Denver Mayor Orders Review Of 4/20 Behavior At Civic Center Park

Saying that people left Civic Center in a "disrespectful state" after 4/20 celebrations last week, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has ordered a city review into what happened.

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"Our parks and public spaces are held in the public trust, and when organizers hold an event at one of these spaces, they have a responsibility to uphold that public trust," Hancock said. "When organizers leave one of our parks trashed, they violate that trust.

"We experienced an event that was under-resourced and presented numerous safety hazards. This level of disorganization displayed before, during and after the event requires additional action by the city."

Hancock says the 4/20 event - with pot smoking and fence jumping - was chaotic with trash left everywhere.

"Seeing our Civic Center in a state of disrepair was for many in our city – including myself – deeply disappointing and discouraging," he said, adding that the event created "safety concerns and left the park in disarray.

"City officials will review events’ trash management, public safety and security policies along with other relevant event impacts to ensure the protection of our community as well as Denver’s parks and open spaces."

Hancock, who opposed the legalization of marijuana when it came up for a vote in 2012, said he hopes that the review will result in lessons learned for the city's handling of all big events.

Photo City of Denver