Rendering of potential playground equipment upgrades for Squires Park, scheduled for construction this summer.
Westminster has always been a place that values creating opportunities for our vibrant community to play and learn in outdoor spaces. After a year of engaging the community and listening to your input about play features, design, and more, residents have plenty to be excited about when it comes to upcoming park improvements.
Westminster’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) Tomás Herrera-Mishler said there are many projects in the works as the City continues to provide opportunities for outdoor fun.
“Following the guidance we have received from the community, the City of Westminster is making very important investments in our park resources, making sure our city is a great place to live and play,” he said. “New playgrounds will be springing up across the city, along with upgrades and expansion of our most loved outdoor spaces.”
England Park Corridor (7190 Osceola St.)
One of the most expansive park renovations in the works is in Historic Westminster. With the help of community input, the City’s PRL Department closed out 2023 by developing a revised master plan for the England Park corridor. Residents voiced support for expanding the community garden, a new natureinspired playground, and enhancing the area around the historic Bowles House to add shade structures and seating areas. Further down Little Dry Creek, the plan notes improvements to the dog park, a bicycle pump track, obstacle-course style fitness equipment, and expanded parking for the ball fields. The City hopes to work with business owners across Little Dry Creek to facilitate murals on the back sides of buildings to beautify the area. Phase one of the England Park Corridor master plan is slated to begin construction in 2025.
Park Expansion & Playground Improvements
After a robust community engagement process, the City’s PRL Department has drawn up plans to expand Stratford Park (10951 Harlan St.) adjacent to the former Sheridan Green facility. According to design professionals, the park will nearly double in size once the structure is removed. The resulting expanded community green space will include the existing ball fields, tennis facilities, some newer playground features, as well as additional amenities to be determined. Two of the City’s older parks are also slated for improvements. Thanks to community input from on-site engagement events in fall 2023, Oakhurst Park (9311 Lark Bunting Dr.) and Bishop Square Park (8150 Hooker St.) will see upgrades to their playground equipment. Designs are currently being drawn up, and a key goal is to provide at least 20 percent ADA-approved playground equipment, which is double the federal guideline of 10 percent. Additionally, the playgrounds at Somerset, Trailside, Squires, and Sherwood parks will also be replaced with new play structures and surfacing beginning this summer.
Downtown Center Park (5755 Park Pl.)
Design on one of Westminster's most anticipated parks is nearing completion. Downtown Center Park will include features unique to the city's first-ever park in an urban space. A combination of natural grass, shade trees and artificial turf spaces will create an oasis in Downtown Westminster. Future plans for the park include summer concerts, a beer garden, winter ice skating, as well as play structures, and public art that reference the beloved balloons of the former mall that occupied the site.
“It's a really good balance between activated heavy-use spaces and more relaxation areas where we can just enjoy being in the outdoors and enjoy this beautiful, amazing place that we get to call home,” Herrera-Mishler said.
New Pickleball Facility near Municipal Court (3030 Turnpike Dr.)
As part of the larger project to build a replacement Municipal Court building, the area near U.S. 36 and Federal Boulevard will soon offer an exciting new amenity. After supply chain and weather delays, the new pickleball courts are expected to be surfaced and ready for play in summer 2024. According to landscape architects on the project, the courts will have lights for nighttime play and will feature xeric landscaping from the City's greenhouse staff.
With all these improvements underway and many more on the horizon, Herrera-Mishler said Westminster is making good on its promise to provide the best experience possible for residents seeking recreation.
“All of these projects help to further the mission of PRL to create vibrant opportunities for nature, wellness and literacy throughout our city.”
For a full list of parks and amenities in Westminster visit: westminsterco.gov/FindAPark