2 weeks Ago By Ian Harper
Big news for Denver urban green space enthusiasts, as Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) has announced their selection of Sasaki, a planning and design firm, to guide the transformation of the old Park Hill Golf Course into a new 155-acre park. This ambitious project is aiming to quickly become an important recreational and social hub for the city. Conveniently, the course hasn't served as a golfing venue since 2018, and now DPR plans to quickly begin its revival as a public park, as reported by the City and County of Denver.
"Reclaiming this property as one of Denver’s largest parks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we are not taking for granted," Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said, as per City and County of Denver. The sense of anticipation for the park rejuvenation is tangible, designed to be safe, welcoming, and accessible for all of Denver's population. To further ensure these guiding principles, a community survey set to launch on April 21st will begin to solicit input from residents city-wide, crafting a park that embodies the collective vision of the community it's set to serve.
In addition to seeking community input through surveys, DPR is also taking a hands-on approach with a Youth & Family Field Day on April 24th. The family-friendly event will be held at City of Axum Park and will be used as an opportunity to gather more ideas for the park. As DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark told the City and County of Denver, "DPR is excited to begin engaging with Denverites across the city, including as many voices as possible to ensure the inclusive and lasting legacy of this centennial park.
" This involvement underlines the commitment both to the new park and to public engagement in its development.Meanwhile, Sasaki Principal and landscape architect Anna Cawrse captures the essence of the project, stressing not just the park's design but also its significance relating to Denver's natural and cultural history. "Park Hill Park represents an unprecedented opportunity to transform this landscape into a dynamic and inclusive public space," she shared, as obtained by the City and County of Denver.
The firm's approach seemingly is about to expand the possibilities for the Park Hill community both in terms of amenities and the historical significance of the land, which gestures to the indigenous and Black heritage of the area.Denver's city council is also showing strong support, with Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis highlighting the project's importance, especially as an investment in the historically underserved Park Hill community.
"This community process will be driven and designed by community in partnership with DPR and Sasaki. I am committed to ensuring the voices of Park Hill residents are not only heard but centered throughout this entire process," Lewis said, as noted by the City and County of Denver. All local engagement and updates on the project will be available via ParkHillPark.
org, with the public encouraged to sign up for email updates.The switch from golf greens to public green space was secured through a land-exchange agreement with Westside Investment Partners, the course's current owner. In exchange for the Park Hill site, the investors will receive an industrial area parcel near Denver International Airport.
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