❌ Why the city is closing shelters

🕵️ Solved! MLK Memorial Vandalism

Denver police have recovered the missing pieces of the City Park Martin Luther King Jr. memorial statue that were stolen last week. Authorities report the pieces were taken and sold as scrap metal. Investigators also recovered missing pieces from the park’s Joseph Addison Thatcher memorial fountain. Police no longer believe this was a racially motivated crime. [Denver Post]

• Repairing the damage: The recovered pieces were turned over to Denver Arts & Venues, which manages the monument. A GoFundMe is raising money for repairs and security.

🎡 Another Summer with Elitches

With a major development project planned for the land that currently hosts Elitch Gardens, Denverites are bracing themselves for the amusement park’s inevitable closure and relocation — but the question of when that might happen remains unanswered. So until then, Elitch officials have confirmed the park’s roller coasters and carnival rides will reopen for the 2024 summer season. [Denverite]

• Seasonal workers apply: Elitch Gardens will host hiring fairs this weekend to fill some 1,500 seasonal positions.

🛏️ City to Close 4 New Arrival Shelters

As Denver officials continue to look for ways to free up city funds to shelter and support new arrivals, Mayor Mike Johnston has announced he will close four city-operated shelter sites over the next month, a decision that he reports will save the city $60 million. Instead, officials will double down on case management efforts to get newcomers connected with work and housing. [9News]

🏙️ How to Fix Downtown Denver

Plagued by restaurant closures, empty office buildings, and safety concerns, downtown Denver just can’t seem to catch a break. So what’s the answer for getting Denver’s groove back? Is it more greenspace? Eliminating one-way streets? Another big blue animal statue?? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

12 Big Ideas to Fix Downtown

Between continued restaurant closures, growing office building vacancies, and complaints over cleanliness and safety, downtown Denver’s image isn’t great. But don’t write off the urban core just yet — the City Cast Denver crew has some imaginative, practical, and unique ideas to make downtown desirable again.