The Denver Housing Authority, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR,) other strategic partners and community members officially broke ground on the first 5+ acres of Sun Valley Riverfront Park on October 21, 2026. Sun Valley Riverfront Park Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed in late 2027, marking a major milestone in the neighborhood’s transformation and creating a lasting space for community connection, recreation and access to nature.
This new park is a recreational space to support the broader vision to revitalize the South Platte River as a community hub offering green space, gathering areas and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, DHA Interim CEO Joshua Crawley, DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark and community members celebrated this major milestone in the transformation of Sun Valley on Wednesday with a groundbreaking attended by community members eager for an easy biking and walking trail, playground equipment for neighborhood children and visitors, gardens, a dog park, and a cultural plaza.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston highlighted the project’s impact:
“A Vibrant Denver is not only a place where anyone can afford to live, but where they want to spend the rest of their lives,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “That’s what Sun Valley deserves and what we are building together with this phenomenal park and the amazing, affordable homes that will surround it.”
For Sun Valley residents, the park represents another important step toward realizing a community-driven vision for a neighborhood with quality housing, accessible outdoor spaces and opportunities to connect.
Councilwoman Jamie Torres (District 3): “Standing here today with members of the community, I feel the anticipation of the residents of Sun Valley,” said Councilwoman Jamie Torres. “The neighborhood is excited about the new park and the vision that is being carried out. We are thrilled to watch the progress as the first phase of the Sun Valley Riverfront Park comes to fruition.”
The park is an important component of DHA’s comprehensive redevelopment of Sun Valley, which has focused on creating high-quality, mixed-income housing as well as building the amenities, infrastructure and public spaces that contribute to a thriving neighborhood.
Throughout the redevelopment process, residents have played a central role in identifying community priorities and shaping the neighborhood’s future.
DHA Interim Chief Executive Officer Joshua Crawley: “The vision for Sun Valley has always been about creating a neighborhood where people can thrive,” said Joshua Crawley, interim CEO of the Denver Housing Authority. “This park will be a place where children get outdoors, families spend time together, and neighbors connect. Most importantly, it reflects what Sun Valley residents told us they wanted for their community, and we’re proud to help make that vision a reality.”
In addition to creating new recreational opportunities, Sun Valley Riverfront Park will strengthen access to the South Platte River and expand the network of public spaces available to residents and visitors.
DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark: “This new 10-acre park is an exciting investment in Sun Valley’s future”, said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark. “By creating safer, more accessible ways for people to enjoy the South Platte River, we are strengthening connections within the neighborhood and across Denver and ensuring that as Sun Valley continues to grow, welcoming public spaces remain at the heart of that growth”.
Construction partner Swinerton also emphasized the project’s long-term value to the neighborhood.
Swinerton Project Executive Scott Vion “Sun Valley Riverfront Park represents the type of project that leaves a lasting impact far beyond construction,” said Scott Vion, Swinerton project executive. “We’re honored to partner with the Denver Housing Authority, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the broader project team to help create a welcoming destination that connects people to the river, provides new recreational opportunities, and enhances quality of life for the community. We look forward to helping bring this vision to life for generations to come.”
