May 2021 News Shorts

Tennis Court Improvements at Sloan’s Lake

Anyone who has played on Sloan’s Lake tennis courts can attest that they need repairs: the courts on both the North and South sides of the lake show significant wear and several residents reached out to The Denver North Star asking us to look into the city’s plans. A spokesperson for Parks and Recreation said the city will be removing the southern courts (near 17th and Raleigh) and will replace them with three new tennis courts and four new pickleball courts, redone in conjunction with a new playground nearby. Residents hoping for improvements on the damaged north courts, however, may be disappointed to hear that they will have to wait awhile longer. According to the Parks department, the impacts of the pandemic on the city budget restricted already limited funds, but the city is aware of the conditions and will repair/resurface the northern courts as soon as they are able.

No Appointments Required For Vaccines At Ball Arena, Some Smaller Sites

Ball Arena (formerly the Pepsi Center) no longer requires appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. Both the Pfizer and Moderna 2-dose vaccines are available to drive-up and walk-up residents. As supply of the vaccines has increased, waiting lists have been disappearing and the vaccine is more readily available. Ball Area is located at 1000 Chopper Cir, just off Speer Blvd. For more information, visit https://www.primarybio.com/r/truecare24-cdphe/. The site is open Mon – Fri from 7-7, Saturday and Sunday from 9-4.

As of publication, Dick’s Sporting Good Park was still requiring appointments, though many same day appointments were available. Dick’s is located at 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022 and they are open Sun – Thurs 9am – 5pm. For more information, visit www.centura.org/vaccine or call (720) 263-5737

Five smaller community vaccination sites, including Swansea Recreation Center and Barnum Recreation Center, also no longer require appointments. For more information on locations and times, please call 720-865-3005.

New Watering Rules in Effect

Denver Water has implemented watering rules aimed at conservation and helping residents effectively water in Denver’s arid climate effectively and financially efficiently.

Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Water no more than three days per week.
Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.
Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.

Depending on the type of sprinklers and temperature, Denver Water also released recommendations on duration and frequency of watering. You can find more information on their website DenverWater.org or by calling 303-893-2444

Fabulux Consignment Still Open Online

Fabulux Consignment in LoHi was an early COVID fatality: the clothing shop was forced to close last June. While in-store browsing may be a thing of the (pre-pandemic) past, owner Heather Gallien is keeping the shop available online! You can still find great deals and fashionable clothing at https://fabuluxconsignment.com.

Outdoor Dining Options Likely Here to Stay

The Hancock administration recently announced that restaurants can continue to use some parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and verges (the often grassy area between a sidewalk and street) through at least October of 2022. Even as indoor dining has resumed, outdoor dining has remained popular at many North Denver locations. Somer residents haven’t felt comfortable returning indoors while others simply enjoy dining in the open air and sunlight. Open air dining also allows for additional tables, a lifeline to some smaller restaurants trying to financially recover.

Help Launch Our New Series On North Denver Neighborhoods

We cover the whole range North Denver neighborhoods and there’s a lot we wonder about. You too? Tell us what has you scratching your head in your neighborhood. Even better: are you in-the-know on some quirky North Denver detail you wish your neighbors knew about? Send us what you think we need to know about your specific neighborhood to help us inform the rest of our community! We’re planning a series that dives into each neighborhood in our community.

Puzzling, gripping, unnerving or fascinating: send it to us. We’re starting with Inspiration Point. Go! News@DenverNorthStar.com or call 720-248-7327

Bug Theatre Reopening

After being closed for over a year, the Bug Theatre at 3654 Navajo St will be reopening on June 1. The venue announced that regular programs like The Emerging Filmmakers Project and Freak Train will be returning this year and they are looking forward to new programming as well. They will be operating at a limited capacity, doing temperature checks at the door, and mask use. For more information, check out www.bugtheatre.org or call 303-477-5977

Community Art Walks in Regis Neighborhood Return

Last year, residents missing art walks started their own. From the humble beginnings of a few residents hanging art on their fences, the first Friday Art Walk North Denver now has almost two dozen artist locations across the community. Throw on your walking shoes, engage with other residents in an outdoor distances setting, and enjoy music and art the first Friday of each month! Visit CurateLocally.com for more information on how to participate including a map of where to find art in the neighborhood! If you’re a visual artist, or musician interested in participating, reach out through the website for more information as well.

Driver Charged in April 10 Fatal Accident
By Kathryn White

Patrick M. Layden, who caused the fatal accident at West 32^nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard on April 10, has been formally charged. Layden, 49, is charged with two counts of assault in the first degree (F3), one count of vehicular homicide (F4), and one count of vehicular assault (F5). Layden’s case is now open and pending in Denver District Court.

According to the arrest affidavit, “Layden crossed the double yellow lines and passed a vehicle prior to entering the intersection with N Lowell Blvd. Layden entered the intersection against a red light at a high rate of speed and struck a vehicle in the intersection. The force of the impact moved both vehicles to the west of the intersection where 7 parked vehicles were struck as well. The driver of vehicle #2 was pronounced deceased at the scene. A juvenile passenger who was also in vehicle #2 was transported by ambulance to the hospital with serious injuries.” Ten witness statements were taken.

According to the Denver District Attorney’s website, sentencing ranges for these charges are: