Denver Zoo plans for new entrance controversial to City Park neighbors

Denver’s zoo will hold off on a pilot program that would have reopened a long-dormant second entrance on the west side of the property inside City Park. A zoo spokesman said the decision was made in advance of a Sept. 2 public meeting with about 70 residents of nearby neighborhoods.

Many of those neighbors are opposed to the plan, said David Scarbeary, president of City Park Friends & Neighbors (CPFAN), a registered neighborhood organization that works with — and often prods the zoo — on projects that will affect City Park.

“There was a very clear consensus that folks were not ready to have that western gate reopened as it was proposed or described,” he told The Denver Post.

While he said the zoo may be trying to alleviate parking pressure on its lots, “That’s not why City Park exists,”