Westerly Creek Park

Westerly Creek Park is a 75-acre urban greenway located in Denver, Colorado. The park was developed as part of the Stapleton redevelopment project, transforming a portion of the former Stapleton International Airport into a public recreation space. Completed in 2004, the park serves as both a stormwater management facility and a natural open space.

The park features a restored Westerly Creek, which was previously buried beneath the airport runway. The creek restoration project involved daylighting the stream and creating a more natural channel to improve flood control and water quality. The park's design incorporates bioengineering techniques to stabilize the stream banks and promote the growth of native vegetation.

Westerly Creek Park offers over 3 miles of ADA-accessible walking trails and 1.3 miles of compacted soil trails for jogging and horseback riding. The park connects to Denver's regional trail network, providing opportunities for extended recreational activities.

The landscape of the park includes a mix of wetlands, riparian areas, and upland prairies. The plant palette consists of 85% native and naturalized species, chosen for their aesthetic appeal, habitat value, and drought tolerance. This diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including small fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

Throughout the park, visitors can find several contemplative overlooks, public art installations, and two signature bridges. These features enhance the park's visual appeal and provide opportunities for passive recreation and nature observation.

Westerly Creek Park serves as an important community asset, offering both recreational opportunities and environmental benefits. It demonstrates how urban waterways can be restored to create valuable public spaces that integrate flood control, habitat restoration, and community recreation.