Exciting Developments in the Montbello Open Space Park!
Big things are happening in the Montbello Open Space Park!
On June 13th, a group of hardworking volunteers from Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK), Denver Parks & Recreation, the Trust for Public Land, and AEW Capital Management moved 80 tons of gravel to expand the existing trail and enhance recreational opportunities.
Increased access to green space is an incredible opportunity for Montbello. The Trust for Public Land has identified Montbello and the surrounding parts of Northeast Denver as a priority for new park creation, due to a notable lack of green space compared to other Denver neighborhoods. According to the Dever City Government, Montbello is a historically high-inequity community. As a diverse, low-income neighborhood located away from Denver’s central areas, Montbello has experienced consistent underinvestment. Systemic barriers have resulted in low-income Denver neighborhoods like Montbello having access to 26% less park space per person than those in the average Denver neighborhood, and neighborhoods of color having 5% less park space per person (Trust for Public Land). Fortunately, ELK has amazing, supportive partners and volunteers who understand the importance of health and outdoor access for everyone. The expanded trail at the Montbello Open Space Park is a significant step in our joint work toward achieving outdoor equity.
With improved access to the Montbello Open Space Park, there is so much to do! Stroll around the native shortgrass prairie ecosystem and soak up the beautiful Colorado sunshine. Volunteer with ELK to beautify the space. Relax in one of the unique seating areas. Climb the boulder that was designed by ELK students and constructed with the help of ELK’s partner, The North Face. Visit the ELK Education Center to chat about our programs or grab a scavenger hunt bookmark and see what you can discover!
While you’re out there, consider becoming a community scientist! Use the app iNaturalist to photograph and identify any living things you encounter, or assist others with their identifications if you’re confident. If you need any help using iNaturalist, check out this webpage on how to make observations via iPhone, Android, and web. Your observations will aid professional scientists in monitoring species in the area and understanding their use of Montbello Open Space Park. ELK has created an iNaturalist project highlighting the flora and fauna of the ELK Education Center and Montbello Open Space Park, and your observations will automatically contribute to this project. Read about the various species and even compete with other iNaturalist users to make the most observations in the park. We hope you enjoy learning about the animals, plants, and other living things that share our space!
About Environmental Learning for Kids: Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a local nonprofit that creates a sense of belonging, self-discovery, and adventure in the outdoors for underrepresented young people of color and their families, transforming youth into environmental stewards and trailblazers that promote equitable outdoor access, sustainable practices, and community uplift. Learn more at elkkkids.org.
About the Author: Lauren Keller is ELK’s Events & Marketing Coordinator. She was born and raised in Miami, Florida but has done meaningful work in Colorado since graduating from Colorado College with a BA in Environmental Studies in 2021. Lauren is passionate about harnessing visual media to share the wonder of the natural world with everyone. She is currently pursuing an MA in Biology with a focus on conservation communications. In her free time, you can find Lauren reading, playing games, cooking new foods, or searching for wild animals to photograph.
