ARVADA, CO — Construction is getting underway on the long-awaited transformation of Gold Strike Park, bringing new playgrounds, recreational amenities, restored natural habitats, and improved trail connections to one of Arvada's most historically significant public spaces.
Rendering of Gold Strike Park Redevelopment Plan | Rendering Sourced from City of Arvada
Located at 5500 West 56th Avenue, near the confluence of Clear Creek and Ralston Creek, the approximately 7.3-acre park is being redeveloped into a nature-focused recreational destination designed to reconnect visitors with the surrounding landscape while recognizing the area's cultural and historical significance.
The project reached an important milestone on September 15, 2026, when Arvada City Council approved a construction contract with Arrow-J Landscape and Design for an amount not to exceed approximately $9.6 million. Nine days later, on September 24, the City of Arvada and representatives from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes gathered at the park for a ground-blessing ceremony marking the beginning of the redevelopment.
The transformation will introduce several distinct recreational areas inspired by Colorado's natural environments and wildlife, including a Montane Nesting Forest, Wetland Boardwalk, Riparian Beaver Lodge, Grasslands Buffalo Herd, and Prairie Dog Bicycle Playground. These areas are designed to create opportunities for exploration, outdoor learning, and recreation while incorporating elements that reflect the ecological characteristics of the region.
One of the redevelopment's central features will be a new nature-inspired playground with climbing structures, exploratory play opportunities, and access to the surrounding creek environment. A separate bicycle playground will provide a dedicated space for younger riders to develop cycling skills while navigating a network of paths and obstacles.
Additional improvements include a flexible event lawn, educational pavilion, shaded picnic areas, public restrooms, and new pedestrian pathways connecting the different areas of the park. A centralized pedestrian bridge will improve circulation throughout the property, while connections to the regional trail system will help integrate the park with the surrounding recreational network.
The redevelopment also places a significant emphasis on environmental restoration. Plans call for improvements to the creek corridor, restoration of native vegetation, and the creation of wetland and riparian habitats that support local wildlife. New planting areas, interpretive gardens, and educational features will provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the surrounding ecosystem and the importance of preserving natural environments.
Rendering of Gold Strike Park Redevelopment of Natural Wetlands | Rendering Sourced from City of Arvada
Beyond recreation and environmental improvements, the project incorporates an extensive cultural and historical component developed through collaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.
The area surrounding Gold Strike Park holds historical significance for Indigenous communities whose connections to the land extend far beyond the establishment of Arvada. The site is also associated with an early discovery of gold along Ralston Creek in 1850, an event connected to Colorado's early gold-rush history.
As part of the redevelopment process, the City of Arvada has worked with tribal representatives to incorporate Indigenous perspectives, storytelling, and cultural interpretation into the park's design.
In June 2025, representatives from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, including Tribal Historian Chief Gordon Yellowman, participated in a multi-day consultation with city staff and the design team. The collaboration helped shape elements of the project intended to recognize the history of the land and create opportunities for education, reflection, and cultural understanding.
The September 2026 ground-blessing ceremony continued that partnership, bringing together tribal leaders, city officials, and community members to recognize the importance of the land before construction began.
Funding for the redevelopment includes a $7.3 million federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant award and a $750,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado's Community Impact program. These investments support the city's efforts to transform the previously underutilized property into a more accessible and environmentally focused public space.
The park's design has been led by Denver-based Wenk Associates, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of landscape architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and other specialists.
With the final site plans completed and construction moving forward, the redevelopment is expected to continue through 2027 and into 2028, with completion currently targeted for fall 2028.
Once finished, Gold Strike Park will offer a combination of outdoor recreation, restored natural habitats, educational opportunities, and cultural interpretation, creating a destination that connects Arvada's history with its future.
Rendering of Gold Strike Park Redevelopment Featuring Interactive Artwork and Playgrounds | Rendering Sourced from City of Arvada
Development Team
Owner: City of Arvada
General Contractor: Arrow-J Landscape and Design
Landscape Architect / Lead Design Consultant: Wenk Associates
Civil & Structural Engineering: Martin/Martin
Floodplain Engineering: ICON Engineering
Electrical / Lighting: Reese Hackman
Irrigation: Hydrosystems KDI
Ecology: Birch Ecology
Stone Carving / Interpretive Art: Ritmo Studios
Geotechnical Engineering: RockSol Consulting Group
Surveying: Flatirons Inc.
Read More About Upcoming Construction Projects
Get a deeper dive on the who, what, when and why behind the city’s next construction projects.
Interested in sponsorship? Learn more about a founding sponsors and how to get involved.
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
6 minute read • Gold Strike Park's redevelopment is underway in Arvada, bringing new playgrounds, trails, restored wetlands, and recreational amenities by fall 2028.