Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) has selected planning and design firm Sasaki to help convert the former Park Hill Golf Course into a 155-acre public park in the heart of the city. The site, which operated as a golf course from the 1930s until 2018, will be ecologically restored and redesigned as the largest addition to Denver’s park system in more than a century. The park will soon stand as the city’s fourth-largest park, providing an important resource for the neighborhood and beyond.
“Reclaiming this property as one of Denver’s largest parks is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we are not taking for granted,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “The planned improvements are about making sure the park is safe, welcoming, and accessible to everyone in the city while laying the groundwork for a long-lasting public space that’s vibrant, inclusive, and full of possibilities.”
The current park visioning and framework phase will create an exciting vision that outlines the guiding principles, goals, types of amenities, and desired experiences for the future regional park.
“Park Hill’s newest park should be shaped by the community it will serve,” said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark. “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.”
Sasaki, in collaboration with DPR, will spearhead a plan for the site and chart its long-term future. A community survey will launch Monday, April 21, kicking off the visioning process. On April 24, DPR will host a Youth & Family Field Day to determine priorities and opportunities for the park that will enrich the lives of Denver residents and celebrate the natural beauty of the area, while also having some fun for all ages. The event will take place at the City of Axum Park from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will include races, basketball, slacklining, rock climbing, and more!
“Park Hill Park represents an unprecedented opportunity to transform this landscape into a dynamic and inclusive public space. This project isn’t just about designing a park—it’s about Denver’s natural and cultural history as we create a lasting resource for future generations. We’re honored to work with DPR and the community to shape a vision that reflects their needs and aspirations,” shared Anna Cawrse, Sasaki Principal and landscape architect.
The land on which Park Hill resides can be traced back to the tribal lands of the Hinono’eiteen (Arapaho), Nuuchu (Ute), and Tsistsistas (Cheyenne) and carries a historical significance within the Black community and the fight for social justice. The conversion of the course is inseparable from its urban legacy, and planning the return of this green space to the Park Hill community will center on building an equitable and resilient resource that is shared by all.
“This new 155-acre park represents more than just green space—it’s a long-overdue investment in the Park Hill community,” said Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis. “Historically, Park Hill has been underserved when it comes to city investments that promote health, connection, and opportunity. 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. Together, we will make sure this park becomes a vibrant, inclusive space that reflects the needs and dreams of the community it serves.”
ParkHillPark.org will soon launch and have more information about the project and engagement opportunities. In the meantime, sign up for the email list for updates about the park here.
The project was made possible by a land-exchange agreement between the City and Westside Investment Partners, the current owner of the golf course, who will receive a 145-acre parcel of undeveloped industrial land near Denver International Airport in exchange for the Park Hill site. The historic exchange will be the city’s single largest acquisition of private land for conversion into an urban public park.
