Denver officials have proposed a $50 million project to help Sloan’s Lake, a popular recreation spot in west Denver where toxic algae blooms have killed fish in recent years.
Every year, Sloan’s Lake sees about 2 million visitors who come to do everything from water skiing to swimming and dog walking around its 2.6-mile perimeter. But over the years, stormwater has carried more and more sediment into the urban lake, causing problems for water quality and the lake’s ecosystem.
The project would remove the sediment while helping Denver develop a long-term plan for protecting the lake in the future, the Denver Mayor’s Office said in a news release Wednesday. The proposal must be approved by the Denver Urban Renewal Authority Board and the Denver City Council.
“After decades of work, from city team members and Sloan’s Lake neighbors, we are thrilled to announce a plan to restore the health of Sloan’s Lake,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in the news release. “Sloan’s Lake is one of Denver’s most treasured public spaces, and we have a responsibility to protect the lake, improve the park and make sure future generations can continue to enjoy it.”
The Denver Urban Renewal Authority Board and Denver City Council could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Historically, Sloan’s Lake’s depth has ranged from 8 to 12 feet. But over the decades, it has been reduced to about 2.5 to 3 feet deep. That makes the lake, located near West Colfax Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, more prone to high temperatures and harmful algae blooms.
In 2024, Denver recorded several consecutive 100-degree days that prompted the rapid growth of algae, which quickly sucked up oxygen that fish needed to survive. Officials tried to respond by pumping cold water into the lake to save the suffocating fish, but over 2,000 carp and crappie died. A similar die-off occurred in 2020 with even more algae blooms in other years.
The sediment and shallower depth also reduces the lake’s drought tolerance and ability to absorb and manage stormwater, the city’s news release said.
The proposed project would deepen the lake, try to prevent future sediment accumulation and restore the shoreline.
The project’s proposed funding would come through multiple sources, including up to $40 million from the existing St. Anthony Urban Redevelopment Area, established in 2013 to revitalize the Sloan’s Lake area after the old St. Anthony Central Hospital relocated to Lakewood. Denver Voters would provide $5 million as part of the Vibrant Denver Bond, and the city’s wastewater fund would pay another $5 million.
Funding for this project will not raise taxes and will not impact the city’s budget, the city’s release said.
If approved, the city aims to complete permitting in 2027 and start work in 2028. The Denver Urban Renewal Authority Board is expected to vote in September.
“Sloan’s Lake is where families and friends have gathered and made memories for generations,” Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval said. “Today, we are ensuring this remains a jewel of North Denver for the next seven generations.”
This is a developing story that may be updated.