Article Contributed on: 7/2/2009 3:45:35 PM
One of southwest Denver's most iconic parks is nearing completion of a significant face-lift.
City officials are set to cut the ceremonial ribbon on the newly remodeled Bear Creek Park Discovery Playground near West Hampden Avenue and South Sheridan Boulevard. The park is affectionately known by locals, however, as Sombrero Park or Hat Park -- a moniker derived from the longstanding slide structure shaped like a hat.
The slide -- originally constructed in the early '70s -- was completely restored, sandblasted and repainted, said Jeru Parikh, senior landscape architect with Denver Parks & Recreation. The renovation, which comes with a $705,000 price tag, also included the addition of a couple of blue jean-clad knees and a cowboy boot to give the appearance of a giant sleeping man immersed in playground sand.
In addition to the hat slide renovation, construction crews also added three play sculptures, a climbing wall and a water-play structure, she said. But the hat remains the jewel of the playground, Parikh said.
"I think it's a good transformation and it's a good place for families and kids and people of all ages to go and enjoy the amenities," she said. "But I still think the hat is pretty special."
Renovation of the playground at Bear Creek Park began in November of last year and construction crews were still busy putting the final touches on the upgrades July 2.
The lead designer on the project was Lafayette-based Design Concepts. Harvey Park residents and students from Sabin Elementary School also provided input and feedback on the Western-themed design.
One of those concepts includes "The Dig," which was inspired by the fossils found on the site. The sand play pit allows kids to dig for objects hidden in the sand, such as fossils, old cowboy boots or gold nuggets.
The ribbon cutting is slated for 1 p.m. July 7. The park is located at the intersection of Raleigh Street and U.S. 285.