Since the approval of the City of Englewood’s $41.5 million general obligation parks bond that was on last year’s November ballot, work is officially underway to transform several local parks and public spaces.
Leading the charge is Capital Project Manager Gina Olberding, who has been working to coordinate efforts, engage the community and ensure a smooth path from planning to construction.
“We have identified design firms for each project and have begun discussions about opportunities and challenges of the parks, Pirates Cove and the recreation center,” Olberding said. “We are scheduling community engagement events early in the process to learn what citizens want, gather feedback, build public support, and ensure the projects align with community needs and available funding.”
While the construction timelines are just beginning, the city has already seen an encouraging response from residents.
“Community engagement is a critical component of these projects,” Olberding said. “While we are at the beginning of our efforts, some residents have expressed feeling more included in the decision-making process. We’ve also received constructive input on proposed changes and questions about what people have heard. We’re using this feedback to guide the next phases of the design process.”
Olberding said construction at Cushing Park, located at 700 W. Dartmouth Ave., is scheduled to begin in August, making it the first bond-funded project to break ground.
“This marks a major milestone in our parks improvement initiative,” Olberding said.
Behind the scenes, preparations are underway for two additional sites.
“At the same time, I’m actively working with our procurement department to finalize the selection of a construction company for Emerson Park, ensuring we choose a qualified team that aligns with our project goals and timeline,” Olberding said. “We are also preparing to issue a formal Request for Proposals for Rotolo Park, which will invite competitive bids and help us identify the best partner for that project. Based on our current schedule, we anticipate breaking ground on both Emerson and Rotolo parks in the fall.”
Beyond project milestones and logistics, the personal rewards of the job haven’t gone unnoticed by Olberding.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about being part of this work is seeing how it brings people together and truly reflects what our community values,” she said. “I’m excited about these improvements because they’ll enhance a lively and welcoming city. No matter your ability or interest, you’ll be able to enjoy vibrant, modern spaces designed for the whole community. It’s incredibly rewarding to help create places that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
With multiple projects in motion, the next steps will focus on tightening the planning elements of the projects.
“While each project is unique, the next steps in managing the work include creating a clear scope of work, timelines and budgets for each initiative based on stakeholder input and any recent adjustments,” Olberding said. “It’s imperative that we stay within budget and complete these projects on time to ensure we meet community expectations.”
Olberding is working closely with various city departments to coordinate efforts, maintain alignment across departments and keep the projects moving forward.
As work progresses, there’s a growing sense of excitement about what these revitalized spaces will mean for the community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these parks come to life and watching the community enjoy the new spaces we’ve worked so hard to plan,” Olberding said. “There’s something really special about seeing families, kids and individuals of all ages making memories in places designed just for them. I’m also excited about continuing to build strong community partnerships and using what we’ve learned to guide future improvements.”
For more information on the various park projects, visit englewoodco.gov/renew-recreate.