibility improvements. Abatement of the courts was completed in July 2023, and reconstruction of the sports courts will begin in August or September. Construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024.
- The project will be funded by 2022/2023 Capital Funds.
Scott Gilmore | Deputy Executive Director
Parks & Recreation | City and County of Denver
720.913.0665 Phone | 720.837.0489 Cell
Scott....@denvergov.org
From: Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:22 AM
To: Gilmore, Scott M. - DPR CA2951 Deputy Manager <Scott....@denvergov.org>
Cc: Schooler, Christopher P. - DPR CE2291 Project Manager I Engineering <Christophe...@denvergov.org>; Roybal, Mallory C. - DPR CE0429 City Planner Senior <Mallory...@denvergov.org>; Ford, Jeneanne M. - DPR Sr Recreation Supv <Jenean...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 10 <Distr...@denvergov.org>; Haynes, Allegra R. - DPR Mgr Dept Parks And Recreation <happy....@denvergov.org>; Disability Access <Disabili...@denvergov.org>; Denver Moves Bikes <bi...@denvergov.org>; Pulsipher, David C. - DOTI CE3124 City Planning Manager <David.P...@denvergov.org>; jo...@jolonclarkfordenver.com; Jill Locantore <ji...@denverstreetspartnership.org>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Congress Park Sidewalk Plans
Hello again, Mr. Gilmore, Could you please clarify your last email? I have yet to receive any information or see any changes to the project to indicate that any of the concerns are being addressed. Sidewalk is being installed now. Again, thank
Hello again, Mr. Gilmore,
Could you please clarify your last email?
I have yet to receive any information or see any changes to the project to indicate that any of the concerns are being addressed. Sidewalk is being installed now.
Again, thank you for your attention to this matter.
Bryan Wilson
Video of Clayton to Congress Park Bike Access
On Mon, Sep 11, 2023, 10:01 AM Gilmore, Scott M. - DPR CA2951 Deputy Manager <Scott....@denvergov.org> wrote:
This is all being addressed in the project moving forward. Thanks
Scott Gilmore | Deputy Executive Director
Parks & Recreation | City and County of Denver
720.913.0665 Phone | 720.837.0489 Cell
Scott....@denvergov.org
From: Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:00 AM
To: Schooler, Christopher P. - DPR CE2291 Project Manager I Engineering <Christophe...@denvergov.org>; Gilmore, Scott M. - DPR CA2951 Deputy Manager <Scott....@denvergov.org>
Cc: Roybal, Mallory C. - DPR CE0429 City Planner Senior <Mallory...@denvergov.org>; Ford, Jeneanne M. - DPR Sr Recreation Supv <Jenean...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 10 <Distr...@denvergov.org>; Haynes, Allegra R. - DPR Mgr Dept Parks And Recreation <happy....@denvergov.org>; Disability Access <Disabili...@denvergov.org>; Denver Moves Bikes <bi...@denvergov.org>; Pulsipher, David C. - DOTI CE3124 City Planning Manager <David.P...@denvergov.org>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Congress Park Sidewalk Plans
Hello All, I still have concerns about the sidewalk plans/layout as they are being executed in Congress Park. Ordered Clockwise around the park as I see them. A. ) No ADA sidewalk connection from the upper courts to the Outdoor Restroom area.
Hello All,
I still have concerns about the sidewalk plans/layout as they are being executed in Congress Park.
Ordered Clockwise around the park as I see them.
A.) No ADA sidewalk connection from the upper courts to the Outdoor Restroom area. Looks like plans end at the upper courts.
B.) No Bike connection thru Congress Park E/W for the E9thAveNBW as called out in the East Central Area Plan.
C.) No ADA Crosswalk at E8thAve in the SE Corner. It appears as the crosswalk will remain unchanged, which is a problem as it doesn't get cleared connections in the winter months AND is the location of an RTD Bus Stop.
D.) The sidewalk looks to be installed too close to E 8th Ave at only a couple of feet.
E.) No Bike connection thru Congress Park N/S for the NClaytonStNBW connection from Denver Moves Cherry Creek.
F.) No ADA crossing planned for Josephine at E9thAve.
Here is my recent Congress Park Sidewalks Twitter Post with videos of some of the issues.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Regards,
Bryan Wilson
On Wed, Sep 6, 2023 at 12:02 PM Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello again, Chris,
Another concern that needs to be brought to your attention is the plans with Denver Moves: Cherry Creek. Specifically, the Clayton Street Neighborhood Bikeway.
This is a North/South bike route that I was already using on my own since the next closest option is Steele St. Bikes already were crossing 8th into the grass & will likely continue crossing onto the sidewalks. My suggestion is to continue the planned 8-foot-wide sidewalk from the playground & pavilion along 8th Ave East to the alleyway. Add curb cuts along 8th for both bikes & pedestrians to cross 8th Ave at Clayton with a paved connection to the RTD Bus stop near Clayton. DOTI can later shift the traffic signal to Clayton & add curb cuts on the South side.
As for the E 9th Ave Neighborhood Bikeway as called out by the East Central Area Plan, my suggestion is to add an 8-foot-wide shared-use connection from the outdoor restrooms to the upper tennis courts. Make sure the plan to install ADA access from the alleyway is also 8-foot-wide. This will create a direct connection through the park & also keep bike commuters from using the narrow 6-foot-wide sidewalk to the South of the swimming pool.
Thank you in advance for your consideration & flexibility on these issues. Given that this is a once-in-a-generation project, it is important that we get it right.
Regards,
Bryan Wilson
On Thu, Aug 31, 2023 at 10:04 AM Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com> wrote:
Thank you for the update & thank you for access to the plans.
I'll take a look. I hope you can understand my concern that the pool project left only a 6ft wide sidewalk to be shared by everyone trying to access the park as well as just pass thru, which I do often.
To be clear:
- there are 2 bus stops to consider. 8th at Clayton & Josephine at 8th.
- Ada-compliant access across 8th at Clayton is needed with an adjustment to the signal & crosswalk from the alley. The crosswalk at the alley can't be ADA-compliant b/c it isn't cleared of snow or ice in the winter.
- Ada-compliant access is needed across Josephine at 9th. There is no ADA-Compliant connection from 9th.
- Ada-compliant access is needed from the outdoor restroom to the upper courts. This was omitted during the pool renovation.
Compare to Crestmoor Park to get a better understanding of what I think we deserve in Congress Park.
I'll let you know if I have any specific concerns after reviewing the plans.
Thanks again,
Bryan Wilson
On Thu, Aug 31, 2023, 7:55 AM Schooler, Christopher P. - DPR CE2291 Project Manager I Engineering <Christophe...@denvergov.org> wrote:
HI Bryan,
- The plans have been generated by our licensed professional consultant team; Flow Design Collaborative.
- The project is under construction.
- The plans have had extensive QAQC review through Parks 30,60,90,100 process and meet ADA guidelines.
- There will be access at the RTD bus stop.
- The one intersection you point out at 8th in the SE corner is changing slightly in the field but will align with the existing walks.
- The walks design have also been through the ER review with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
- The intersections will be built through DOTI’s Mill Levy program next summer; and should provide a complete PAR access route.
- Additional walks are being added mid-block from Josephine, along the top of the terrace to the playground.
- The entire construction set will be made available via the projects site: ProofPoint sharing; I’ll add your email for access.
Refer to plan set: 230818Congress Drawings IFC.PDF
Website will send you an additional notice for access:
Thanks for your consideration; please let me know if you have any other concerns.
Chris Schooler
Christopher Schooler MLA | Capital Projects PM
Parks and Recreation | City and County of Denver
Planning, Design + Construction
101 W Colfax Ave, 9th Floor
Denver CO 80202
c: 303.909.1702
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From: Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2023 7:12 AM
To: Schooler, Christopher P. - DPR CE2291 Project Manager I Engineering <Christophe...@denvergov.org>; Roybal, Mallory C. - DPR CE0429 City Planner Senior <Mallory...@denvergov.org>; Ford, Jeneanne M. - DPR Sr Recreation Supv <Jenean...@denvergov.org>
Cc: City Council District 10 <Distr...@denvergov.org>; Haynes, Allegra R. - DPR Mgr Dept Parks And Recreation <happy....@denvergov.org>; Disability Access <Disabili...@denvergov.org>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Congress Park Sidewalk Plans
Hello all, Just wanted to follow-up on this request to review the plans for the Congress Park sidewalk installation. I want to verify that there are ADA-Compliant connections to the RTD Bus stops across Josephine, & 8th Ave. I also want
Hello all,
Just wanted to follow-up on this request to review the plans for the Congress Park sidewalk installation.
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I want to verify that there are ADA-Compliant connections to the RTD Bus stops across Josephine, & 8th Ave. I also want to make sure that the Pedestrian Access Route (PAR) is a straight line & doesn't zig-zag for those who may have any visual impairments.
Where are the plans available to review?
Thank you,
Bryan Wilson
On Sat, Aug 26, 2023 at 11:59 AM Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello Chris & Mallory,
My name is Bryan Wilson, & I have formed the Congress Park Mobility Team.
While walking my dogs, I have observed what looks to be the start of construction for the Congress Park sidewalks. I have some initial questions that would like to either ask or at least see the current plans to potentially answer these questions.
If you have Nextdoor, I've posted information & my questions there, so others may ask their questions.
https://nextdoor.com/p/w9jq_hypZF4c
My biggest concern is ADA-Access to the Bus Stops as well as across Josephine & 8th. I am also concerned about what looks to be a very close proximity of the sidewalk to 8th Ave. Finally, I was hoping we can coordinate with DOTI a relocation of the crosswalk on 8th from the Alleyway to Clayton. That crosswalk is a mess in the winter.
Can you please share the plans with me so that I may share them with the Congress Park Mobility Team, who I BCCd on this email?
Finally, we request to be included on any future projects so that we may send someone to serve on the steering committee or any design advisory groups like you had with the playground.
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Thank you in advance!
Respectfully,
Bryan Wilson
