Noteworthy Mention of the Central Park Neighborhood

Central Park is a large planned community that evolved after the closure of Denver’s Stapleton Airport in 1995. The runways, hangars, and terminal have given way to thousands of single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and townhomes interconnected among a vast network of parks, trails, and open space. Originally within the borders of Smith Road, Quebec, Montview, 26th Ave, and Havana, Central Park neighborhood expanded to the north with additional housing opportunities at Northfield, now considered a separate neighborhood.

History of the Central Park Neighborhood

The former Stapleton airport and its 4,700 acres formed the base of the Central Park neighborhood, giving way to one of the largest urban redevelopments in the United States. A great deal of thought and planning was put into the project’s footprint that emphasizes energy efficient buildings, water wise landscaping, and pedestrian and cycling avenues while maintaining a mixed use environment. Central Park neighborhood boasts nine different enclaves for single family homes and nine schools, both public and private. There are over 10 home builders in the area offering a variety of architectural styles and rates.

Originally called Stapleton neighborhood after the late Denver major Benjamin Stapleton, this neighborhood was renamed during the summer of 2020. The neighborhood property owners voted to sever the link to Stapleton, who held office for several decades (1920s to 1940s), due to his ties to the Ku Klux Klan.

Pulling the Central Park neighborhood together is a vast array of 50 parks and six pools. The major parks, Central, Westerly Creek, Greenway and Fred Thomas, are all connected by a network of biking/walking trails. From its namesake Central Park on the north end of the neighborhood, you can connect with the Sand Creek Regional Greenway trail that stretches across the entire neighborhood.

Restaurants and Culture

All your shopping essentials can be found in the neighborhood. From groceries to boutique clothing, restaurants to yoga, this enclave is a self-sustaining center that is still under seven miles from downtown Denver. The new A line of the RTD light rail connects Central Park to Union Station and Denver International Airport via the Central Park and Peoria stops.

One of Denver’s best farmer’s market is located here. Every Sunday, beginning in mid-June, you can find delectable fruits, vegetable and many other mouth-watering foodstuffs. The restaurant scene is booming in Central Park. Some of the highlights include:

• Concourse Restaurant Moderne | “This is ChoLon Concepts’ third restaurant, serving seasonally focused American cuisine. The restaurant is a homage to the airport which formerly occupied the site, and it embraces the definition of the word “concourse”: a space where pathways cross; a gathering of people; a meeting place. Delectable food with beautiful presentation.”
• Mici Handcrafted Italian | “In a world that values convenience, Mici stands apart. The restaurant believes that minimal processing produces maximum flavor and unparalleled nourishment. The recipes have been in the family for generations—long before processed pre-packaged options existed.”
• Stanley Marketplace | Our favorite places to eat at Stanley include: Annette’s, Misaki, and Comida
• Etai’s Bakery | “Etai’s Bakery Cafe offers fresh artisan breads and baked goods, salads, a large selection of cold and hot sandwiches, a full-service coffee and fresh juice bar, and inventive daily specials.”