Last week the City and County of Denver announced the opening of the new 39th Avenue Greenway from Franklin to Steele streets in northeast Denver. The project is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and Denver Parks and Recreation. The project began as a stormwater improvement project, built to mitigate recurrent flooding issues in this area of town. But the result also fulfills community desires for new outdoor recreational space, water quality and improved connections for traveling.

In a press release from the City of Denver, Mayor Michael B. Hancock said this is a neighborhood-informed green space that will be a phenomenal amenity for the residents in the neighborhood. More than that, what the DOTI project team and community have put together here is a great example of using the latest techniques and best practices for capturing and controlling stormwater in a way that provides multiple community, environmental, and public health benefits.

As we endure continued social distancing guidelines, the greenway offers a new place for adjacent residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round, featuring:

·       12 acres of new recreational open space

·       1.6-mile biking/walking trail from Blake Street to Jackson Street

·       Two new nature play areas

·       Two new pedestrian bridges (at High and Gilpin Streets)

·       A new vehicular bridge across the greenway at Williams Street with dedicated space for bikes

·       New community garden

·       Multiple shade structures

·       Plaza/specialty seating areas

·       Denver's first official shared street for walking, biking, and low-speed travel by car.

·       Specialty lighting to enhance safety and night use

In addition to this great new space, Denver’s Cole and Clayton neighborhoods have a lot to offer. If you’re ready to become a homeowner in either of these areas, give Metrowest a shout – we’d love to show you around!