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, which was completed in 2007,consists of all the playground equipment, stained concrete and rubberized surfacing, retaining walls and railings, landscaping, furniture and a sand play area. Phase II amenities were added in the summer of 2008. Included were bike racks and a shade structure with picnic tables and benches. Phase III's interactive water play element, planned for 2011, will complete construction (see sketch below). It will be located between the existing shade structure and the sand box. It will add an element of beauty to the Playground and an opportunity for hours of creative play.

We greatly appreciate support in excess of $200,000 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 III 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.