When she saw the success groups like the Central Park Conservancy, the Battery Park Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy had in revitalizing parks in New York and California, Elaine Asarch didn’t just ask herself why no one in Denver hadn’t taken steps to bring new life to Civic Center Park. She took action. Asarch — an artist, interior designer and longtime member of Historic Denver — assembled a group of like-minded friends to help her start the Civic Center Conservancy. That was in 2004, and since that time the nonprofit organization has made major strides in securing the infrastructure improvements and expanded safety and maintenance programs that have breathed new life into the park that was designated a National Historic Landmark — Denver’s first — in 2012. To honor her vision, passion and commitment, the Civic Center Conservancy presented the first Elaine Asarch Award to her at a fundraising gala held earlier this month in the McNichols Civic Center Building. “When we turn a park around, we plant the metaphorical seed,” Asarch said.