GRAND OPENING: Thursday October 22nd, 2026 4:00PM
Looking for a brand-new playground to explore in Denver? Bethesda Park is a neighborhood park in the University Hills area with a huge climbing structure, play opportunities for younger kids, and unique nature features that make it more than just a playground! Kids can hunt for birds, tackle an obstacle course, swing, shoot hoops, and explore the nature walk. There are also two grassy fields for running around and playing. It’s a fun new spot for families who love outdoor adventures!
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aligned. Orthodontics is a modern orthodontic practice in Denver focused on creating healthy, beautiful smiles through personalized care. The clinic provides treatments such as clear aligners, braces, and airway-focused orthodontics for kids, teens, and adults. Led by Dr. Amanda Vanderstelt, the practice combines advanced digital technology like 3D X-rays and scanning with a holistic approach that considers airway health, alignment, and aesthetics. The goal is to improve not just smiles, but overall oral health, breathing, and patient comfort.
Address: 4301 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80222
⚠️ Parking alert: There is very little parking nearby, so plan ahead and be considerate of surrounding neighborhood streets.
Bathroom: No, there will not be a bathroom or running water available.
Shade: There are some artistic shades over the picnic tables, however shade over the play equipment is minimal at best.
Surface: Combination of rubber surfacing, turf, and grass.
Bethesda Park incorporates several thoughtful sustainable design features that benefit both the environment and local wildlife. Fallen trees repurposed by Denver’s Forestry Division have been given new life throughout the park, while recycled concrete pavers from the site’s previous use were reused for the forest grove path.
The playground surfacing includes recycled rubber and solar lighting helps provide visibility during the early morning and evening hours when the park is open. Instead of relying heavily on traditional turf grass, about one-third of the park features native seed areas with pollinator-friendly plants, perennials, and grasses. Once established, these native landscapes require less water while providing valuable habitat for insects and birds
Age Recommendations: There are play opportunities for all ages, including a separate area for younger children with an obstacle course and a larger climbing structure for kids who enjoy more challenging play. An ‘at grade’ slide allows children to slide between playground features.
Inclusive Features: Bethesda Park is accessible with rubber surfacing and low grade turf hills. There are low entry play features, sensory panels that provide opportunities for hands-on play, and space to separate quietly from the larger groups.
Swings: There is a unique LSI Flexx Swing that is fully inclusive, letting kids recline while swinging, creating an entirely different sensation from standard swings. You will also find two traditional belt swings here as well.
Water Features: None.
This one-of-a-kind climbing structure has everything! So many ways to climb with ropes, hanging discs, geometric shapes and more. There are 5 different slides at various levels to choose from and all kinds of nets and balance ropes below. From afar, you can see the butterfly that will for sure lead to kids calling it the “butterfly park” from now on.
Not only is the structure fun for the active options, it is also going to be a favorite because of the bird scavenger hunt! As you can see in the slide picture below, the American Goldfinch can be found on the side of the entrance. Scavenger hunts are such a great way to add variety into play, running to find them in order, working with friends, creating a game, etc. We love them!
Planning more playground adventures? Explore our map of over 500 Colorado playgrounds to find your next family-friendly stop!
Bethesda Park is located at East Iliff Avenue and South Bellaire Street in Denver’s University Hills area. This nearly two-acre neighborhood park was created to help bring accessible green space closer to nearby residents.
The nature path includes pollinator hotels, birdhouses, and even bat houses!
And don’t forget to bring along a frisbee or soccer ball to enjoy the green space, or a basketball to have fun with friends!
Chris Schooler, Denver Parks and Recreation Project Manager shared “Most importantly, Bethesda Park creates a much-needed third place—a welcoming space beyond home and work where people can gather, connect, and build community. With the nearest other park almost a mile away, this two-acre Urban Wild fills a significant gap in neighborhood access to open space. It offers residents a place to enjoy beautiful plants and trees, breathe fresh air, spend time outdoors, and connect with their neighbors.
Ultimately, this park is more than a new public space. It is an investment in community health, environmental resilience, and the everyday connections that make a neighborhood thrive.”
Do you have any questions about this new amazing space in Denver? Let us know in the comments below.
Thanks for joining us at Slides & Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!
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