This Is Aurora City Newsletter
Feb. 2, 2023
Attend an open house to learn about progress on Parks, Recreation and Open Space master plan

To conclude phase two and kick off phase three of the Our Parks, Our Places planning process, the city of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and Sasaki Associates are hosting two public open houses.

These open houses will review community-identified gaps and needs in the city's parks, recreation and open space system today and discuss opportunities for expanding accessibility to places, programs and events in the future.

Open houses will be hosted from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the new Southeast Recreation Center and Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive, and from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at Expo Recreation Center, 10955 E. Exposition Ave.

The open houses will feature multiple stations addressing topics such as public feedback received to date, Our Parks, Our Places guiding principles, physical accessibility to parks, recreation centers and open space, programming needs and gaps, and special events.

Key information will be available in Amharic, English, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese, and interpretation services will be provided. The open houses will offer childcare for children ages 3 and older and food for all participants.

Residents who are unable to attend in person may view open house content online through EngageAurora.org/AuroraParks. Comments and questions may be shared anytime on the project website or by email to PROSMasterPlan@AuroraGov.org.

Sign up at EngageAurora.org/AuroraParks to stay updated on project news, opportunities to provide input and fun community events happening throughout the spring.
AuroraTV airs Black History Month special celebration
Join AuroraTV for a special celebration of Black History Month featuring performances from three talented Aurora artists: 11-year-old piano prodigy Jude Kofie, Aurora Poet Laureate Ahja Fox and singer/songwriter Iyanla Ayite. "Celebrating Black History Through the Arts" airs on Comcast channels 8 and 880 and on demand at AuroraTV.org.
Residents invited to comment on how city should spend federal funding addressing homelessness

The city of Aurora is seeking input from residents on how to spend $4.1 million in federal funds recently awarded to the city as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Home-American Rescue Plan Program.

Designated to help individuals or households experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable populations, the funds will provide housing, rental assistance, supportive services and non-congregate shelter to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability.

There are two ways to provide comments on how the funding should be spent:

Attend a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14
In person: 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora Room
Virtually: Online at Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 295 641 085 812 and Passcode: PTUvMM)
Call in (audio only): 720.388.8447 (Phone Conference ID: 176 559 966#)

Share your comments by phone anytime until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21
Call the city's Housing and Community Services Department at 303.739.7900.

Community feedback will be used to create a draft plan by a consultant for public review and additional input. For questions, call 303.739.7900.
Volunteer to make recommendations to the City Council on the purchase of properties for trails, open space, recreation centers and programs, advise the City Council on park development and use of regulations for parks, recreation areas, facilities and programs, and approve neighborhood park master plans at public hearings. Find out more and apply at AuroraGov.org/Boards.
IN THE NEWS
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums where those conversations can occur. Visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings to confirm meeting dates and location information and find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, visit AuroraGov.org/PropertyInfo and look up your address.
  • Meet with Mayor Mike (Mike Coffman) - Saturday, April 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Feb. 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, April 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora Room
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Feb. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs):
  • Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place
  • Saturday, Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E Hampden Circle
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Thursday, Feb. 2, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.
  • At-Large (Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky, Angela Lawson and Dustin Zvonek) - Wednesday, March 29, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center, 25400 E. Alexander Drive

City Council Winter Workshop
Saturday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is an in-person meeting only. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. 
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

City Council Study Session
Monday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.
View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Acts of Faith
Through Feb. 5
The Aurora Fox Arts Center presents a U.S. theatrical premiere that takes the audience through a story of the eternal struggle between good and evil, the disillusionment of youth and the power of belief. From the African Copperbelt to the backwoods of Muskoka, “Acts of Faith” follows a young woman named Faith who gets mistaken for a prophet. When a revered religious leader attempts to take advantage of her plight, she begins using her “gift” to right wrongs and punish the wicked. Far from home, Faith will come up against the ultimate test of her convictions in a final confrontation between sin and sainthood, morality and godliness.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Information and tickets: AuroraFox.org

Neighborhood Improvement Grants Virtual Pre-application Meetings
Thursday, Feb. 2, noon
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m.
Looking to spruce up your neighborhood? Aurora is once again offering Neighborhood Improvement Grants of up to $5,000 for neighborhood groups and residents (where a neighborhood organization may not exist) to help enhance neighborhoods while strengthening neighborhood relationships among residents. The competitive grants promote projects that improve a neighborhood’s physical condition, enhance pride and identity, increase neighborhood communication and bring new assets to the neighborhood that foster gathering and positive experiences.
Residents interested in applying must attend a virtual pre-application meeting to learn more about the funding opportunity and application process.

Amadeus
Feb. 2 to 18
This stunningly written play that won both the Tony Award in 1981 and the Academy Award in 1984 tells the tale of court composer Salien, who cannot reconcile Mozart's boorish behavior with the genius that has been bestowed upon him. Salien renounces God and vows to do everything in his power to destroy Mozart. Presented by 11 Minutes Theatre Company.
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.

The Year of Magical Thinking
Feb. 10 to 26
In this spellbinding adaptation of her award-winning bestselling memoir by the same name, Joan Didion transforms the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband and their only daughter into a powerful journey down the pathway to healing. The New York Times called Didion’s story “… an indelible portrait of loss and grief ... a haunting portrait of a four-decade-long marriage.” See Didion’s story come to life right before your eyes in this stunning one-woman play at the Aurora Fox Arts Center.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E Colfax Ave.
Information and tickets: AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org

Lecture: Continuing Combat Medicine with the Anschutz COMBAT Center
Monday, Feb. 13, 1 to 2 p.m.
Learn about combat medicine research happening at the Anschutz Medical Campus' Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield Research. The center works to improve the care of combat-related injury and illness through military-civilian collaboration many years after the Army returned Fitzsimons to the city of Aurora.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More info: AuroraMuseum.org

Aurora Animal Shelter Adoption Special
Through Feb. 14
Have you been thinking about adopting a dog? Now may be a perfect time. The Aurora Animal Shelter reduced its adoption fee to $30 for all adult dogs six months and older until Valentine’s Day to help open up more kennel space.
Aurora Animal Shelter, 15750 E. 32nd Ave.

Fitzsimons to Anschutz Exhibit
Through March 12
The new exhibit, “Fitzsimons to Anschutz,” explores the development of the Fitzsimons medical complex and its impact on our community over the last 104 years. This exhibition chronicles the people, places, and structures of the historic Fitzsimons medical complex - from its early days during World War I to the more recent developments as a state-of-the-art medical campus. Community members can share stories about their connection to the Fitzsimons Hospital for inclusion in the museum’s archive and website.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Learn more and share your Fitzsimons story: AuroraMuseum.org

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora's Mexican population with this exhibit showcasing vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, like popular music, art, dance, clothing, food and religion. Free admission.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Global Youth Leaders Summer Programs 2023
Registration is happening now; space is limited
Students ages 13 to 19 are invited to apply for this Aurora Sister Cities International program that builds global skills in youth to prepare them for a future in the global marketplace. Camps are happening in June and July.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Find out more and apply: AuroraSisterCities.org
Have a comment, question, or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

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