Denver Parks & Recreation | April 2026 | |
Walk, Roll, and Fly to a Park?
Denver Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the Civic Center Zipline, a thrilling, two-way aerial transit experience designed to shuttle people between the State Capitol and the City & County Building.
While a proposed bridge in the same vicinity did not garner much community support, a recent survey showed 90% support for a zipline; second place was an underground tunnel concept modeled after Denver International Airport.
"My number one priority when I was appointed DPR Executive Director was to rethink how Denver moves — and if that includes flying five feet above ground for 23 seconds, so be it,” said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark. “We are considering updating our equity maps to include ‘flying’ in the 10-minute walk or roll to a park. It’s transformative planning.”
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No Tricks Here... Just Progress
Our 2025 Game Plan Annual Report is live, highlighting the work happening across our park system.
From planting more than 4,500 trees and saving millions of gallons of water to serving 25,000+ youth in recreation programs, to connecting residents with local art, we’re continuing to bring our long-term ‘Game Plan for a Healthy City’ to life.
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Paid Summer Conservation Jobs
Focused Indigenous Restoration Environmental Stewardship (FIRES) allows young adults to gain hands-on experience in wildfire mitigation, forest restoration, and environmental stewardship while earning a stipend.
Crew members train alongside experienced Tribal members and conservation professionals while improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk.
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Events in Commons Park
DPR is bringing expanded outdoor experiences to Commons Park this summer through a pilot program that will allow a limited number of permits for ticketed events in the park.
This isn’t just about events or concerts...it’s a way to activate our downtown parks and bring people together to experience culture and community.
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Downtown Annual Report
The parks in downtown Denver had a banner year in 2025, securing $35M in funding from the Denver Downtown Development Authority, pushing forward over $100M in planning, design and construction work in parks downtown to be delivered over the next two years. Learn more about how we're creating vibrant outdoor spaces throughout the city's urban core at denvergov.org/TheOutdoorDowntown.
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Plant Sale
May 8 & May 9 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
City Park Greenhouse
We're partnering with Denver Urban Gardens to bring you a BIGGER than ever before Spring Plant Sale.100% of sales support food sovereignty in Metro Denver.
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Red Rocks Fun
The concert season is starting up at Red Rocks in April, but it’s more than just a concert venue. Sign up for ranger-led programs at Red Rocks throughout the season and connect with rangers to learn about local wildlife and park history.
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Get a Tree
Apply online and get a FREE tree. The city will check if you qualify, pick the right species, and handle the planting. Applications are open year-round, but apply now to get on the list for spring planting!
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Get Rid of a Tree
Ash Removal & Replacement Applications are accepted year round. The Ash Removal & Replacement Program will operate on the east side of Denver in 2025 and the west side of Denver in 2026
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Free Admission
Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave on April 1st, and enjoy free admission! This will be the FINAL Free First Wednesday of the season; they will pick back up again in November. For groups of 10 or more please make a reservation.
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Sketching in the Exhibit Galleries
Apr 25 | 9–10:30 AM
Get creative with a guided sketching class inspired by our historic prints and posters! Includes an art instructor, museum tour, supplies, and admission. No experience needed. Register here.
Sketching on the Observation Deck
May 9 | 9–10:30 AM
Join an art instructor for a guided class inspired by historic photos of Lookout Mountain, plus a tour of our collections. Supplies and admission included. No experience needed. Register here.
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2026 Spring Activities
The Spring Activity Guide highlights programs across arts & culture, aquatics, sports, fitness, outdoor recreation, and more...with something for every age and stage.
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Spotlight: Barnum Recreation Center
Coffee & Painting - No previous painting experience needed. Enjoy painting, snacks, coffee, and good conversation. All snacks & supplies included.
Apr 23 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
May 14 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Mini Picasso - Kids explore with their hands and imaginations while developing fine motor skills and learning the basics. Adult participation is required in this class.
Apr 30 to May 28 | 10:15 - 11:00 AM
Tots in Motion - Youth learn songs, games, dance, music, and fingerplay activities. Adult participation is required.
Apr 30 to May 28 | 11:00 - 11:45 AM | $19
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Ranger Programming
🐦 Ranger Ramble: Walk a Denver park with a ranger and learn about Colorado birds.
May 03 | @ Bear Creek (18 Openings)
🦫 Colorado Critters: Learn all about prairie dogs and beavers on a fun park stroll.
Apr 13 | @ Hentzell Park (13 Openings)
May 12 | @ Hentzell Park (13 Openings)
🎣 Fishing is Fun! Adults must attend with kids; ages 16+ need a fishing license.
Apr 04 | @ Garfield Lake (8 Openings)
May 30 | @ Huston Lake (1 Openings)
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