Denver Announces Designer and Park Designation for Park Hill Park

Denver Announces Designer and Park Designation for Park Hill Park

Published on October 13, 2026

Mayor Mike Johnston, Councilmember Shontel M. Lewis, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Vibrant Denver Bond team gathered with community today to announce two major milestones in the transformation of Park Hill Park: the selection of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) as the lead designer for the project, and the city's intent to officially designate the site as a park, thereby protecting and preserving its long-term use.

"Architecture firms from around the world, from Europe to Australia, expressed interest in this project, including some of the most distinguished architects and firms - from those that built the Olympic grounds in Sydney to those behind the 9/11 Memorial in New York City and the redesign of the Washington Monument," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. "We are thrilled to partner with MVVA on Park Hill. Their work not only builds for communities but also with communities. Parks capture the magical moments in people's lives, and this space has captured millions of such moments and will continue to do so."

MVVA brings a breadth of world-class design experience, team members, local presence and a unique approach to the project. Among their most notable projects are the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago and the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York.

"We're thrilled to be a part of an exceptional moment in Denver's history for a new park with the scale, variety, and ecological richness of Park Hill Park. We are honored to participate in this process and to build on the years of advocacy and planning already completed," said Michael Van Valkenburgh, founder and creative director for MVVA. "These 155 acres are an unparalleled opportunity to create a landscape for gathering and exploration that forges connections across community. We look forward to creating a park that uniquely belongs to Denver."

The city acquired the 155-acre site in 2025 in a historic land exchange with Westside Investment Partners, marking the largest ever single acquisition of private property for an urban park. That same year, DPR spent 10 months engaging in a robust public outreach effort to develop a Framework Vision Plan that outlines the guiding principles, goals, types of amenities, and desired experiences for the future regional park.

Shaped by the voices and ideas of thousands of residents from across the city, this plan envisions a park that inspires, educates, and connects people to the beauty and heritage of the Park Hill neighborhood and the broader Front Range of Colorado and offers unique recreational experiences, ecological education, and opportunities for cultural celebration.

"This moment is about so much more than just a park," said Councilmember Shontel M. Lewis. "For decades, this land has been part of the fabric of Park Hill. It has been a place of gathering and connection. The best design doesn't just transform a landscape, it honors the people within it."

"I'm excited to see Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates bring their creativity and experience to the City of Denver while continuing to listen closely to the neighbors who know the Park Hill community best. Together, we have an opportunity to create a welcoming, vibrant new park that reflects the hopes of Park Hill neighbors and aspirations of northeast Denver," said Denver City Councilmember Darrell Watson, District 9.

Designating the site as a park will legally protect its use as a park. Designated parkland in Denver cannot be sold or disposed of without approval of voters. Once a park is designated, it can only be used for a park purpose or park compatible uses, as outlined in City Charter.

Moving forward, the city, in partnership with MVVA, will be back out to community in 2027 to advance the community's vision into a detailed final plan. In the meantime, the site will continue to be maintained by DPR and managed as open space for the public to enjoy.

Denver City Council is expected to consider approval of the design contract with MVVA later this year.

The project received $70 million in funding through the Vibrant Denver Bond program. Approved by voters in 2025, the $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond program is delivering 58 projects across Denver by 2031, including libraries, parks and recreation centers, cultural facilities, affordable housing, streets, bridges, and traffic/pedestrian/cycling safety improvements, a family health clinic, and a children's advocacy center. To date, all 58 projects have been initiated, with 38 projects currently in design and four in construction.

See the full list of projects here

How to stay involved

• Sign up for the Park Hill Park newsletter
• Sign up for the bond program newsletter
• Visit the Vibrant Denver Bond webpage: denvergov.org/vibrantbond
• Explore the interactive dashboard

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About Denver Parks & Recreation

As stewards of a legacy park system, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is dedicated to customer service and enhancing the health of residents and the environment through innovative programs and safe, beautiful and sustainable places. The DPR system includes 30 recreation centers and more than 20,000 acres of urban and mountain parkland including off-street trails, parkways and natural areas. For more information, visit denvergov.org/parksandrecreation, check us out on YouTube, like us on Facebook and follow us on X (formerly Twitter).

About Denver GO Bonds

General obligation (GO) bonds are a long-term debt instrument issued by state or local governments to fund public capital improvement projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, public facilities and parks. This includes restoring, replacing and expanding existing capital assets. Local GO bond programs are authorized by Denver voters every 4-10 years and repaid through property taxes. Denver's bond programs include Elevate Denver, a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017, RISE Denver, a five-year, $260 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2021, and Vibrant Denver, a six-year, $950 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2025. For more information, visit denvergov.org/gobonds.

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