On April 7, the construction fence at Cheyenne-Arapaho Park (officially named Tsistsistas-Hinono'ei Park) came down and many new amenities opened to the public, including a new community garden in partnership with Denver Urban Gardens, new playground with custom-built cottonwood play tower, group picnic shelters, walking paths, and more. A new off-leash dog area will open in early May to give the grass more time to take root.
A grand re-opening celebration will be held at the park (9200 East Iowa Avenue, half-mile north of Parker Road) on Wednesday, May 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come out for free food, children’s activities and FUN!
Building on the success of the park’s east side, which opened in 1995, the design of the western park expansion was inspired by Native American values and honors the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples’ connection to nature. Native American-inspired design features include:
- New playground with storytelling ring, horse springer, and bison climber
- Custom-designed cottonwood climbing tower and play hut
- Native vegetation and natural landscaping throughout the park to bring a peaceful, harmonious feel and reflect natural elements of Colorado’s eastern plains
- Community garden fencing with custom steel panels highlighting Native American symbols for nature
- Red gravel paths and existing ceremonial ring symbolizing traditional Tribal gatherings
- Metal sculpture on east side of park, created by Northern Cheyenne sculptor Bently Spang for 1995 opening
The park expansion project aligns with Open Spaces’ 2021 master plan objectives, in particular, improving access to nature and outdoor recreation in urban areas of the County.
The one-year, $2.7 million project was made possible by the Arapahoe County Open Space Sales & Use Tax. Stop by and see your tax dollars hard at work! Find more information on the Cheyenne-Arapaho Park Expansion Project.