Park & Facility Projects

The preferred concept was developed with robust community engagement and guidance from neighborhood representatives serving as members of Stakeholder Design Committee. Design of the Park at 29th and Fairfax has progressed into the construction document phase.  DPR continues to refine the preferred concept which is based on public input and includes:

• A playground with swings and a unique Wallhola structure with slide
• A small interactive water play area
• Shade shelters with picnic tables
• Game tables
• Seating areas
• A grass lawn with shade trees and plantings

Schedule 
Construction is expected to begin in early spring/winter 2021.  The park is expected to open in summer 2021.  

Meeting Summary(PDF, 4MB)  Preferred Concept Plan(PDF, 1MB)  Preferred Concept Sketches(PDF, 3MB)

• Open House 4: April 25, 2019
  5:30-7:30PM | Stedman Elementary
  Meeting Summary(PDF, 4MB)  Preferred Concept Plan(PDF, 1MB)  Preferred Concept Sketches(PDF, 3MB)
  
  
• Open House 3: March 12, 2019
  Meeting Summary(PDF, 4MB)   |  Meeting Boards(PDF, 7MB)
  
  
• Open House 2: February 20, 2019
  Meeting Summary(PDF, 3MB)  |  Meeting Boards(PDF, 7MB)
  
  
• Open House 1: Sat. January 26, 2019
  Meeting Summary(PDF, 3MB)  |  Meeting Boards(PDF, 3MB)
  Design Alternative Survey [CLOSED 3/6/2019]

Historic Project Information

View project background information and updates from the pre-planning outreach phase(PDF, 150KB)

FAQ(PDF, 46KB) as of May 2018

Project Scope

This park planning project includes a master planning effort to collect a community vision for what park users would like to see in their future park.

Timeline

The Master Planning process will include community and stakeholder outreach to help inform a park Master Plan with recommendations for community needs and park amenities and a preferred initial concept design by the Fall of 2021.

Outreach

Community Meeting 1

Wednesday, February 17

• View the meeting recording | Ver la grabación de la reunion
• Survey 1 {closed 3/5/2021]

Community Meeting 2

Wednesday, April 21 |  5:30 - 6:30PM

• View the meetings recording | Ver la grabación de la reunion
• View the presentation(PDF, 11MB)
• Survey #2 [closed 5/12/2021]

Community Meeting 3:

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 | 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Join via Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/47Walden
DIAL IN: 720-928-9299 ; Meeting ID: 889 7147 8163
Passcode: 731320

Download the meeting flyer(PDF, 401KB)

Spanish language interpretation will be available. A sign language interpreter or CART will be provided upon request. Three business days’ notice is requested. Contact signlanguageservices@ denvergov.org. For any other accommodation requests/concerns, contact disabilityaccess@denvergov.org.

Phase 1 of the Arkins Promenade will convert Arkins Court, from 35th to 38th Avenues, into a new linear park that provides pedestrian connectivity from Globeville Landing Park to Arkins Park along the South Platte River corridor. Improvements will include park amenities such as a river theater and an elevated walkway along the river, public art, a small play area, seating areas, shade and landscaping. The park is designed to reduce impervious paved surfaces and add landscape areas that clean stormwater before it reaches the River.

This project is largely funded by the Elevate Denver Bond Program approved by voters in 2017. Project partners include the Greenway Foundation, the RiNo Arts District and adjacent developments. Design was competed at the end of 2019. Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2020 with the permanent closure of Arkins Court, from 35th to 38th Avenues, at the end of August 2020, and be completed in the winter of 2021.

View the graphic representations of Arkins Promenade created by Wenk Associates:

• Gangway(JPG, 4MB)
• River Theater(JPG, 3MB)

Community Meeting

Thurs. June 24, 2021:
Denver Parks & Recreation hosted a community meeting for nearby residents to learn about the donation of Denver’s newest mountain park in Gilpin County and Jefferson County, Axton Ranch. City of Denver staff presented information on the donation and answered questions from neighbors.

• View the meeting recording
• Download the meeting presentation(PDF, 780KB)

Background

On March 1, 2021, Denver City Council approved an agreement with Starr Peak Holdings, LLC to accept 450-acres of Axton Ranch in Jefferson and Gilpin Counties to the City and County of Denver’s Mountain Parks system. Axton Ranch will be the first acquisition of a new Mountain Park since the donation of James Q. Newton Park in Conifer in 1939. In addition to the 450 acres, the donation also includes a Right of First Offer on an adjacent 38-acres that the Axton Family is retaining. The Right of First Offer provides the city with the first opportunity to acquire the 38-acres if the family ever decides to convey it.

Axton Ranch is adjacent to Roosevelt National Forest and near Arapahoe National Forest, Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Jefferson County Open Space—a contiguous assemblage of over 14,000 acres of public lands. The property consists of mixed conifer and aspen stands, meadows, ponds, Beaver Creek, and a portion of a historic trail constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps providing access to nearby Mount Thorodin and Starr Peak.

The donation of Axton Ranch continues Denver’s legacy of its Mountain Parks system and since 1912, its legacy as a leader in regional open space protection. It also creates new opportunities to realize Denver Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) 20-year visioning document, Game Plan for a Healthy City and the Denver Mountain Parks Master Plan.

Download site maps(PDF, 1MB)

FAQs

What is the timeline for Denver to accept and close on the donation?
Per the dates and deadlines of its agreement with the Axton Family, the city anticipates accepting and closing on the donation by October 2021.

How will Axton Ranch Mountain Park be managed?
Axton Ranch will be managed and stewarded by Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) as a “Conservation Area” meaning that the property’s natural resources and open space values will be protected and any public use and recreation will be limited in order to preserve those resources and values. The Denver Mountain Parks system consists of 24 Conservation Areas totaling 5,888 acres that include prominent mountaintops, forested ridges, steep slopes of dense mixed evergreen forests, rocky outcrops, and narrow riparian corridors providing critical wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and dramatic scenic backdrops. At Axton Ranch Mountain Park, DPR’s management will emphasize forest health, wildlife habitat conservation and watershed stewardship. 

How will Axton Ranch Mountain Park be protected?
The donation is subject to deed restrictions agreed upon by the city and the Axton Family to protect and manage the property as a park and open space in perpetuity. In addition to the deed restrictions, DPR will designate the property as “Axton Ranch Mountain Park” after accepting and closing on the donation by October 2021. Park designations are unique to the City and County of Denver and arise under Section 2.4.5 of the City Charter. It is a legal process to preserve and conserve park property and a means of enhancing the quality of life and enjoyment for present and future generations. A Designated Park may not be sold or otherwise disposed of without the approval of a majority of the registered voters voting in an election held by the City and County of Denver. The only exception is that the federal and state governments typically have the power of dominant eminent domain which entitles them to condemn a Designated Park for non­park uses.

Once it is acquired by Denver will Axton Ranch Mountain Park be open to the general public?
No. There are many steps DPR will need to take before Axton Ranch can be opened and made accessible to the general public. These steps include DPR staff and partners assessing and completing an inventory of all the natural resources (scenic, forest, water & wildlife) and built resources such as the Civilian Conservation Corps trail that make Axton Ranch unique and special. After that initial assessment and inventory is completed, and before Axton Ranch Mountain Park would be available for public use, DPR would undergo a public planning process to help design and develop any infrastructure necessary for sustainable use and recreation that protects the property’s natural resources and open space values. This would be in addition to any applicable planning, zoning and land use reviews required by other governmental entities. Until then, public use will be limited to DPR’s Outdoor Recreation programs and partner programs.      

Why did the Axton Family approach Denver with this donation?
Alvin Axton, a North Denver native and North High School graduate, began assembling the ranch as it exists today in the 1950s with his father, Guy. Spanning four generations of ownership, the Axton Family sought a donee who could continue the stewardship legacy started by Alvin and Guy almost seven decades ago. With the passage of the Parks Legacy Fund in 2018, and over a century of experience stewarding its 14,000 acre Mountain Parks system, DPR is well situated to continue, honor and protect that legacy making Denver and the Axton Family a strong match.    

How will Denver engage the communities that live in the vicinity of Axton Ranch and other stakeholders?
Stakeholder engagement is absolutely critical for successful stewardship of public lands and one that DPR takes seriously. Prior to accepting and closing on the donation, DPR will provide opportunities for neighbors and community members living in the vicinity of Axton Ranch to ask questions and provide comments about the conveyance of Axton Ranch to Denver. These opportunities will be in addition to public comment opportunities for any planning, zoning, and land use reviews required by Jefferson and Gilpin Counties. After the city accepts and closes on the donation, and before any long-term decisions regarding use and management are made, DPR would engage stakeholders as part of a public planning process.    

I still have comments or questions about the donation of Axton Ranch. How can I receive additional information, voice my opinion, or stay informed?
For questions and comments, please contact us at parksandrecreation@denvergov.org. 

Update as of June 2020:

During environmental testing, small amounts of asbestos were found in the original court surfacing, which was removed in accordance with State and City Departments of Public Health and Environment protocols. This work has been completed and the entire tennis court has been removed.

The construction for the new tennis courts and pickleball courts has received the notice to proceed for construction, and construction will begin summer of 2020. The construction is anticipated to be completed spring of 2021.

Timeline:

Summer 2020: Construction Begins
Spring 2021: Construction Completed

Project Scope

As part of the Elevate Denver bond program, the tennis courts at Bear Valley Park are getting an upgrade along with lighting, site furnishings, sidewalks landscaping and irrigation.

While Elevate Denver funds are slated to cover the cost of the tennis court improvements, DPR was able to find additional funds to accomodate the community's request for pickleball. Four new picklball courts will be added to the tennis court area.

(PDF, 571KB)View the full site plan.(PDF, 2MB)

Project Scope

James A. Bible Park is located in the Hampden neighborhood in Southeast Denver, off of East Yale Avenue and South Quebec Street. Bible Park is a 66.15-acre park, encompassing several biking and walking trails, including the Highline Canal trail, a portion of the Goldsmith Gulch, numerous ballfields, tennis courts, exercise stations and, notably, a playground that is in need of replacement to meet changing needs for play value and safety. The project includes concept design, design development and will conclude with the design being fully constructed for the park users to enjoy. The beginning phases of the project will identify opportunities for enlarging the playground to add capacity and enhance play value to complement the park and surrounding site context.

Community Outreach & Input Opportunities

• August 2019: Bible Park Playground/User Survey (closed)
• August 17: Pop-up at South by Southeast
• October 10: Public Meeting | View meeting boards(PDF, 20MB)
• October 23: District 4 Town Hall meeting | Find full event details
• October 15-24: Preliminary Design Concept Survey [closed 10/24/19]

Timeline and Funding

This project is funded for playground redesign and replacement and circulation improvements by the Elevate Denver Bond Program, along with additional Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding from Denver Parks and Recreation. Conceptual Design for the playground will be completed in the fall of this year, with the design development slated for completion in spring of 2020, and construction to be completed in the fall of 2021.

Project Documents

Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 274KB)

Project Timeline(PDF, 115KB)  

Playground concept, February 2020(PDF, 12MB)

Community Input Summary(PDF, 1MB)

View the Final Playground Concept Designs(PDF, 9MB)

Public Outreach Materials

April 2019: Concept Plan Feedback Surveys

Public Open House 2: Thursday, March 14
Download Central Park meeting boards(PDF, 4MB)   |  Download Greenway Park meeting boards(PDF, 3MB)

Winter 2018
Discovery Session 1: December 1, 2018
Download the Session Summary(PDF, 19MB)

Project Kickoff Survey: Closed 12/20/2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of this project?
Central Park and Greenway Park playgrounds are in need of restoration and improvement. The new conceptual design will propose opportunities for redesign for both parks, issued in response to the growing Denver and Stapleton populations, material lifecycles, and the impacts that park users have had on the sites. The playgrounds have some existing play elements that are well suited for the sites and in good condition, while other items need redesign, new concept and function. The goal is to identify the need of restoration as well as recommend opportunities for adding capacity and enhancing play value that  will complement the existing facilities and site.

Location and Existing Conditions
Located within the 76.1 acre park, Central Park Playground is one of the most visited play areas in Northeast Denver.  Located off Martin Luther King Boulevard near Xenia Street, the playground encompasses an eclectic array of site elements including: poured in place play surface mounds, synthetic turf, site furnishings, sand play, a climbing wall and associated play equipment. The artificial rockwork with slide and misting area is also located within the 0.9 acre playground, and the entire area is surrounded by mature trees with a landscape character of native grass prairie and blue grass field open space. The Greenway Playground clusters, located by the picnic shelter, is suggested to include nature play elements that respond to the topography and lower areas that can accommodate occasional flooding that occurs in that area.

Timeline and Funding
Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) has allocated CIP funding for the Concept Design will include: Discovery, Outreach and Concept Design for both Stapleton Central Park and Greenway Playgrounds which is scheduled to be completed early Summer 2019. Funding is also available for construction documentation design and construction for the Central Park Playground Renovation only.

How Can I be Involved?
During winter of 2018, a survey and a discovery session occurred to understand what the community likes about the existing playground and what needs to be updated. This information will be compiled to use in developing concepts of the playgrounds. The next public meeting will be scheduled in mid-March to review results of public outreach and concept designs of both playgrounds. The dates of these events will be shared as soon as they are scheduled.

Nature Play | Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Help us shape the natural play experiences that will be created in celebration of urban nature in City Park! Please visit dmns.org/natureplay for project updates. Sign up for email notices by sending an email to natureplay@dmns.org and ask to be added to the project email list.

Learn more about this project and a variety of community engagement opportunities!

City Park Playground

Project Scope:
The wooden playground at City Park is a beloved feature for many generations of park users who visit the park. Denver Parks & Recreation recognizes that Dustin Redd is a special part of City Park and frequently receives feedback that park users love the scale of the playground, it's setting within the meadow's tree canopy and the aesthetic of the playground equipment. Unfortunately, this well-loved playground is showing signs of wear. The playground's condition and associated safety concerns in addition to it's operational demands warrant complete replacement. In November 2017, voters approved of the Elevate Denver Bond package which allocated funds for design and construction of Dustin Redd.

View the Project Summary Sheet(PDF, 3MB)

Funding and Timeline:
Funding for design and construction was through the Bond's 1st debt issuance in 2018. Supplemental construction funding to upgrade the adjacent picnic site will be from Denver Parks Capital Improvement Program. Design is scheduled to complete mid 2020 and construction is anticipated to begin in the 1st quarter of 2021.

Community Outreach and Concept Plan:
The process was completed in late 2018. The project task was to engage the community and create a Concept Plan for the Dustin Redd Playground  replacement and improvements to the adjacent permitted picnic site.

View the preferred concept meeting boards(PDF, 20MB)

Lily Lake Restoration

 (PDF, 20MB)Lily Lake is the small one-acre pond along 17th Avenue. The pond is frequently used for fishing and hosts fishing programs organized by the Park Ranger team. As the recipient of Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Fishing is Fun grant, DPR is restoring the banks of the pond, creating crusher-fine trail access, and planting wetland species to enhance water quality and habitat. Native shrubs and vegetation will also be planted to help stabilize slopes leading to the water's edge. 

This ecological restoration project is expected to kick-off in early May 2021 and be complete fall 2021.

Learn more about this project.

Public Meeting 2

View recording of Thurs. November 5, 2020 virtual public meeting
Survey, Concept Design Feedback - CLOSED as of 12/04/20

Public Meeting 3: Thurs. April 9, 2020 (canceled)
View the May 2020 Project Update Video
In place of a public forum to provide a summary update of the Congress Park Pool Project, this video will cover the status of design, timeline of events and construction, and an opportunity to provide thoughts to the project team.

Public Input Infographic(PDF, 1MB)

Public Meeting 1: August 12, 2019

Survey 1: CLOSED as of 9/23/2019
Public Meeting 2: October 15, 2019

Survey 2, design options: CLOSED as of 12/31/2019

About the Project

Download the project summary sheet(PDF, 306KB)
Download the final site plan(PDF, 2MB)

Congress Park Pool was selected to be a project on the Elevate Denver Bond list, which was approved by voters in 2017. This pool is one of the city's oldest and has grown increasingly costly to maintain, requiring extensive upgrades. 

The closure of Congress Park Pool in  2021 will result in new pool and facility to serve the community starting in 2022. Built in 1955, Congress Park Pool is one of Denver's oldest outdoor pools, and after 63 years of operation it has also become one of the city's most costly pools to maintain. In recent years, Congress Park Pool has seen multiple opening delays due to major leaks.

Thanks to the Elevate Denver bond, this project is fully funded, and the city can begin the process of building a state-of-the-art, public swimming pool. This project is one of the first bond projects to be launched. While bond projects will continue to roll out over the next 10 years with several fund issuances, work for Congress Park Pool was identified as a priority to start in the first year.

Projected Timeline as of 7/15/19:

• Fall 2018 | Design & Construction Procurement: Request for Qualifications (RFQs) will be released for both design consultant and construction management
• Fall 2019 | Initial Geotechnical Work: The ground surrounding the current pool structure will be examined to see what types of issues have been caused over time.
• Fall 2019 | Community Outreach: The public will be invited to participate in meetings and/or surveys to help inform the design of the new facility.
  • The design process will include various means of gathering community input to ensure the Congress Park Pool remains a special and valued asset for the neighborhood. Local neighborhood organizations, schools, and community groups are encouraged to be involved.
• 2021 | Construction Begins: It’s expected to break-ground on the project sometime in 2021.

During the construction closure, there are many other indoor and outdoor public pools open to help keep you physically fit and cool during the summer. The closest outdoor pools to the Congress Park neighborhood are Mestizo-Curtis Pool and La Alma Pool.  Find the full list of pools at denvergov.org/recreation.

Cook (Judge Joseph E) Park, located in the Virginia Village neighborhood will be receiving upgrades to the playground, basketball court and walks as a part of the Elevate Denver Bond Program and Denver Parks and Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program.

May 2021 Update:

Based heavily on community input, the concept plan for the playground at Cook Park has been finalized.  Sensory play, accessible ramps and surfacing, and specific play elements like a cozy dome, roller slide, we-saw, and we-go-round have been incorporated to emphasize inclusivity and play for all.  Design completion is anticipated in Fall 2021 with construction beginning late 2021/early 2022.  

View the concept plan and renderings(PDF, 8MB)
Please note that renderings presented in the concept plan are illustrative. Changes could occur based on budget constraints.

Outreach

Public Meeting #1: July 15, 2020

• View the meeting recording
• View the meeting Question & Answer document(PDF, 135KB)
• View the meeting presentation boards(PDF, 4MB)  
• Take the meeting follow-up survey [CLOSED]

Public Meeting #2: November 5, 2020

• View the meeting recording
• Take the meeting follow-up survey 
• View the meeting Questions & Answers(PDF, 85KB)  
• View the meeting presentation boards(PDF, 18MB)

If you are unable to access any of the content presented here, please email the project manager to be connected with another resource.

Summer 2021 Project Update
Walks and an accessible picnic area have received the notice-to-proceed for construction, and the contractor has begun mobilizing with construction scheduled to start summer 2021. The project is anticipated to be complete late 2021.

Virtual Public Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join using this link: https://tinyurl.com/CrestmoorPark

• Virtual meeting presentation(PDF, 3MB)
• Virtual meeting Q&A sheet(PDF, 137KB)
• Virtual meeting recording

As funded by the Elevate Denver Bond, Denver Parks and Recreation is improving walks and the picnic site at Crestmoor Park to make them more accessible to the neighborhood and the community. Crestmoor Park is a 37 acre park located in the Hilltop neighborhood in Denver.

Funding and Timeline:
The design and construction is funded through the Elevate Denver Bond Program. Concept design for the park walks and picnic area is underway with an expected completion of Fall 2020. Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2021. 

For more information, email Project Manager Lindsay Koehnke at lindsay.koehnke@denvergov.org.

Project Documents 

• Download the pool diagram(PDF, 495KB)

Project Background

The Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, built in 2006 and located at 4890 Argonne Way, was designed to accommodate a future building expansion to include an indoor pool and other support services. The population continues to rapidly expand at one of the highest rates in Denver and the area is lacking adequate aquatic amenities. Building an indoor pool also makes good on a promise made to this community from the 2007 Elevate Denver Bond. This project includes the construction of a natatorium and other support services such as an office, dressing rooms, storage and chemical rooms. 

Download the project summary sheet.(PDF, 306KB)

Estimated Timeline

• June 2019: Design procurement
• Fall 2020: Design completion
• Winter 2020: Begin construction procurement
• Summer 2021: Begin construction
• Spring 2023: Project completion

Community Outreach

Public Meeting/Outreach #3: September 4-18, 2020

The need for additional aquatic facilities in District 11 and far northeast Denver will soon be met. Over the past year, Denver Parks and Recreation led a community-driven process to guide the design, features and pool layout. The feedback received was primarily focused around:

• Activities for all ages and interest
• Space for classes and recreational pool use
• Unique and fun design

The final design for this amazing aquatic facility is being debuted via an informational video on YouTube.  

If you have specific questions or comments on what was presented in this video, please email parksandrecreation@denvergov.org by September 18, 2020, to provide feedback.

The far northeast Denver community will have a wonderful new aquatics facility for the community for years to come.

Public Meeting 2: November 13, 2019

Thank you to everyone who came to meeting #2 to review design options! See all three pool design options(PDF, 2MB)

Public Meeting 1: September 10, 2019

Tennis & Basketball Courts

Godsman Park tennis courts are up for replacement! With input from the community, the tennis courts are getting replaced with one (1) tennis court and one (1) full-sized basketball court. Additional amenities including seating, hopscotch, foursquare, and bike racks will also be provided.

Please note that tree removal on the eastern side of the tennis courts will be needed to accommodate full-sized courts. To mitigate this loss, 11 new trees will be planted.

Timeline
Construction is expected to start in Q1 2021 and be completed in Q3 2021.

Questions? Email the Associate Project Manager. 

Denver Parks and Recreation is planning to add trail connections near the College View Recreation Center and re-purpose the playground located on West Water Avenue near the intersection of Zuni Street.

We want to hear from you! Please email the Project Manager by July 24, 2020 with your comments on the draft concept design which includes converting the existing playground into a picnic and nature-play area. Learn more by watching the recorded public meeting from May 27, 2020.

Public Meeting 1:

• View meeting presentation(PDF, 6MB)
• View meeting Q&A sheet(PDF, 142KB)
• View meeting recording

For more information, email Project Manager Lindsay Koehnke at lindsay.koehnke@denvergov.org. 

Expected completion: Summer 2021

This multi-phase project is scheduled to be complete later this year and includes the conversion of Harvey Park's irrigation system to raw water, aligning with the department’s Game Plan for a Healthy City and its resiliency goals.

January 2021 update: Internal park sidewalks around the lake and a new sidewalk along Evans are complete. The Evans sidewalk is open for public use. The internal sidewalks will remain closed until snow has cleared and they are safe, as snow removal is not taking place until the new concrete has fully cured.  This portion of the project is scheduled to be complete this spring.

As part of the irrigation upgrade, a new 600’ deep raw water well will be installed at the SE side of the lake and used for water storage and back-up irrigation supply. A temporary noise mitigation wall will be constructed, as continuous drilling will be required for a two-week period.

Download the project information sheet(PDF, 522KB)

About the Project

Inspiration Point Park is a 25.5 acre Community Park in northwest Denver with over 5 acres of Designated Natural Area. The hillside park features mostly passive uses and is noted for its landscape character of bluegrass upland forest and mixed-grass prairie with expansive views of the Front Range. The Inspiration Point neighborhood is bounded by I-70, Sheridan and I-76 leaving few means for accessible play options within a neighborhood walking distance.

In November 2017 voters approved the General Obligation Bond (Elevate Denver) which allocated $2,135,000 for Inspiration Point Park improvements to include a new playground, picnic sites, shade shelter and restoration of the historic masonry wall at the point.

Funding & Timeline

Funding for full design was through the Bond’s third debt issuance in October 2019. The design completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Construction funding came from the Bond’s fourth debt issuance in late 2020. As the schedule stands with funding issuance, construction would begin 2nd quarter 2021 and complete in late 2021. 

Community Outreach & Vision Plan

This process was completed late 2018. The project task was to create a Vision Plan of the park for future improvement projects in addition to a Concept Plan for the Elevate Denver Bond improvement items: View the summary memo(PDF, 2MB)

Illustrative Renderings

The following illustrative renderings are from the final construction document package and depict the western overlook and the new playground space. 

View the playground rendering(PDF, 675KB). | View the western overlook rendering(PDF, 637KB). 

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is collaborating with The Trust For Public Land (TPL) and Cool Connected Westwood on this pocket park project that will convert an old Xcel Energy substation into a park geared toward children ages 10 and up. The proposed pocket park is located on the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Irving Street in the Westwood neighborhood.

Skate features, climbing features, and art that celebrates Westwood’s culture, are all ideas that have been identified as potential park features in accordance with community feedback. While the park will be designed as a comfortable and welcoming space for all ages, the community wants to ensure that this park serves older children who do not currently have a park that meets their unique needs and desires.

This project also lines up the city’s Westwood Via Verde project. Via Verde will be a loop around the entire Westwood neighborhood that promotes safe access for pedestrians, bikers, and automobiles. The intersection of Kentucky Ave. and Irving St. will become a part of a pedestrian greenway, dramatically improving safe access in the future. Many of the outreach events are in collaboration with this project.

Outreach:
Fiesta 1: Oct. 15, 2018 | 5:30-7:30PM | Kepner Middle School
Flyer(PDF, 889KB)  Presentation(PDF, 19MB)  Survey

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) está colaborando con The Trust For Public Land (TPL) y Cool Connected Westwood en este proyecto de miniparque que convertirá una antigua subestación de Xcel Energy en un parque dirigido a niños de 10 años en adelante. El miniparque propuesto se encuentra en la esquina de Kentucky Avenue e Irving Street en el vecindario de Westwood.

Las características de patinaje, características de escalada y arte que celebra la cultura de Westwood son ideas que se han identificado como características potenciales del miniparque de acuerdo con los comentarios de la comunidad. Mientras el parque se diseñará como un espacio cómodo y acogedor para todas las edades, la comunidad quiere asegurarse de que este parque sirva a niños mayores que actualmente no tienen un parque que satisfaga sus necesidades y deseos únicos.

Este proyecto también se alinea con el proyecto Westwood Vía Verde de la Ciudad. Via Verde será un circuito alrededor de todo el vecindario de Westwood que promueve el acceso seguro para peatones, ciclistas y automóviles. La intersección de la avenida Kentucky. e Irving St. se convertirá en parte de una vía verde peatonal, mejorando dramáticamente el acceso y seguridad en el futuro. Muchos de los eventos de divulgación están en colaboración con este proyecto.

Outreach:
Fiesta 1: Oct. 15 | 5:30-7:30PM | Kepner Middle School
Flyer(PDF, 889KB)  Presentation(PDF, 19MB)  Survey

Public Meeting 3: 

July 23, 4:00-5:00 p.m. via Zoom

• View meeting recording
• Download meeting presentation(PDF, 18MB)
• Take the survey

Email the project manager for more information.

Project Scope
The playground at McNichols Park – located in the East Colfax neighborhood – is currently being redesigned with input from the surrounding community.  Accessibility upgrades and improvements to the adjacent picnic facilities and landscape may also be included as the project budget allows.

Funding & Timeline
This project is being funded by the Elevate Denver Bond Program with additional Capital Improvement Program (CIP) dollars.  Design is scheduled to be complete by mid-2020, with construction beginning early 2021. 

As of summer 2021, construction is underway and is anticipated to be complete by late 2021.  

How Can I Be Involved?
Upcoming community outreach events include:

• Park user survey, open through Oct. 9, 2019: View survey results(PDF, 177KB)
• November 12: Open House 1 | 6:30-8:00PM | Ashley Elementary School

New, May 2020: View the park design rendering(PDF, 6MB)

This project is funded through the Elevate Denver Bond Program, approved by voters in 2017 to enhance mobility, safety, and quality of life across Denver.

February 2020 Update

Design Alternatives(PDF, 2MB)

Open House 2 comments on design alternatives(PDF, 379KB)

Update as of January 2020:

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) held the first public meeting for this project on Dec.3  with nearly 40 people in attendance.  The project schedule and scope were reviewed, which includes making improvements to the playground, picnic area, basketball courts, and stormwater aspects of the Harvard Gulch basin.

DPR and the consultant team are currently reviewing the condition of the 40 year-old dinosaur structure to determine its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.  The project team is evaluating options to incorporate the feature into the design, or possibly replacing it with a similar feature that meets current playground safety and materials standards. 

Please join us for Public Meeting #2 on February 6, 2020.

Project Background:

As part of the Elevate Denver Bond Program, DPR will be upgrading the playground, picnic area and basketball court. The redesigned park will be compliant with current safety standards and improve upon the well-known 'dinosaur' playground theme. With your input, these improvements will make the park more accessible and inclusive.

Public Meeting 1: Tuesday, December 3, 2019 | Slavens Elementary School
Join DPR for the first public meeting to discuss the neighborhood's priorities as improvements are planned. Find full meeting details.

Public Meeting 2: Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Slavens Elementary School
Join the ongoing conversation regarding the redesign of McWilliams park playground, basketball court and picnic area. Find full meeting details.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Denver Foundation, a new pump track will be installed in Montbello Central Park. To share your thoughts on this project, please complete our survey by June 2, 2021.
 (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MontbelloPumpTrack)

In addition to the pump track, Montbello Central Park is getting lighting, irrigation upgrades, asphalt-concrete sidewalk conversions and additional picnic spaces. 

Thanks to voters who passed the Elevate Denver Bond Program, Montclair Park will soon see upgrades to the tennis courts, horseshoe pits and picnic area. With the community’s input, these improvements will make the park safer and more accessible. 

Project Scope
Located in Denver's Hilltop neighborhood, Robinson Park playground and basketball court have been redesigned with input from the surrounding community.  Accessibility upgrades, including an attached walk along 2^nd Avenue, and improvements to the adjacent picnic facilities and landscape will also be included.

Funding & Timeline
This project is being funded by the Elevate Denver Bond Program with additional Capital Improvement Program (CIP) dollars.  DPR would also like to formally thank the Hilltop community for raising supplemental funds to support additional play elements.  Design should be complete by mid-2020, with construction beginning in early 2021.  The project has an anticipated completion date in the Fall of 2021.

How Can I Be Involved?
Upcoming community outreach events include:

• Park user survey, open through Oct. 9, 2019: View survey results(PDF, 457KB)
• November 19: Open House 1 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.

New, May 2020: View the park design rendering(PDF, 16MB)

Rocky Mountain Lake Park is located in northwest Denver at the intersection of Lowell and 46th. The Park features a nearly 23 acre lake surrounded by an asphalt multi-use trail and an established tree canopy. Originally an Elevate Denver Bond project to remove and replace just a portion of the existing deteriorated asphalt trail with a new concrete multi-use trail, the project has grown considerably through city agency partnerships.

Denver Parks and Rec (DPR) identified additional funding to improve the permitted picnic site. DPR’s Natural Areas program has provided new funding for bluegrass conversion area and a soft surface trail along the south extent of the lake, lake edge stabilization efforts near the roundabout, and additional lake edge enhancements and fishing access points on the east and north side of the lake. Lastly, in late 2019, DPR and the Department of Transpiration & Infrastructure (DOTI) Sidewalk Gap program partnered to supplement the original Elevate Bond funding to add the remaining extent of deteriorated asphalt walks to the project’s replacement scope and also improve and expand the crossings on 46th for greater neighborhood connectivity. The partnership between the City agencies will see almost 1.5 miles of new concrete multi-use trail and .5 miles of new soft surface trail completed at the Park.

Funding and Timeline
The project is fully funded. Phase 1 - Concept Design was initiated summer 2019 and completed late 2019. Phase 2 - Design kicked off spring 2020 and will conclude late 2020. Construction is anticipated to being 2nd quarter 2021 and complete late fall 2021.

View the concept plan schematic graphic(PDF, 3MB)

Take the latest community survey by August 5, 2020 to review and confirm park recommendations; preview refined concepts and provide feedback; provide input on public art and proposed basketball court. (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NS22ZVG)

View the 2019 Planning Summary(PDF, 9MB)

Anticipated Project Schedule:

• Early 2020: Information gathering 
• Through 2020: Design considerations and alternatives
• Beginning 2021: Construction
• Fall 2021: Construction Complete

Project Background
Russell Square Park in Denver’s historic Cole neighborhood of is getting a makeover! In collaboration with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), Great Outdoors Colorado, and the Cole community, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is developing plans for the 2.3 acre park. 

The park makeover is the culmination of a multi-year community process that began in 2016 when the My Outdoor Colorado Cole Coalition was awarded the Inspire Planning grant. Through an engaged planning process, the Cole community identified Russell Square Park as a neighborhood place where people can safely connect and reconnect to nature and the outdoors through coordinated programming efforts that allow for structured and unstructured play and enjoyment.

The park, located at the intersection of 36th Avenue and Vine Street, has an existing playground, open field and mature trees. Though 74% of Cole residents live within ¼ mile of a park or open space in the Cole neighborhood, the neighborhood parks are largely underutilized. From the Coalition’s learning conversations, they found that nearly 68% of Cole community members interviewed enjoy the nearby Denver City Park or other parks. Another 19% of interviewees reported spending time in the mountains. In both cases, Cole residents must go outside of the neighborhood to enjoy outdoor and nature-based activities.

Developing solutions with the community, especially children and families, are central to the planning and design process. The community re-envisioned the park to create an active destination where children and residents can reconnect with nature by enjoying new amenities, including nature play features, an outdoor classroom, basketball courts, a community event space, habitat gardens and public art. The improved park will knit together old and new by adding the new amenities within the existing canopy of mature trees and turf areas, creating a variety of experiences that support regular programed activities and everyday uses. 

View the park's conceptual master plan(PDF, 9MB)

Please email the Project Manager with questions:  Christopher.schooler@denvergov.org

Sanderson Gulch Playground and Dog Park

Denver Parks & Recreation will be making improvements to Sanderson Gulch near the intersection of W. Arkansas Ave. and S. Navajo St. Improvements include a new dog park and renovated playground. Please join the first virtual meeting to learn more about the project and provide your input.

Virtual Public Meeting 1: Thursday, August 12 2021 6-7pm

Pollinator Garden & Outdoor Classroom

In September 2018, the Grandoozy Music Festival was held at Overland Golf Course in the Overland neighborhood, with a portion of the the ticket sales allocated to improvements in the adjacent neighborhood. After garnering input from the community about what they would like to see prioritized with these funds, the neighbors prioritized the creation of pollinator habitat, garden, and an outdoor classroom at Sanderson Gulch Park. 

We are now looking for feedback on the concept designs for these pollinators!

The portion of Sanderson Gulch Park that is receiving the pollinator garden, outdoor classroom, and trail improvements is approximately 12 acres. It is located across from Godsman Elementary School, bordered by Florida Ave. to the north, S. Zuni St. to the west, Raritan Ave. to the east, and Gunnison St. to the south. 

Virtual Public Meeting 1: Thursday, Sept. 17; 2020 | View the meeting recording

Take the community survey! [closed]

Learn more about this project.

Project Scope
The south playground and picnic facilities at Sloan’s Lake Park (at the intersection of West 17th Ave. and Utica St.) have been redesigned with input from the surrounding community.  Improvements to adjacent parking, landscape, and accessibility upgrades will also be included. The south tennis courts at Sloan’s Lake Park (at the intersection of West 17^th Ave. and Raleigh St.) will be removed and replaced with a post-tensioned slab consisting of three tennis courts and four pickleball courts.

Funding and TImeline
The project is being funded by Capital Improvement Program (CIP) dollars from Denver Parks and Recreation.  Conceptual design should be complete by the end of 2019, followed by design development and construction documents in early 2020.  Construction is slated to begin in early 2021, with an anticipated opening in early 2022.  

How can I be involved?
Community outreach events include:

• September 21: Popup at Jammin’ on the Jetty
• October 3: Popup at Sloan's Lake South Playground | 4PM - Dusk
• Open through October 17: Take the Sloan's Lake South Playground Survey
• October 24: Open House #1 
• November 9: Popup at Sloan's Lake South Playground | 10AM - 12PM
• November 13: Presentation at Sloan's Lake Citizen Group Meeting
• November 21: Open House #2 [CANCELED] 
• January 9, 2020: Open House #2

South Playground Update

Survey 2 [CLOSED as of Dec. 31]: View survey results(PDF, 342KB)

View the final preferred concept(PDF, 8MB)

Public Outreach:

• View Concept 1: Rocketship Playground(PDF, 3MB)
• View Concept 2: Farm Playground(PDF, 3MB)
• View results from Public Survey #1(PDF, 627KB)
• View public comment card results(XLSX, 28KB)

Open House #2: Thursday, January 9 | 5-7pm

Wed. November 13: The project group will be presenting at the Sloan's Lake Citizens Group meeting: 7-8:30 p.m. | Del Norte VA Apartments (2635 N. Federal Blvd.)

Project Scope

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) has developed a Strategic Acquisition Plan to guide the growth of an equitable, sustainable and resilient parks and recreation system for a healthier Denver. The Strategic Acquisition Plan builds off Game Plan and the Legacy Fund Five-Year Plan to provide the foundation upon which the Acquisition Program will be built and implemented. The plan provides a clear framework for decision-making that identifies priorities, describes strategies and explains criteria for success associated with completing and funding future acquisitions. The plan also identifies a toolbox that combines funding mechanisms and real estate techniques. 

Download the final plan(PDF, 4MB)

View the StoryMap to see highlights on recent and current acquisitions.

View a visual summary of the Strategic Acquisition Plan.

Outreach

To assist with this planning effort, DPR has hired Design Workshop which has a long track record of working with both the City and County of Denver and other local and regional municipalities on strategic planning.

DPR is committed to a collaborative planning process with multiple opportunities for public engagement. Outreach efforts will include online engagement tools such as surveys and virtual meetings and presentations. Until guidelines allow in-person contact and exposure all public input opportunities will be virtual.

The acquisition planning process begins with extensive research and analysis on the historic development of Denver’s park system and best practices and case studies as well as mapping related to the acquisition focus areas. The Strategic Acquisition Plan’s vision, goals and outcomes will be developed by community input, Technical Focus Area Groups, a Technical Partners Group and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Public Hearing

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) heard public comments on the proposed Strategic Acquisition Plan on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at their regular meeting. 
View the presentation(PDF, 3MB) | Review the draft plan(PDF, 4MB) 

Public Survey 2:

[survey closed 4/12/2021]

Public Meeting 2:

Thurs. March 11, 2021 | 5:30 p.m.
Watch the video recording | En español

Public Survey #1

[Survey closed 12/2020]

Public Meeting 1:

Thurs. October 22, 2020
View meeting presentation  

For questions and more information, email the project manager. 

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is launching a master planning process for Sunken Gardens Park.

The goal is to improve the park visitor experience by developing a long-term plan that respects the historical context, period features, and landscape character of the park, while accommodating changing use patterns and programming needs of the community.

Denver has experienced substantial, sustained growth in the last twenty years with 25,000 people now living in downtown Denver. Last year alone, 3,000 new residents moved downtown. The surrounding center city neighborhoods have seen a similar population boom, growing by 10.5% in 2019 to 88,670 residents. As density goes up, green space becomes increasingly important for social, environmental and human health. 

DPR is committed to a collaborative planning process with multiple opportunities for public engagement, including the formation of an Advisory Committee representing diverse community interests. Outreach efforts will also include, online engagement tools such as surveys, information blasts, stakeholder interviews, and virtual workshops and presentations. Until guidelines allow in-person contact and exposure all public input opportunities will be virtual.

The master planning process begins with an assessment of existing conditions of the park and the immediate neighborhood. Goals and planning objectives will be developed with community and Advisory Committee input. Alternatives will be developed for review and comment resulting in final recommendations for park improvements and programming. The planning process is anticipated to be 8 to 12 month duration to ensure maximum community involvement. 

• Project Advisory Committee(PDF, 534KB)
• Advisory Committee Meeting 1(PDF, 7MB)
• Advisory Committee Meeting 2(PDF, 2MB)
• Advisory Committee Meeting 3(PDF, 2MB)
• Advisory Committee Meeting 4(PDF, 8MB)
• Advisory Committee Meeting 5(PDF, 5MB)
• Advisory Committee Meeting 6(PDF, 10MB)

• View the Focus Group Meeting notes with West Campus students(PDF, 558KB)
• View the Focus Group Meeting notes with West Campus faculty(PDF, 568KB)

• View the Phase 1 Site Assessment(PDF, 20MB)
• View the site analysis(PDF, 13MB)
• View the community survey summary(PDF, 461KB)
• View the stakeholder interview summary(PDF, 666KB)

Virtual Public Meeting
Watch the November 18, 2020 virtual public meeting 
View the virtual public meeting flyer (english and español)(PDF, 104KB)
View the presentation slides(PDF, 7MB)
View the Questions and Answers from the public meeting(PDF, 488KB)

Sign up for project updates

Project Scope

Located in the East Colfax neighborhood, Verbena Park playground and basketball court will be redesigned with input from the surrounding community. The project will include accessibility upgrades for the playground; athletic field drainage; and improvements to picnic facilities as budget allows.

Funding and Timeline

This project is funded by DPR's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

• Mid-2021: Conceptual design complete
• Late 2021: Design development and construction documents complete
• Early 2022: Construction to begin

Outreach

Public Meeting #2: May 6, 2021

• View the meeting presentation(PDF, 3MB)
• View the meeting recording in English
• View the meeting recording in Spanish
• View the meeting recording in Burmese

Public meeting #1: March 18, 2021

• Watch the meeting recording in English
• Watch the meeting recording in Spanish
• Watch the meeting recording in Burmese
• View the meeting presentation(PDF, 918KB)

Public Survey #1:

• Take the survey in English
• Take the survey in Spanish

Construction on Weir Gulch Trail improvements will begin September 8, 2020. This deferred maintenance project will provide new asphalt to improve the surface condition of the trail. During construction the trail will be closed, and a detour route will be provided. Please follow the posted detour route for the duration of the project. The entire project should last 2 to 3 months but individual sections of trail maybe completed and re-open before the full project is complete. Please use caution while following the posted detour route and thank you for your patience during construction.

View detour maps(PDF, 9MB)

La construcción de los mejoramientos de Weir Gulch Trail comenzará el 8 de septiembre del 2020. Este proyecto de mantención diferido pondrá nuevo asfalto, mejorando la condición de la superficie del sendero. Durante la construcción, el sendero estará cerrado y habrá ruta de desvío. Siga la ruta de desvío publicada durante la duración del proyecto. El proyecto debe ser completado en 2 a 3 meses, pero secciones individuales del sendero se pueden completar y volver a abrir antes de que el proyecto sea completado. Tenga cuidado al seguir la ruta de desvío. Le damos las gracias por su paciencia durante la construcción.

View detour maps(PDF, 9MB)

Take Survey #1 | Tomar la Encuesta #1

Learn more about this project.

North Boathouse Area Project

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) will create a concept plan/design and construction documents to shape the north Boathouse area in Washington Park. DPR will review the Washington Park Master Plan, conduct an existing conditions assessment, and utilize feedback from other community outreach and engagement activities to inform how to utilize the this former play area.  

Estimated Timeline

• Project Concept Design: Winter 2021-Spring 2021
• Design Development: Spring 2021-Fall 2021
• Construction: Winter (Quarter 1) 2022-Summer (Quarter 3) 2022

Community Outreach:

Survey #2: closed 4/12/2021 | Download the survey results summary(PDF, 244KB)

Project kickoff survey: closed 2/7/2021 | Download the survey results summary(PDF, 979KB)

Public Meeting #1: March 18, 2021
View the meeting recording | Download the meeting presentation(PDF, 4MB)

Public Meeting #2
Wed. May 26, 2021 | 5:30 p.m.
Download the meeting presentation(PDF, 6MB)

Join Denver Parks & Recreation for the second public meeting to see the initial design concept for the area of the former play area near the boathouse. Come share your feedback on the design and amenities in this part of the park!  

If you are unable to access the content of any documents provided here, please email the project manager for assistance.