By Tracy Williams, TradeWinds Communications
Montbello and Green Valley Ranch, both northeast of Central Park, are two of Denver’s largest neighborhoods.
Montbello, was founded in 1965 and, like other neighborhoods, has had its share of socio-economic challenges. In recent years, however, this diverse neighborhood has seen a steady rebirth with its proximity to Denver International Airport; the pending light rail system set to transport commuters there; and several new schools, restaurants and annual events have taken root and thrived.
Many of the eateries reflect the diversity of this neighborhood. For example,
Salaam’s Fish and Chips offers a pleasant casual dining experience with a wide variety of baked and fried fish selections and a friendly, courteous staff. Jalapeno Express is a national chain serving oversized burritos, nachos and desserts.
There’s also no shortage of options for those in search of spiritual nourishment.
The Montbello Catholic Church of the Ascension offers several worship services throughout the week as well as on Sundays. This large, popular church is an inviting haven for a mostly Spanish-dominant congregation.
True Light Baptist Church and the United Church of Montbello enjoy large congregations as well, offering an uplifting experience with ministries that cater to the mind, body spirit.
United Church of Montbello provides a progressive, community enrichment emphasis that includes the Five Loaves community garden and two acres of land for a soon-to-open children’s farm. This urban farm will allow kids and their parents to experience growing food and tending livestock right down the street from where they live.
For fitness lovers, there’s Silverman Park, which boasts a colorful new playground with one of only a handful of Fitness Zones just yards from it. Here, parents can get a good resistance workout while their children play just steps away.
Further northeast is Green Valley Ranch (GVR). A relatively newer neighborhood that debuted in the mid-eighties, GVR offers parents several acclaimed school options including the Martin Luther King, Jr. LK Early College, the SOAR program on the Evie Dennis campus, and Florida Pitt Waller (ECE-8).
GVR residents also enjoy an inviting conclave of restaurants including the African Grill and Bar, which specializes in African fare from all corners of the continent. There’s also DiCicco’s Italian and Blue Bay Asian Café.
The neighborhood also proudly hosts a world-class golf course that offers a restaurant and flexible tee times. The golf club is immensely popular and also showcases a picturesque backdrop for weddings and other gatherings throughout the year.
The GVR amphitheater draws thousands during the warmer months. The theater is located just east of Tower Road on 49 Avenue and Argonne Way. Dozens of concerts are booked in this community-gathering setting, particularly on Independence Day when local bands perform just before a spectacular fireworks display.
This year, the neighborhoods will come together in a demonstration of neighborliness during the first Green Valley Ranch/Montbello Unity Festival on Saturday August 10 at the Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center.
Overall, visitors to Montbello/GVR will have no shortage of family-friendly amenities and activities to suit every member of the family.
