Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is the first mayor to remove or re-purpose city park lands, rather than increase open space. Since 2011, the Hancock Administration has practiced clear-cutting in three city parks, soon to be four, with city plans for Park Hill Golf Course as an addition to the 2-1/2 mile stormwater drainage system proposed to protect I-70 expansion and development from 100-year flooding.

In November, the City closed historic City Park Golf Course to commence removal of 260 trees and excavation of a 40 to 50 acre detention ditch. On Dia de los Muertos, November 1, 2017 neighbors convened to grieve the loss of their beloved park and its ecosystem of plant and animal life. Bagpiper Ben Holmes provided accompaniment for the Memorial thoughts and prayers.