Denver, CO
United States
Commons Park, 2101 15th Street The Grove Colorado AIDS Memorial since 13 August 2000
without names
It took 7 years of planning, negotiating, fundraising, etc. for the original group of dedicated community members and friends to establish The Grove, and on August 13, 2000 it was dedicated to those who had lost their lives to AIDS and those who cared for them. The area of The Grove was marked by an upright angular flagstone simply engraved with an image of the surrounding cottonwood trees and the words The Grove. Several other flagstone slabs were placed along a path and were intended for an area to sit in quite reflection amongst the natural surroundings. The highest of these stones was engraved as well, with the purpose of The Grove.

In late 2015, a small group of individuals including some members of the original group who created The Grove, gathered to discuss its decline and its future. After a few consultations with the Parks and Recreation Dept., we had a pretty good idea of their role in this project. The first measurable task was to hold a Community Stakeholders meeting, which took place on April 5th, 2016. The first clean-up event happened on April 24th with approximately 20 volunteers, including Allegra ‘Happy’ Haynes, who had been appointed as Parks Director by Mayor Michael Hancock the prior year. The last volunteer clean-up day was held the day before the Re-dedication. On Sunday May 15, 2016 The Grove was rededicated ending in the Governor’s proclamation marking May 15, 2016 as Colorado AIDS Memorial Day.