This Is Aurora City Newsletter
June 23, 2022
Aurora awards $60K in Neighborhood Improvement Grants
 
The city of Aurora has awarded $60,000 in grant funds to 14 groups across all city wards as part of its Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program.

These competitive grants of up to $5,000 each promote projects that improve a neighborhood's physical condition, enhance pride and identity, increase neighborhood communication, or bring new assets to the neighborhood that foster gathering and positive experiences. Projects ranged from landscaping to neighborhood cleanups. To view a list of awarded groups, visit AuroraGov.org/NeighborhoodGrants.

Although the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program is now closed for the year, residents are encouraged to apply for one or more neighborhood mini-grants, including a Know Your Neighbor Grant for block party or cleanup events, a Printing Assistance Grant to provide posters and flyers for community activities, and a Small Neighborhood Activity Grant for events like festivals or tournaments. Mini-grant applications are open now at AuroraGov.org/NeighborhoodGrants.
Enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly
The sale, possession and use of certain fireworks is legal in Aurora only from June 15 to July 4. Only fireworks that DO NOT leave the ground or explode are allowed. Learn more at AuroraGov.org/Fireworks, and report any non-emergency fireworks issues at AuroraGov.org/ContactUs.
Provide feedback on renaming of Skills Area

The City of Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs have partnered on a unique project in celebration of Aurora’s relationship with the country of El Salvador.

The city of Aurora, in partnership with the country of El Salvador, the Consulate General of El Salvador and Salvadorenos Residiendo en Colorado (SARCO), have requested "Skills Area," an existing Aurora park, be named “El Salvador Park." The existing Skills Area (20101 E. Hampden Ave.) has been identified as the proposed site for being a citywide attraction. This special use park, built in 2006, is 10.2 acres and includes four soccer practice fields for local players and teams. Soccer is of great importance in El Salvador, which makes this site a perfect choice for the new name.

El Salvador has a significant presence in Aurora - it has the third-largest foreign-born demographic group in the city and officially opened its consulate in Aurora in 2017. The El Salvador Consulate represents the first diplomatic post in our city and the first consulate in Colorado located outside of Denver.

Learn more about this proposal and share your feedback through a brief survey through June 30 at EngageAurora.org/SkillsArea.
Public art images from Central Recreation Center
Central Recreation Center public art nominated for People's Choice Award - your votes are needed
"Aspire," located within the Central Recreation Center and created by David Griggs and Scott Parsons, has been selected again for consideration in the CODAawards Top 100, which recognizes the integration of commissioned art in interior, architectural or public space. This is a people's choice award, so your support is appreciated. No information is required to vote, and with one simple click, you can support public art in the city of Aurora! The deadline to cast votes is June 30.
Make a difference by applying to serve on the Veterans Affairs Commission that advises City Council on the concerns of veterans by applying at the Aurora city website or calling 3037397094
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information and to find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
  • Mayor Mike Coffman - Saturday, July 9, 2 to 3 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave. - this meeting will be conducted in Spanish
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, June 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.- virtual meeting option available
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - (Budget town meeting) Thursday, July 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Aug. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, July 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, July 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - (Budget town meeting) Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, June 27, 6:30 p.m.
This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/Public Comment. 
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway 

Family Movie Night Under the Stars
Thursdays: June 23 (Jurassic Park), June 30 (Jumanji), July 7 (Frozen)
Arapahoe County’s outdoor summer film series, Pictures on the Plains, is back, featuring family-friendly movies on a giant high-definition screen, popcorn, and movie-themed activities. Tickets are $5 (2 and under free). Screenings are in partnership with Arapahoe Libraries.
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Ward Redistricting Meetings
Redistricting of the city of Aurora’s six council wards will happen in 2023, and residents have an opportunity to weigh in on proposed changes. Residents are invited to provide comments or suggestions about possible redistricting scenarios and ask questions at the remaining public meetings scheduled this summer:


A survey is available through Aug. 3 for those who cannot attend a meeting. Learn more: EngageAurora.org/Redistricting

Colfax Art Jams
Saturday, July 2, noon to 4 p.m.
Enjoy free concerts and performances.
More info: AuroraCulture.org
Fletcher Plaza, 9800 E. Colfax Ave.

Independence Day
Monday, July 4
Municipal offices and courts will be closed. A full list of city facility closures will be available at AuroraGov.org.

Fourth of July Spectacular
Monday, July 4, 6 to 10 p.m. (fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)
Enjoy food trucks, a variety of musical performances and a large fireworks show.
Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Aurora History Museum STEAM-Powered History Summer Camp
Have you ever wanted to make your own game? Come to the Aurora History Museum’s STEAM-Powered History Camp to explore the history of your favorite games and create your own along the way. Campers play like pioneers, see historic events reflected in classic games like Battleship®, and even look inside a video game. Campers are divided by age group but may complete some activities together.  
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway 
More information and registration: AuroraMuseum.org 

Aurora Rhythms
Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
The Aurora Rhythms monthly free concert series, presented by the city's Library and Cultural Services Department, will feature a performance by The Constant Tourists (gypsy rock) and a pre-show by Aurora Dance Arts.
For more information and to register, visit AuroraGov.org/Concerts.
Tallyn's Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

Free Loader Days
July 16 and Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to noon (while supplies last)
The city is offering free mulch on select Saturdays as a service to residents working to sustain a healthy landscape in Colorado's arid climate. Bring a pick-up truck or open trailer to have us load it full of mulch, or bring your own shovels and containers to serve yourself.
Near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Dawson Street (enter via South Dawson Street and follow the signs)
More information: AuroraGov.org/Trees

First Responders Celebration
Saturday, July 16, noon to 4 p.m.
Join us for a day of family fun, including music, food trucks, ice cream and public safety equipment, in honor of Aurora's first responders.
Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Summer of Imagination
Through July 31
“Dive into Reading” at Aurora Public Library this summer with reading challenges, live performers and programs designed to get kids thinking. Stop by any Aurora Public Library to get signed up and receive a reading log. Complete the challenges on the log by July 30 to receive a free book and a chance to win other prizes! Learn more, and register at AuroraGov.org/SummerofImagination

"Tatanka: Spirit of the Land" Exhibit
Through Aug. 14
The Aurora History Museum is proud to partner with local Mexican artist Arturo Garcia in presenting the exhibition, “Tatanka: The Spirit of the Land,” on display through Aug. 14. The exhibit explores the near extinction of the bison, their role in indigenous cultures and the beauty of this North American icon. Tatanka is connected to “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Mexican Community,” currently exhibiting at the museum showcasing several local Latino artists throughout this summer and fall. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16, 2023
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora’s Mexican population with a new exhibition. The exhibit showcases vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, such as popular music, art, dance, clothing, popular food and religion. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

COVID-19 Testing Site
Open through Sept. 30, daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance, and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required.
Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park
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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