Denver Mayor Johnston Announces Acquisition of Park Hill Golf Course for New Public Park
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is set to announce a significant development on Wednesday, revealing plans for the city’s acquisition of the former Park Hill Golf Course. In a land swap deal, the 155-acre property, which has been unused since a failed mixed-use development proposal in 2023, will be transformed into a public park and open space.
Westside Investment Partners, the previous owner who purchased the land for $24 million in 2019, intended to develop it into a multifaceted community hub featuring affordable housing, retail, and a grocery store. However, the proposal was rejected by voters, leading to the site being fenced off and closed to the public.
Under the proposed land swap agreement, Westside would receive a parcel of land at Denver International Airport of similar size, which they could develop as they see fit. Although the Mayor’s office has not disclosed details about the announcement, insiders confirm that Johnston aims to create a public park, prioritizing community input on its design and layout.
Once completed, the new park could rival some of Denver’s largest green spaces, such as Washington Park and Sloan’s Lake Park. Initial plans suggest the overgrown golf course may reopen as early as this summer for jogging and walking, promoting public use of the area. However, transforming the golf course into a usable park is expected to require significant funding, with current financing sources still unclear.
As the city moves forward with this initiative, local residents and stakeholders will likely have the opportunity to provide feedback, shaping the future of this pivotal green space in Denver.