Exciting News: University Hills Welcomes a Long-Awaited New Park After Decades of Anticipation!

In Denver’s University Hills, Patty Ortiz has long dreamed of a park nearby. She has lived in the area for years, but the closest green space is Mamie D. Eisenhower Park, a half-hour walk away. Now, as she ages, those walks feel longer and tougher.

“I used to walk there often, but it’s harder now,” Ortiz said, reflecting on her increasing challenges.

Recently, at Denver Academy, she got some good news. Denver Parks & Recreation unveiled potential designs for Bethesda Park, a new green space set to open in 2027.

The city purchased the land in 2019 for $5.1 million, funded by the Parks Legacy Fund. The site, a former greenhouse, was chosen as part of a plan to ensure all Denver neighborhoods have a park within a ten-minute walk.

Since then, community meetings have taken place to shape Bethesda Park’s vision. In March 2024, the park was officially named after the previous medical facility at the site. The total budget for the park is expected to reach $5.5 million, with some funding coming from the RISE bond approved in 2021.

At a recent open house, city officials presented various design options for the park. They discussed playground sizes, basketball court locations, and where to put shade structures. The goal was to involve the community in making decisions that reflect their needs.

Ortiz voiced her excitement over the designs and expressed a desire for native plants to be included. “With climate change, it’s important to have plants that can thrive in our area,” she said, advocating for natural-looking landscaping.

Others in the community share Ortiz’s enthusiasm. Ashton Reppert, a University Hills resident since 2016, has been involved in discussions about the park since the city announced the project. While she’s excited, she finds the timeline concerning. By 2027, her daughter will be in second grade, and she worries if the park will meet the needs of the growing community.

Ortiz and her neighbors are eager to see Bethesda Park become a reality. Some, like Ortiz, are even willing to contribute to its success. “We’d be happy to help—whether it’s building benches or other tasks,” she said.

With the final design phase continuing through the summer and construction slated for 2026, there’s hope that the wait for a local park might soon be over. For Ortiz and others in the neighborhood, this park is not just a place to play; it’s a long-awaited community cornerstone.