When the City and County of Denver closed City Park Golf Course for construction in 2017, it planned to reopen the landmark come spring 2019. That date was pushed to fall 2019. Then spring 2020. And then, ultimately, to this fall. The main reason for the closure was to add a storm-water drainage system on the course’s western edge that will help prevent flooding in the eastern part of the city. But officials figured they could revamp the entire place at the same time. So, Denver added a driving range, a clubhouse with views of the downtown skyline, a short four-hole area for the First Tee of Denver program, and some modern flourishes, such as distinctly shaped greens, to the 18-hole course. Some complicated projects took longer than expected, but final delays were caused by the most rudimentary aspect of course design: grass. The turf didn’t fully mature during last year’s frigid spring, says Scott Rethlake, director of golf for the City and County of Denver. “But we think it will be worth the wait.”

This article was originally published in 5280 September 2020.
Shane Monaghan
Shane Monaghan
Shane Monaghan is the former digital editor of 5280.com and teaches journalism at Regis Jesuit High School.