Serving Residents of Lower Downtown & The Central Platte Valley

LODO CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND

The Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Greenway Foundation have spearheaded the effort to have a children's playground built in our neighborhood. Since its opening, hardly a day has gone by without the Playground being enjoyed by children and their parents and grandparents. The Playground, located on city owned property at the end of Wynkoop Street between Speer Boulevard and Cherry Creek opened in July 2007 with the enthusiastic support of Denver Parks and Recreation, Mayor Hickenlooper, Councilwoman Montero and the Downtown Denver Partnership.

In June, 2006, we were excited and very pleased to be the recipient of a $200,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). With that grant, and major support from the City and County of Denver, the Greenway Foundation, the Opus Foundation and the LoDO community, we had raised in excess of $500,000 and were ready to begin construction. A ground breaking ceremony was held in December, 2006 and although the start of construction was delayed by Denver's severe winter, the Playground opened to the public in July, 2007.

Phase I construction was fully funded and has been built. It consists of all of the playground equipment, stained concrete and rubberized surfacing, retaining walls and railings, landscaping, some furniture and a sand play area. Phase II amenities will be added as soon as funding is in place. Included will be a raised sand play area with shade canopy, creek overlook shade structure and seating, and water feature. Some phase II amenities, including a shade structure, picnic tables and benches were added in July, 2008 and bike racks will be added shortly.

We greatly appreciate support in excess of $100,000 from 150 local businesses, organizations and LoDo residents. Thanks to all of you who have helped to make this happen. If you have not made a contribution as yet or would like to make an additional contribution that would be of great help as phase II will require significant additional funding. Checks should be made payable to the Greenway Foundation/Playground Fund and mailed to Downtown Children's Playground Coalition, P. O. Box 695, Denver, CO 80201-0695. Contributions are tax deductible and those of $250 or more qualify for a 25% state income tax credit.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Paul or Carol Ann Rothman at 303-298-0180 or parothman@yahoo.com/crothman@mac.com.