The city planted a tree and erected a plaque and bench in memory of Baby Matthew, as he was known. Montero said the memorial is there so Baby Matthew "can represent the playfulness and the light and the spirit of all the children who live in Sun Valley."
The improvements were a partnership between Denver Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and RTD, whose new West Rail Line runs along Lakewood Gulch; its construction hastened the project. Lakewood Gulch is now deeper and wider, which will allow it to withstand a 100-year flood.
The changes also make it less likely that Lakewood Gulch will be used for unsanctioned activities, such as camping and day drinking -- a shift not everyone is thrilled about, as is evident by this prank pulled by a local street artist. But the city couldn't be happier! Flip the page to see more photos of improvements to Lakewood Gulch.More from our Follow That Story archive: "ACLU says Boulder can't require permission for protestors to use parks."