1. What is the Greenway Foundation?

The Greenway Foundation is the non-profit organization that initiated the resurrection of the South Platte River and its surrounding area from a virtual cesspool to a place of environmental and recreational pride for the citizens of the Greater Denver area. Since 1974, the Foundation has created seventeen riverside parks, numerous whitewater boat chutes, and a nationally recognized urban trail system, collectively known as the South Platte River Greenway. The Foundation continues to partner with the City and County of Denver and other local and regional jurisdictions to further enhance, preserve and protect our urban waterways. In addition, the Foundation oversees a Youth Education program known as S.P.R.E.E. (South Platte River Environmental Education) which each year introduces thousands of young people to the significance of the River as it pertains to the past and future of Denver. The Foundation also provides employment to between 10-15 high school and college age youth each summer through the operation of a boating concession along Cherry Creek in Lower Downtown Denver known as “Venice on the Creek”. Finally, each year the Foundation’s free cultural events introduce thousands of Denver citizens to our City's "Greatest Natural Resource".

2. What is the purpose of the Greenway Preservation Trust?

To sustain an endowment for the South Platte River and it's tributaries that will ensure permanent funding for programs the Foundation has entitled the four "E's": youth Education, youth Employment, Cultural and community Events, and ongoing Enhancements.

3. What is the Foundation's typical annual budget?

The annual operating budget of the Foundation averages between $450,000-$500,000 per year with over 50% of the income earnings based upon from the Greenway Preservation Trust. Annually, about $200,000 each year: $85,000 for youth Education; $40,000 for youth Employment; $25,000 for free cultural Events; and $50,000 for ongoing Enhancements to the River and its surrounding area.

4. How is the Fund “Permanent”?

All of the funds that are raised for the Greenway Preservation Trust will be invested in a safe and secure long term manner with only the accrued interest being used to fund the programs and efforts described above. The current value of the Trust corpus, including gifts, pledges, and bequests is approximently $6 million.

5. How many school children have experienced S.P.R.E.E. (South Platte River Environmental Education)?

Over 60,000 young people have already participated in a variety of educational experiences involving the South Platte River. Several schools have become “S.P.R.E.E. Schools” whereby every aspect of the school’s curriculum is integrated in some manner to the River. These students, as well as thousands more each year, also enjoy a variety of “on-site” experiences along the River including touring a ghost town, panning for gold and visiting the birthplace of Denver at Confluence Park. In addition, high school aged students from a number of different local schools are trained as Tour Guides, guiding the younger students through these educational and entertaining excursions.

6. How will the Trust fund environmental and recreational improvements?

Each year, a portion of the earnings (approximately $50,000) will be available to local jurisdictions as matching funds for projects that will further “enhance, preserve, and protect” the River and its tributaries. Typical projects may include additional riparian restoration, expansion of natural areas along the River, rest areas, aid stations, etc.

7. What sort of “cultural events” will the Trust support?

The Greenway Foundation currently hosts a variety of public events, free to the public, including “Confluence Concerts” in July, and "River Flicks" in August, both held at Confluence Park as well as a volunteer-based River cleanup in the fall of each year known as the "South Platte River Sweep". These events are intended to re-introduce the citizenry of the Greater Denver area to the River and help them understand the importance of further protecting this valuable amenity.

8. How can I/my organization help?

There are many ways in which anyone can help this important effort! You can make an individual donation to the Trust (remember to ask your employer about matching funds). You can volunteer to assist with our various special events or serve as a mentor for S.P.R.E.E. You can provide the staff at the Greenway Foundation with potential sources for funding as well as indicate where you feel the earnings from the Trust can be best utilized.