Westerly Creek

Westerly Creek emerged from below the former Stapleton Airport to restore historic water flows through the Central Park community. Designed to perform as an urban stormwater conveyance system, yet appear like a natural high-plains ecosystem, Westerly Creek Park seamlessly blends form and function into a 75-acre urban greenway.

A creek-side greenway is braided through the riparian corridor, connecting to a larger regional trail network. The restored creek serves as a natural water filtration system, cleansing storm water runoff, and since the channel was set 25 feet below the adjacent urban grade, it also manages flood control during major storm events.

The greatest gift from the restored corridor was through creating a healthy natural habitat for wildlife, a whole host of aquatic, avian and terrestrial wildlife have returned to call the corridor home. The variety and abundance of wildlife found within the park far exceeded expectations, and at a surprisingly rapid rate.

With more than 4.5 miles of continuous off-street trails, two signature bridges, public art, and several contemplative overlooks, the greenway is a tremendous open space and recreational amenity for the surrounding Central Park community. This landscape presents an opportunity for learning about urban prairie/ stream restoration. It also demonstrates the power of public / private partnerships in creating the highest value in combined stormwater / recreational infrastructure.