Solar-Powered Security Camera at Cheesman Park to Stay Amid Safety Concerns
Cheesman Park visitors have noticed a new solar-powered security camera stationed near the park’s pavilion, raising questions and sparking debates about public surveillance in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Some residents took to social media to voice their concerns, questioning the need for the camera and whether it signals an increase in monitoring across Denver’s parks.
Denver Parks and Recreation officials confirmed that the camera was installed in response to two arson incidents that occurred on New Year’s Day, where Rocky Mountain Juniper trees were deliberately set on fire. One tree was severely damaged and had to be removed, while the other sustained significant burns. The city launched an arson investigation, but no suspects were identified, and the case has since been closed.
Although there have been no additional fire incidents reported at Cheesman Park, officials decided to leave the camera in place indefinitely as a preventative measure. Parks and Recreation spokesperson Stephanie Figueroa clarified that the city already owned the camera and simply deployed it to the park rather than purchasing a new system.
Security cameras are not widespread in Denver’s parks, though some locations, such as Mestizo-Curtis Park, have HALO (High Activity Location Observation) cameras in place. Others, like Washington Park and Ruby Hill Park, do not have any surveillance systems. The Cheesman Park camera is currently the only one of its kind in the area, and officials say there are no immediate plans to remove it.
While some residents welcome the added security, others remain wary of the growing presence of surveillance in public spaces. The camera’s long-term impact on park safety and community sentiment remains to be seen, but for now, Cheesman Park’s solar-powered security system is here to stay.
