Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is implementing a systemwide water reduction strategy in response to Denver Water’s 2026 Stage 1 drought declaration. Because these sites can span many acres, it isn’t feasible to irrigate all landscaped areas within the same limited watering windows required for smaller properties. This flexibility helps maintain safe, functional public spaces while supporting systemwide conservation and protecting the reliability of Denver Water’s supply during drought conditions.
Over the last several years, DPR has invested in smarter irrigation technology, water-efficient landscape design and long-term sustainability improvements to prepare for moments like this. Learn more about how DPR is reducing water and protecting the city's parks and recreation resources in the following sections.
Under Denver Water’s Water Budget Program, DPR is required to reduce irrigation water use by 20% during the irrigation season. Because DPR properties span many acres, DPR operates under a water budget agreement rather than watering window restrictions.
Water conservation strategies will vary from park to park and golf course to golf course depending on infrastructure, community use and existing conditions. Key strategies include:
- Prioritizing tree watering to protect Denver’s urban tree canopy
- Reducing irrigation in low-use turf areas and medians
- Continuing operations at key community amenities such as pools, splashpads and athletic fields
- Shutting off decorative fountains for the 2026 season
- Using recycled water systems where available
- Closely monitoring park conditions and adjusting irrigation practices as needed
Approximately 30% of DPR properties, including City Park Golf Course, are irrigated with recycled water, which is not subject to restricted use under Denver Water's Stage 1 drought declaration because more water is available in that system during a drought. These properties will continue to be irrigated as normal, following the annual watering rules set by Denver Water.
Properties on Non-Potable Water Sources
- 23rd Avenue
- 39th Avenue Greenway
- East 56th Avenue
- East 5th Avenue
- East 6th Avenue
- Berkeley Lake Park
- Burns Park
- Central Park and Recreation Center
- Chambers Road
- Cheesman Park
- Cherry Creek
- City Park
- City of Ulaabaatar Park
- Congress Park
- Crescent Park
- Denison Park
- Dunham Park
- Elmendorf Park
- Falcon Park
- Ford Park
- Garland Park
- Great Lawn Park
- Greenway Park
- Harvard Gulch Park
- Harvard Gulch Athletic Complex
- Harvey Park
- Jackie Robinson Athletic Complex
- McNichols Park
- Montbello Central Park
- Montbello Civic Center Park
- Montclair Recreation Center
- North Sports Fields Athletic Complex
- Parkfield Park
- Russell Square Park
- Schafer Park
- Silverman Park
- Sloan's Lake Park
- Swansea Park
- Thomas Park
- Uplands Park
- Verbena Park
- Veterans Park
- Village Place Park
- Westerly Creek Open Space
- Washington Park
Protecting Denver’s urban tree canopy remains a top priority during drought conditions. Trees provide shade, cooling, stormwater benefits and improved air quality across the city.
DPR will continue watering trees in parks and golf courses to support long-term tree health and resilience. Residents are also encouraged to continue watering trees on their properties and in the public right-of-way adjacent to their homes. Trees can take years to show signs of stress caused by insufficient watering.
As part of the required water reductions, some turf areas may temporarily appear brown or dry, especially in low-use areas. DPR’s goal is to keep parks “thirsty, but green” whenever possible while protecting the long-term health of the landscape.
Outdoor pools, splashpads and athletic fields will remain open and operational, though field conditions will continue to be monitored throughout the season.
Decorative fountains will not operate during the 2026 season to help conserve water and prioritize essential services.
Residents who notice broken sprinkler heads or water leaks in parks are encouraged to report an issue and provide as much location detail as possible.
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Expand the panels below for answers to frequently asked questions about DPR's drought response plan:
Will DPR water parks and golf courses this year?
Denver parks will be watered, however a 20% reduction from typical irrigation levels will be implemented this year. This reduction is mandated by DPR’s agreement with Denver Water during a Stage I drought declaration.
How often will you water the parks?
Irrigation schedules will vary from park to park and golf course to golf course. Because DPR sites span many acres, it isn't feasible to irrigate all landscaped areas within the same limited watering windows required for smaller properties. This flexibility helps maintain safe, functional public spaces while supporting systemwide conservation and protecting the reliability of Denver Water's supply during drought conditions.
Are athletic fields open?
All of the athletic fields are open. Field conditions will be continually monitored throughout the spring and summer, and efforts will be made to keep them healthy for the entire season. If drought conditions persist and natural precipitation is limited, athletic fields may be closed early to ensure the long-term field health and playability. We realize that any decision to close fields will be an inconvenience to the users/permit holders, but we pledge to give as much notice as possible before closing.
Why are some parks and golf courses greener than others?
This could be due to several factors, but the most common reason is that some parks are irrigated with recycled water and others rely on potable water. Approximately 30% of DPR properties, including City Park Golf Course, are irrigated with recycled water. Recycled water comes from reusable supplies, which has more available water in a drought, and users are approved to irrigate as normal. Recycled water parks will follow all other water waste rules, however, and won’t irrigate between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Will pools be open this summer? If so, why especially during a drought?
DPR’s outdoor pools will open this summer as they provide essential cooling and recreation during the hottest months when children are not in school. Public pools give residents a place to stay cool without needing to fill personal backyard pools or run lawn sprinklers, helping reduce overall water use. Pools are operated using best management practices to minimize water waste and they remain free to all school-age kids living in Denver through the MY Denver Card.
Will trees in parks and golf course still be watered?
Protecting Denver’s urban tree canopy is a top priority as trees provide critical cooling, shade, and environmental benefits. Tree watering will continue throughout the plan to support long-term tree canopy health and resilience. It is important for Denver residents to continue to provide sufficient water to maintain the long-term health of the trees on their property and in the right-of-way in front of their homes. It may take years before established trees show decline due a reduction in water.
Why are play fountains and splashpads on, but decorative fountains are not operating?
While decorative fountains add to the beauty of our park system, play fountains and splashpads provide an important recreational and cooling benefit to communities. Not operating decorative fountains in 2026 helps to ensure that the department can meet the reduced water budget.
Will flowerbeds be planted this year?
While there may be a slight reduction across the system, most flowerbeds will be planted this year. Most flower beds are watered on grass irrigation zones, so flower beds will be watered similarly to grass.
Will my park be brown this year?
If a normal amount of moisture is received, it is expected that this, combined with the irrigation plan, will be sufficient to keep parks looking “thirsty, but green.” If drought conditions persist, brown patches are likely to appear depending on several factors, including park usage, age of irrigation system, and water sources used. DPR will closely monitor all park areas to protect the long-term health of the grass and ensure it can recover as conditions improve.
Do you still irrigate even when it rains?
DPR has spent the last 15 years converting traditional irrigation controllers to a “smart” central control system. 100% of our parks utilize central control technology and 80% of our medians and ROW’s. The central control system is connected to a weather network which enables automated irrigation shut-downs when it rains. There may be occasions when irrigation systems still operate during rain but the sensors should activate during most storms that bring measurable precipitation.
Are golf courses being watered? Why?
Denver Golf courses are maintained using the minimum irrigation necessary to balance exceptional playing conditions, plant health, and responsible water conservation. During declared drought stages, Denver Golf will continue to lead in water stewardship by aligning irrigation practices with targeted reduction goals. The priority is to keep courses open, maintain firm and playable critical surfaces, and adapt operations as conditions evolve.
Example of water savings: Blowing debris from golf carts versus using water to clean them.
Are Denver lakes expected to have algae blooms this year?
Algae blooms are becoming more common in Denver’s urban lakes as water levels are compromised, and Denver experiences consistent high temperatures of 90 – 100+ degrees. The Denver Department of Health and Environment has partnered with DPR over the past few years to improve water quality. One of the most effective interventions has been an effort to limit algae growth using a phosphorus-binding process that captures and immobilizes phosphorus, preventing it from fueling algae growth.
Is boating still allowed on park lakes?
Those participating in hand-launched, human-powered boating on park lakes should be aware that low water levels increase the risk of getting stuck in muddy areas and use caution. Some park lakes may remain dry due to weather conditions. Learn more about boating and water quality considerations at denvergov.org/boating.
What should I do if I see a broken sprinkler head or a water leak?
If a Parks employee is present, the issue may be pointed out to them.If not, residents are encouraged to dial 311 and provide as much detail about the location, as possible.
Are bathrooms going to be open in the parks? Drinking fountains?
Park bathrooms that are in working condition will be open and operational this year.Drinking fountains will also be turned on this season.
Will you lift your watering restrictions if there is a higher-than-average amount of rain this year?
The watering restrictions will remain in place as long as the Stage I Drought declaration is active.Should Denver Water make a change, DPR will adjust irrigation plans.
Will there be a fire ban issued for Denver Mountain Parks this year?
It is too early to predict exact conditions but continuing dry weather may elevate wildfire risk. DPR will consult with local and state fire authorities and will issue any restrictions or bans in accordance with their directives to ensure public safety.
Is there an increased fire risk in urban parks?
Be aware that dry conditions can increase fire risk and follow all park rules regarding grills, fireworks, etc. To maintain healthy native grasses in open space and native landscapes, these areas are not mowed frequently to prevent invasive species from encroaching and to mitigate the potential of fires.
Why should parks be treated differently from the residents of Denver?
Some large public landscapes — such as parks and recreation districts, public schools and golf courses — are exempt from standard watering days and time restrictions because they operate under Denver Water-approved water budgets. These customers are reducing water use by 20% and are accountable to stay within agreed-upon consumption limits, which Denver Water closely monitors. Because these sites can span many acres, it isn’t feasible to irrigate all landscaped areas within the same limited watering windows required for smaller properties. This flexibility helps maintain safe, functional public spaces while supporting systemwide conservation and protecting the reliability of Denver Water’s supply during drought conditions.