The Game Plan’s previous emphasis on the vision of “a city in a park” and the core values of environment, engagement, equity and sound economics influenced how Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) invested in park and recreational amenities throughout the city. These core values will provide a foundation as we look to the community to update the Game Plan.

> Read the 2003 Game Plan

Below are some of the Game Plan goals that have been accomplished since it was adopted in 2003:

Increased parkland & recreation centers

• More than 630 acres of parkland and parks have been added totaling nearly 6,000 acres.
• One new state-of-the-art recreation center was completed in 2011, another will be complete in 2017, and four recreation centers were remodeled and expanded.

Increased Denver’s tree canopy

• Tree canopy in residential areas increased from 18 percent in 2003 to 20 percent today.

Reduced water used in park irrigation

• Today, DPR has more acres of park but uses 850 million gallons less water than in 2003. Over 75 parks now utilize centrally controlled irrigation systems providing automatic watering adjustments resulting in lower water use. Since 2003, DPR has converted more than 580 irrigated park acres from potable water to treated recycled water.

Improved pedestrian and bike connectivity

• More than 30 miles of paved trails were added for a total of 85 miles of paved trails. DPR completed some “missing links” within the trail system including the Westerly Creek trail.

Responded to evolving recreational needs

• In 2003, there were no disc golf courses nor dog parks. Today DPR has created three disc golf courses and nine dog parks. DPR is also building the Ruby Hill Bike Skills Course, the second bike skill area in the city.

Protected and Enhanced Natural Areas & Healthy Waterways

• 1,250 acres of prime natural resource areas have been protected and over 2.5 miles of gulch waterways have been restored throughout the city. The “River Vision” projects are transforming what were once dumping grounds into a series of vibrant parks along the South Platte River including improved water access and environmental education opportunities.

Revitalized and Protect Mountain Parks

• Mountain park resources have been renovated and restored, including: trail improvements at Summit Lake and Red Rocks, renovations to Echo Lake Lodge, and new trails, a bison overlook, and road and parking improvements at Genesee Park.

Protected, preserved and rehabilitated historic parks, parkways and structures

• Some of the city’s most historic parks received significant investment for rehabilitation including Civic Center’s Voorhies Memorial and Greek Theater, Cheesman Pavilion and theWashington Park Boat House. At City Park the bandstand was restored, Prismatic and Thatcher Fountains rehabilitated, and work on restoring Sullivan Gateway is beginning.
• Civic Center and Red Rocks were designated National Historic Landmarks. 

Denver has experienced considerable growth since 2003. Because of these changes, it’s time to think about the continued evolution of our park and recreation system, taking into account the city’s population growth, changing recreational needs, natural resource conflicts and opportunities, as well as sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change. We invite you to help us update the Game Plan, and build the framework for future DPR investments and policy.

Great parks systems are the result of intentional planning, engaged community members, and public investments that inspire creativity, social gatherings, and the enjoyment of the environment. 

Through community involvement, the Game Plan will help Denver Parks and Recreation identify and address key issues, opportunities and challenges; specifically as it relates to limited finances, changing demographics, climate change realities and pressures from increased visitor usage.

Your input can help define:

• Areas for new parks and recreation centers
• Types of programs that are relevant to the communities they are intended to serve
• How existing parks and recreation centers are maintained and enhanced in the face of financial constraints. 

These important issues and others will be discussed during the Game Plan planning process. Join us!

2003 Game Plan

2017 Existing Conditions Report (PDF)

Phase 2 Public Input Summary (PDF)

Phase 3 Public Input Summary (PDF)