After more than two years of sometimes intensive public input, an area plan has been approved by members of the Denver City Council for the historic Park Hill Golf Course.
Located on the northeast side of the city, the 18-hole course was opened in 1931 and has long been regarded as a recreation mainstay. When the course closed in 2018, both Denver city and county officials began to think of new uses for the 155-acre site.
That then led to a series of community meetings in an effort called “Park Hill Golf Course Reimagined,” as well as a survey seeing 70% of respondents supporting new housing and some commercial development at the site. Only 7% were in favor of the property remaining a golf course.
In community meetings, residents also expressed support for the creation of open green space and community gathering places.
The official area plan calls for the creation of up to 100 acres of public parks, trails, and open spaces. The plan additionally allows for the building of new sports fields, playgrounds, and restrooms, among other amenities.
The remaining 55 acres allows for the building of some affordable housing.
In a press release, Laura Aldrete, executive director of Community Planning and Development for both the city of Denver and Denver County, said the new area plan “speaks to urban growth in a thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable way.”
Still to come: voters in early 2023 will decide whether to lift a long-standing easement requiring that the site continue to be used only as a golf course.
By Garry Boulard
