Since Jolon and I joined the DPR family, I’ve been scratching at how to make our parks system better. While it’s hard to admit, I’m jealous by the amount of park space dogs take up. Between their own parks and people leaving them to roam, there is little space left for other animals. It’s time to change that! I’m happy to announce DPR’s new initiative CAT parks. - Kit, the unofficial mascot of DPR (Jolon's cat)

DPR Opens First Cat Park in Denver

After piloting several parks since January, DPR officially opened the first park for cats to enjoy! Jolon Clark, Director of DPR, welcomed all cat lovers to enjoy this cat park which includes climbing towers, scratching posts, and plenty of areas where cats can look indifferent. A special blend of cat litter covers the entire surface to promote clumping and prevent bad odors. Trees were removed to provide sunny nap spots, stop impromptu hunting of other animals, and to avoid the additional burden on the Denver Fire Department.

“I am so proud that cats no longer have to gather in back alleys to socialize and do whatever it is that cats do!” said Director Clark at the ribbon cutting. One owner brought their own plastic bag which doubles as their 11-year-old cat’s favorite toy and had this to say: “I’m glad that my indoor cat, TacoCat, now has a safe place to be outdoors, I just hope that owners keep their socialization to a minimum.”

DPR looks forward to building more of these cat parks throughout the system. Learn more about this project. 😼

Baby Bison Seed Change

As part of DPR's annual bison transfer program, Denver Mountain Parks recently sent 30 bison home to tribal lands bringing the total to 115. This helps prevent overpopulation of the herds and shows the city's commitment to partnering with tribal partners.

This year, the city transferred:

16 bison to Wozu, a tribal non-profit on Standing Rock Sioux land
6 bison to Chief Phillip Whiteman of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe
9 bison to the Northern Arapaho Tribe
1 to the Denver-based Tall Bull Memorial Council

Tribes use these bison to start new tribal herds, support food sovereignty, promote genetic diversity, sustain traditional cultural practices. Learn more.

All We Do is Win, Win, Win 🏆

Congratulations to the Arkins Park & Promenade, and Elevated Walkway team for being a 2024 winner of the Mayor's Design Awards! Since 2005, the Mayor’s Design Awards have honored projects throughout the city. Thank you to RiNo Arts District for submitting this project.

New Park in University Hills gets a Name

The new park coming to E. Iliff Ave. and S. Bellaire St is officially named Bethesda Park. This name honors the Dutch heritage of the area and reflects the impact of the Bethesda Sanitorium, later known as the Bethesda Psychiatric Hospital, on this area among generations of immigrants. You can watch the public hearing at City Council here.

Are You Buzzing for a Challenge?

In partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Audubon, and The Nature Conservancy, Denver joins the City Nature Challenge. A four-day global competition that invites communities to document wildlife. Join DPR’s Environmental Education and Wildlife Management team for trainings and events in April.

BioBlitz Park Walk

Ruby Hill: April 26 | 7:00-9:00 PM

Parkfield Lake Park: April 27 | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Evergreen Lake: April 27 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Global BioBlitz

April 26-29 | Learn more HERE

Everyone can be a citizen scientist:

Find any wild plant, animal or evidence of life in your area.
Take a picture or record a sound of what you find.
Share your observations through iNaturalist!

Reimagine Cap Hill Parks

Help DPR create better neighborhood parks: Governors’ Park and Quality Hill Park. Take the survey and tell us how you use the parks today & what features you would want to see in the future.

Stop by any or all of the upcoming pop-up events in the park to learn more, share your ideas, and connect with your neighbors.

Youth Sports Basketball Tournament 🏀

Congratulations to our Youth Sports participants on another successful basketball season and tournament! Offering sports activities advances our mission of promoting health and quality programs for youth throughout our city. This wouldn’t be possible without our DPR Youth Sports staff, coaches, and the surrounding community. Thank you!

Now Hiring! 🥽

Denver’s public outdoor pools are scheduled to open this summer. DPR is currently accepting applications for various positions on the Aquatics team. Visit denvergov.org/swimmingpools for more information.

Lifeguard LINK HERE

Outdoor Pool Coordinator LINK HERE

Last Chance: First Wednesdays at Buffalo Bill 🐃

April 3 | 10:00AM-5:00PM | Buffalo Bill Museum 987 1/2 Lookout Mt. Rd.

Enjoy FREE admission at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on the first Wednesday. Learn more.

Rescheduled La Raza Park Public Meeting ✊🏽

April 4 | 5:00-7:00 PM | Aztlan Recreation Center 4435 Navajo St.

Join DPR for an open house on improvements taking place at La Raza Park. Stop by anytime during the meeting to provide feedback on the future of the park.

Kentucky & Irving Park Community Celebration 🛹

April 5 | 2:30-5:30 PM | Park at W Kentucky Ave & S Irving St

Celebrate the opening of Kentucky & Irving Park at this this community-led event. Neighbors are invited to stop by for free skate lessons, break dancing, food and more!

Crestmoor Park Pop Up 🤝🏻

April 6 | 11:00 AM-2:00 PM | Crestmoor Park 95 S Monaco St Pkwy

Look for DPR's tent and table near the Crestmoor Park playground to learn about the improvements and provide feedback.

Montbello Central Park Community Meeting 🎾

April 9 | 5:30-6:30 PM | Montbello High School 5000 Crown Blv

Give feedback on improvements to the Montbello Central Park tennis courts and baseball fields. All ages are welcome!

Snapshots of Snapshots of Cap Hill 📸Hill 📸

April 11 | 4:30-6:30 PM | Governors' Park 701 N Pennsylvania St

Visit Governors' Park for a story slam & pop-up photography booth. Come to get your (or your pet’s) portrait taken and listen to Denverites share stories of Cap Hill.

S Platte River Trail Virtual Meeting 🚴🏽‍♀️

April 17 | 6:00-7:00 PM | Zoom

Join us to discuss amenity improvements to the South Platte River Trail, from Bayaud to Phil Milstein Park. Learn more.

Rosamond Park Ribbon Cutting 🎀

April 25 | 3:30-4:30 PM | Rosamond Park 8000 E Quincy Ave

Join DPR and Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell for a celebration of the new playground and help us cut the ribbon!

Westwood Recreation Center Celebration 🎉

April 25 | 6:00-7:30 PM | Westwood Community Center Gym 1000 S Lowell Blvd

We are excited to share images of the final design with the Westwood neighborhood!

What other pets should have their own parks in our system?

Maybe potbelly pigs or snakes with separate areas for venomous and nonvenomous species? Let us know your ideas for your chance to win a swag bag!

Win a DPR swag bag

Where's..This...Sculpture!?

Drumroll please

*drumroll* 🥁🥁🥁

This sculpture is located where the Highline Canal trail meets the Goldsmith Gulch trail at the south end of James A. Bible Park.

Many of you let us know this handsome lad is named Foxy. Thank you to the artists and volunteers who maintain the art. And congratulations to our winner, Doug S. from Smoky Hill Village Neighborhood!