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FeedSpotlight on: the Greenway Foundation
River Sweep photo by Digpicphoto.com
The South Platte River and its surrounding area was once a virtual cesspool — definitely not a choice destination. It has taken tireless efforts on behalf of the Greenway Foundation to turn it around. With the help of the City and County of Denver and other partners, this nonprofit initiated the resurrection. In 35 years, the foundation has created 17 riverside parks, numerous whitewater boat chutes, and a nationally recognized urban trail system, collectively known as the South Platte River Greenway.
Begun by Joe Shoemaker, in partnership with then mayor Bill McNichols, the restoration is carried on by his son Jeff Shoemaker, the foundation’s executive director. “We are much improved from where we began, but it’s an urban run-off river; it takes ongoing support and constant improving,” Jeff says.
The mission of remains the same: to reclaim and maximize the recreational usage of our waterways. Shoemaker says countless sources of funding and partnerships are a driving factor in the foundation’s success: “As a nonprofit, we live off the generosity of the community. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we have put over $80 million into the reclamation of the South Platte River area.”
Through the Greenway Preservation Trust, the River and its tributaries are supported. The Greenway Foundation also oversees a youth program, SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education), which introduces students to the significance of the river as it relates to the past and future of Denver each year. Celebrate this now-revitalized space through the free family-friendly event series this summer.
Greenway Foundation Summer Events
Confluence Concerts:
This signature event series highlights a local band each week on an outdoor stage.
July 2: The Shuffletones
July 9: Eric Trujillo and the Mambotet
July 16: Donna Angelle and the Zydeco Posse
July 23: Dotsero
*all at 6:30 pm
River Flicks:
Enjoy a film with the family against the sunset, riverfront, and mountain skyline at Confluence Park.
August 6: Transformers
August 13: The Iron Giant
August 20: The Italian Job
August 27: Young Frankenstein
*all at dusk
Venice on the Creek:
Take a relaxing and scenic ride down Cherry Creek in a vessel like a Venetian gondola. You might just forget you’re in Denver.
Thursday – Sunday, 5 – 10 pm
(through August)
303.893.0750
veniceonthecreek.com
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