Recap: Paco Sánchez Park Tour

About the tour: The tour encompassed a walk from the plaza at the bottom of the park to the top of the hill to see the iconic Microphone Play Tower and back to the bottom again. Our expert guide shared information about the redesign of the park, its namesake and importance in this historically underserved neighborhood.

About the park: When thinking about its redesign, Denver Parks and Recreation chose to “Re-imagine Play” at this existing park in a historically underserved West Denver neighborhood. This project goes beyond play to focus on activity and programming with the goal to engage children and families for a lifetime of physical fitness and activity. The new abstract design transforms the existing activity of prescribed play to a complex and multi-faceted experience that challenges and engages users of all ages and abilities. The park features utilize the theme of broadcasting to honor the park’s namesake Paco Sánchez, who started the first Spanish-language radio station in Denver and became an important community leader. Connections to the W-Line light rail station at Knox Court and the Lakewood Dry Gulch trail provide regional accessibility to Paco Sánchez Park.

About the tour guide: Laurel Raines is founding principal and president at Dig Studio in Denver and Phoenix. Her built works include award-winning projects of varying scales and complexities that contribute to the well-being and health of communities and the environment. One practice area in which Laurel has consistently been engaged is park and play environments. She served as Principal-in-Charge of Paco Sánchez Park in Denver, a new generation of parks which promote multi-generational health in the neighborhood through design and layout of the play experience.