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Nature Play in City Park

Nature Play is presented in partnership with

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Nature Play in City Park

The Museum and City Park grew up alongside each other, both brought to life more than 100 years ago. As part of the City Park Master Plan Update, and inspired by Coloradans' passion for nature, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Parks & Recreation are excited to support the creation of natural play experiences in City Park. This project will restore portions of the historic DeBoer Waterway as a sustainable creek bed with water that runs the course of natural play experiences, based on Colorado’s diverse ecosystems.

Community Driven Design

The community’s voice is guiding project design. Community feedback has led to design concepts that include inclusive, multigenerational, multi-seasonal play, along with opportunities for learning, respite and engagement through authentic, natural, playful experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

Most recently, in spring 2021, the design team received feedback from more than 800 community members throughout a month-long design and outreach phase. Feedback from this phase informed the creation of key design and play features including climbing, jumping and sliding activities and the prioritization of sustainable water in the space.

Local partner, Dope Mom Life created this short documentary highlighting just one of the ways the design team solicited feedback through a hands-on activity catered to people of all ages.  

Project Timeline

Thank you to our many friends, neighbors, partners and community members for participating in the community engagement activities to help shape the design of Nature Play in City Park. We look forward to staying connected with you in celebration of urban nature in City Park as we embark on the final steps for a detailed design! Check back often for updates or email [email protected] to join our email list to receive project information and event invitations.

Stay Engaged or Donate

Stay Engaged

The schematic design is available now for your viewing! You can check out the schematic design in a variety of ways:

In-person

  • Venture out on a self-guided tour by following the signs located throughout the design area in City Park.
  • Join us for an in-person open house during the following dates and times for an opportunity to discuss the design and ask questions:
    • Saturday, Aug. 14 (9:30-11 a.m.)
    • Wednesday, Aug. 18 (5-6:30 p.m.)
  • Have a date/time in mind when you’d like us to meet with you & your community? Send us an email to [email protected].


Virtually

  • Take an online tour through the design by watching the video in English or in Spanish. 
    • In English
    • En Español 
  • Invite us to your virtual community and Registered Neighborhood Organization meetings so we can meet with you and your community and answer your questions directly.
  • Provide your thoughts and feedback by dropping us a line at [email protected].


We will host further opportunities to engage in the creation of natural play experiences in City Park throughout the project. Please email [email protected] if you would like to get involved.

Resources

Want some nature play right now? Check out these resources:

Donate 

We appreciate any and all contributions to Nature Play in City Park! To learn more about how to donate to the project, please email [email protected].

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