Host Committee makes bids for three parks

Starting the day at 4 this frosty morning helped the Denver committee hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention get in its bid for venues in three of the city’s best-known parks for convention week.

Host Committee staffer Tyler Mounsey stood in line outside the Webb Building, which houses the Denver Parks and Recreation Department for the opening day for requesting park facilities from Aug. 15-31.

Mounsey’s applications, which weren’t facing any conflicting requests late today, were for the Cheesman Park pavilion, the City Park bandstand and the Washington Park boathouse. The committee wants to reserve the sites for the full day from Aug. 22-28. The convention is to run Aug. 25-28.

Park and Recreation officials now will review and let Mounsey know by mid-December if his early morning efforts were successful.

The Host Committee said today it had no concrete plans to announce, but the venues are expected to be used for a mix of private and public events. The host committee is required to host roughly 40 parties for delegates.

“We’re still really planning,” said spokesman Chris Lopez.

The applications for Cheesman and City parks say that light appetizers, beer and wine will be on hand, as well as bands. The Washington Park application only mentions use of a stage, tents and speakers – which also are to be used at the other two parks.

The city blocked applications for 14 parks located closer to the Pepsi Center, where the convention is to be held, while officials review the permitting process. That review is expected to take at least another month.

The only other convention-related application turned in today came from anti-abortion protestors who want to hold an all-day "Abortion Kills Dreams" prayer and worship service at Jefferson Park on Aug. 24, a Sunday.

Bookmark/Search this post with: