We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a major project for our Greenway and trail users celebrating our 20th anniversary as a nonprofit, a mural featuring the wildlife and riparian habitat of our Sand Creek Greenway corridor. Late last year–after several years of discussion and research–the staff and Board of Directors of our Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership began the project in earnest. The mural is the first project of our Future Fund–a fund to support efforts to move the Greenway forward and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit organization, so we can continue to improve it.
Click here to see a video about our organization, the Future Fund, and mural project; download a case statement for support; and make your gift.
Mural artist–Yulia Avgustinovich–known for her colorful depictions of the natural world was selected for the project. The board pledged financial support with 100% of members making personal gifts and pledges. We also received a commitment from the Trust for Public Land for a matching gift.
Though COVID-19 delayed the project and eliminated a possible funding source, we agreed to take on long-term responsibility for the mural, which opened up a new possibilities for the project. On Monday, August 30, we received notice of final approval from the City and County of Denver to proceed. When completed, the mural will cover the easternmost third of the north runway tunnel wall, with plenty of room for future murals, eventually transforming the site to a public art showcase. The site will also become an outdoor learning and gathering place for our education and volunteer programs.
At present, we’re just over halfway to our funding goal of $25,000 for the project. Since our organization is taking responsibility for the care and upkeep of the mural, we will need to have resources to fulfill that role. We need to raise at least $12,000 more before the mural can be started–and we’re relying on our community of trail users to take ownership of the mural through their financial investment. You can make your gift here. THANK YOU.
Once the mural is completed this fall, Future Fund gifts will support other programs that improve the Greenway and contribute to our organization’s sustainability through these difficult times. While many funders are able to continue their support of the Greenway in the short term, we know there are still challenging times ahead and gaps in funding streams are expected. Private support–of all levels–can make a difference in our ability to continue to provide educational and volunteer programs and improvements to the Greenway. Every gift contributes to the success of the Greenway, and every gift makes a difference.
We extend our thanks to our Sand Creek Regional Greenway Board of Directors for their unanimous approval and personal investment in this project; the City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation, Arts and Venues and Zoning departments; Denver City Councilman Chris Herndon and his staff; our staff partner, Denver Trails Planner, Jason Coffey; Trust for Public Land; and PrimalWear for their in-kind support of our youth programming.