DENVER -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, in collaboration with Denver-area flood risk management partners, will host a community event with displays, gadgets, gear, scientists, engineers and park rangers to share information and build awareness of the role of Cherry Creek Dam in reducing flooding in the Denver area. Specialists in emergency preparedness and on the history and health of the Cherry Creek watershed also will help visitors explore their role in reducing floods.
“Cherry Creek Dam plays a big role in reducing the impacts of flooding through downtown Denver and beyond along the South Platte River,” explains Joe Maxwell, Operations Project Manager for the USACE Tri-Lakes project which includes Chatfield and Bear Creek dams. “This community event is a fun way to learn about the roles many agencies play in reducing the flood risks and how the individuals living above and below the dam can prepare for and respond to a flood.
”In addition, Cherry Creek State Park and surrounding recreation and natural resource partners welcome kids and adults alike to the event to celebrate the connection between the use of the reservoir for recreation, supporting wildlife, and many other benefits as the summer season kicks off.
Be Dam Aware Community Event (mention this event at park entrance for free entry)
Date: Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Tower Loop, Cherry Creek State Park
A family-friendly event with hands-on activities and displays.
- Understand how the dam and reservoir reduce flood risk
- Learn how engineers inspect and maintain the dam
- Interact with a flood simulation table
- Learn about your role before, during and after a flood
- Pick up emergency preparedness information
- Be a water quality scientist for the day
- Become an Agent of Discovery
- Pick up some summer boating and water safety information
- Test your knowledge, spin a prize wheel, take home a fishing pole
Event Hosts
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Mile High Flood District
- Southwest Metro Stormwater Authority
- City and County of Denver
- Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Arapahoe County Open Spaces
- Colorado Department of Transportation
- Splash Colorado
Release no. 24-006