Denver Parks & Recreation | October 9, 2025

As the temperature drops and the leaves change, we find ourselves pondering the -- Oh who are we kidding! You probably already heard the news that Denver finally owns Park Hill Golf Course! 🎉 We have plenty of Park Hill updates coming your way but don't miss out on the incredible news from our department.

Park Hill Opening to the Public 🎀

Celebrate with Mayor Mike Johnston, Councilwoman Lewis, and Councilman Watson as we officially open Park Hill Park to the community. You can take guided tours and enjoy family-friendly activities including touch-a-truck, scavenger hunts, and wildlife education. Share your input on future park design options. All are welcome!

When: Tues, Oct 28 | 3:30 - 6:00 PM

Where: Park Hill Park, 4141 E 35th Ave

Volunteer for the Opening 🌳

Help with tree mulching in the park on Friday, October 17 at 8:00 AM. Register ASAP, space is limited.

Take the Latest Survey ✅

Check out the design online and let us know what you think.

Closes October 23, 2025.

Take Survey #3

Wall Fest a Success 🎨

Thanks for joining the first annual Cherry Creek Trail Wall Art Fest! Talented local artists transformed the trail with vibrant new murals, adding fresh color and creativity to one of our city’s most popular pathways. Check it out!

Honoring Veterans❤️🤍💙

On September 17, our forestry staff joined the 11th Annual Day of Service at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Our team was part of 450 volunteers at Fort Logan, the largest of 100 sites nationwide. Together, we provided over $600,000 in free tree services including planting, pruning, removals, and plant health care to honor our veteran community. Thank you to all who participated in this meaningful day.

Learn More

Let's Compost, Denver! 🍂

Denver’s LeafDrop Program is running from now through November 21. Residents can drop off their leaves to have them turned into compost, rather than ending up in landfill. Learn more about Denver’s LeafDrop Program.

Download a Coupon

Archaeology Day 🔍

Come learn all about archaeology at the International Archaeology Day event at Red Rocks! This event is free and includes demonstrations, lectures, activities, and food trucks.

W: Sat, Oct 18 | 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM

W: Red Rocks Lower South Lot 2

Bison Pies 💩

Need some natural fertilizer before you put your garden to bed for the winter? Come pick up bison pies at Daniels Park on Sunday, October 12!

Learn More

Mountain Parks Halloween Tour

Discover the hidden history of Denver Mountain Parks on a Halloween tour of three historic sites. Visit Buffalo Bill’s grave, hear tales of educator Katherine Craig at Rockland Cemetery, and uncover a family tragedy at the Patrick House, one of the oldest territorial structures in the state. This program is best for curious minds ages 12 and up. Transportation provided from Washington Park Recreation Center or Martin Luther King Jr Recreation Center. Sign up for the tour through the Activity Guide.

A Red Rocks Story 🦝

Join our park rangers for a special launch! Discover the first children's book dedicated to the history of Red Rocks! Written and illustrated by Colorado locals, this book brings the iconic venue's story to life while exploring the natural wonders that surround it.

W: Sun, Oct 19 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

W: 17900 Trading Post Rd, Morrison

2025 Starburst Winners 🏆

The Resiliency Youth Program is paid for by the Colorado Lottery and they just received an award. Learn more about the youth that worked on the Shoreline Habitat Restoration project at City Park's Duck Lake.

Watch the Video

What is Landscape Transformation? 🌾

We are transforming approximately 9.5-acres of non-functional turf to Colorado native grasses at City of Karmiel & City of Takayama Parks. The goal is to use resources wisely and increase biodiversity in our urban environment. Learn more at denvergov.org/nature.

//TLDR

Did you know? Kentucky bluegrass isn't actually from Kentucky! It came from Europe and North Asia. It's commonly used for lawns in Colorado and across the country. It is an aggressive competitor to our "Colorado grown" species.

Mark Your Calendars 📅

Winter registration for recreation’s winter activities opens on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at noon.

November Sale is Back! 🫰

Denver Parks and Recreation's annual membership sale will take place November 1 - 30, 2025, with all individual annual memberships discounted 35 percent.

November Membership Sale Details:

Memberships can be purchased online or in-person at any Denver Recreation Center

Promotional discount only applies to individual annual memberships at all three tiers (Regional, Local, Neighborhood).

Spooky Season is HERE 🦇

We have multiple Trunk or Treats, Halloween Luncheons, Spooktacular pool parties and more! Check out the events section below! 👇

Denver Park Lover ⭐

Pop quiz! Which Denver park is HAUNTED? 👻 Submit your vision for a chance to win a swag bag!

a. Sloan's Lake Park

b. Globeville Landing Park

c. Cheesman Park

d. Observatory Park

Win a DPR Swag Bag!

Be a Park Steward 🙌

We have volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Check our calendar to learn more about current openings and upcoming events. Registration is required.

Oct 09 | River restoration - Cottonwood planting @ Lakewood/Dry Gulch 🌱

Oct 15 | River restoration - Invasive tree removals @ Rude 🌳

Oct 16 | River restoration - Invasive tree removals @ Rude 🌳

Oct 17 | Native Plant Seed Collection @ DEN Open Space 🌾

Oct 17 | Park Hill Park Tree Mulching @ Park Hill Park 🌳

Oct 22 | Native Plant Seed Collection @ Parkfield Lake 🌾

Oct 23 | Bear Valley Park Restoration @ Bear Valley 💚

Oct 24 | Native Trail and Garden Restoration @ Hutchinson East 🌾

Oct 25 | Shoreline Restoration @ Wash Park 💧

Oct 28 | Sanderson Perennial Seed Collection @ Sanderson Gulch 🌿