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Denver Zoo's concerns nix music fest at City Park

By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 20, 2007 at 12:29 p.m.
Updated December 20, 2007 at 12:59 p.m.

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Concerns about the impact of a two-day music festival on the animals at the Denver Zoo is forcing the Anschutz Entertainment Group to explore other locations besides City Park for the proposed event.

AEG said the decision to explore "alternative locations" comes after Craig Piper, president and CEO of the Denver Zoological Foundation, wrote in e-mails to AEG and city officials this week that he is "unable to endorse the proposed music festival in City Park."

Music promoter Chuck Morris, president and CEO of AEG Live's Rocky Mountain Division, said he was saddened to have to look for alternative sites.

"Having began dialogue with the Zoo staff in early September, it is extremely disappointing they've waited this long to announce their position," Morris said in a statement. "We have said from day one that unless the Zoo blesses the event, we cannot have the festival in this location."

In the e-mails, Piper raised concerns about "potential risks" to the animals from the loud music.

"I do feel that the promoters seem genuine in not wanting to harm animals at the zoo and want to create something positive for Denver," Piper wrote.

"Unfortunately, it does not come without risks to our animals," he wrote. "There is simply no hard data from another similar festival that can tell us what will happen for sure."

Piper also wrote that the zoo was worried about visitor access and financial impacts from the proposed Mile High Music and Arts Festival.

"In looking at historical data for the weekend of the proposed music festival, we could stand to lose approximately $250,000 (to) $300,000," he wrote. "This only includes the loss to the zoo directly. It does not include the loss to our food and gift concessionaire, KM Concessions."

Denver Parks and Recreation Manager Kim Bailey issued a statement today about AEG's decision.

"While we are disappointed that we could not bring the Mile High Music and Arts Festival to City Park in 2008, I have a great amount of respect for (promoter) Chuck Morris and his integrity in the process," Bailey said in the statement.

"Denver Parks & Recreation will continue to move forward on examining its policy of admission-based events in parks throughout the city. We are grateful to AEG Inc. for initiating this discussion and opening the doors to possible events and revenue sources for our expansive park system," she said.

Comments

  • December 20, 2007

    1:28 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    DMMDT writes:

    I'm so glad this event will be held at another venue. As staff at the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys one block west of City Park, this event would take parking from our visitors and revenue from admissions and gift shop sales.

  • December 20, 2007

    1:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    blondiearvada writes:

    I agree it shouldn't be at the zoo, but come on, seriously, the 5 customers for the Miniature Museum could figure something out. Most would enjoy the zoo much more I'm sure.

  • December 21, 2007

    12:29 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Jremsoh writes:

    Note to Denver Parks and Recreation Manager Kim Bailey; Sales Taxes, Property Taxes, Entertainment Taxes etc… are how municipalities create “revenue sources.” Our parks are where the people who have worked very hard to pay their taxes go for rest, relaxation, and recreation. I’m not real excited about my neighborhood parks being viewed as opportunities for “revenue sources.” However, if that is going to be your new model for financing our parks department, then in your next announcement of new revenue sources, just be sure to let us all know how much our tax refunds will be as you return the money we’ve already paid to fund the parks.