Central Park Denver offers one of the most extensive park and recreation systems of any neighborhood in the city. With more than 60 parks, miles of trails, community pools, and nearby wildlife areas, residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities throughout the year. The Central Park (formerly Stapleton) community was intentionally designed to integrate parks, open space, and recreation areas into everyday neighborhood life.
"Stapleton will demonstrate the most successful integration of urban activity with wildlife and the natural environment in Colorado... Stapleton will provide approximately 1,680 acres of open space, much of it restored native grasslands, stream corridors and animal habitat." - Stapleton Development Plan (aka The Green Book)
A key part of the development of the Central Park community, originally called "Stapleton," as envisioned by "the Green Book" was the decision to retain more than a third of the Community's total property (about 1,700 acres out of 5,100 acres) for parks, recreation, and open space.
As development continues in Central Park, trails, parks, and open space have evolved to enhance the unique nature of this urban community. Below you will find information on some of the larger parks and recreation areas within Central Park - there are hundreds of additional small "pocket parks" and courtyards within the community.
Central Park
The 80-acre Central Park is one of the premier urban parks in the United States, and the third largest park in Denver. In addition to plenty of open space and athletic fields, the park features a children's playground with climbing rocks, a purpose-built sledding hill, fountains, and a one acre lake perfect for model boat sailing.
Located in the middle of the community for which it is named, Central Park runs west to east from the former Stapleton International Airport control tower to the Central Park Recreation Center.
Central Park Recreation Center
Located at 9651 E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Denver CO 80238, the Central Park Rec Center is one of the largest facilities in the Denver Parks and Recreation system. The Center features weight and cardio rooms, full gymnasium, spin studio, indoor lap and leisure pool, group fitness studio, lounge, and multi-purpose rooms which are available to rent.
For more information about the Central Park Rec Center, download an information sheet or view current activities and programming offered through the Denver Parks and Recreation Department.
Central Park Community Pools
The Master Community Association operates seven public pools throughout Central Park. These pools are designated as public swimming pools for the surrounding community and neighborhoods.
Usually open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, each pool incorporates a unique schedule and menu of programs suitable for its design.
For more information on the Central Park pools, swim teams, and swim lessons, visit the MCA Aquatics website.
Trails & Greenways
Central Park's 25+ miles of trails and paths connect the community from one end to the other as well as linking with Denver's extensive regional trail system.
Hop on a trail or bike path and you're on your way to the Bluff Lake Nature Center, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway.
Neighborhood "Pocket" Parks
In the Central Park community you are never more than a few blocks from one of the 60+ parks ranging from the large Central Park itself to dozens of smaller neighborhood pocket parks.
Featuring amenities from grass fields and playgrounds to skate parks and community gathering areas, the Central Park park system was designed to encourage neighborhood connection and outdoor activity.
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Denver's only nonprofit nature center, Bluff Lake occupies 123 acres adjacent to Sand Creek on the eastern edge of the Central Park development.
Learn more about visiting the Bluff Lake Nature Center.
Sand Creek Regional Greenway
Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a nearly 14-mile public trail system connecting the High Line Canal in Aurora to the South Platte River Greenway in Commerce City.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the north edge of Central Park, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 15,000 acres and is home to bison, deer, bald eagles, and hundreds of other species.
Operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the refuge provides environmental education programs, hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and an 11-mile Wildlife Drive.
Looking to move to the neighborhood? Browse the latest Central Park Denver homes for sale.