In April, Mayor Mike Johnston and Councilwoman Jamie Torres joined Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) and community members to officially break ground on the long-awaited Westwood Recreation Center — the first of its kind in the Westwood neighborhood, a historically underserved area of the city. The new Westwood Recreation Center is supported by a $37.5 million investment from the Elevate Denver Bond program, a voter-approved initiative aimed at enhancing and expanding the city’s infrastructure.
Denver Westwood Rec Center
“Thanks to the residents of Westwood who made their voices heard, this new recreation center will bring resources and amenities to a neighborhood that has always deserved them,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “The Westwood Recreation Center will stand as a lasting testament to how we can come together as a community, and Westwood’s history, culture, and vibrant spirit that make it so unique.”
Located at the corner of Morrison Road and Walsh Place, the new facility will welcome residents with exciting amenities for everyone to enjoy. The aquatics area will feature two bodies of water – a lap pool a lazy river and waterslide that loops in and out of the building, multi-purpose rooms, a full-size gym, fitness areas, locker rooms, a kid-watch area, and more.
Outdoor amenities will feature spaces for endless opportunities to play and enjoy those beautiful Denver days. Multi-use turf fields will accommodate soccer pick-up games, community events, and casual recreation. Beyond health and fitness, the new recreation center will serve as a vibrant community hub, providing access to educational programs, wellness resources, and essential services — all in the heart of a historically underserved neighborhood.
“Westwood residents have been involved in the planning and design of this recreation center since day one,” said Jolon Clark, Executive Director of Denver Parks & Recreation. “Their voices and vision helped shape every element, and it’s our mission to deliver what this community deserves — a space where neighbors can connect, families can get active, and friends can come together to play and learn.”
In addition to providing opportunities for fitness, education, and community-building, the Westwood Recreation Center is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification and be the only recreation center in Denver to feature a geothermal heating and cooling system — made possible through funding from the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency (CASR).
“The Recreation Center in Westwood is a pivotal and groundbreaking project and I could not be more proud of the community and the city to be celebrating this groundbreaking,” said District 3 Councilwoman Jamie Torres. “It has been a very long road to get to this point and residents throughout West and Southwest Denver have truly deserved this beautiful recreation center. This day is a testament to the hard work, advocacy, and perseverance of all who ensured this day would be possible.”