Imagine a sprawling 155-acre green space in the heart of Denver, once a golf course, now poised to become a public park. But here's where it gets controversial: after years of debate, delays, and a high-stakes land swap, the former Park Hill Golf Course will finally open its gates to the public on October 28—but not without strings attached. And this is the part most people miss: the park’s future is still very much in flux, with $70 million in potential improvements hanging in the balance of November’s ballot. Let’s dive into the story behind this transformative project and the questions it raises for Denver’s future.
Earlier this month, Denver officially acquired the land after a complex deal with Westside Investment Partners, who purchased the property for $24 million in 2019. The agreement? A land swap involving a city-owned parcel near Denver International Airport. Mayor Mike Johnston, who announced the acquisition in January, celebrated the milestone in a recent news release. “We welcome Denver to see this park not for what it is today but what it can be,” he said, emphasizing the community’s tireless advocacy for this space. But here’s the catch: the park will open for limited, daylight-only use, with only passive activities like walking and jogging allowed—a far cry from its full potential.
Here’s where opinions start to clash: the property has long been a lightning rod for debate. Some Denverites envisioned it as a prime opportunity for housing development, given its status as one of the city’s last undeveloped plots. Others fought fiercely to preserve it as open space. Westside’s original plan to mix housing with park space was overwhelmingly rejected by voters in 2023, leaving the land closed to the public until now. With the park set to become Denver’s fourth-largest, the question remains: what will it ultimately become?
The Vibrant Denver bond package, up for a vote in November, could unlock $70 million for renovations, including lighting and other amenities. But even with funding, the specifics are still up in the air. Denver Parks and Recreation officials are weighing options, leaving residents wondering how this space will evolve. For now, the park’s opening is a symbolic victory for those who fought to keep it public—but it’s also a reminder of the challenges ahead.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is preserving open space in a growing city like Denver a luxury, or a necessity? And how should we balance community wishes with the need for development? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
