The Gates Tennis Center, built in 1975, is an award-winning public recreation facility that features club-like amenities with an emphasis on affordability and inclusivity, encouraging all Denverites to enjoy a fun and healthy lifestyle. Gates offers innovative and inclusive programming and community outreach that makes the facility a welcoming place for all. We have some very exciting announcements and activities happening at Gates Tennis Center. Pickleball is adding so many positive benefits and a major tennis tournament is coming up. Learn more about Gates Tennis Center.

We sat down with Evon Lopez, community organizer, grandmother, student, hiker, tree lover aaand…The Park People’s new Community Connector to talk about her life, her work, her community, and her dreams. At 62, Evon is retired from a 25-year career working with the City and County of Denver as a Human Resource professional. She cares for her infant grandson full time while pursuing a masters degree in Human Resource Management and working tirelessly on behalf of Valverde residents. We asked Evon why she chose to take on the role of Community Connector when she’s already so busy. She responded: “I got into this because I saw it as a way to bring more trees into the Valverde Neighborhood, because I love and honor the people from this neighborhood with all my heart. Yet something has happened, and I don’t know how to describe it. It’s supernatural. I feel like somebody pushed a button in me. I think I’ve fallen for you, trees, The Park People magic. Perhaps I’m smitten, or is it bitten? Community Connectors are important because we teach each other. You teach me about trees and show me how to bring more people in. I speak the language of Valverde and that’s important for The Park People’s work to be successful there."

David R. Hammond is a Class of 2022 Community Forester with The Park People. Community Forester cultivates knowledgeable, skilled volunteer city forest stewards through our five-part  workshop series. The series empowers residents to lead their own community greening projects in their neighborhood. The Park People is sharing David's thoughts on why he loves being a Community Forester and fellow Park Person. Read the article to hear his "why" and get more information about the workshop series. Registration opens in early 2023! We'd love to have you join us!