Insider Tour: RiNo ArtPark
Friday, September 26
Doors Open Denver Early Bird ticket sales begin on July 21st at 4pm for DAF Members and end on August 4 at 4pm, when DAF Member pricing will increase. DAF Membership will be verified upon ticket purchase. Click here to become a DAF member. Tickets will be available for non-DAF members beginning August 18.
About the Tour: This tour will showcase the RiNo ArtPark, also known as Arkins Park, which is a partnership between the City and County of Denver and RiNo Art District. Highlights of the tour include learning about the rehabilitation of two City buildings to form an interdisciplinary arts and cultural hub in the greater Five Points neighborhood, as well as how RiNo Art District worked with local community partners Denver Parks and Recreation, Denver Public Library, RedLine Contemporary Art Center and Focus Points Family Resource Center to inhabit and program the newly created spaces.
About ArtPark: The RiNo Art Park is a creative hub in the Five Points neighborhood designed to spark innovation and bring people together. Nestled within open green space at 35th and Arkins and connected to the South Platte River, the ArtPark explores intersections of nature, recreation, and culture. The mission of the RiNo ArtPark is to create a dynamic park-space dedicated to creative expression for all, focusing on access, education, collaboration, culture, community, and nature.
The RiNo ArtPark also hosts two original buildings. The first, on 35th Street, was previously used as a maintenance center for police vehicles. This building has been split in two, with the creation of a public outdoor plaza at its heart. The building section that faces Delgany hosts the Bob Ragland Library and Alto Gallery.
The second building section towards the river holds a commissary kitchen space. The Truss House (previously known as the Interstate Building), is located in the center of the park and was previously used by the Interstate Trucking Company to maintain its vehicles. The Truss House offers a unique setting for various events, including weddings, art exhibitions, music festivals, and community gatherings.
About the Tour Guides: Courtney Burns is the Public Realm Manager of the RiNo Art District and will be co-leading this tour. Courtney helps keep RiNo’s streetscapes and shared spaces vibrant, welcoming, and uniquely RiNo. She supports infrastructure and placemaking projects that enhance the character, cleanliness, and connectivity of the district, ensuring that public spaces reflect the community’s creativity. With a foundation in architecture and a passion for building community, Courtney brings both precision and purpose to her work. Whether it’s enhancing sidewalks, integrating public art, or supporting larger neighborhood initiatives, she helps shape the spaces that make RiNo feel connected, creative, and alive.
Rob Gray is the Facilities Manager for the RiNo Art District. Rob manages events at the Truss House and oversees key facilities across the district, including RiNo ArtPark and The Studio at Backyard on Blake. His work ensures that artists and community members have access to welcoming, well-maintained spaces to create, gather, and connect. With a background that includes teaching at the Denver Art Museum and RedLine Contemporary Art Center, founding a mural festival, and curating exhibits for the Governor’s Office, Rob brings a rare mix of hands-on experience and creative vision to his role.
Accessibility: There is level access to all buildings and elevators in any building that has more than one floor.
Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 14 days prior to the event.
Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.