WEEK OF AUGUST 15, 2024
VOLUME 136 | ISSUE 2
Parking problems
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Quarry Fire sparked fear, then optimism Officials reflect on efforts as fire is 100% contained BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
trict began to implement a new parking reservation and payment system. But, for some residents, the new system is a frustration. “It’s kind of part and parcel with what’s happening across the state,”
The Quarry Fire began on Deer Creek Canyon Road near Grizzly Drive around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. It quickly exploded to hundreds of acres, prompting nearly 600 evacuations as fire crews arrived on the scene. Just over a week later, on Aug. 7, it was 100% contained. All evacuation orders were lifted, and it was clear the optimism of firefighters along the way had been warranted. A little rain helped, too. No homes were lost and, aside from a few minor injuries, firefighters were unharmed. “This fire looked as scary as any fire I’ve experienced in my career,” said Mark Techmeyer, director of public affairs for the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office. “I feel very fortunate that we had the result we had in the timely manner we had,
SEE PARKING, P15
SEE QUARRY FIRE, P6
The South Platte River in Littleton is a popular destination for river tubing during summer months.
COURTESY OF SOUTH SUBURBAN PARKS AND RECREATION
New parking system at South Platte Park aims to help capacity strains — but frustrates some BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Hot, summer weekends bring people to the South Platte River in droves, donning swimsuits and carrying tubes to float on the water. But, with them come the cars. At
the Platte Canyon Entrance parking lot in South Platte Park — one of the most popular put-in spots for tubers — hundreds of visitors on weekends have caused capacity issues. This summer, in an attempt to combat the parking clutter, the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Dis-
NAVIGATING INFERTILITY
Getting past emotional, money hurdles to be a family P22
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