Denver's largest new park project in more than a century is finally starting to take shape. At a packed open house inside Smith Elementary last week, city staff rolled out an early framework for Park Hill Park, the planned 155-acre public park on the former Park Hill Golf Course, sketching how the sprawling site could be carved up for recreation, nature, and community space.
Officials say they have already collected nearly 6,000 public comments and are preparing to seek bids for a design firm this spring, according to Axios. The concept shared with neighbors is meant to act as a broad guide, while specifics such as the number of courts and fields stay flexible as the city moves into formal design.
How the city secured the site
The 155-acre parcel landed in city hands after a 2025 land swap with Westside Investment Partners, a deal that traded airport-adjacent city property and helped close out years of heated debate over the golf course's future. According to Denver Parks & Recreation, the department brought on planning firm Sasaki to lead the park's early visioning work. The hire was covered last spring in a major Park Hill golf course transformation plan, as per Hoodline.
Plan highlights
The draft framework prioritizes athletic fields, courts, natural-area restoration, and a large field house that could host indoor sports like soccer and ice hockey, amenities Denver's park system does not currently offer, Axios reported. Park staff say the sheer size of the site should allow them to fit most of what residents have requested, but warn that the exact mix of courts, fields, and other features could still shift during formal design.
Timeline, costs and next steps
The city has already contracted with Sasaki for early planning work, and internal budget documents suggest a multi-phase build. Denver's Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan points to roughly $200 million in total for Park Hill build-out, with a line item that calls out a possible fieldhouse, Denverite reported. Parts of the property are now open for limited, passive use, and officials say design and construction planning will continue into next year, although a firm financing package for the full build-out is still not locked in.
Community concerns and equity
The site has long been a political flashpoint. Voters rejected private development proposals in 2023, and debates over gentrification and displacement have dogged the project in public meetings, according to Denver7. Councilmembers and neighborhood advocates have pushed for protections for long-time residents, a theme city leaders say they want to keep front and center as planning moves ahead, according to Colorado Politics.
What to watch
Next up is the formal hunt for a design team. City staff say they hope to issue a request for proposals this spring, then move into schematic design and the long slog of permitting. Residents can track updates and sign up for future meetings at ParkHillPark.org and on Denver Parks & Recreation's news page as the project shifts from big-picture framework to final park plans.
