About Our Job

With competitive pay, great benefits, and endless opportunities, working for the City and County of Denver means seeing yourself working with purpose — for you, and those who benefit from your passion, skills, and expertise. Join our diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce of more than 11,000 team members who are at the heart of what makes Denver, Denver.

Application Deadline and Required Materials

This job posting will accept applications until 11:59PM on Sunday, November 8.

We kindly request that you submit a resume and cover letter with your application.

What we Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The hiring range for this position is $101,050/year - $125,000/year, based on experience. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service.
457B Retirement Plan.
140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday and 1 volunteer day per year.
Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date.

More information about the perks and benefits we provide to full-time employees to allow them to find balance, thrive, and build a mile high career can be found on our website.

Location and Schedule

In this position you can expect to work at the Denver Post Building (101 W. Colfax, Denver, Colorado) or assigned recreation centers and/or program sites. Employees work in-person for the Recreation Division where needed, based on business need. The working schedule for this role is based on program and business needs and may vary based on the day of the week and may include evenings or mornings.

Who We Are

As stewards of Denver’s legacy park system, the City and County of Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and improving the health of our residents and environment. Through innovative programs and the creation of safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces, DPR manages a dynamic system of 30 recreation centers and nearly 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland, including off-street trails, parkways, and natural areas. This work is made possible by a dedicated team of professionals who design, promote, and preserve these world-class spaces for generations to come.

DPR recognizes diversity as a strength in the representation of our organization to best serve our customers and community. To that end, DPR is committed to:

Examining department policies and processes that value diverse perspectives and eliminate barriers to inclusion.
Identifying where inequities exist and implementing strategies to ensure equitable outcomes.
Strengthening diversity in Parks and Recreation services by transforming policies to institutionalize equity.
Reinvesting in resources aimed at ensuring DPR is an equitable and just organization.

What You’ll Do

Denver Parks and Recreation is seeking a Recreation Manager to play a key role in the operation of recreation centers and program infrastructure throughout the City and County of Denver. This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and knowledgeable recreation professional who is passionate about building strong, cohesive teams and delivering high-quality services to the community.

In this role, the Recreation Manager will oversee a section of the Recreation Division, including up to four recreation centers. The position also manages the My Outdoor Colorado coalition work and the Great Outdoors Colorado grant, including contract and fiscal responsibilities. The Recreation Manager works closely with internal DPR teams to advance the Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports vision plan and support the operation of DPR’s Adventure Hubs. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and monitoring work programs aligned with division standards; leading full-time, on-call, and seasonal staff; and supporting the efforts of contractors, volunteers, community collaborators, customers, Denver residents and visitors, City Council, and division partners.

As a Recreation Manager, you will act on:

Operations & Program Management

Oversee daily operations for up to four recreation centers, Adventure Hubs, and associated Outdoor Adventure programs.
Implement policies, operating procedures, and practices aligned with departmental and city-wide strategies including:
- DPR’s Mission, Vision, and Values
- Game Plan for a Healthy City
- Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports plan
- Parks Legacy Plan
Create weekly, monthly, and annual work plans that support recreation standards and strategic goals.
Review, develop, and adjust work plans, priorities, schedules, and staffing levels to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
Support contractors, volunteers, collaborators, and community partners to deliver high‑quality programs.
Inspect and approve contract work to ensure compliance with specifications.
Participate in planning efforts including Denver Bond projects, CIP projects, and recreation maintenance initiatives.

Leadership & Staff Management

Direct, coach, and mentor recreation supervisors and staff across recreation centers, Adventure Hubs, and Outdoor Adventure programs.
Ensure staff understand and implement customer service expectations and departmental performance standards.
Lead staff development initiatives, including training, succession planning, and continuous improvement practices.
Develop goals, document performance, conduct evaluations, and issue recognition for exceptional performance.
Provide guidance on complex or unusual assignments and promote teamwork, communication, and innovation.
Conduct hiring interviews and select candidates for vacancies.
Review disciplinary actions and respond to formal/informal grievances.

Customer, Community, & Stakeholder Engagement

Represent the department and its initiatives with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
Mediate conflicts, resolve issues, and determine appropriate solutions during daily operations.
Coordinate projects with other city agencies, external partners, and community groups.
Cultivate community engagement opportunities, events, and communication efforts to expand program reach and participation.
Handle sensitive public relations issues and maintain positive relationships with community members, vendors, collaborators, and elected officials.

Strategic Initiatives & Special Programs

Oversee My Outdoor Colorado coalition efforts and Great Outdoors Colorado grant management (contract and fiscal oversight).
Collaborate with internal DPR teams to implement the Outdoor Adventure/Alternative Sports vision plan and support Adventure Hub operations.
Optimize team performance and achieve KPIs, departmental goals, and strategic objectives.
Champion innovation, creative problem-solving, and new opportunities to enhance resident and customer experiences.

Fiscal & Resource Management

Manage operating costs and ensure all budgets remain within approved limits.
Allocate funds and resources effectively to complete assigned work programs.
Provide oversight of checkbook reconciliation and monthly expense reporting.
Maintain compliance with fiscal accountability rules and deadlines.
Assist with facility inspections, equipment inventory, and management of recreation equipment, vehicle fleets, and capital assets.

Other Duties

Perform additional tasks as assigned in support of Recreation Division priorities and departmental needs.

What You’ll Bring

Our ideal Recreation Manager pays close attention to detail, delivers excellent customer service, and brings strong experience in recreation center operations and program management. They value community, build meaningful relationships, and work collaboratively with DPR staff, partners, and residents to strengthen Denver’s recreation network. They are a creative thinker, a strong communicator, and an influential leader who excels at networking, relationship‑building, gaining buy‑in, and engaging the community.

Additionally, our ideal candidate will have:

Experience implementing best management practices, procedures, and techniques
Experience in outdoor recreation programming and risk management
Experience managing grants
Experience overseeing recreation equipment, vehicle fleets, and recreation and aquatic facilities in a medium to large municipal system
Experience managing capital equipment, building operations, and the ability to learn DPR recreation standards
Experience with capital planning, design, and building operation plans
Skill in using data analysis to develop return‑on‑investment operational plans
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience with systems such as ActiveNet, Jaggaer, Salesforce, Qualtrics, Microsoft applications, and Workday
Demonstrated expertise in accounts payable, purchase requisitions, and budget management, preferably within local government
The ability to influence others and hold teams accountable
A proven record of building and maintaining effective relationships with coworkers, management, vendors, volunteers, collaborators, and contract service providers

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree in a related field based on a specific position(s) including Parks and Recreation Management, Business Administration, or another related field.

Experience Requirement: Three (3) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of professional individual contributors.

Education/Experience Equivalency: One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of pos-high school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

Licensure/Certifications:

Requires a valid Driver’s License at the time of application.
Requires certification in CPR and First Aid at the time of application or by the completion of probation.
Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CA2750 Manager

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$101,050.00 - $166,733.00

Target Pay

$101,050/year - $125,000/year, based on experience

Agency

Parks and Recreation

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact [email protected] with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

About the company

Denver is the consolidated city-county government for Colorado’s capital and largest city, combining municipal and county authorities. It manages public safety, transportation and infrastructure, housing, parks, economic development, aviation (Denver International Airport), licensing, taxation, and land use for about 715,000 residents and a metro area of over 3.1 million. This merged structure enables coordinated policy and service delivery across city and county levels. Its goal is to efficiently provide public services, maintain infrastructure, promote safety and growth, and serve as the economic and cultural hub of Colorado’s Front Range.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$2.3M

Headquarters

Denver, Colorado

Founded

1902

Get referred to Denver

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Denver approved major headquarters incentives for Alterra in August 2026.
Colorado extended $9.6 million for 741 aerospace jobs around metro Denver in August 2026.
Denver still draws startups, including Candid Health’s expanded RiNo office and hiring plans.

What critics are saying

Denver cut 171 workers in August 2025 after a $200 million budget deficit.
Flattening revenues and rising costs forced 928 positions impacted across 2026 planning.
If fiscal gaps persist into 2026, service cuts will weaken employer confidence and retention.

What makes Denver unique

Denver’s civic scale gives unmatched access to government, permitting, and regional employer networks.
Denver controls urban policy levers like Open Denver and downtown incentives.
Denver’s brand still attracts companies seeking a Rocky Mountain talent base.

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Benefits

Pension Plan
401(k) Retirement Plan
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Mile High CRE

Jun 2nd, 2026

Denver advances $15.5M TIF package for historic Rossonian redevelopment.

Denver advances $15.5M TIF package for historic Rossonian redevelopment. A long-awaited effort to restore Denver's historic Rossonian Hotel took a significant step forward in May as the Denver City Council advanced a tax increment financing (TIF) package that could provide up to $15.5 million in public financing support for the project. The proposed agreement between the City and County of Denver and the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) would help fund the redevelopment of the iconic Five Points property and surrounding parcels through future property and sales tax revenue generated by the project. Located at the intersection of Welton Street and Washington Street, the Rossonian Hotel has long been regarded as one of Denver's most significant cultural landmarks. Originally constructed in 1912, the building served as a centerpiece of Five Points' vibrant jazz scene and welcomed legendary performers including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald during its heyday. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and remains a contributing structure within the Five Points Historic Cultural District. This creative and ambitious effort - led by Palisade Partners, Rossonian Development Authority, Craine Architecture, Milender White, Semple Brown, CoralTree Hospitality, along with community advocates and passionate investors - is a catalyst for cultural and economic revitalization in the Five Points neighborhood. The redevelopment includes a comprehensive restoration of the historic Rossonian building alongside new hotel accommodations, event space, food and beverage offerings, retail space and community-focused uses. Plans call for approximately 126 hotel rooms across the Rossoniacn building, adjacent new construction and portions of the existing Hooper Building. The restored Rossonian building is planned to feature 18 guest rooms along with approximately 4,800 square feet of restaurant space at street level. The adjacent annex would house 72 hotel rooms and a dedicated event space. An additional 36 hotel rooms and more than 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space are planned for the Hooper. According to project documents presented to Denver City Council and the Planning Board, the overall development carries an estimated cost of approximately $101 million. DURA concluded that public assistance is necessary to address financing gaps associated with the preservation of the historic structure and the broader mixed-use redevelopment effort. Under the proposed TIF arrangement, the developer would fund the majority of project costs while being reimbursed over time through incremental tax revenues generated by the completed project. The project is proposed as an amendment to the existing Welton Corridor Urban Redevelopment Area, where city officials have identified economic and physical conditions that qualify for urban renewal assistance. Planning documents note that the redevelopment aligns with several city objectives, including historic preservation, support for local businesses, economic development, job creation and reinvestment in one of Denver's most historically significant neighborhoods. If approved, the financing package would represent another major investment along the Welton Corridor and could help accelerate the long-anticipated reopening of the Rossonian. Current projections target a 2028 opening for the revitalized hotel and entertainment destination. "The Rossonian is more than a redevelopment project," city planning documents state. The effort aims to preserve an iconic piece of Denver history while creating new economic activity, hospitality offerings and cultural space in the heart of Five Points. Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR), elected officials, community leaders and project partners gathered on May 27 for The Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) will invest approximately $2.7M for capital improvements at Denver Pavilions. The improvements include technology and structure

City and County of Denver

May 13th, 2026

Denver becomes world's 8th LEED Platinum city.

Denver becomes world's 8th LEED Platinum city. Published on May 13, 2026 The City and County of Denver announced that it has achieved LEED for Cities Platinum certification. Denver is part of a growing group to be certified using the LEED for Cities rating system. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the world's most widely used green building rating system. Expanding on the LEED for buildings rating system, LEED for Cities helps local leaders measure and manage progress toward a more sustainable, resilient and equitable future. Through the certification program, cities create and operationalize responsible, sustainable and specific plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors that contribute to quality of life. Out of 150 cities across the world that are LEED certified, Denver is one of only eight to achieve LEED for Cities Platinum status in its current version, the highest recognition for urban sustainability and leadership. "Denver is leading the way in clean energy and resilience," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This recognition reflects our commitment to powering our communities responsibly and protecting the next generation of Denverites from climate risks." Denver achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for community members. LEED is designed to help buildings, communities and cities achieve high performance in key areas of social, economic and environmental sustainability. Denver's certification was driven by several high impact strategies, including: * Accelerating Clean Energy and Building Electrification Most of Denver's emissions are in its buildings. Buildings and homes are becoming cleaner and more efficient thanks to city investments in renewable energy, upgrades to aging infrastructure, and expanded incentives for clean energy technologies like heat pumps. Key efforts include the nation leading Energize Denver building performance policy, which is producing measurable results. Today, 35% of Denver's large buildings are meeting their energy efficiency targets, up from 15% three years ago. Since 2018, overall energy use among buildings 25,000 square feet and larger has dropped 9%, even as more than 400 new buildings were constructed. Other highlights include a pilot converting 11 downtown buildings from outdated steam systems to efficient electric heat pumps, and a 2026 goal to install 5,000 clean energy systems citywide. * Building a Cooler, More Resilient City To combat rising temperatures and extreme heat, Denver is expanding access to cooling programs and growing its urban tree canopy, planting 4,500 new trees last year. The city is also investing in 50 acres of water-efficient, drought-resilient green infrastructure this year. Together, these efforts help reduce heat impacts and strengthen neighborhood resilience. * Getting Around Denver Made Easier and Cleaner Denver is continuing to make major investments in walkable, bike-friendly neighborhoods and growing the network of high-quality transit, including new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and transit efficiency infrastructure. These efforts, combined with strong transportation demand management policies, are providing more access to high quality transit and expanding sustainable mobility options for Denverites. * Enhancing Community Resilience to Extreme Weather Innovative projects like the new microgrid at city and partner facilities combine solar power with battery storage to demonstrate grid flexibility and the ability to deliver up to 24 hours a day of backup electricity during outages. Denver also scored highly in emergency preparedness, ensuring the city can respond rapidly to climate-related events. * Empowering Community-Led Climate Action Programs like Promotoras Climáticas and the city's Denver Climate Project marketing campaign are engaging people across the city, building awareness and increasing climate-friendly behaviors. Among those who saw the Denver Climate Project campaign, planned climate-friendly actions grew by 25%. These initiatives empower communities to take action. "Cities like Denver are at the forefront in our fight against climate change. Local leaders better understand the needs of their communities and how to help their residents become more resilient," said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. "The LEED for Cities program is a framework for local governments that has transformed the way cities are planned, developed and operated to improve their overall sustainability and quality of life." To learn more about USGBC's LEED for Cities, please visit https://www.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/leed-for-cities. Photo Credit: Emmery Ledin, USGBC. Tagged as:

Colorado Enterprise Fund

May 5th, 2026

New revolving loan program to increase access to affordable capital.

New revolving loan program to increase access to affordable capital. Published on May 05, 2026 new revolving loan program to increase access to affordable capital for Denver small businesses Denver City Council approved a contract between Denver Economic Development and Opportunity and Colorado Enterprise Fund, applications open June 1. Denver - Monday, May 4, 2026 - Today Denver City Council voted today to approve a contract between Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) and Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) to implement the BUILD (Business Investments, Loans and Development) Denver Program. A partnership between DEDO and CEF, this program will offer affordable loans to Denver small businesses looking to start, invest or grow their business endeavors. Applications will open Monday, June 1, 2026. Interested businesses are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming information sessions on Tuesday, June 9 at 10 AM or Thursday, June 25 at 3 PM. Additional details about the program and information sessions are available here. "Nothing has a bigger impact on a city's culture than its small businesses," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This program puts cash on the barrelhead and sends a clear message that if you want to do business in Denver, you'll have the full support of the city behind you." "We are thrilled to officially announce the BUILD Denver program to support small businesses across Denver," said Adeeb Khan, Executive Director, Denver Economic Development and Opportunity. "Small businesses are the backbone of Denver's economy and the soul of our neighborhoods. By partnering with Colorado Enterprise Fund, we're creating new pathways for small business owners to access capital, scale their business, and create good jobs. During National Small Business Week, this program sends a clear message: Denver is all-in on small business." Funded by the City's Herman Malone Special Revenue Fund with 1% of retail marijuana sales tax, DEDO and CEF will partner on a three-year funding agreement of up to $9 million. The funding will help build affordable loan capital for undercapitalized businesses and reduce borrowing costs through an interest rate subsidy, bringing rates down to 4.99% on loans up to $350,000. In addition, business owners will receive no-cost business coaching focused on loan readiness, application assistance, and support throughout the life of the loan. CEF will also provide funds to be allocated to permanent revolving loan capital for the City's BUILD Denver program, sustaining business support for years to come. "Colorado Enterprise Fund is looking forward to partnering with the City and County of Denver to support local small businesses across Denver with low-interest loans, giving Denver's small business owners the opportunity to build, invest or expand with lower costs," said Nim Patel, Chief Operating Officer for CEF. "CEF has supported thousands of businesses across Colorado, and we are excited to continue this work to ensure Denver small business owners have that same access. As a revolving loan fund, every dollar repaid will be reinvested to support the next entrepreneur with a dream, thus sustaining the program and community impact for years to come." "The BUILD Denver program will invest in under-resourced small businesses across our great city," said Denver City Council Member Darrell Watson, District 9. "Denver's small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this program will ensure that local small businesses have the financial resources and coaching they need to prosper and make Denver home." About Denver Economic Development & Opportunity Denver Economic Development and Opportunity works to create an economy that works for everyone. Through business support and jobseeker and employer resources, DEDO supports its local economy. Learn more at Denvergov.org/DEDO About Colorado Enterprise Fund Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) is a nonprofit small business lender dedicated to supporting undercapitalized entrepreneurs start or grow their business. CEF, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), offers loans ranging from $10K to $1M for those who don't meet traditional financing guidelines, filling a vital void between conventional banking and high-interest alternatives. Beyond financing, CEF provides no-cost business coaching to support clients' growth and sustainability. CEF has disbursed over $441 million in capital to 9,800 businesses statewide and is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2026. For more information, visit: www.coloradoenterprisefund.org

Naked Denver

Apr 30th, 2026

Denver opens $7.6M bid to decommission Skeel Reservoir dam at Wellshire Golf Course.

Denver opens $7.6M bid to decommission Skeel Reservoir dam at Wellshire Golf Course. By Naked Denver Staff | April 30, 2026 3333 S Colorado Blvd The City of Denver has opened bidding on a construction contract to decommission Skeel Reservoir at Wellshire Golf Course, transforming the early-1900s high-hazard dam into a 100-year stormwater detention facility and reconfigured driving range. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) issued Solicitation No. 202683417 on March 24, with bids due May 14, 2026, and an estimated construction cost between $6.9 million and $7.6 million. Construction is expected to wrap by 2027. The earthen embankment dam at the southeast corner of the course was constructed in the early 1900s and carries a jurisdictional height of 16.5 feet with a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet. It is classified as high-hazard under the Colorado State Engineer's Office, meaning failure could threaten downstream lives and property. Reconfiguring the embankment and reducing storage volume is intended to remove that risk. Skeel Reservoir was originally part of the 137-acre Skeel family farm, which the Wellshire Country Club purchased in 1926 to build a Donald Ross-designed course at a cost of $300,000. The reservoir served the property's irrigation needs for decades, fed by the Highline Canal, and also offered fishing and water sports for early club members. After the Depression shuttered the private club in 1928, the City of Denver acquired the land in 1936 for $60,000 and reopened it as a public course. For most of the past century, the reservoir continued irrigating the course. That changed when Wellshire converted to a Denver Water line beneath Colorado Boulevard, abandoning the leaky Highline Canal, a system DOTI estimates lost 50%-70% percent of its volume to evaporation and seepage. With the canal disconnected, the reservoir served only as stormwater retention, and its storage volume was no longer needed. 1 / 2 images The scope of work includes regrading and filling the existing reservoir, lowering the dam and installing spillways, installing approximately 900 linear feet of open-cut 18-inch corrugated HDPE pipe, building a forebay, and grading and installing a new irrigation system. A grassed driving range landing area will be built on the dried reservoir bottom, with stormwater piped underground to the storm sewers left of hole 7. The tee line will be realigned for safety and will retain artificial teeing stations. The driving range has been closed for renovation work for several years. DOTI's operations team has been importing recycled concrete and soil from active city construction sites to dry the saturated reservoir floor and create stable access for heavy equipment. Project updates from late 2025 confirmed that stabilization was nearing completion, clearing the way for the construction bid that just dropped. Bidders must be prequalified in Category 1E(4) Piped Sewer at the $10 million monetary level, with a 22 percent MWBE participation goal. A pre-bid meeting was held April 7, an optional site visit was scheduled for April 9, and the questions deadline is April 21. Bid opening is set for 11 a.m. on May 14 via the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System (BidNet). Construction funding is partially in place, with the project team also pursuing a FEMA grant and other sources to close the gap. The project arrives as Denver continues to rethink its aging public golf and water infrastructure. Once complete, the rebuilt facility will reduce flood risk for properties downstream of Hampden Avenue while delivering a renovated practice range to one of Denver's most historic municipal courses.

OUT FRONT Magazine

Apr 23rd, 2026

Federal Appeals court upholds $14 million verdict against Denver for police brutality during 2020 protests.

Federal Appeals court upholds $14 million verdict against Denver for police brutality during 2020 protests. In a significant victory for civil liberties, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court's decision holding the City of Denver and its police department liable for the unconstitutional use of force against peaceful demonstrators. The ruling, issued on April 21 marks the conclusion of a high-profile legal battle stemming from the summer of 2020, when thousands took to the streets to protest the murder of George Floyd. The appellate court's decision upholds a March 2022 jury verdict that awarded $14 million in damages to 12 plaintiffs. These individuals were subjected to what the court described as unconstitutional violence, including being shot with pepper balls and rubber bullets, and being targeted with tear gas. The Tenth Circuit's ruling firmly rejected the City of Denver's arguments, maintaining that the city's failure to properly train its officers led directly to these violations of the First and Fourth Amendments. The ruling also addressed the actions of individual officers. Specifically, the court affirmed that former Denver police officer Jonathan Christian violated the Fourth Amendment rights of Elisabeth Epps, a former state representative and activist. Christian shot Epps with pepper balls while she was simply crossing the street. By denying qualified immunity to Christian and other officers, the court signaled that law enforcement cannot hide behind legal technicalities when they use excessive force against non-threatening citizens. Tim Macdonald, the ACLU of Colorado Legal Director, hailed the ruling as a landmark for police accountability. "This outcome is monumental and should be a lesson to law enforcement across the country. No police officer or municipality can escape accountability for their violence against people exercising their sacred right to peacefully protest," Macdonald states. He further emphasized the personal toll the events took on those involved, noting, "Our brave plaintiffs have endured enormous hardship for standing up in defense of Black lives and police accountability. This ruling is one step closer to justice for them, their loved ones, and all Coloradans concerned about police violence." T he injuries sustained by the protesters were severe and life-altering. According to the original lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Colorado in June 2020, plaintiffs suffered from fractured jaws, fractured discs, temporary hearing loss, and profound emotional distress. The appellate court found that the use of "less-lethal" munitions - which include pepper balls and lead-filled bags - constitutes unconstitutionally excessive force when used against protesters who are not committing serious crimes or attempting to flee. The court's decision reinforces a critical legal precedent: that the right to peaceful assembly is protected, and that the police cannot respond to such assembly with indiscriminate violence. By upholding the $14 million verdict, the Tenth Circuit has sent a clear message to municipalities that they will be held financially and legally responsible for the systemic failure to train and supervise their police forces during public demonstrations. For the plaintiffs, this final ruling represents the end of a multi-year struggle for acknowledgment and reparations for the harm they suffered while exercising their constitutional rights.

Denver

Recreation Manager - Denver Parks and Recreation

About the job