DENVER – Volunteers and project planners spent their Saturday morning marking the conceptual route for the Downtown Denver Partnership’s “5280 Loop.”

Organizers said they want the trail to make connection easier between several downtown neighborhoods. Signage for the route included tree markers and sidewalk stencils around downtown Denver.

“What is more associated with the Mile High City than 5,280-feet?” said John Desmond, the Executive VP of Downtown Environment for Downtown Denver Partnership.

The name of the loop reflects its 5.280-miles.

“It’s so easy to stay in your neighborhood,” volunteer Skyler Hager said, “But this is a way to connect all those neighborhoods together and we're already outside our comfort zone. It’s cool.”

Hager was one of 40 volunteers who provided a visual of how the route would run. He said Saturday’s marking phase already accomplished what’s expected of the loop.

“It’s getting us outside of our little bubble,” he said.

Other volunteers admitted downtown is getting more crowded by the day, pointing to construction projects surrounding the proposed path.

“I think the big picture is going to be really exciting, but right now it's hard to maneuver through,” volunteer Whitney Smith said.

This marking phase gave cyclists and pedestrians a clearer picture of what the loop could look like, what it could mean, and how it could change the way we travel through downtown Denver.

“It gives people a point of reference where we can start this dialogue with all of these neighborhoods we're going through,” Desmond said.

Organizers and project planners are looking for your input. You can visit the 5280 Loop website or attend one of the following community events for more information:

Community Block Parties: Friday, August 4

Block parties featuring live music, chalk art, games and more provide an opportunity for the community to learn more and engage in the planning process

Mariposa District Block Party

The Mariposa District Block Party is taking place at 10th Street and Osage Street from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a happy hour.

17th Street and Sherman Street

The Uptown District Block Party is happening between 17th Street and Sherman Street from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Experience the 5280 Loop Pop-Up Workshops: Saturday, August 12

Seven tents will "pop-up" along the 5280 Loop for community members to share their experiences and inform the vision for the project.

Two block parties will also take place on August 12 at The Square on 21st (21st Street between Larimer and Lawrence) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and at 14th and Wynkoop Streets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.