🏛️ ICE face mask ban moves forward

🛶 Just How Much Will It Cost to Save Sloan’s Lake?

Thanks to multiple bond packages passed by Denver voters, the Sloan’s Lake boathouse is getting a $7 million renovation and the lake itself is set to receive $5 million in funds for ecological restoration. But ongoing issues like sediment build up and a toxic algae bloom mean this treasured body of water needs a lot more help, which could cost tens of millions more. One environmental group is advocating for that money, with big dreams of fully restoring Sloan’s Lake back to its natural glory. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

• Dive deeper: Keep scrolling to learn more about the fascinating history of Denver’s largest lake, including its accidental inception, circus animals, and a mystery fire 👀 ⬇️

🏛️ New Face Mask Ban Would Impact More Than ICE

The two City Council members behind a proposal to ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces while operating in Denver have updated their original proposal to encompass all law enforcement officials. The ordinance would require officers and agents to clearly identify themselves with visible identification from at least 25 feet away (with the exception of undercover operations and tactical responses). [Denver7]

• Next steps: The proposal was unanimously approved by the Health and Safety committee this week, and will now go before the full council for a final vote.

🧑‍⚖️ Democratic Lawmakers Will Not Be Charged Over Controversial Video

A grand jury this week chose not to indict the Democratic lawmakers — including Aurora’s own Rep. Jason Crow — who released a video last fall encouraging U.S. military members to reject “illegal orders” from the White House. At the time, President Trump accused the lawmakers involved of sedition “punishable by death.” [AP via CO Sun]

⭐ Michelin Guide Will Now Consider All of Colorado

Restaurants across the state now have the chance to nab a coveted Michelin star with this week’s announcement that the Guide will extend its coverage to include all of Colorado. Until now, only Denver, Boulder, and a few wealthy ski resort towns that were willing to pay were eligible for the opportunity. [CO Sun]

The origin of the lake itself is the stuff of local lore. What is known for sure is that prior to the 1860s the lake didn’t exist. Instead, South Golden Road ran right through where the lake sits today, connecting Denver and the City of Golden. Sometime in the 1860s, a farmer by the name of Thomas M. Sloan settled on the land. Legend goes that Sloan unknowingly tapped an underground aquifer while digging a well, and he awoke the next morning to find his land under some 200 acres of water.

But perhaps a more distinct piece of the lake’s past is Manhattan Beach. When the amusement park was constructed in 1891, it was reportedly the largest one west of the Mississippi River, boasting hot air balloons, lake cruises, circus animals, and more. Tragedy struck when a child was accidentally trampled to death by an elephant. (For a long time it was believed the elephant was euthanized and its remains were still buried under the intersection of 20th and Depew — but that was debunked in 2018.) The park mysteriously burned down in 1908, and was rebuilt and rebranded as Luna Park later that year, but unable to compete with Elitch Gardens and Lakeside, the park closed for good in 1914.

🎧 Psst! We dug deeper into the legacy of Manhattan Beach with historian and amusement park expert David Forsyth.