The Green at 38th, the proposal for an outdoor gathering space outside Stevens Elementary School on 38th Avenue near Upham Street, will carry on a centuries-long tradition of community togetherness in Wheat Ridge.
Stevens Elementary is on the oldest continuous education site in Colorado, and since the 1800s, the land just outside the school has been a place where Wheat Ridge could come for performances and events.
After pandemic-related delays, The Green at 38th aims to create a modern gathering space in the community. Parks & Recreation expects the park’s construction contract to be approved by the City in March, and for construction to begin on June 3. Pre-construction has begun on the site so that the team can hit the ground running this summer and wrap up parking lot construction on Aug. 1, before Stevens students return in the fall.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs recently designated $850,000 from the Energy and Mineral Impact Fund to support the project’s design and construction.
The project team engaged community stakeholders like Stevens students and parents, local business owners and residents, and gathered 179 online survey responses on WhatsUpWheatRidge.com. Based on this feedback, Architerra has proposed park amenities like a modern pavilion, a vertical play area, a game grove and a stage for events.
“I think the green at 38th is going to be a uniquely beautiful, versatile space,” said Karen O’ Donnell, director of Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation. “It’s a place where the community can gather to celebrate, create connections, enjoy this gorgeous outdoor area, improve quality of life and totally have fun.”
