Preserving Open Space: A Matter of Priorities

The debate over the Park Hill Golf Course has manufactured a conversation about what is truly important in our city – affordable housing or preserving open spaces. The developers claim that the choice is between the two, but nothing could be further from the truth. The advocates of saving open space and supporting parks and open spaces are also strong supporters of affordable housing. In fact, there are numerous proposed affordable housing developments around the Park Hill Golf Course and throughout the city.

It’s time to challenge the notion that we must sacrifice open spaces in the name of development. Denver was once referred to as “the city within the park,” and as our city becomes more densely developed, it’s even more important to preserve the open spaces we have left. The truth is, once we lose open space, we never get it back. Developers have never come to the city of Denver and said, “Let me blow up a block’s worth of buildings and build you a park.” They always want the city and neighborhoods to sacrifice their rare open spaces for their development.

We must also consider the implications of ignoring the constitutional prohibition on gifts to private parties. If this is ignored in the case of the Park Hill Golf Course, other governmental entities may follow suit and give away public assets without the approval of the people.

It’s time to stand up for what we believe in and prioritize the preservation of our open spaces. Denser affordable housing developments can and should be developed throughout the city without sacrificing the rare open spaces that define our city and make it a unique and special place to live. Let’s not lose sight of what truly matters in our quest for progress and growth – preserving our open spaces for future generations to enjoy.

Here are my reasons why you should vote for more open space in Denver, not less.

• The issue of preserving open space should be a matter of priority in Denver.
• The choice between preserving open spaces and affordable housing is a false one, as advocates of open spaces also support affordable housing.
• It’s important to challenge the notion that open spaces must be sacrificed for development and to preserve the open spaces that we have left in Denver.
• The loss of open space is irreversible, we will never be able to restore the open spaces lost for development.
• The proposed development of the Park Hill Golf course will turn valuable open space into condos, and disregards the will of the voters by sidestepping state statutes on conservation easements
• Ignoring the constitutional prohibition on gifts to private parties, as in the case of Park Hill Golf Course, will set a dangerous precedent for other governmental entities to give away public assets without the approval of the people.
• It’s time to prioritize the preservation of open spaces, which define our city and make it a special place to live, without sacrificing affordable housing developments.
• Let’s stand up for what we believe in and preserve our open spaces for future generations to enjoy.

Preserving the conservation easement is of utmost importance, not only for the Park Hill Golf Course but also for the future of Denver and other cities in Colorado. Let us not sacrifice our rare open spaces in the name of development. It is time to protect and preserve our parks and open spaces for generations to come.