Colorado invests more in communities finding solutions to pollution [Video]

DENVER — Crunchy brown grass overtaken by weeds. Rusted out chain link fences. Dilapidated dugouts. That’s what’s left behind in an old baseball field in north Denver.

But James Grevious has a vision for transforming this barren land in the city into an urban oasis.

“We want to be able to invite people in and actually have a sense of calmness and peace and serenity, if you will, around food and trees and folks,” he said.

Soon, his vision will be a reality, with help from the state.

Colorado communities hit hardest by environmental harms are getting new investments through government grants aimed at empowering residents to make their spaces healthier to live in.

Starting this week, eight groups across the state, including the nonprofit run by Grevious, will …