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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
City Leaders Announce New Plans for Park Hill Park
Denver city officials gathered at Park Hill Park, previously known as the Park Hill Golf Course, on Tuesday to share the latest developments regarding the park’s future. The event included the introduction of the project’s architect and a preview of what’s to come for the city’s soon-to-be fourth-largest park.
Architect Selection: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
At the press conference, Mayor Mike Johnston announced that Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) has been chosen as the lead designer for the new Park Hill Park. In a city press release, Denver praised MVVA's experience and approach, noting the firm’s portfolio includes renowned projects such as the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago and Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York.
Preliminary Features and Community Engagement
While the final design for Park Hill Park won’t be released until 2027, initial plans indicate the park will feature athletic fields, tennis courts, an off-leash dog park, and open natural spaces for public enjoyment. Denver’s parks and recreation team has been actively gathering community feedback through QR codes posted on-site, inviting residents to offer input on desired features for the park. Throughout this year, the city has continued its outreach to nearby neighborhoods to include their ideas in the design process.
Park History and Land Acquisition
The transformation of the site follows the closure of the Park Hill Golf Course in 2018. Since then, the land has remained vacant and fenced off, with the old clubhouse boarded up. In 2025, the city officially renamed it Park Hill Park, following Denver’s acquisition of the 155-acre property at East 35th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. This transaction involved an exchange for 165 acres near Denver International Airport.
Funding Through the Vibrant Denver Bond
The Park Hill Park project is backed by significant municipal support. In November 2025, Denver voters approved the “vibrant Denver bond” package, which allocated $70 million for the park’s development. The city aims to use these funds for extensive public park development, responding to the community’s call for accessible and inclusive green spaces.
Timeline for Design and Construction
Currently, the area is open for day-to-day use, with ongoing opportunities for community feedback. According to city officials, construction of Park Hill Park is targeted for a 2028 start date, with completion and public opening anticipated by 2029. This timeline allows for further refinement of the park’s features and continued engagement with the public as the plans are finalized.
Continued Community Involvement
The city emphasized its commitment to working closely with residents and local neighborhoods throughout the design process. As Park Hill Park moves from concept to reality, Denver aims to ensure that the new park meets the needs and desires of the surrounding community. For updates and to share input, residents can visit the City of Denver’s website.
Source: kdvr.com.
