Kudos to the Team

It's been a hectic and productive year in the Mountain Park system. Last week the crew was honored with a "Workgroup of the Year" award from the Parks & Recreation Department. Most of us were able to escape downtown long enough to receive the plaque (center, held by DMP Superintendent Dick Gannon) from new Parks & Rec manager Lauri Dannemiller.

The award is based on customer service, teamwork, and attention to sustainability. A few highlights from the nomination that won us this title:

• Coordinated more than 5,000 hours of volunteer effort on trails and other projects, including closing social trails and constructing new trail in Red Rocks Park
  
• Worked with Americorps NCCC and Mile High Youth Corps teams for more than 5 months to accomplish project work, including new and restored trails
  
• Improved forest health and mitigated wildfire hazard on more than 300 acres of parklands
  
• Rebuilt Chicago Overlook Trail at Summit Lake Park to improve access and reduce damage to sensitive tundra vegetation; new interpretive signs there will educate visitors
  

As we move into winter mode, we will be losing our seasonal staff for a few months. Early in 2012, two of our nine full-time team members plan to retire. We expect to continue to find creative ways to get the job done!