New Paco Sanchez Park Makeover Unveiled In Denver

DENVER, CO – Brand new playground equipment that allowed kids to hang upside down, climb ropes and scale a 30-foot tower was unveiled at Paco Sanchez Park Monday. Mayor Michael Hancock, politicians and parks staffers staged a ribbon cutting, to celebrate the playground and park makeover as one of the first 2017 bond projects approved by voters in November. But kids just wanted to play.

As part of a new "Elevate Denver" brand, a logo also was revealed at the 30-acre park just west of Federal Boulevard and south of Colfax Avenue. The park is named in honor of Colorado State Legislator, television personality and Spanish radio station owner, Francisco "Paco" Sanchez.

“These improvements here at Paco Sanchez Park will play a transformative role in how our kids and families in these neighborhoods connect with the outdoors and recreational activities here in Denver,” Mayor Hancock said in a statement. “When it’s complete, you won’t find another park in Denver or in the country that will compare to Paco Sanchez Park!”

According to the Denver Parks & Recreation System, communities surrounding Paco Sanchez Park are "historically underserved in access to parkland and recreation amenities, with some of the lowest household incomes and highest obesity rates in the city."

“This state-of-the art project goes beyond just play,” said Happy Haynes, executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “Re-Imagine Play focuses on multi-generational activities and programming, with a goal of inspiring children and families to engage in physical health through active fun for a lifetime.”

The park is close to public transit, trails and the library.

According to organizers, the new Re-Imagine Play equipment features large custom climbing structures and play equipment that reflects Paco Sanchez’s musical background. The focal point is the "Mic Tower," a large climbing structure that resembles a vintage microphone and stands nearly 30’ tall, the city said in a press release.

Phase II of Re-Imagine Play, slated for the end of 2019, will include a plaza and activity kiosk that will serve as a mini recreation center that will encourage festivals and food trucks, the city said.

See Sanchez Park Phase II renderings here:

• Community plaza
• Performance stage & music bowl
• Recreation area & activity kiosk

Phase II is one of the first Elevate Denver Bond projects that voters overwhelmingly approved in November 2017, the city said.

"From more bike lanes and improved roads and bridges to park enhancements and major construction of cultural facilities and Denver Health, the list of initial Elevate Denver projects, amounting to $193 million, delivers on high priority projects that are ready to move forward," the city said.

Image via YouTube.