Denver s Outdoor Downtown

Denver s Outdoor Downtown Public Meeting #1 Summary Meetings occurred December 9, 2014 145 total participants 71 attended morning session 74 attended evening session Results shown are by questions and responses have been combined from both sessions PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

Public Meeting #1 Summary Denver s Outdoor Downtown Description: The public meetings that took place on December 9 th, 2014 aimed to capture the public s input on planning for Denver s Outdoor Downtown. In very initial project planning stages, it is especially important to understand the public s values and collect their ideas. A variety of methods were utilized to advertise to the public (see included outreach methods memo for details). Most participants reported that they heard about the meetings through a personal invitation, email from an organization or social media. Two meetings were held, one prior to typical office hours and a second, in the evening after work. This was done in an effort to provide options in order to maximize participation. At each meeting, attendees engaged in several activities and listened to a presentation about the existing conditions and the master planning process. Activities were completed both as individuals and at tables in small groups. Each group had approximately ten people who worked together to answer five questions with a volunteer facilitator recording their input. Individually, attendees completed a key pad polling exercise that consisted of 16 questions. No significant differences in the responses emerged from the two sessions, so for the purposes of this report, the combined results are presented. Representative Participation: 145 participants attended the public meetings (71 in the morning and 74 in the evening). The demographic keypad polling question results provide insight that a diverse cross-section of the Downtown Outdoors users were represented at the meeting. Of those who attended the planning meeting, the largest groups were Downtown workers (27 percent) and Downtown visitors (23 percent). Representing the residential population, 16 percent live near Downtown and 12 percent live in Downtown. Groups that had lower percentages of representation include students, those who own a business Downtown, as well as those who own or manage property Downtown. These are important stakeholders whose needs may differ from those of the other populations. At future meetings, it may be important to reach out more to these groups to ensure a larger representation. Individuals were encouraged to imagine Denver s Outdoor Downtown by writing or drawing on paper leaves. Some also took leaves with them in order to gain feedback from others who were not able to attend the meetings and a hashtag (#dnvroutdoors) was provided in order to collect those ideas. Below, is an example of a resident sharing their ideas outside of the meeting. How often do you typically visit a Downtown park or public space? Polling showed that the most frequented outdoor spaces by meeting participants are located in the districts of Lower Downtown, Commercial Core and Cultural Core. All ten Downtown districts were represented by meeting participants 12-19-2014 16% 84% once a week or more once a month or less

Denver s Outdoor Downtown that indicated they visit, live in, or work in these areas. Meeting participants also indicated a high rate of use of outdoor spaces, with 84 percent using these spaces at least once a week or more. Satisfaction levels with existing conditions and room for improvement: A series of keypad polling questions were asked to gauge participants levels of satisfaction of various elements that compose the Downtown Outdoors. In general, only 17 percent of participants indicated they were not at all satisfied or extremely satisfied with outdoor spaces, and the remainder fell within a middle range. In summary the resulting categories of satisfaction are: Less satisfaction with: Amenities within parks and public spaces Inviting/interesting qualities of parks and public spaces Safety Proximity to where participants live/work The amount of recreation courts/sports fields The amount of green space and plantings More satisfied with: Number of large public parks or plazas Large event offerings There is a high level of desire in the future for more: Small outdoor spaces to form a network Outdoor public art Improvement to physical elements in existing parks and public spaces More daily activities in outdoor spaces Trees There was far less consensus within the participant group for satisfaction/dissatisfaction question topics of the amount of trails/pathways, amount of park land and number of dog parks. All modes of travel to outdoor spaces need improvement (except for cars): Keypad polling results show that most participants feel that walking/running, biking, bus/shuttle, train, and ADA accessibility travel modes should all be improved within the next 20 years. Enough large events, but more diversity and daily activation needed: In addition, groups felt there is a need for more diversity in the size and types of events. This information is aligned with the results of a keypad polling question which asked what the focus of improvements to events should be in Downtown Denver in the next 20 years. The top three answers, all with about a 20 percent response, were spreading events to locations throughout Denver, diversifying the types of events and programing public spaces for daily activities. Most and least enjoyable outdoor spaces: The small group table conversation captured input regarding what participants felt were the most enjoyable outdoor spaces, as well as those which they feel need the most improvement. The percentage represents the number of groups (out of 23) who mentioned each park or public space. 12-19-2014

Denver s Outdoor Downtown Top 10 Most Enjoyable Outdoor Spaces Top Most Enjoyable Plazas, Streets, etc. Wynkoop Plaza 100% Commons Park 91% Cherry Creek Trail 78% Civic Center Park 78% 16th Street Mall 70% Wynkoop Plaza 61% Larimer Square 43% Millenium Bridge 39% 16th Street Mall 35% 14th Street 17% Skyline Park 61% Confluence Park 52% Larimer Square 48% Millennium Bridge 30% Benedict Fountain Park 30% Places Most In Need of Improvement Civic Center Park 52% Skyline Park 48% 16th Street Mall 17% Cherry Creek Bike 17% Top Most Enjoyable Parks and Trails Cherry Creek Trail 70% 15/16/17/18 Street Area 13% Sonny Lawson Park 13% Commons Park 65% Civic Center Park 57% Confluence Park 39% Platte River Trail 26% This information is useful for understanding which outdoor spaces are working well for people as well those the public perceives as needing improvement. Some of the reasons why people commonly suggested these places are enjoyable is because of their multi-modal trail connectivity, provision of nature in the city, multitude of activity offerings, central locations, history, diversity of people that use the spaces, views and people watching opportunities. Some of the needs listed for the places desired for improvement are access to drinking water, bathrooms, shade and safety. In another group question, participants were asked to highlight amenities that they would like to see in their Outdoor Downtown. The amenities most often selected by the groups (80% of the groups or more selected items within these categories) are bike lanes, artwork, public restrooms, trees and plants. Other notable comments pertained to the need for night lighting, protected bike lanes, solar/electric access in parks, legal and safe space for the homeless to sleep, as well as more pianos, signage, wayfinding and historical information. The entire results are summarized in the attached graph. Other creative ideas suggested by meeting participants that were provided on the capture sheet checklist include camping for school children, more participatory lunchtime activities, public/interactive art using LED 12-19-2014

Denver s Outdoor Downtown screens, bike repair stations, library drop boxes, mini-market/produce stands, small retail and more public/private partnerships. The results of this meeting inform and will be taken into consideration in the development of plan concepts. At this time they do not represent priorities or recommendations and will be further refined in future input sessions. 12-19-2014

Denver s Outdoor Downtown to the question: What do you wish would be added to Denver s Outdoor Downtown? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Additional ballfields/sports courts Additional security (night lighting, call boxes, rangers) Adjacent parking Artwork Beer gardens Benches and seating Bicycle skills park Bike lanes Bike racks Climbing wall Community Garden Dog park Dog waste receptacles Drinking fountains Flower/food gardens Grills Linear parks Outdoor cafes Outdoor concert venue Outdoor eating spaces Outdoor workout equipment/spaces Pathways within parks Pedestrian crossings/bridges Playgrounds Plazas Pocket parks Public green roofs Public restrooms Recreation center (indoor space) Recreation center (outoor fields) Seating Shade structures Spaces for small group events Stormwater alternatives (rain gardens, curb cuts, permeable pavement) Swimming facility Trails or enhanced streetscape connections to parks Transit shelters/seating Trash receptacles Trees and plants Water features/decorative fountains Waterfront amenities/trails Wifi internet hot spots Adjacent retail Car-free zones Colorado activities (mountain biking, bouldering, paddling) Concessions for food/beverage Nature exploration/environmental education Enhanced pedestrian connections to outdoor spaces Farmers' market Food events Food trucks Public art projects Sport events Walking tours Water activities Winter events Workout classes Art festivals Children's events Cultural and heritage events and gatherings Events with cultural institutions (zoo, museums) Music festivals Outdoor movies 12-19-2014 4% 13% 22% 22% 26% 26% 26% 26% 30% 30% 30% 30% 35% 35% 35% 35% 39% 39% 39% 43% 39% 43% 43% 39% 43% 39% 43% 43% 48% 52% 52% 52% 52% 61% 61% 57% 57% 52% 57% 52% 52% 52% 57% 57% 61% 61% 61% 65% 65% 65% 65% 65% 83% 91% 74% 78% 74% 87% 83% 74% 74% 78% 74%

1. Which Downtown district(s) do you live in, work in or visit often? (select all answers that apply) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) Commercial Core 17.88% 59 Cultural Core 13.33% 44 Golden Triangle 7.58% 25 Lower Downtown (LoDo) 23.33% 77 Arapahoe Square 7.88% 26 Ballpark 9.39% 31 Central Platte Valley Common 9.09% 30 Central Platte Valley Prospect 3.03% 10 Central Platte Valley Auraria 5.45% 18 None of the above 3.03% 10 Totals 100% 330 Commercial Core 18% Cultural Core 13% Golden Triangle 8% Lower Downtown (LoDo) 23% Arapahoe Square 8% Ballpark Central Platte Valley Common 9% 9% Central Platte Valley Prospect 3% Central Platte Valley Auraria 5% None of the above 3% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% KEY PAD POLLING

2. What are your interests in Denver s Outdoor Downtown Spaces? (select all answers that apply) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) I am a resident of Downtown 11.86% 37 I live near Downtown 16.35% 51 I am a worker in Downtown 26.92% 84 I am a student Downtown 3.85% 12 I own a business Downtown 4.49% 14 I own/manage property in Downtown 6.09% 19 I visit Downtown 23.40% 73 Other 7.05% 22 Totals 100% 312 I am a resident of Downtown 12% I live near Downtown 16% I am a worker in Downtown 27% I am a student Downtown I own a business Downtown 4% 4% I own/manage property in Downtown 6% I visit Downtown 23% Other 7% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

3. How often do you typically visit a Downtown park or public space? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) More than four times a week 42.54% 57 A couple of times a week 28.36% 38 Once a week 12.69% 17 Once a month 8.21% 11 A few times a year 5.97% 8 I do not visit Downtown parks and public spaces 2.24% 3 Totals 100% 134 More than four times a week 43% A couple of times a week 28% Once a week 13% Once a month 8% A few times a year 6% I do not visit Downtown parks and public spaces 2% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% KEY PAD POLLING

4. Which reasons best describe why you do not spend more time in parks and public spaces Downtown? (select up to three answers) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) They do not offer the amenities I would use 18.79% 59 They are not inviting/interesting 13.69% 43 They are not well-maintained 6.37% 20 They are not close enough to me 10.83% 34 I do not know where facilities are located 5.41% 17 I am concerned about safety 12.10% 38 They are not accessible 4.46% 14 I would rather visit places outside of Downtown 6.37% 20 I don t have enough free time 16.56% 52 Other 5.41% 17 Totals 100% 314 They do not offer the amenities I would use 19% They are not inviting/interesting 14% They are not well-maintained 6% They are not close enough to me 11% I do not know where facilities are located 5% I am concerned about safety 12% They are not accessible 4% I would rather visit places outside of Downtown 6% I don t have enough free time 17% Other 5% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

5. How satisfied are you with the outdoor spaces Downtown? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not at all satisfied 12.59% 17 Somewhat unsatisfied 24.44% 33 Neutral 12.59% 17 Somewhat satisfied 45.93% 62 Extremely satisfied 3.70% 5 Don t know 0.74% 1 Totals 100% 135 Not at all satisfied 13% Somewhat unsatisfied 24% Neutral 13% Somewhat satisfied 46% Extremely satisfied 4% Don t know 1% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% KEY PAD POLLING

6. How satisfied are you with the amount of recreation courts/sports fields available to serve Downtown Denver for the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not at all satisfied 21.97% 29 Somewhat unsatisfied 31.06% 41 Neutral 23.48% 31 Satisfied 11.36% 15 Extremely satisfied 3.03% 4 Unsure, need more information 9.09% 12 Totals 100% 132 Not at all satisfied 22% Somewhat unsatisfied 31% Neutral 23% Satisfied 11% Extremely satisfied 3% Unsure, need more information 9% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

7. What should be the focus of improvements to events in Downtown Denver to serve the population over the next 20 years? (select all that apply) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) Increase the number of participants in events 6.59% 23 Spread events to locations throughout Downtown 20.06% 70 Diversify the types of events 21.49% 75 Increase the number of single-day events 5.16% 18 Increase the number of multi-day events 7.45% 26 Program public spaces for daily activities 20.34% 71 Decrease the number of events 3.15% 11 velop strategies to decrease the impacts of events 10.89% 38 No change, events are fine the way they are 3.44% 12 Other 1.43% 5 Totals 100% 349 Increase the number of participants in events 7% Spread events to locations throughout Downtown 20% Diversify the types of events 21% Increase the number of single-day events 5% Increase the number of multi-day events 7% Program public spaces for daily activities 20% Decrease the number of events 3% Develop strategies to decrease the impacts of events 11% No change, events are fine the way they are 3% Other 1% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% KEY PAD POLLING

8. How satisfied are you with the amount of trails/pathways available to serve the Downtown for the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not at all satisfied 6.72% 9 Somewhat unsatisfied 31.34% 42 Neutral 17.91% 24 Satisfied 33.58% 45 Extremely satisfied 4.48% 6 Unsure, need more information 5.97% 8 Totals 100% 134 Not at all satisfied 7% Somewhat unsatisfied 31% Neutral 18% Satisfied 34% Extremely satisfied 4% Unsure, need more information 6% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

9. Which mode of travel to outdoor spaces needs improvement over the next 20 years? (select all answers that apply) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) Walking/Running 20.20% 79 Biking 25.58% 100 Bus/shuttle 20.97% 82 Train 16.37% 64 Car 4.60% 18 ADA accessibility 10.23% 40 Other 1.53% 6 None of the above 0.51% 2 Totals 100% 391 Walking/Running 20% Biking 26% Bus/shuttle 21% Train 16% Car 5% ADA accessibility 10% Other None of the above 2% 1% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% KEY PAD POLLING

10. What should be the primary focus of public investment in parks and public spaces Downtown over the next ten years? (select up to two answers) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) many new small outdoor spaces to form a network 34.78% 80 Create a new large public park or plaza 6.96% 16 Provide more daily activities in outdoor spaces 12.61% 29 Improve large event offerings 0.87% 2 prove maintenance/cleanliness of outdoor spaces 8.70% 20 Improve public safety 6.96% 16 drinking fountains, playgrounds, seating and etc.) 22.61% 52 Other 6.52% 15 Totals 100% 230 Create many new small outdoor spaces to form a network 35% Create a new large public park or plaza 7% Provide more daily activities in outdoor spaces 13% Improve large event offerings 1% Improve maintenance/cleanliness of outdoor spaces 9% Improve public safety Improve physical elements in existing parks and public spaces (i.e., restrooms, drinking fountains, playgrounds, seating and etc.) Other 7% 7% 23% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

11. How important to you is increasing the amount of outdoor public art Downtown over the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not important 14.50% 19 Somewhat important 38.93% 51 Extremely important 44.27% 58 Unsure, need more information 2.29% 3 Totals 100% 131 Not important 15% Somewhat important 39% Extremely important 44% Unsure, need more information 2% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% KEY PAD POLLING

12. How satisfied are you with the amount of park land available to serve the Downtown for the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not at all satisfied 20.77% 27 Somewhat unsatisfied 42.31% 55 Neutral 21.54% 28 Satisfied 14.62% 19 Extremely satisfied 0.77% 1 Unsure, need more information 0.00% 0 Totals 100% 130 Not at all satisfied 21% Somewhat unsatisfied 42% Neutral 22% Satisfied 15% Extremely satisfied 1% Unsure, need more information 0% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

13. How important to you is increasing the amount of dog parks in Downtown over the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not important 25.98% 33 Somewhat important 30.71% 39 Extremely important 20.47% 26 e parks should allow dogs but not be dog specific 21.26% 27 Unsure, need more information 1.57% 2 Totals 100% 127 Not important 26% Somewhat important 31% Extremely important 20% Future parks should allow dogs but not be dog specific 21% Unsure, need more information 2% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% KEY PAD POLLING

14. How important to you is increasing the amount of trees in Downtown over the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not important 0.75% 1 Somewhat important 16.54% 22 Extremely important 81.20% 108 Unsure, need more information 1.50% 2 Totals 100% 133 Not important 1% Somewhat important 17% Extremely important 81% Unsure, need more information 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado

15. How satisfied are you with the amount of green space and plantings available to serve the Downtown for the next 20 years? (select one answer) (Multiple Choice) Not at all satisfied 30.08% 40 Somewhat unsatisfied 47.37% 63 Neutral 13.53% 18 Satisfied 4.51% 6 Extremely satisfied 1.50% 2 Unsure, need more information 3.01% 4 Totals 100% 133 Not at all satisfied 30% Somewhat unsatisfied 47% Neutral 14% Satisfied 5% Extremely satisfied 2% Unsure, need more information 3% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% KEY PAD POLLING

16. How did you hear about this meeting? (select all answers that apply) (Multiple Choice - Multiple Response) Newspaper advertisement 2.47% 4 Social media (e.g., Facebook) 12.96% 21 Website 4.32% 7 Poster or sign advertisement 1.85% 3 Personal invite 27.16% 44 Word of mouth 9.88% 16 Email from an organization 37.65% 61 Other 3.70% 6 Totals 100% 162 Newspaper advertisement 2% Social media (e.g., Facebook) 13% Website 4% Poster or sign advertisement 2% Personal invite 27% Word of mouth 10% Email from an organization 38% Other 4% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% PUBLIC MEETING #1 RESULTS DENVER S OUTDOOR DOWNTOWN Denver, Colorado