Denver Trout Unlimited, together with Protect Our Rivers, is inviting community members to a hands‑on cleanup of Phil Milstein Park on Saturday, Oct. 17. The park, a modest green space along the South Platte River near I‑25, has long suffered from neglect, but volunteers will help transform it into a welcoming spot for families, anglers, and nature lovers.

Why the cleanup matters

“The water quality is fantastic. The fishing quality and the life that lives in it is fantastic, but it’s kind of ugly around the edges,” said Rick Mikesell, a board member for Denver Trout Unlimited. The organization adopted the park after a Denverite story highlighted its disrepair, and sees the upcoming event as a first step toward lasting improvement.

What volunteers can expect

Participants will meet in the morning, receive gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and hand sanitizer, and spend a few hours picking up litter, pulling weeds, and removing invasive tree species that threaten native habitat. The group encourages casual attire and closed‑toe shoes for safety.

Those who stay until the end of the cleanup will be treated to a complimentary beer from Odell Brewing at Sloan’s Lake, providing a relaxed setting for volunteers to connect and celebrate their hard work.

Long‑term vision for Phil Milstein Park

Denver Trout Unlimited plans to host monthly cleanups at the park from spring through fall, aiming to create a permanent stewardship model. “We feel that we can up the ante there, and we’re kind of pushing the boundaries of the Denver parks program and essentially trying to do some infrastructure improvement and some planting improvement,” Mikesell explained.

The organization’s broader South Platte River cleanup effort regularly draws 40 to 100 participants, underscoring strong community interest in protecting the river’s health and enhancing public spaces.

How to get involved

Anyone interested in helping can sign up through Denver Trout Unlimited’s website or social media channels. The event is free, and volunteers will receive all necessary equipment. By joining the effort, residents contribute to a cleaner river, healthier wildlife, and a more attractive park for families and anglers alike.

With the combined support of local nonprofits and dedicated volunteers, Phil Milstein Park is poised to shed its reputation as Denver’s “worst park” and become a vibrant, family‑friendly riverfront destination.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.