National Park Service Awards $8.4 million to La Alma-Lincoln Park

National Park Service Awards $8.4 million to La Alma-Lincoln Park

Published on October 03, 2024

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) and Trust for Public Land (TPL) celebrate the announcement of the National Park Service's $8.4 million investment in La Alma-Lincoln Park through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.

Through the ORLP program, the National Park Service (NPS) awarded $254.68 million to 54 communities to invest in locally led park projects across 24 states. This is the largest-ever investment in the Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program.

In 2013, TPL worked with DPR to install an outdoor fitness zone at La Alma-Lincoln Park. In December 2023, TPL launched a technical assistance program to support eligible applicants in their pursuit of ORLP grants. TPL is proud to support the City of Denver's continued investments in La Alma-Lincoln Park.

DPR will use the grant to improve La Alma-Lincoln Park with new features including an exercise and cultural story loop, skate park and playground expansion, roller skate loop and rhythm skate plaza, picnic grove, tree canopy improvements and pollinator garden, safety improvements including lighting, and circulation, restored amphitheater and new plaza, relocation and replacement of existing tennis and basketball courts, replacement of softball field turf, new shade structure, and new fencing.

"This is truly exciting news for the La Alma-Lincoln Park community. The vision plan, developed through extensive neighborhood engagement, will revitalize this historic park as a vibrant gathering place that honors its rich cultural heritage while providing new amenities for residents of all ages. With this funding, we can begin bringing the community's vision to life - creating an inclusive space that celebrates the soul of the neighborhood and provides opportunities for recreation, connection, and pride for generations to come," said Gordon Robertson, Director, Park Planning, Design, and Construction Denver Parks and Recreation.

La Alma Lincoln Park was so important to Chicano activism in Denver and continues to stand as a place where Mexican Americans can gather and celebrate their heritage," said Jim Petterson, Vice President of the Mountain West Region for Trust for Public Land. "We're so thrilled to see this record-setting ORLP funding dedicated to La Alma to ensure future generations have access to this special place."

"Equitable access to the outdoors helps people lead healthier, happier, more prosperous lives. Trust for Public Land is grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration's support for locally led park projects in nature-deprived communities through the America the Beautiful and Justice40 Initiatives" said Bill Lee, SVP of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations at TPL. "We are excited to see today's announcement that the Department of Interior will invest a record-setting $254.68 million for this effort through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. Today's announcement highlights the pressing need for the Senate to pass the Outdoors for All Act, which will expand and codify ORLP, enabling more communities to take part in the program and build more quality parks."

The La Alma-Lincoln Park Vision Plan, completed in 2023, outlines a comprehensive revitalization of the 15.4-acre park. The plan, which is now moving towards implementation, includes creating a cultural story and exercise loop connecting key activity points, renovating the historic amphitheater, developing a new community activity hub with expanded play and skate areas, introducing a roller loop and picnic grove, and constructing a promenade along Mariposa Street.

These planned improvements aim to preserve the park's rich cultural history, enhance safety and accessibility, and create versatile spaces for both daily use and community events, breathing new life into this important neighborhood asset. The vision plan was shaped by extensive community engagement, including, public meetings, surveys, and focus groups with local youth, and paid community connectors ensuring that the final design reflects the needs and desires of the diverse La Alma-Lincoln Park community. The grant funding will allow for the Vision Plan to be implemented in the first phase of design and construction.

Watch the La Alma-Lincoln Park Vision Plan video here.

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