Former Greenhouse Property Transformed Into New Two-Acre Neighborhood Park
DENVER, CO — After several years of planning, design, and community engagement, Bethesda Park officially opened on October 22, 2026, bringing nearly two acres of new public green space to Denver's North University Hills neighborhood.
Photo of Bethesda Park’s New Playground | Photo by Developing Denver
Located at 4301 E. Iliff Avenue, near South Bellaire Street, the new neighborhood park occupies the former Groundcovers Greenhouse property, which Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) acquired in 2019. The project transforms the former commercial greenhouse site into a public recreational space with playgrounds, native landscaping, gathering areas, and other amenities designed for residents of all ages.
The property was the first site purchased through Denver's Parks Legacy Fund, a voter-approved initiative established in 2018 to support the acquisition, development, and improvement of public parks throughout the city. Construction of Bethesda Park was funded through the RISE Denver General Obligation Bond program.
The completed park introduces an accessible playground with separate areas designed for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. The playground incorporates the property's natural topography, connecting two play terraces through a hillside design. The lower terrace features nature-inspired equipment and activities for younger children, while the upper terrace provides larger climbing and play structures for older children.
Additional recreational amenities include a half-court basketball court, open lawns, shaded picnic tables, seating areas, and pedestrian pathways connecting different sections of the park. The design also incorporates gathering spaces intended to accommodate everyday neighborhood activities and smaller community events.
Natural landscaping plays a significant role in the park's design. Interpretive gardens feature native Colorado plants and pollinator habitats, including structures designed to support beneficial insects. A woodland grove provides a quieter environment with native vegetation, bird habitats, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
The combination of recreational spaces and natural areas reflects the project's emphasis on accessibility, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for residents to interact with nature.
Photo of Bethesda Park’s New Playground | Photo by Developing Denver
Bethesda Park also addresses a longstanding gap in public park access in southeast Denver. Although several established parks are located within approximately one mile of the property, major transportation corridors, including Interstate 25 and Colorado Boulevard, have historically created barriers for residents trying to reach those spaces.
The new park expands recreational opportunities within walking distance of surrounding homes, supporting DPR's broader goal of ensuring residents have access to quality public green space within a 10-minute walk or roll.
Its location also contributes to improvements in neighborhood connectivity. Planning for the project identified opportunities to strengthen pedestrian access along Bellaire Street and improve connections between surrounding residential areas and nearby transportation infrastructure, including RTD's Colorado Station.
Planning for the property began following its acquisition in 2019, with DPR launching a community visioning process in 2022. Through public meetings, surveys, and neighborhood engagement, residents helped identify priorities for the future park, including playgrounds, open lawns, walking paths, shaded gathering areas, and landscaping.
The community-informed vision plan was completed in 2023, establishing the foundation for subsequent design work. The property officially received the Bethesda Park name in March 2024 following a community naming process and approval by Denver City Council.
Photo of Bethesda Park’s New Shade Picnic Tables | Photo by Developing Denver
Throughout 2025, DPR continued refining the park's design and presenting updated plans to the public. The final design incorporated feedback from residents while emphasizing accessibility, native landscaping, recreational opportunities, and the property's natural characteristics.
The project represents another investment in Denver's neighborhood park system as the city continues working to expand access to public open space in areas where existing parks are limited.
Denver Parks and Recreation celebrated the opening of Bethesda Park on October 22 with a ribbon-cutting event featuring DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark, City Council President Diana Romero Campbell, and former Councilwoman Kendra Black.
With the transformation complete, the former greenhouse property now serves as a permanent public green space for North University Hills residents, adding recreational amenities, natural habitats, and new opportunities for neighborhood gathering to an area previously underserved by the city's park system.
Project Team
Owner / Lead Agency: Denver Parks and Recreation
Funding Partners: City and County of Denver, Parks Legacy Fund, RISE Denver GO Bond
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
6 minute read • Bethesda Park officially opens in North University Hills, transforming a former greenhouse property into nearly two acres of public green space.