Improving environmental quality and climate
resilience through a network of green infrastructure.
The West planning area includes the Barnum & Barnum West, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, and West Colfax neighborhoods.
The bulk of the process includes a thorough community engagement element which will help guide the direction of the plan, establish focus areas and focus topics, and initiate transformative projects.
The resulting plan will outline tangible steps of action to make west Denver safer, more enjoyable, and more livable for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Working with the City & County of Denver and a team of consultants, Dig Studio is crafting a vision for robust parks, recreation, open space and green infrastructure improvements in six west side neighborhoods. The planning area includes many wide arterial roadways and natural features such as the South Platte River and several gulches with existing trail systems. Once neglected and ignored waterways, these natural areas are being restored through stormwater enhancements and environmental remediation efforts.
A network of “Green Streets” is proposed to compliment the existing natural features and create a system of safe and comfortable connections between parks and open spaces and other community centers. These reimagined streets may include a menu of design elements including improved tree canopy, rain garden bulbouts at intersections, on-street stormwater management and adapted planting strategies. These green infrastructure elements are planned in conjunction with pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements to minimize vehicular traffic speeds and provide alternatives for neighborhood residents to access their unique parks and open spaces. Additional green infrastructure features are planned for existing parks, along with increased open space in areas of need and particularly along the South Platte River.
