The City and County of Denver today announced the approval of two catalytic investments negotiated by Mayor Mike Johnston to galvanize Denver’s economy, create jobs, and restore community. The initiatives, which involve acquiring land and delivering infrastructure improvements to enable construction of a professional women’s soccer stadium and surrounding development at Santa Fe Yards, as well as revitalizing the long-neglected Park Hill Golf Course into what will become one of the city’s largest urban parks, were approved by Denver City Council on Monday evening.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
“With our country facing such economic uncertainty, now is the time to grab the reins and seize the opportunity to invest in our future,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “There is nothing Denver cannot do when we work together – whether that’s building the Denver of tomorrow, demonstrating that women’s sports are as valuable as men’s, or giving Park Hill back to the people who fought so long and so hard for a day they thought might never come.”
“Investments like these demonstrate that local government can still be counted on to deliver results,” said Council President Amanda P. Sandoval. “I’m enormously grateful to the many people who worked so hard to bring new life, new investment, and new energy to our city.”
Monday evening, City Council unanimously approved the acquisition of the site of the former Park Hill Golf Course from Westside Investment Partners in exchange for an undeveloped parcel of land in Adams County. At 155 acres, the Park Hill property marks the city’s largest-ever, single acquisition of private property for an urban park. Denver Parks & Recreation is in the early stages of a community visioning process to gather feedback on what amenities visitors would like to see at the park. Denverites can provide their suggestions through a survey open through May 18.
“This is more than a land deal — It is recognition that the city must invest not only in creating an incredible park, but also in the residents who have made the neighborhood home for generations.” said Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis. “As we move forward, my office will ensure that community voices are at the heart of the visioning process — so that Park Hill can grow and thrive without leaving anyone behind.”
A community meeting and Council hearing concerning the rezoning of the site will be held in June, with the park expected to open to the public as open space later this summer.
On Monday, City Council also approved in an 11-1 vote an intergovernmental agreement between the City and County of Denver and the Broadway Station Metropolitan District to spend up to $70 million on land acquisition and infrastructure improvements to enable one of the world’s only purpose-built professional women’s soccer stadiums at Santa Fe Yards, which will be the home stadium for the new Denver NWSL team. The site, which has sat dormant for over 20 years, will return to the city if it ceases to be used as a stadium. Funding for the site will come from Denver’s capital improvement fund – used specifically for economic development projects – and will not affect the city’s general operating budget.
“This is the investment that South Broadway has been waiting for,” said Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez. “It’s so much more than a stadium or a plot of land. This is our best opportunity in a generation to bring people together, connect communities, and support the best businesses in Denver. As the representative for this area, I’m proud to support an investment that uplifts a long-overlooked community, brings women’s professional sports to the forefront, and sets the stage for a Community Engagement process that puts the people first.”
An economic impact study from Denver’s Department of Finance estimated the site investment could generate up to $2.2 billion in economic impact and nearly $500 million in tax revenue over 30 years as well as directly and indirectly create more than 1,100 jobs. The stadium itself will be built and funded by the NWSL team ownership group and will open in March 2028.
Read the city’s economic study here.
In all of these transformational and generational investment projects, the city extends its sincere gratitude to the partnership with city council, neighbors, community advocates, businesses, and others who have worked tirelessly to help shape the future of Denver. These efforts reflect our deep commitment to investing in our city and building a stronger, more vibrant future for all who call Denver home.