River North could have a long-awaited piece of green space by 2019.
The $5 million RiNo Park project is set for construction along the South Platte River near Brighton Boulevard later this year, likely in late summer or fall.
The city has been thinking about a park in the area since 2003 or earlier. It will stand near the current intersection of 35th Street and Arkins Court. Plans include a mix of trails, lawns and river access.
The park also will include a section of the River North Promenade, a pedestrian area that is set to replace nine blocks of Arkins Court along the river.
Construction could take 10 to 12 months, according to city officials.
On Monday night, the Denver City Council unanimously approved a rezoning of the park site, a step that clears the way for construction. The city government paid about $3.4 million for the land in purchases in 2003 and 2011, according to property records.
Meanwhile, the RiNo Art District is in talks with the city about the potential use of two buildings on the property. The local organization has suggested that it could help the city turn them into affordable spaces for creative people.
The park also will have easy access to a planned 35th Street pedestrian bridge to the Taxi campus.
