City Park Lily Ponds, CO 2024
Join us in preserving the natural beauty of Denver City Park Lily Ponds and be a part of revitalizing this cherished spot for generations to come.
PROJECT PARTNER: Denver Parks & Recreation
SESSION DATES: July 14-19 and July 21-26
PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Denis Moran!
CREW LEADER: TBD!
Project Site Description & History
The Denver City Park Lily Ponds, an integral part of Denver’s historic City Park, were established in the early 20th century, embodying the era’s commitment to creating naturalistic landscapes in urban settings. Initially designed to enhance the beauty and recreational value of the park, the ponds quickly became a beloved community asset. Over the years, they have seen various changes and improvements, often driven by the efforts of local volunteers and community groups dedicated to preserving and enhancing this natural treasure. These volunteer efforts have been crucial in maintaining the ecological balance of the ponds, ensuring the health of the aquatic plants, and keeping the area welcoming for both residents and wildlife.
Volunteer involvement in the City Park Lily Ponds has taken various forms, from hands-on maintenance and planting days to fundraising and advocacy campaigns. Local garden clubs, environmental organizations, and community members have played a significant role in these efforts. For instance, during periods when city funding was insufficient, volunteers stepped in to provide the necessary care and attention to maintain the health and beauty of the ponds. These volunteers have contributed not only to the physical upkeep of the ponds but also to educational programs that teach visitors about the importance of urban natural spaces and the specific ecology of water gardens.
The history of the Lily Ponds is not just one of aesthetic and recreational value but also a narrative of community engagement and stewardship. The ongoing volunteer efforts highlight the community’s connection to the ponds and the broader park, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving Denver’s natural heritage. This relationship between the ponds and the people of Denver showcases the vital role that urban green spaces play in fostering community well-being, environmental education, and civic pride, ensuring that the Lily Ponds remain a cherished part of City Park’s legacy.
Location and Logistics
SESSION DATES: July 14-19 and July 21-26
Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.
LOCATION: Located right in the heart of Denver’s City Park.
MAP to CITY PARK LILY PONDS
ACCESS: 
HistoriCorps will provide lodging for this project, but local volunteers are welcome to commute daily. Showers and standard amenities will be available but dogs are not allowed.
WEATHER: Anticipate highs possibly in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Weather conditions may be rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Volunteers are responsible for checking weather conditions before their session begins, and packing appropriately.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: HistoriCorps projects are free for volunteers! HistoriCorps will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the campsite, sleeping equipment, work gloves, clothes and boots, and other personal gear.
Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY: 
HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff, volunteers and applying the traditional skills necessary to restore the City Park Lily Ponds:
- Flagstone and mixed stone repointing and retaining wall repairs
Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.
Sign Up!
We’re thrilled this project has inspired you to volunteer!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Visit our Job Calendar to see spaces are available!
*All registrations submitted to projects at capacity will be automatically added to our waitlist.*
CANCELLATIONS effect our ability to complete projects. Please register only if you are certain about your ability to participate.
You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.
HistoriCorps does not charge for its volunteering projects. HistoriCorps relies on donations to continue engaging volunteers to save significant historical sites across America for generations to come. Your donation of any amount will make an incredible difference! Increase your impact – make a generous gift today.
Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice
We’re so glad you’re interested in joining this project! If you’re new to our community, review the Volunteer FAQ first! Please note the following logistics and policies:
- Volunteering with HistoriCorps is free! We will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite or shared indoor lodging. Dinner is not provided on the first night.
- Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own gear, work gloves, sturdy work clothes and boots, and appropriate sleeping equipment. Check the average temperatures before you start packing – the nights and mornings may be colder than you anticipate! Then, read this advice about how to stay warm when tent camping in colder places.
- Campsite accessibility varies by project. Some projects can accommodate tents only; others can accommodate small RVs. Please review the project site description above for more information, and if you’re still not sure, email volunteer@historicorps.org for help.
- If this project does not offer showers, you might want to consider bringing a solar shower or research other methods to clean up after the work day.
- Volunteer crew sizes generally range from 4-8 volunteers, with two HistoriCorps staff that lead and train volunteers in the work.
- Safety is one of HistoriCorps’ top priorities, and volunteers can contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring their physical fitness is adequate for the work. See above for this project’s scope of work and difficulty level. Please, call us if you are not quite sure if a project is a good fit for your skills or fitness level. We may be able to suggest a project more suitable and enjoyable for you.
- Hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, gloves are standard personal protection equipment (PPE) required on all projects. Hard hats must be worn at all times on the project site, unless working in a designated safe space. Field staff will train volunteers on correct use of PPE.
- Dogs are generally allowed to accompany their humans in project campsites (actually, we love having dogs join us around the campfire!). Dogs are not permitted on the job site for everyone's safety. HOWEVER: HistoriCorps also follows the rules and regulations of our project partner. If the project partner does not permit dogs onsite then HistoriCorps is no exception. Please ask HistoriCorps or the project partner directly if you have any questions about whether Fido is welcome.