You might not have noticed a “pocket park” space that is located on the corner of Welton and 19th Street. It provides an outstanding opportunity to transform a long-neglected area in Upper Downtown Denver into a hands-on, outdoor green space, for K-12 students. We envision an on-going education space that will engage students at various grade levels in the years to come. The project also will allow older students to better understand and address green credentials through a science-math-art-based curriculum. The pocket park is located only two blocks from the Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (K-5) and the Emily Griffith Technical School for middle and high school under DPS, whose mission is to use Downtown Denver as their campus. (See pictures below.) One of the primary goals of this project is to bring indigenous plants and greens to ensure resiliency, sustainability, water conservation, and to provide a habitat for urban pollinators, while aligning with the region’s rich history.
After many months of calls, meetings (virtual and in-person), follow-ups, and new contacts, the Arts & Beautification Committee is happy to report that Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) has taken the lead, together with our Committee to move forward with this project. DPR has provided us with the permits required by the city together with their in-house team experts to make this project a success. They have already started clearing the area and have an estimated completion date in late June 2025. This date will coincide with the summer-long celebration of the reopened 16th St. Mall, aligning with Major Johnston’s vision of reimagining a vibrant downtown Denver. UpDoNa’s Arts & Beautification Committee is excited to be partners with DPR and to witness the transformation of this neglected space into an educational and beautiful space in Denver. It fits perfectly with the beautification aspect of our mission, and provides robust educational opportunities as an added bonus. This partnership will provide opportunities for long-term collaboration with the schools, businesses, non-profits organizations, residents, and visitors to be part of a thriving community.
We’ll keep you posted on progress. Once the redevelopment is finished, we will be working with DPR to set up a City celebration for our community, and to brainstorm enhancements and activations for the space. We’ll need volunteers when that next phase rolls out!
Pictured below is a photo of the neglected “pocket park” (photo by Brent Strausbaugh) and the redevelopment plan (photos by DPR).
Thumbnail attribution: Jackie Bunce
