Sloan’s Lake Boathouse Renovation Advances With Preferred Design Concept

DENVER, CO – Denver Parks and Recreation has unveiled a preferred design concept for the renovation of the historic Boat House at Sloan’s Lake Park, marking a key milestone in the project’s public planning process.

Renderings Provided by Parks and Recreation | City and County of Denver

Originally constructed in 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Boat House currently serves as a base for park operations, adaptive recreation storage, park rangers, and public restrooms. Under the proposed plan, the building would be repurposed into a flexible community and event space while continuing to support core Parks and Recreation functions.

According to materials presented at a public open house on January 29, the preferred design would convert approximately 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of interior space into a reservable community room designed to host public programs, meetings, and permitted private events. Exterior-access public restrooms and dedicated office space for DPR staff and rangers would remain part of the building.

Renderings Provided by Parks and Recreation | City and County of Denver

The concept also introduces new outdoor amenities, including an event patio intended to function as overflow space for indoor gatherings, a separate concessions patio with café seating overlooking the lake, and a dedicated food truck pad with utility hookups. When not reserved for events, these outdoor areas would remain open for general public use.

Beverage service is proposed through the building’s existing concession window, with plans focused on drinks and light snacks rather than full food preparation. The surrounding multi-use trail would remain in its current alignment, with speed-calming improvements planned near the building to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project carries an estimated $7 million budget and is funded through a combination of city bond funding and Denver Parks and Recreation capital resources. Design work is expected to continue through 2025, with construction currently anticipated to begin in early 2027 and wrap up in early 2028, pending final approvals.

Renderings Provided by Parks and Recreation | City and County of Denver

While the preferred design represents DPR’s recommended direction, officials emphasized that the concept remains subject to refinement as the project advances. Community feedback gathered through public meetings and outreach will continue to inform the final design before construction begins.

Once completed, the renovated Boat House is intended to serve as a year-round community asset, expanding public access and programming opportunities at one of Denver’s most heavily used parks while preserving the building’s historic character.

All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.

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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.