Denver Parks and Recreation will transform a small playground on the east end of City Park into a "nature play" space with the help of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
The playground is to be replaced under the new City Park Master Plan, but the project did not have a funding source until the museum stepped up, according to a press release. The playground sits just south of the museum, and it will lead the fundraising, design and construction of the new play space.
"The Museum's mission is to be a catalyst and ignite our community's passion for nature and science. We are excited to be able to continue that mission in our own backyard of City Park," George Sparks, president and CEO of the museum, said in a statement.
The project will follow the 2018 City Park Master Plan update and City Park Design Guidelines, and a newly formed City Park Advisory Committee will review the plans. The process will also be guided by community input, and anyone interested can sign up to help during an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the museum (2001 Colorado Blvd.).
"This is a win-win for Denver Parks and Recreation, the museum and, most importantly, our community of City Park users," Happy Haynes, executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation, said in a statement. "We were not expecting to be able to address this play space so soon and in conjunction with the redevelopment of the Dustin Redd Playground on the west side of the park. Partnering with the Museum allows City Park users to benefit from the opening of two newly redesigned playgrounds within the next few years."
