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City Park Master Plan Update

Summer 2017 Project Update
Thank you for sharing your voice in the City Park Master Plan Update! This summer we have conducted the following outreach to inform our existing conditions assessment and identify what makes City Park special to you:

  • Two Stakeholder Working Group Meetings
  • Public Open House #1 – over 200 attendees 
  • Online Survey – 600 responses
  • City Park Alliance Ice Cream Social Table
  • Park visits during special events, different times of the day, and days of the week to collect survey responses, inform park visitors of the project and conduct behavioral analysis

Through this outreach, we have heard the following reoccurring themes from the City Park community:

  • The tree canopy and large, open meadows are very important to the City Park experience and provides a connection to nature within the city. 
  • City Park’s sense of grandeur and monumentality inspires awe and respect.
  • Historic structures are important to the park. This initiative should consider activating structures for park uses. 
  • The balance and variety of passive and active uses seems right. While the tennis courts and organized team sports in the meadow are popular, walking and running was identified as the #1 activity people do in City Park. 
  • City Park is a place to gather and offers a range of opportunities for formal and informal gatherings.
  • Navigation and wayfinding is challenging for all park users (bicyclists, pedestrians and cars).
  • Park access is difficult for both bicyclists and pedestrians. 
  • Infrastructure upgrades and supporting park amenities are desired to enhance the City Park user experience (e.g. playground, trail and tennis court upgrades and increased water fountains, wayfinding signs, bike parking, restrooms, etc.)
  • The Zoo and Museum are important to City Park.

This fall we will wrap up our inventory and assessment of existing conditions. These findings will serve as the basis for establishing a vision and guidance for development of draft master plan recommendations. We appreciate your input and look forward to your continued support!

Since 2001, more than $60 million has been invested in City Park, implementing many of the 2001 Master Plan recommendations, including:

  • Restoring sculptures and fountains
  • Improving conditions at Ferril Lake and Duck Lake
  • Working with institutions in the park to create parking solutions

The following map illustrates investments made in the last 15 years and highlights 2001 Master Plan recommendations that have been implemented. 

View larger map

The following illustrates the anticipated schedule for the master plan process. Please stay tuned for public meeting dates and times.

At key milestones there will be additional opportunities for input through stakeholder working group meetings, online surveys and events at the park. Please send an email to CityParkMasterPlan@denvergov.org to sign up to receive project updates. 

 

  • An inclusive and transparent planning process guided by community and partner input.
  • A shared vision for the park that identifies current and future needs and provides a framework to manage the park’s evolution while honoring its historic character.

Why update the City Park Master Plan?
The existing City Park Master Plan, Revitalizing the Legacy of City Park, was completed in 2001 and has provided guidance on park projects for more than 15 years. Over that time, the neighborhood has changed and additional park studies have been conducted, prompting the 2017 master plan update initiative which will:

  • Be an inclusive and transparent planning process guided by community and partner input
  • Identify and meet the needs of a growing and diverse population
  • Create positive connections between City Park, its institutions, and neighborhoods
  • Build on the legacy as a city-wide park while celebrating its history
  • Create a sense of stewardship for all users

The project is funded by Denver Parks and Recreation and a Historical Fund Grant from History Colorado, with contributions from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science; the Denver Zoo; Historic Denver; City Park Alliance; City Park Friends & Neighbors; and dozens of individual donors.

 
Take a Survey!

Please help the master planning process by telling us about yourself, your connection to City Park and what you love about it!

Contact Us

To receive project updates, please send an email to CityParkMasterPlan@denvergov.org.