Heart & Soil: Meet the FANS Who Keep Wash Park Thriving
From historic preservation to pollinator gardens, the Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park (FANS) are dedicated volunteers who bring passion, knowledge, and deep-rooted love to our community's most cherished green space.
A Community with Deep Roots
In the heart of Denver, Washington Park pulses with life year-round—from families gathering under shady trees, to cyclists circling the loop, to birdwatchers peering through binoculars at nesting owls. But behind the scenes of our beloved park is a group of dedicated neighbors quietly cultivating beauty, connection, and stewardship: the Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park, better known as FANS.
Founded in 2006 by Cindy Johnston, FANS is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is “to preserve and enhance the character and safety of Washington Park through advocacy, education, and investment.” And their impact has been far-reaching: From educational programs and tool donations to the impressive 125th Anniversary Jubilee celebration, FANS members are true caretakers of the park and its history.
Here’s your chance to meet the remarkable board members behind the organization—and learn why they’re such big FANS of Wash Park.
The Board: Passionate, Playful, and Park-Loving
Bonnie Sutherland – President
As a native Denverite, Bonnie Sutherland feels a special connection to Washington Park. “My husband Jason and I are raising our four children in the house Jason grew up in—right across from the park,” she shares. A self-proclaimed “looper,” Bonnie loves her daily walks and sees FANS as a way to give back to a space that has meant so much to her family. As president, she cherishes collaborating with the Denver Parks and Recreation team and counts the park’s 125th Anniversary Jubilee as a highlight of her tenure. “We had over 800 people come out—it was magical.”
Lee Hopkins – Technology & Communications
A longtime Colorado resident, Lee brings a unique blend of technical expertise and nature appreciation to the board. After retiring from the software industry, Lee and his wife Leslie moved to Wash Park in 2014. “We discovered FANS at a festival on South Gaylord Street,” Lee recalls. Since joining the board in 2015, he’s taken the reins on FANS’ newsletters, event registration, and digital outreach. When he’s not coordinating tech, Lee enjoys gardening, photography, and exploring Denver’s live music scene.
A longtime Colorado resident, Lee brings a unique blend of technical expertise and nature appreciation to the board. After retiring from the software industry, Lee and his wife Leslie moved to Wash Park in 2014. “We discovered FANS at a festival on South Gaylord Street,” Lee recalls. Since joining the board in 2015, he’s taken the reins on FANS’ newsletters, event registration, and digital outreach. When he’s not coordinating tech, Lee enjoys gardening, photography, and exploring Denver’s live music scene.
Ruchi Brunvand – Secretary
After 25 years in the neighborhood, Ruchi still finds something new in the park every day. “It’s an oasis in the middle of the city,” she says. Recruited by Bonnie, Ruchi was excited to advocate for a space that has meant so much to her family. Serving as Secretary, she values the joy and learning that come with being part of the board. “It’s been fun, informative, and a wonderful way to stay connected.”
After 25 years in the neighborhood, Ruchi still finds something new in the park every day. “It’s an oasis in the middle of the city,” she says. Recruited by Bonnie, Ruchi was excited to advocate for a space that has meant so much to her family. Serving as Secretary, she values the joy and learning that come with being part of the board. “It’s been fun, informative, and a wonderful way to stay connected.”
Larry Tezak – Pollinator Corridor Lead
For Larry, love for the park started early. “My mom grew up near here and would swim at the beach on the lake,” he reminisces. Now, as a dog walker and cyclist, he enjoys Wash Park in a new way. Larry recently joined the board and is already making an impact by helping launch the Wash Park Pollinator Corridor—a new initiative to support biodiversity and community education.
For Larry, love for the park started early. “My mom grew up near here and would swim at the beach on the lake,” he reminisces. Now, as a dog walker and cyclist, he enjoys Wash Park in a new way. Larry recently joined the board and is already making an impact by helping launch the Wash Park Pollinator Corridor—a new initiative to support biodiversity and community education.
Dr. Stephen Ruyle – Treasurer
A retired urologist and longtime Wash Park resident, Dr. Ruyle joined FANS in 2023 and now serves as the group’s treasurer. He and his wife Stephanie enjoy walking and cycling through the park and were drawn to FANS for its meaningful community contributions.
A retired urologist and longtime Wash Park resident, Dr. Ruyle joined FANS in 2023 and now serves as the group’s treasurer. He and his wife Stephanie enjoy walking and cycling through the park and were drawn to FANS for its meaningful community contributions.
Tim McHugh – Community Advocate
After retiring and moving from Ann Arbor to be closer to their children, Tim and his wife Cathy settled in Wash Park in 2011. “We were lucky to find a bungalow on S. Gilpin—it’s perfect for two older people,” he laughs. Tim now devotes time to both FANS and WPENA, finding purpose in giving back to a neighborhood and park that he says "completes the Denver experience."
After retiring and moving from Ann Arbor to be closer to their children, Tim and his wife Cathy settled in Wash Park in 2011. “We were lucky to find a bungalow on S. Gilpin—it’s perfect for two older people,” he laughs. Tim now devotes time to both FANS and WPENA, finding purpose in giving back to a neighborhood and park that he says "completes the Denver experience."
Katy Garon – Chair of Programming
A daily park-walker and avid birder, Katy has been volunteering in Mount Vernon Garden for years. “It’s been such a joy—and a challenge!” she says of gardening in our climate. With a background in education, she curates FANS’ diverse monthly programming, from bird walks to lectures on water resource management. “My connection to the park has grown so much through this role.”
A daily park-walker and avid birder, Katy has been volunteering in Mount Vernon Garden for years. “It’s been such a joy—and a challenge!” she says of gardening in our climate. With a background in education, she curates FANS’ diverse monthly programming, from bird walks to lectures on water resource management. “My connection to the park has grown so much through this role.”
Hannah Selmer – Youth & Events Liaison
The youngest board member, Hannah is already making strides to bring new energy to FANS. “Some of my favorite childhood memories are of field days at the park—relay races, water fights, ice cream,” she shares. A Denver native and neighbor in the Norman Building, Hannah hopes to expand FANS’ reach to a younger demographic and ensure the park continues to inspire future generations.
The youngest board member, Hannah is already making strides to bring new energy to FANS. “Some of my favorite childhood memories are of field days at the park—relay races, water fights, ice cream,” she shares. A Denver native and neighbor in the Norman Building, Hannah hopes to expand FANS’ reach to a younger demographic and ensure the park continues to inspire future generations.
Marc Linit – Tree Guide Project
After moving to Denver in 2021, Marc was instantly drawn to the red-tagged trees in Wash Park. “I thought, ‘There has to be a guide!’” he says. Discovering that the original guide was out of print, Marc took it upon himself to update and digitize it. The new version, available May 1, includes 84 species and over 170 pages of rich botanical insight.
After moving to Denver in 2021, Marc was instantly drawn to the red-tagged trees in Wash Park. “I thought, ‘There has to be a guide!’” he says. Discovering that the original guide was out of print, Marc took it upon himself to update and digitize it. The new version, available May 1, includes 84 species and over 170 pages of rich botanical insight.
From tech-savvy retirees to nature-loving educators, each board member brings something unique to the table—but their shared love of Washington Park is what binds them. With every tree planted, garden mulched, and event organized, the FANS continue to turn their passion into lasting impact.
So the next time you walk the loop or lounge in the grass, take a moment to appreciate the quiet hands and big hearts behind it all. Better yet—become a FAN yourself.