We have not forgotten about you or about our favorite neighborhood!
Neither has the Denver Business Journal, naming Barnum Denver's Hottest Neighborhood in 2016!
More soon!
The Barnum and Barnum West Neighborhoods of Denver, CO
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Friday, June 5, 2015
Barnum Block Party!!
Cheers, fellow Barnumites! This summer is a big one for us here in the Barnum neighborhood. Not only are there construction projects on seemingly EVERY major thoroughfare in and out of our neighborhood, but we will see changes at our park including the loss of the dog park and the gain of a pedestrian bridge that will link us more easily to our neighbors to the north in Villa Park.
One of the most exciting changes is the addition of a Barnum Denver Days block party in August! Did you know that the City and County of Denver offers a full range of support services to help neighbors plan and implement a block party each August? Right now a group of neighbors is in the planning stages of this project and we need YOUR help!
Learn more about Denver Days by clicking here.
One of the most exciting changes is the addition of a Barnum Denver Days block party in August! Did you know that the City and County of Denver offers a full range of support services to help neighbors plan and implement a block party each August? Right now a group of neighbors is in the planning stages of this project and we need YOUR help!
What: Neighborhood-level Block Party
Date: Sunday, August 9th, 2015
Time: Afternoon, exact time, TBD
Place: Cedar Park + Cedar Ave between Knox Ct and Julian St
Purpose: Community building
Learn more about Denver Days by clicking here.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Barnum is Because of YOU!
We all know that living in Barnum is pretty terrific. Our neighborhood feels a bit like a time capsule. As Denver has rapidly changed over the past two decades, Barnum has mostly stayed the same. It is a simple and (mostly) quiet neighborhood. *I realize everybody living on Knox St. and Perry St. are rolling their eyes at me right now.* Really, though, most of us know that we have discovered a little treasure on the edge of the city.
It would appear that Denver's changes are touching our neighborhood, though. Earlier this week I was stunned to see both Barnum and Barnum West (I sort of just lump us into one big neighborhood) listed in 5280 Magazine's 2015 list of Denver's Best Neighborhoods. Citing things like affordability, charming brick ranches, and low crime rates, they captured a decent picture of why our neck of the woods is appealing.
I felt vindicated when I read the article because for nine years I have had to explain where Barnum is to everyone who asks me where I live. This is usually followed by, "Isn't that in Lakewood?" So I appreciate that this neighborhood I have loved for nine years is being recognized for the true character and value it has.
While I am proud to see our neighborhood given this distinction, I would be lying if I didn't say it worried me a little bit. Before we lived in Barnum, we owned a home in Jefferson Park. Everybody told me I was crazy for buying a house in "that neighborhood" back in 2002, but I saw the charm. We got out in 2006 just before the majority of the neighborhood was razed for high rise condos and ultra-modern town houses. Our former block (which I found to be quite charming) is now totally unrecognizable.
My concern is that Barnum getting attention for how affordable and livable it is will eventually render it the opposite. I find myself wondering how we can comfortably embrace Denver's rapid growth while still maintaining the eclectic spirit of our community. As I have pondered this question, I have come to one conclusion: WE HAVE TO STAY INVOLVED AND CONNECTED.
1: Keep In Touch Online: This website and the Next Door Barnum website are both excellent resources for keeping neighbors in touch. This website is where you can find information on everything else I list below. If you aren't on Next Door yet, I encourage you to sign up immediately to know what is going on in the 'hood.
2: Join the Beautiful Barnum Project: One of the people you will see posting on Next Door is neighborhood resident Adrian Camacho. He is the coordinator for the Beautiful Barnum project. This is an informal group of neighborhood residents committed to taking small, regular action to help keep our neighborhood safe and beautiful. Currently, this group is discussing getting the city to fix the streetlights, cleaning up alleys, planting donated street trees in yards with a need for more trees, and installing woody plantings along Weir Gulch to help clean up the water and catch the garbage before it ends up polluting Barnum Lake.
3: Help the Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative: Barnum was selected for the Denver Sustainable Neighborhoods program. This project is designed to help Barnum become a "greener" neighborhood but it is up to the citizens to decide what that means and identify projects that will work for our neighborhood. One of the projects that I'm particularly excited about is the planting of a community orchard across the street from the community garden!
4: Meet Up with the Concerned Citizens for Barnum: This is a formal neighborhood organization that discusses and addresses significant issues in our neighborhood. They are a powerful group of individuals that are taking action based on the feedback they hear from neighbors. If you want your voice to be heard and have a valuable perspective, show up and share you thoughts. Right now CCB is doing critical work as they prepare to draft our new neighborhood plan to be formalized by the city. This is an opportunity to weigh in on your thoughts about large residential or commercial development projects being brought to our neighborhood.
5: Get to Know Your Neighbors: There are some really amazing and interesting people in your midst. Get to know them! Our neighborhood is awesomesauce because of you and people like you. Want to help throw a big party to celebrate said sauce that is awesome? Meet up with us at the Colorado Cider Company at 4:00 on May 9th to plan our neigborhood block party as part of Denver Days!
It would appear that Denver's changes are touching our neighborhood, though. Earlier this week I was stunned to see both Barnum and Barnum West (I sort of just lump us into one big neighborhood) listed in 5280 Magazine's 2015 list of Denver's Best Neighborhoods. Citing things like affordability, charming brick ranches, and low crime rates, they captured a decent picture of why our neck of the woods is appealing.
I felt vindicated when I read the article because for nine years I have had to explain where Barnum is to everyone who asks me where I live. This is usually followed by, "Isn't that in Lakewood?" So I appreciate that this neighborhood I have loved for nine years is being recognized for the true character and value it has.
While I am proud to see our neighborhood given this distinction, I would be lying if I didn't say it worried me a little bit. Before we lived in Barnum, we owned a home in Jefferson Park. Everybody told me I was crazy for buying a house in "that neighborhood" back in 2002, but I saw the charm. We got out in 2006 just before the majority of the neighborhood was razed for high rise condos and ultra-modern town houses. Our former block (which I found to be quite charming) is now totally unrecognizable.
My concern is that Barnum getting attention for how affordable and livable it is will eventually render it the opposite. I find myself wondering how we can comfortably embrace Denver's rapid growth while still maintaining the eclectic spirit of our community. As I have pondered this question, I have come to one conclusion: WE HAVE TO STAY INVOLVED AND CONNECTED.
1: Keep In Touch Online: This website and the Next Door Barnum website are both excellent resources for keeping neighbors in touch. This website is where you can find information on everything else I list below. If you aren't on Next Door yet, I encourage you to sign up immediately to know what is going on in the 'hood.
2: Join the Beautiful Barnum Project: One of the people you will see posting on Next Door is neighborhood resident Adrian Camacho. He is the coordinator for the Beautiful Barnum project. This is an informal group of neighborhood residents committed to taking small, regular action to help keep our neighborhood safe and beautiful. Currently, this group is discussing getting the city to fix the streetlights, cleaning up alleys, planting donated street trees in yards with a need for more trees, and installing woody plantings along Weir Gulch to help clean up the water and catch the garbage before it ends up polluting Barnum Lake.
3: Help the Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative: Barnum was selected for the Denver Sustainable Neighborhoods program. This project is designed to help Barnum become a "greener" neighborhood but it is up to the citizens to decide what that means and identify projects that will work for our neighborhood. One of the projects that I'm particularly excited about is the planting of a community orchard across the street from the community garden!
4: Meet Up with the Concerned Citizens for Barnum: This is a formal neighborhood organization that discusses and addresses significant issues in our neighborhood. They are a powerful group of individuals that are taking action based on the feedback they hear from neighbors. If you want your voice to be heard and have a valuable perspective, show up and share you thoughts. Right now CCB is doing critical work as they prepare to draft our new neighborhood plan to be formalized by the city. This is an opportunity to weigh in on your thoughts about large residential or commercial development projects being brought to our neighborhood.
5: Get to Know Your Neighbors: There are some really amazing and interesting people in your midst. Get to know them! Our neighborhood is awesomesauce because of you and people like you. Want to help throw a big party to celebrate said sauce that is awesome? Meet up with us at the Colorado Cider Company at 4:00 on May 9th to plan our neigborhood block party as part of Denver Days!
Friday, March 27, 2015
Barnum in the News and Barnum News
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| Flicker/Jeffrey Beall |
Barnum News from CCB:
CCB (Concerned Citizens for Barnum) will be hosting an At Large Candidate Debate on Tuesday, April 14th, 6 pm at the Barnum Rec Center, 360 Hooker. We need to decide on two (2) At Large Representatives for our city. Come and meet who will represent you best.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Home :: Barnum
Hello Barnum. We've called you home for the past few months, and slowly we are starting to move around and explore. Spring is becoming a possibility, and with it there's walks outside, meeting neighbors, exploring the hidden spots and best views in Denver. I'm Jenn, and a new Barnumite. I was very happy to read this article today by a nearby neighbor. It's inspiring and hopeful and flawed and all the things that make Barnum a really good place to be. Hope to meet y'all soon.
All images film, February 2015.
All images film, February 2015.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Barnum Rec Center Events!
Hello, Neighbors! See the message below from Denver Parks & Recreation about upcoming events at the Barnum Recreation Center in Barnum Park. Get out there and play!
MY Denver :
Apply online or at Barnum Rec Center for your child’s (ages : 5-18) free membership to ALL Denver Rec Centers / indoor and outdoor pools. Call us @ 303-937-4659 for Information about eligibility and benefits or visit online
Youth Sports Spring Season is here, it’s time to SIGN-UP!
Come play soccer, flag football or volleyball at Barnum recreation center, We offer sports program for youth ages 5-13. We would love for your child to gain sports skills, learn sportsmanship and fair play in a fun, healthy and safe environment.
Volleyball – Coed
Age: 7-8 yr old Practices: Thu 5:00pm - 6:00pm & Sat 10:30am - 11:30am Games: Mon
Age: 9-10 yr old Practices: Wed & Fri 5:00pm - 6:30pm Games: Fri
Age: 11-12 yr old Practices: Tue & Thu 6:30pm - 8:00pm Games: Thu
Age: 13-14 yr old Practices: Mon & Wed 6:30pm - 8:00pm Games: Wed
Flag Football - Coed
Age: 7-8 yr old Practices: Wed & Fri 5:30pm - 6:30pm Games: Fri
Age: 9-10 yr old Practices: Tue & Thu 5:00pm - 6:30pm Games: Thu
Age: 11-12 yr old Practices: Mon & Tue 6:30pm - 8:00pm Games: Tue
Age: 13-14 yr old Practices: Mon & Tue 6:30pm - 8:00pm Games: Tue
Soccer - Coed
Age: 5-6 yr old Practices: Thu 5:00pm - 6:00pm & Sat 10:30am - 11:30am Games: Sat
Age: 7-8 yr old Practices: Thu 6:00pm - 7:00pm & Sat 11:30am - 12:30pm Games: Sat
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| Photo by Kaye Boeke |
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Barnum Neighbors Cider Meet Up
The air was frigid and the roads were slick but the atmosphere inside the Colorado Cider Company was warm and jovial as neighbors from around Barnum gathered for a fruity pint. We discussed our love of the neighborhood, the reasons why we fell for our houses, and our hopes for a bright future in Barnum.
The tap room at the Colorado Cider Company continues to improve and offers a pared-down, but cozy aesthetic.
A taste of rum barrel aged cherry cider? Yes, please!
How about a flight of tasters for seconds?
Sometimes you just have to get a second cider before the first one runs out.
Steve, a long-time Barnum resident catches up Harry and Heather, newer residents, on everything there is to know about the neighborhood.
Well lookie here! It's Charlie, the brilliant lady who started this terrific website.
We even had a furry neighbor come and visit!
There was so much excellent conversation during the meet up. Barnum is full of interesting people!
Thanks to everyone who came out in the snow for a pint with new friends. We certainly hope to see even more neighbors at the next neighborhood meet up! If you have a great idea for a place for us to gather, we would certainly love to hear from you.
All photos by RB Fast, 2015.
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