Park Hill Park Founders Circle

The campaign will launch the Park Hill Park Founders Circle to secure the first private investment at a pivotal early stage—when philanthropic leadership can materially influence momentum, quality, and timing. With $70 million approved through the Vibrant Denver Bond and Phase 1 design and construction estimated at $95–$125 million, early private funding can help close a near-term gap and keep progress moving as the city balances other urgent priorities.

The campaign will raise $1,000,000 from a small group of civic and philanthropic leaders giving $100,000 or more, with funds directed to Phase 1 construction. This early capital is designed to strengthen the city’s ability to deliver a high-quality park and to help leverage additional resources as design advances.

As the park design is completed, additional opportunities will open to support specific elements such as sport courts, field houses, a cultural center, and playgrounds. Founders Circle donors will receive recognition through temporary signage and acknowledgments at public moments, with further options available once the park is fully designed. Donor leadership now will help move Park Hill Park from voter-approved funding to a fully realized Phase 1.

This campaign matters now because Park Hill Park is at a pivotal early stage where private leadership can materially influence momentum, quality, and timing. While Denver voters approved $70 million through the Vibrant Denver Bond, Phase 1 of design and construction is estimated at $95–$125 million—creating a near-term gap that philanthropic investment can help close.

Waiting increases the risk that the project’s early progress slows or that the park’s first phase is constrained by limited resources as the city balances other urgent priorities such as housing, infrastructure, and public safety. A strong start from the Founders Circle is positioned to demonstrate civic commitment and help unlock additional funding to advance timely development.

If the campaign succeeds, Denver will be positioned to create its fourth-largest park—an enduring public asset designed and built through a powerful public-private partnership. The Founders Circle is intended to make the first private investment in Park Hill Park, helping move the project from voter-approved funding toward a fully realized Phase 1.

This early philanthropic investment is designed to leverage additional funds and strengthen the city’s ability to deliver a high-quality park. As the park design is completed, additional opportunities will open to support specific elements such as sport courts, field houses, a cultural center, playgrounds, and other features.

The campaign will raise $1,000,000 in private funding from a small group of civic and philanthropic leaders giving $100,000 or more, with funds directed to support construction of Phase 1 of Park Hill Park. This investment is intended to help close the gap between the $70 million bond allocation and the estimated $95–$125 million needed for the first phase of design and construction, while also helping leverage additional resources and advance timely development.

Progress will be tracked through campaign fundraising results (dollars raised toward the $1,000,000 goal and number of Founders Circle commitments) and reported through the Denver Park Trust’s donor communications. As Denver Parks and Recreation proceeds with the 2026 bidding process to hire a design firm and advances the 24–30 month design process, the Trust will share project milestones and updates tied to design and phased construction timelines.

Partnership through the Founders Circle is designed for major donors who can make the first private investment in Park Hill Park. Founders Circle members contribute $100,000 or more, joining a small group of Denver’s civic and philanthropic leaders working alongside the city to advance Phase 1.

Recognition for Founders Circle members can include temporary signage in the park and verbal thanks (when appropriate) during community events, presentations, and press conferences. After the park is fully designed, additional recognition opportunities will be available through permanent features, and the Denver Park Trust will also offer opportunities to fund specific park elements. Donors are invited to connect with Denver Park Trust staff to discuss recognition requests and shape an ongoing partnership as the project moves through design and phased construction.