In northeast Denver, a former golf course will become a public park. On January 15, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced the acquisition of the former Park Hill Golf Course, which spans 155 acres.

Here’s the short version. Denver has entered into a land exchange agreement to trade 145 acres of undeveloped industrial land in the rapidly developing Adams County corridor at 56th Avenue and Valleyhead Street. In return, the city will acquire the Park Hill golf course site, which Westside Investment Partners owns. This is the same land parcel voters approved for maintaining the environmental easement.

Denver Parks and Recreation Department intends to transform the first phase of the Park Hill site located at 35th Avenue and Colorado Blvd. into a park by the upcoming summer season. The new park will serve as a welcoming green space for all residents, offering a place for recreation, connection, and community pride.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a piece of land that has been neglected for far too long,” said Mayor Johnston in a media release. This park will belong to all of Denver and be a space for future generations to enjoy and cherish.”

Attorney and Park Hill open space advocate Penfield Tate said, “This is a victory for the people of Northeast Denver, and particularly for the Black community. For the first time, this land will serve as a public park where everyone can gather, play, and connect. It will be a place that reflects the values of inclusion and equity, where all are welcome.”

“As Denver continues to grow, protecting open space and providing high quality park space for all of our residents is critical,” said Denver Parks & Recreation Executive Director Jolon Clark. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a new regional park in the heart of the city, and we look forward to engaging with the community to shape what park amenities will be built on this remarkable parcel of land.” 

The future Park Hill open space will become Denver’s fourth largest urban park, providing space for various recreational activities. The site’s vision includes walking trails, sports courts, fitness stations, shaded pavilions, and performance areas, all designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.

The city says it will prioritize community input throughout the planning and development process to ensure the park reflects residents’ values and aspirations.

The transformation of Park Hill will unfold in three phases:
Immediate Short-Term Use: Denver Parks & Recreation will make the site safe and accessible by summer 2025, addressing maintenance needs like broken walkways and overgrown vegetation. The area will remain an open space with designated entryways.
Interim Use: While developing a long-term vision, the city will introduce temporary amenities such as picnic areas, walking paths, and possibly a dog park or disc golf course for community enjoyment.
Long-Term Vision: Mayor Johnston is committed to a community-driven design process for the park’s permanent features, where input from residents of Park Hill and nearby neighborhoods is essential.

Adams County officials and the Denver City Council must approve the land swap.

The acquisition and transformation of the former golf course marks a new chapter for northeast Denver, where community collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability will guide the creation of a park that reflects the city’s rich history and diverse future.

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