Cheesman Park Improvements
Better Denver Bond-funded work at Cheesman Park is improving the irrigation system, upgrading the trail/pedestrian walkways, and refurbishing the park’s historic pavilion.
Cheesman Irrigation:
This work will automate the irrigation system to make it more efficient and reduce system maintenance. The irrigation work in the inner meadow area west of the pavilion is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2010. We appreciate citizens’ patience as this work continues. Crews are trying to consolidate construction material in the work zones to minimize inconvenience to permitted weekend park users. The contractor will be installing sod and seed along the new walks and other disturbed areas.
The next phase of construction will begin in the fall of 2010 to upgrade the irrigation system along the perimeter of the park. Work will continue through the winter, weather permitting, and is scheduled to be complete by spring of 2011. DPR Project Manager Kent Sondgerath is coordinating the irrigation work.
Cheesman Traffic Calming, Trails and Walkways
Cheesman Park traffic calming work will be completed soon in late June 2010. Seven raised pedestrian crossings and one speed bump were constructed on the loop road to slow traffic and minimize conflicts between pedestrians, runners and vehicles. All park road entries have posted 3-way stops, and when possible, trail crossings at these points have been shifted closer to the stop signs for safer crossings.
The concrete trails in the inner meadow are anticipated to be done in July 2010. The design considered comments received from numerous neighborhood meetings and a public open house. The new trail system offers different recreational experiences while also meeting ADA design requirements. Completion of the irrigation and trails in the inner meadow is anticipated in July 2010. The popular soft-surface running trail on the perimeter will be retained, and its alignment improved. The 8th Ave. sidewalk will be upgraded to concrete, and on the west side of the park, two parallel walks lined with mature Linden trees and benches create a promenade or Unter Den Linden. DPR Project Managers Ruth Murayama and Kent Sondgerath have coordinated this work.
The traffic calming features and trails are based on a schematic design developed in 2009 which incorporated public input from an open house and meetings with neighborhood groups. The schematic design for improved park trails is being implemented through the Better Denver Bond.
Cheesman Pavilion
The historic Cheesman Pavilion will receive repair and preservation work made possible by $100,000 in Better Denver Bond funds. $195,000 from State Historic funds has been granted to the project to significantly expand stone repair work. The improvements will ensure preservation of this treasured amenity for years to come. The work includes repair and preservation to the structure’s stone, sealing, and repairing the roof and mechanical and electrical code upgrades for the basement. Construction will begin in late fall of 2010, with completion scheduled by June, 2011.