On September 6, our community came together to celebrate something truly special, the grand opening of The Green at 38th. From the morning ribbon cutting to the evening festivities, the day was filled with music, laughter, and connection. It was a proud moment for Wheat Ridge, and one that will be remembered for years to come.
The idea for a public gathering space along 38th Avenue has deep roots. As far back as 2005, the city’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy called for the creation of a true “main street”, a place that would give Wheat Ridge a defined center for community life. Planning documents in 2011 identified the open space in front of Stevens Elementary, long used for festivals and events, as a natural home for such a project.
Then in 2017, Wheat Ridge endured a devastating hailstorm. While the damage to homes and businesses was significant, the recovery created an unexpected opportunity. As repair work drove a surge in building permit revenue, city council made the decision to set aside a portion of those funds to build a permanent community park on 38th Avenue. It was a way to transform a difficult moment into something lasting and positive for the city.
In 2018, we hired the Architerra Group to help shape a design through robust community engagement. Residents, businesses, and Stevens Elementary parents all had a voice in the process, helping to refine a concept that improved safety for the school while creating a welcoming and flexible civic space.
Construction, managed by ECI Site Construction Management, began in 2024. The first phase rebuilt the Stevens Elementary parking lot, and the second brought the park itself to life with a stage and outdoor classroom, a festival promenade, playground, fire pit, public art, and beautifully landscaped open space.
This project was made possible by the city’s Open Space Fund, supported by Jefferson County Open Space sales tax and impact fees from new development, as well as generous grants from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Great Outdoors Colorado, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Forest Service, the Gates Family Foundation, and Waste Management.
As I reflect on the grand opening, I am struck by the sense of community that carried this project from vision to reality. For nearly two decades, residents have expressed the desire for a central place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy. Today, that vision is finally a reality.
I encourage everyone in Wheat Ridge to make The Green at 38th part of your daily life, whether it’s attending a festival, catching a concert, or simply enjoying a quiet evening on the lawn. This park belongs to all of us, and it stands as a symbol of what we can accomplish together.
City Staff Highlight
Highlighting the Amazing Members of the City of Wheat Ridge Staff
Name: Rhiannon Curry
Explain your job: I am the executive assistant to the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Mayor and Council, and the City Clerk’s office. I support these executives and elected officials with things such as travel, budget, bill paying, training, city council agenda packet preparation, and any other needs they may have.
How long have you worked for the city? January of 2026 will be 3 years.
Favorite pastime: I love to cook and entertain friends and family. I love exploring the mountains, hiking, and just being outdoors whenever possible.
Favorite sandwich: I am not a big sandwich eater. I do love to cook, however. Some of my favorite meals are my homemade spaghetti sauce (gravy), Fettuccine Carbonara, and Red Beans and Rice.
Favorite heroes: Wonder Woman has always been my favorite strong woman superhero, and probably one of the reasons I love my big chunky bracelets.
If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?: This would be very hard to choose as there are so many influential people to choose from. I would probably go with first responders and survivors of 9-11. I think it’s important to continue to talk about that day, the tragedy of it, the adversity of those that sacrificed themselves to save others, and the way it brought Americans together. With the divisive state of the county right now, I think we need to remember we are all human, and when we work together we can accomplish great things.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you want to have with you?: Fleetwood Mac, Rumors; Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory; Pink, Trustfall
