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August 11, 2025

Could Sloan’s Lake Disappear Forever?

City Cast Denver

Could Sloan’s Lake Disappear Forever?

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Sloan’s Lake is fighting for its life. Even the human-made lake's signature event, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, is looking for a new home because the body of water is too shallow and toxic, especially this time of year when the blue-green algae is blooming. So, what would it take to save this historic Mile High gem? Turns out, a lot. Host Bree Davies sits down with Kurt Weaver, executive director of the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation, to learn more about the massive environmental challenges, the moonshot plan to address them, and why it might cost upwards of $130 million to make the lake clean and safe again.

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is still set for Sept. 6 and 7 in Sloan’s Lake Park this year. Kurt mentioned this upcoming park clean-up and education walk event on August 16, as well as this video of a board member walking out into the middle of the lake.

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

What do you think about Sloan’s Lake? Do you visit the park often? Who do you think should pay for it to be dredged? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

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