Park Hill Golf Course in Denver set to become a public park this summer, community celebrates https://t.co/wAiSpWIBJF
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) January 16, 2025
The City of Denver has officially finalized a landmark agreement to purchase the former Park Hill Golf Course, paving the way for the creation of a massive public park.
This move not only resolves years of heated debates over the site’s future but also represents a significant stride in expanding Denver’s green spaces. Here’s everything you need to know about this transformative project.
A Historic Land Swap Agreement
This acquisition stems from a land swap agreement between the City of Denver and Westside Investment Partners, the private owner of the 155-acre Park Hill Golf Course.
In exchange for the golf course land, Westside will obtain approximately 145 acres of city-owned property located in Adams County near Denver International Airport. This mutually beneficial arrangement ensures that both parties receive valuable resources for future projects.
For years, the Park Hill Golf Course has been at the center of community activism and city planning debates.
After Westside Investment Partners acquired the land, the developer proposed plans to build housing units, commercial spaces, and a much-needed grocery store on the site.
However, these plans faced consistent opposition from Denver residents due to the conservation easement protecting the area.
Originally, the conservation easement required the land to remain either an 18-hole golf course or open space. Despite developers’ proposals to amend or dissolve this easement, voters rejected the idea multiple times.
The most recent rejection occurred during the April 2023 election, leaving the land in limbo until this new agreement came to fruition.
Short-Term Vision: Public Park Opening in 2025
With this new deal, Denver intends to open the former golf course as a public park by the summer of 2025.
To prepare the site for public access, the city will focus on repairing walkways, trimming overgrown vegetation, and creating accessible entranceways.
Initial plans also include short-term amenities like walking trails, picnic areas, dog runs, and possibly a disc golf course.
This transformation will bring immediate value to nearby neighborhoods while setting the foundation for a broader vision of the park as a recreational and communal space.
The final design of the park will be shaped through extensive community engagement. Denver Parks and Recreation intends to work closely with locals to determine the types of amenities and facilities that should be included.
Ideas currently under consideration range from sports courts and shaded pavilions to performance stages and exercise stations.
While the agreement signals significant progress, it will require formal approval from the Denver City Council and the Adams County Board of Commissioners. In terms of funding, the project will rely on a combination of public and private investment. However, the total cost and a detailed financial plan have not been disclosed.
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