Development News for Golden, Colorado

Lions Park Playground Project to Feature Integrated Art and Nature Play

The Art and Culture Commission reviewed a proposal for the Lions Park Playground Project, which includes integrating art into the design. The project aims to replace the aging playground with a nature-play focused space, incorporating native gardens and accessible pathways. The commission discussed potential art components, funding, and the process for selecting an artist, with a focus on early integration into the design phase. The project budget is $2 million, with $20,000 allocated for art. Community engagement has been ongoing for over a year, with concept three emerging as the clear favorite. This concept involves relocating the playground and converting the current site into an outdoor classroom and native garden. Staff expressed a desire for art to be interactive and educational, potentially including elements within the garden or playground structures. The commission is exploring options for funding and artist selection, considering a revised process that differs from traditional methods due to the project's timeline. Several other park improvements are also planned, including irrigation upgrades, drainage improvements, and relocated pavilions. The project aims for completion before the peak summer season next year.