Denver now has a new park after the City Council unanimously approved a land swap deal that will transform the former Park Hill Golf Course into the city’s fourth-largest park.

Under the terms of the agreement with the city, the current owner, developer Andy Klein of Westside Investments, will exchange the 155-acre Park Hill parcel at 4141 E. 35th Ave. for a 145-acre parcel situated at Valley Head Street and Hayesmount Road, between East 56th and 64th avenues, near DIA.

Approval of the deal marks the city’s largest-ever, single acquisition of private property for an urban park.

“This is more than a land deal. It is recognition that the city must invest not only in creating an incredible park, but also in the residents who have made the neighborhood home for generations,” District 8 Councilmember Shontel M. Lewis said. “As we move forward, my office will ensure that community voices are at the heart of the visioning process — so that Park Hill can grow and thrive without leaving anyone behind.”

City officials said appraisals value the Park Hill site at $12.76 million and the 56th Avenue parcel at $12.75 million.

The city will pay for the park using 2A voter-approved dollars from the Denver Parks Legacy Fund.

Denver Parks and Recreation Executive Director Jolon Clark said no projects scheduled to be supported by the Legacy Fund would be deferred because of the land swap agreement.

The park is slated to open to the public on a limited basis this summer after crews have had a chance to address any safety issues and prepare it for passive use, such as walking trails and picnic tables, in the short term.

Clark said the city has already started reaching out to the community, inviting the public to help shape the park’s future.

Westside Investment Partners purchased the property in 2019 for approximately $24 million, with the hope of convincing the city to lift a conservation easement placed on the property that would enable plans for a major mixed-use development project.

A community meeting and council hearing concerning the site’s rezoning will be held in June.