DENVER — Denver Parks and Recreation confirmed Tuesday that it is temporarily fencing off some areas due to an increase in drug sales, violent incidents and vandalism.
The department said the closures are in place at La Alma-Lincoln Park, parts of Sonny Lawson Park and a green space along 14th Avenue near Kalamath Streets.
The department said it attempted intervention efforts before deciding to close the areas, but problems continued.
Access to the playground and dog park at Sonny Lawson Park remain open, and current permitted events will be allowed to use the park on the dates of their permits. Permitted events include baseball league play, farmers markets and concerts. The department said it has reached out to permit holders to inform them of the closure and to work with them if they choose to adjust their permit.
Denver park rangers will make contact to enforce park rules and regulations when safe and appropriate, and will issue park citations as needed, the department said.
The portions of Sonny Lawson Park that are fenced off will remain closed until at least Sep. 7. La Alma-Lincoln Park and the 14th Avenue green space closure will remain in place "until conditions improve" and there is no timeframe currently in place.
Parks and Recreation said it is coordinating closure efforts with the Denver City Council, Denver Department of Transportation, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver Police and the Dream Center.
The department said it has closed parks before to discourage illegal and dangerous behavior. Those parks include Civic Center Park, which has been closed several times over the past decade.
The department said the most recent Civic Center Park closure from 2021 to 2023 allowed it to ensure the park was safe once the area was totally reopened.
"As you walk the park today you can witness firsthand how successful that closure and reopening was," the department said. "The park is in amazing shape and is welcoming to all who want to visit this public space."