TOOLKIT/ HERRAMIENTAS

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TOOLKIT FOR PROJECTS IN DENVER’S PUBLIC SPACE

Herramientas (en español)

WHERE DO I START?

Below are some guiding resources to help you with your public placemaking project. 

IDENTIFY PROJECT PARTNERS

  • To be eligible, applicants must partner with a place-based organization, such as a:
    • Registered Neighborhood Association (RNO) or neighborhood-based group
    • Business Improvement District, Business Association or Chamber of Commerce
    • Maintenance district
    • Art or creative districts
    • Business or placed-based organizations (non- and for-profit) ​ 
  • Reach out to your district or neighborhood organizations to identify a need or opportunity in the community
  • Contact your Council District office for ideas about organizations in your district and sites suitable for proposals
  • Review the list of Registered Neighborhood Organizations
  • Approach local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs to develop a collaborative, community-driven project
  • Encourage participation among long-time residents and neighbors
  • Consider community dynamics and local history in your area
  • Raise awareness by notifying other groups in your neighborhood about your project

WHEN IDENTIFYING A SITE, CONSIDER:

  • Review available maps of Denver. The Denver Bike Map is one that is a good starting point, as it features many parks, trails and other public spaces. Our Helpful Links section contains many other maps that may be useful.
  • Review the Interactive Map of Property Owners to determine the owner of a space. Remember, projects must be in public space, defined as an area that is free and open to the public, such as an alley, park, plaza or streets.

When identifying a budget, be sure to show projected income and expenses, and identify in which areas the grant funding would be utilized:

Example Budget:

Income

  • Grant Request Amount
  • Additional Funding Sources (crowdfunding, sponsorships, in-kind donations, etc.)
  • Volunteer Hours (valued at $20/hour)

Expenses

  • Managing/planning
  • Supplies 
  • Art/design Services 

CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT PUBLIC SPACES

Here are some additional considerations to be aware of when creating a proposal, some of which may require additional permitting, design, engineering, approvals or other considerations.  Our P.S. You Are Here committee can help through these implementation and planning needs.

  • Due to the sensitivity of some areas, proposals for certain sites may require additional review (right-of-way, parks, etc.)
  • Parking space/parklet projects may be challenging due to street cleaning occurring April through November
  • Street painting projects proposed for functional streets may require a thorough review process with the city (specific paint type, color type, street closures, etc.)
  • Projects in alleys will need to ensure adequate space for garbage and recycling pickup
  • Due to time required and difficulty in coordination, it is recommended to avoid proposals involving utilities and rail lines
  • Any proposal at an intersection will have to be mindful of sightlines and not blocking clear visibility for pedestrians & vehicles
  • Any structures located in Denver parks may require full-plan review to ensure proper site restoration with seed/sod and irrigation, and to ensure no impacts to tree roots
  • Applicants are responsible for any maintenance required during the project’s display 
  • Consider what happens at the end of the project. How will the project be de-installed? Will it be adopted by your group or some other organization? Who will maintain the project? 
  • Safety first; be sure your projects are designed well and are structurally sound for the duration of display

HELPFUL LINKS

Maps

Neighborhoods 

Permitting and Design Standards

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US

Please contact us directly for further assistance or to eligibility questions:

Brendan Picker
[email protected]
720-865-5563

For project specific inquiries you can also reach members of our committee directly: