Your Valentine’s Day Go To Guide For 2025

by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2025 | Main Articles

Valentine’s Day Is Just Cupid’s Shot Away, Choose From Fun Things To Do, Places To Dine

by Glen Richardson

Has someone special caught your eye? Valentine’s Day is Friday, Feb 14, 2025. Candy, flowers, and heart-shaped notes, this sweet celebration is all about spreading the love.

Thanks to love songs, poetry, music, movies, and art, the language of love seems to be constantly expanding, and what better time to brush up on the myriad ways to express your love and affection than this year’s holiday?

Glendale-Cherry Creek and the entire Valley is a romantic, picture-perfect place for love and relationships. Here is your annual guide of things to do, where to go with your partner, kids, family, or loved ones to show them how much you care:

Valentine Events

Valentine’s Love Ting: Dubbed the “Front Range Darlings,” Dakota Blonde’s Valentine Concert is at Swallow Hill, Feb. 14.

City Park 4 Mile: Celebrate love at the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile in Denver’s City Park Sunday, Feb. 9, 9-a.m. The heartwarming event invites couples, friends, and families to hit the pavement together for the run-walk. There’s also a Cupid’s free Kids 200 Meter Fun Run, 8:40 a.m. There’s also a Costume Contest. Information: 720-838-6185.

Tea & Collaging: Celebrate at this love-themed collaging party at the Center for Colorado Women’s History (Byers-Evans House), Feb. 10. Tour of the historic house is followed by tea seating, during which guests are invited to collage Valentines (materials provided). Refreshments by Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes served with the museum’s Lady Lavender black tea. Information: 303-620-4933.

Make & Take Valentines: Flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Learn the shapes, textures, and colors of dried flowers, leaves, and seeds, plus use them to decorate a Valentine’s Day ornament. Denver Botanic Gardens Family Valentine Make & Take offers a space for children and grownups to connect with natural materials and create together, Feb. 10-14. Information: 720-865-3500.

Orchid Showcase: Make a date to view, discover hundreds of exotic orchid blooms, including rare specimens during the Orchid Showcase at Denver Botanic Gardens, running to Feb. 17. On select dates Fantasy Orchids — a local orchid grower — will be on-site with orchids for purchase. The Showcase will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Orangery. The showcase is included with admission to the Gardens. Information: 720-865-3500.

Jones at Dazzle: Award-winning singer Eugenie Jones wins hearts, captivates audiences with her vocal style and performances. She does jazz standards, originals, classic soul, and blues to serenade you into Valentine’s Day at Dazzle on Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.

Candlelight Concert: The Range Ensemble String Quartet entertains with aerial accompaniment by aerialist at Wings Over the Rockies, 8:45 p.m. on Feb. 13, again at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Information: 303-260-5360.

V-Day Darlings: Dakota Blonde —dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their magical Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

Cupid Dining Choices

Ah, you and your valentine want a restaurant that’s cozy and relaxing while offering an experience that stays with you. Here we present the Chronicle’s Cupid-approved guide for getting to the heart of the matter:

Italian

French Quarter: Serving classic French dishes, including crepes, Wash Park’s relaxed bistro Bon Ami is a top V-Day pick.

Valentine’s Day originated in Italy with iconic romantic settings like Verona (from Romeo and Juliet) and the overall sensual and shared nature of Italian food itself, making it a fitting choice for a romantic dinner.

Picks: North Italia: Handcrafted Italian on the corner of Clayton Ln, & 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek. Information: 720-941-7700. Barolo Grill: Upscale Italian fare with big wine list on E. 6th Ave. in classy space with a romantic vibe. Information: 303-293-1040.

French

French cuisine is often associated with Valentine’s Day because of its reputation for elegance, fine dining, and romantic presentation. Essentially, the French culinary style is widely considered “the epitome of romance.”

Picks: Bon Ami: Relaxed bistro serving classic French dishes, including savory & sweet crepes, on E. Alameda Ave. & S. Pennsylvania St. in Wash Park. Information: 303-862-4959. La Merise: Chic Cherry Creek restaurant at 3rd Ave. & Clayton St. crafting gourmet French entrees in a lower-level space. Information: 720-596-4360.

Seafood

Food & Flowers: Sushi from Glendale’s Hana Matsuri Sushi in CitySet is a healthy, romantic dining option. View exotic orchids at the Orchid Showcase through Feb. 17.

When it comes to heart health, seafood is a top choice. Upshot: For your health and your taste buds, seafood is a perfect Valentine’s Day option.

Picks: Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: Cherry Creek seafood restaurant on the 2600 block of E. 2nd Ave. with a raw bar, beer & craft cocktails in nautical surrounds. Information: 303-333-2462. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar: Upscale Glendale CitySet res­taurant on corner of Colorado Blvd. & Cherry Creek S. Dr. serving gourmet seafood dishes and creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting. Information: 303-756-6449.

Sushi

Swoon For Sushi: Hana Matsuri Sushi offers a variety of flavors and textures for a dining delight in Glendale’s CitySet.

A dining experience with a variety of flavors and textures — plus ease of eating during a conversation — sushi is a romantic and healthy Valentine’s Day dining option.

Picks: Hana Matsuri Sushi: Japanese restaurant in Glendale’s CitySet with black rock cooking featuring a full bar offering cocktails and sake. Information: 303-600-8477. Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar: Cherry Creek sushi spot on 2nd Ave. west of St. Paul with creative takes on Japanese fare, imaginatively named rolls. Information: 303-322-9554.

Mexican

Mexicans observe Valentine’s Day — El día del amor y de la Amistad — by socializing with loved ones. The cuisine’s popularity makes it a top culinary choice.

Picks: Que Bueno Suerte: Traditional & modern Mexican plates served in a dramatic-colorful S. Pearl St. bi-level space with two bars. Information: 720-642-7322. SOL Mexican Cocina: Cherry Creek restaurant on Columbine St. with Baja-style eats such as shrimp tacos & chiles rellenos in an upscale setting. Information: 303- 953-2208.

Room To Roam: Denver’s Park Legacy Plan

by Valley Gadfly | Dec 17, 2024 | Main Articles

City Council Approves Part Two Of Legacy Funds; Six New Neighborhood Parks Are Planned In 2025-26

by Glen Richardson

Ramble & Rove: With two formal flower gardens, tree-lined paths, and endless expanses of grass the 155-acre Wash Park is one of the city’s most popular. People run, bike, paddle boat, walk, and play year around.

The initial voter approved 0.25% Park Legacy Fund sales tax — an extra 2.5 cents on each $10 purchase — expired at the end of 2024. Before year’s end, however, Denver City Council approved a new plan covering 2025 through 2029.

As was the case during the initial five years, acquisition of acreage to enlarge city’s parks remains a priority. Park maintenance and climate resiliency are also focuses. Restoring sporting fields and courts are a particular focus in the coming year. DPR added 13 indoor pickleball courts at seven rec centers in 2024, bringing the total to 66. Plans call for adding 50 outdoor courts by the end of 2025. Staff at Parks & Rec have also announced plans to establish a permanent graffiti-response and trash-collection team this year.

The Denver parks system — ranked 13th best in the U.S. by the Trust for Public Land — is one of the largest and most unique in the country. The trust gave the city its highest score (89 out of 100) for park Access. The Mile High City scored 75 for Investment, 69 on Equity, and 62 on Amenities. Its lowest score (51) is for Acreage, something neither the city or the Parks & Rec staff can do much about. With a total of more than 280 parks and 30 recreation centers, residents and families enjoy outdoor and indoor opportu­nities city wide, including hiking, fishing, golf, and picnicking. Today an enormous 93% of the public live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Denver spends $197 per resident each year on parks, far higher than the national average.

Legacy Fund Budget

People Popular: Located in the ­Capitol Hill neighborhood, Cheesman Park draws large crowds to its 80-acre oasis with mountain vistas, green lawns, and stately trees. It’s also ideal for active recreation or quiet reflection.

Growing Green Space: This University Hills site at East Iliff Ave. and S. Bellaire is one of six new parks being built this year with Legacy Funds. The two-acre park will have a demonstration garden and event space.

About a quarter of the annual Parks & Rec budget — or in the neighborhood of $45 million yearly — comes from the Legacy Fund, according to Director Jolon Clark.

During the five-year period ending in December, the tax generated more than $267 million. Of that amount, $96 million has already been spent. Projects currently in the works have another $113 million tied up.

The daily operating cost for Denver’s City Parks — wages, supplies, and equipment — amounts to about $23.5 million a year. Another $15 is allocated to land acquisition each year. Parks & Rec also keeps an interest earning reserve fund for emergencies.

People In Parks

Under the 2018 voter approved Legacy Fund, almost 10,000 trees have been planted, plus 375 acres of turf grass converted to native landscape. Gordon Robertson, Planning, Design & Construction Director, estimates the conversion saved more than 225 million gallons of water. Moreover, he reveals, it has allowed the city to acquire more land. “With just legacy funds, we’ve obtained 25 acres of new park land.” As a result, 5,500 additional residents are within 10 minutes of a park, he adds.

City wide, DPR guesstimates that during Legacy Fund’s first five years 8,000 or more new people are now enjoying park facilities. During the first five years, Legacy greenbacks built 19 playgrounds, renovated 37 sports courts, and added 25 miles of park trails and walks.

Waterfront Park: Located at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, Confluence Park was developed in the 1980s. The 15.28-acre site has a playground, picnic shelter, benches, plus grassy expanses.

Peace In Parks: Parks provide peace and can have a positive effect on mental and physical health. Reconnect with nature to reduce stress, and anxiety at retreats such as Cheesman Park to get away from the urban hustle.

With the Legacy Fund restart, staff at city Park & Rec plan to expand the tree canopy in parks. Goals also include buying forestry equipment to speed up tree planting and maintenance work. Purchasing electric maintenance equipment and switching to LED lights are also on their latest list. Park access is open to the public year around. Furthermore, parks are open no matter the time of day, nor what week or month of the year. The Sonny Lawson and Al Alma-Lincoln Park spaces were closed for a month in 2024, however, due to drug sales and violent incidents. Portions of the parks were fenced off to curb the problem.

Six New Parks

As the new year gets underway, Denver Parks & Recreation is getting set to welcome six new parks in neighborhoods across the city. With Legacy Funds recently increasing about $5 million a year to $50 million annually, the city has earmarked funds to acquire the land and build parks.

In addition to developing new parks, Den­ver is also reinvesting in its existing parks. This includes renovating playgrounds and benches, plus upgrading irrigation systems to conserve water and improve park sustainability.

Spanning neighborhoods from ­Westwood to Green Valley Ranch, these new parks symbolize a commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to quality green spaces. Each park will be uniquely designed to cater to the needs and preferences of its local community, creating a diverse range of recreational environments across the Mile High City.

Plans For Parks

Water Basin Park: With Denver’s biggest lake, Sloan’s Lake Park’s 177 acres make it the city’s second-largest. It has playgrounds, tennis courts, athletic fields, boating, basketball, multi-use trails, and picnic areas.

The University Hills site at East Iliff Ave. and S. Bellaire was purchased back in 2019 for $5.1 million. Proposed to be named “Bethesda Park,” the former Greenhouse & Garden Center is roughly two-acres in size. Parks & Rec plans to spend $6.5 million in legacy funds to convert the property into a park. The long, skinny property will be transformed into a park with a demonstration garden and event space.

Anticipated to be named “Avion Park,” a nine-acre park prospect is located at Kitt­ridge St. and E. Bolling Drive. It will include a playground, basketball courts, fields, plus a walking loop. Denver Urban Gardens is ex­pected to manage a food forest on the site. Parks people say they are hopeful it will open this year.

Scheduled to open next year (2026), the large site at 10th Ave. & Alcott St. along the South Platte River will offer a community gathering space and gardens. Construction is expected to start this year. A new park at 47th Ave. & Telluride St. in Green Valley Ranch is also expected to open in 2026. It will have a playground, trails, a basketball court, plus a community garden with interactive water feature. Already open to the public, the Westwood Skate Park at W. Kentucky Ave. & S. Irving St. will incorporate new features. Over time the site will incorporate riverfront landscaping, and improved access to the South Platte River Trail. Denver Botanic Gardens will sponsor an off-leash dog park and gardens at the site.

Denver’s Vehicle Fleet Needs Speedy Fix

by Valley Gadfly | Nov 15, 2024 | Main Articles

New Audit Reveals 22% Of City’s Aging, Oversize, Underused Fleet Is Driven Less Than 100 Miles A Month

by Glen Richardson

Key Party: Facilities Management stockrooms — a division of General Services — has an unknown number of keys in circulation, meaning parts can be accessed by unauthorized parties.

Watchdog O’Brien: City Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA

Riddled with oversized, underused, and aging vehicles, Denver’s Fleet Man­age­ment Department is wasting limited re­sources, according to a new audit from City Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA. As a result, the city is increasingly at risk for fuel and parts theft.

“Too many older vehicles sitting idle costs taxpayers’ money,” O’Brien says. Moreover, he follows up, “Underused vehicles still require regular maintenance and storage.”

“But Fleet Management doesn’t have the authority to right-size the fleet because the vehicles are owned by other agencies,” Auditor O’Brien explains. “These issues stem from the way Fleet Management is funded, but it doesn’t help that the areas they do control are not being adequately safeguarded.”

Fueling Flaws

Transportation & Infrastructure’s Fleet Management Division maintains and provides fuel for over 2,500 vehicles and pieces of equipment belonging to 43 city agencies — not including Denver Police, Fire, and Denver International Airport.

More: It operates six fueling stations across the city and processes about 7,000 fuel transactions a month. For 2022 and 2023, that totaled about 169,000 fuel transactions worth $9 million.

The fueling stations allow authorized employees to refuel city-owned vehicles, but audit found significant flaws in how the division tracks fuel usage. Issues include abnormal transactions, access to former employees, code sharing, access to override codes, and the same person adding and authorizing fuel users.

Fleet Of Hitches: Fleet Management maintains-fuels vehicles and equipment belonging to 43 city agencies it doesn’t control, creating risk of fuel and parts theft, new city audit reveals.

Ex-Staff Tank Up

These inconsistencies could be leaving the city at risk for fuel theft, O’Brien warns. When auditors compared the city’s list of 7,180 authorized drivers with city employees, they found 1,782 — 25% of them — no longer worked for the city.

When looking closer, they found 104 fuel transactions worth about $3,500 linked to nine drivers who were former city employees. The division’s current processes may fail to detect ongoing suspicious activity, the auditors suggest.

Fleet Management does not track override transactions and does not have official procedures to identify, resolve, and document all fuel transactions. Consequently, the audit could not identify the volume, associated costs, and reasons for the city’s override transactions.

Key Keepers?

When the audit looked at how parts are managed, they found Transportation & Infrastructure faces several obstacles.

First, the unstaffed stockrooms belong to Facilities Management — a division of General Services. There are an unknown number of stockroom keys in circulation. This means parts storage could be accessed by unauthorized parties.

Second, parts are supposed to be allocated to work orders for tracking purposes, but auditors found 979 parts that were not, totaling $21,292.

Oldy-Moldy Fleet

Fleet Facility: Roslyn Campus is one of two sites where Fleet Management maintains and provides fuel for more than 2,500 city vehicles and other pieces of equipment.

Fleet Management’s biggest issue, however, is the size of the city’s fleet and how it is being used. Fleet Management’s goal is a 95% use rate, but the audit found 22% of the city’s fleet was driven fewer than 100 miles in a month.

When it comes to replacing aging vehicles, the city’s goal is to replace 10% of vehicles annually. That goal isn’t being met the audit reveals: 36% of the city’s vehicles are beyond their useful lives of 10 years. Furthermore, 6% of city vehicles are over 20 years old.

One problem is the size of the city’s fleet is still at pre-pandemic levels. The city’s needs have changed since then. A third-party report, commissioned by Fleet Management, estimated the cost to the city for maintaining, repairing, and housing underused vehicles was about $5.7 million in 2022-2023 combined.

Hamstrung By City

Auditor O’Brien suggests that Fleet Management is hamstrung in rightsizing the fleet it is charged with managing because it does not have the authority to sell or dispose of vehicles. Other city agencies make those decisions. “Fleet Management can only advise those agencies,” he asserts.

City agencies rely on Fleet Management to service vehicles and ensure they are available for operations. But because of a decision in 2015 to change the fleet’s funding structure to use the city’s General Fund — instead of using an internal service fund —city agencies do not directly experience the financial impact of maintaining the vehicles.

The previous funding structure allowed Transportation & Infrastructure to bill agencies for the services they use. But since 2015, Transportation & Infrastructure pays for those agencies’ fuel and maintenance costs, so those agencies have no incentive to monitor their spending habits.

Fix Fee Free: City agencies rely on Fleet Management to service vehicles without directly experiencing the financial impact for maintaining those vehicles.

Funding Flaw

Funding fleets through the General Fund is not a leading industry standard. When auditors looked at how other cities and counties manage their fleets, they found that of 17 similar-sized municipalities, 14 use an internal service fund. Denver ordinance still requires the fleet to be funded by an internal service fund and was never updated after the switch to using the General Fund.

“The funding change was made nearly a decade ago but there’s very little paper trail to explain why this happened,” Auditor O’Brien says. “Departments can’t just pick and choose which ordinances to follow — they’re not optional.

But Fleet Management is really being asked to do the impossible, maintain the city’s fleet without having any authority over it. “This audit will give them the tools they need to pursue solutions to getting that proper authority,” O’Brien hopefully suggests. Transportation & Infrastructure Department officials agreed with all 13 of the audit’s recommendations.