City Council President Amanda P. Sandoval, Council Member Serena Gonzales-Guitierrez, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) and community leaders gathered on May 15 to celebrate the groundbreaking of La Raza Park. The event marked the start of a $2 million renovation aimed at preserving the historic park’s cultural heritage and preserve its role as a vibrant community space.
Located in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, La Raza Park has long served as a central gathering place for the Chicano and Latino communities, hosting civil rights activism, community celebrations and cultural traditions dating back decades. La Raza Park was officially designated as Denver’s third historic cultural district in 2023.
“La Raza Park is more than just open space—it’s the soul of our neighborhood,” said Sandoval. “For generations, this has been a place of culture, resistance, and community. A park where families gathered, stories were shared, and voices were raised. To now have the opportunity to protect and invest in this sacred space, alongside the very community that raised me, is deeply personal. This isn’t just a park project, it’s a promise to honor our past while building a future rooted in pride, resilience, and belonging.”
The improvement project, funded through the Elevate and RISE Denver General Obligation (GO) Bond Programs, DPR Capital Funds, the Denver Parks Legacy Fund and the Denver Foundation, will include the following improvements:
- Renovation of playgrounds for children of all ages
- Enhancement of picnic and gathering areas
- Landscaping and irrigation system upgrades
- Accessibility upgrades, including ADA-compliant pathways
- Preservation of key cultural landmarks, such as the Kiosko, Plaza de la Raza, and “La Raza Unida” sculpture
“La Raza Park is a testament to the resilience of community,” said Jolon Clark, executive director of DPR. “These improvements will ensure that the park continues to serve as a place of pride and connection for generations to come.”
