After years of controversy over Park Hill Golf Course, the vast piece of undeveloped land in northeast Denver is set to open to the public as a park this summer under the terms of a deal announced Wednesday by city officials.
The city plans to acquire the 155-acre property from its owner, Westside Investment Partners, by trading the open space for a 145-acre, city-owned parcel in Adams County near Denver International Airport. The city didn’t specify the parcel’s location but says it is an undeveloped industrial property.
Mayor Mike Johnston was set to announce the deal with Westside during a late morning news conference at the former golf course along with City Councilwoman Shontel Lewis and community leaders.
The park would be one of the largest in the city and would be managed by Denver Parks and Recreation under the deal. The exchange still needs formal approval from the Adams County commissioners and the Denver City Council, according to details shared with The Denver Post ahead of the announcement.
“We believe Park Hill can be a crown jewel of Denver,” Johnston said in a news release. “This is an incredible opportunity to remake a space that has been neglected and unused for far too long. Together, we can make this the go-to destination for runners, readers, cyclists, picnickers, birdwatchers, and of course, children and families. This site will be all of Denver’s to cherish for generations to come.”
One of the largest remaining plots of undeveloped land in the city, the former golf course has been the subject of debate for decades as the community has weighed whether affordable housing, a golf course or a park belongs there.
The latest episode included the city’s attempt to purchase the golf course — later abandoned in 2017 over legal difficulties — and several public votes on its future. Potential development has been complicated by a conservation easement limiting how the land can be used.
The land, which operated as a golf course until 2018, was purchased by Westside for $24 million in 2019. In the most recent citywide vote, in 2023, voters rejected a plan to turn the land into a major mixed-use development. The site, located north of 35th Avenue and east of Colorado Boulevard, has been closed to the public since then.
A news release says the city plans to solicit feedback from the community to decide what amenities will be available at the park, potentially including walking trails, sports courts, performance stages and shaded areas. While the long-term plan is developed, officials will ask the community for feedback on what kind of lower-cost amenities — such as a dog park, picnic tables or a disc golf course — they should build.
In the meantime, the city plans to fix broken walkways and trim overgrown areas before opening the site as open space. Some fencing will remain, but entryways will be opened.
City officials vowed to develop affordable housing in the surrounding areas, the news release says.
If the land swap wins approval, the former golf course would become the fourth-largest park in the city, behind City Park, Sloan’s Lake and Washington Park.
Stay up-to-date with Colorado Politics by signing up for our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
Originally Published:
:focal(1298x888:1300x886)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2025/01/15/4083520-82808048-2560-1440.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1)
