Example better block project.

A collection of community partners have banded together united in the vision that it is possible to build a better block in a day. As a real-life “roll up the sleeve” effort modeled on the Better Block Project, the effort aspires to demonstrate the potential of creating a great walkable and vibrant neighborhood business center along W. 25th Avenue between Federal and Eliot. Within one day, the project will fill vacant storefronts, create pedestrian seating areas, provide landscaping and street furniture, redraw the street and pedestrian areas, provide live music, and more.

The date for the project is Saturday, June 23. The partners in the project include the Partnership, WalkDenver, Jefferson Park United Neighbors, Groundwork Denver, and Councilwoman Susan Shepherd. Volunteers are needed to help plan the event, coordinate activities and help build the block both Friday June 22 and June 23. Volunteers meet monthly, look to the Partnership’s events calendar for ongoing meetings.

This is an exciting project! With what other effort can you make a difference in drastically improving a block where you’d like to spend time; shop, eat and meet friends. You can’t, this is it!

As a plug for the Better Block Project who supports and provides this model approach nationwide; the project acts as a living charrette so that communities can actively engage in the “complete streets” buildout process and develop pop-up businesses to show the potential for revitalized economic activity in an area. Better Blocks are now being performed throughout the country, and have helped cities rapidly implement infrastructure and policy changes. Their Web site is dedicated to providing news, information, and utilities to help cities develop their own Better Block projects and to create a resource for best practices.