Joseph P. Martinez Park contains multi-use trails, playground features, and gathering spaces for small events. Lakewood Gulch flows through the park and offers park users a sense of connection to nature with its narrow floodplain and riparian corridor. Great Ecology was the ecological consultant on the Livable Cities Master Plan team to re-envision the park to celebrate its cultural and ecological significance. Great Ecology performed ecological assessments including a tree survey, vegetation evaluation, and a review of the Denver Parks and Recreation Landscape Typology dataset (developed by Great Ecology in 2018 and 2019).

Based on data collection and review of background materials, Great Ecology provided recommendations on ecological and social enhancements such as invasive species removal, restoring floodplain connectivity, native tree and vegetation plantings, nature play opportunities, and overall park connectivity and programming. Siberian elms (Ulmus pumila), a non-native invasive tree species, are present in large quantities throughout the riparian corridor and removal and replacement was recommended to enhance the ecological function and overall diversity of the park. Great Ecology also suggested areas for bluegrass lawn to native grass and forb conversions to enhance biodiversity, create pollinator habitat, and reduce irrigation and maintenance needs throughout the park. Our team also participated in community meetings to discuss park usage, community needs, and the ecological components of the master plan.

Above rendering courtesy of Liveable Cities.