Project Overview

Phase one of the Riverdale Regional Park Improvements includes improvements to the Brantner Gulch, site infrastructure and utilities, midway relocation and barns, and an outdoor covered arena.

People enjoying a park beside large parking area and bus terminal

Parking lot with cars, people walking, landscaped area, visible sports field, and a large blue structure.

Tasks and Timelines
Task	Estimated Timeline	Progress Status	Responsibility
Brantner Gulch Stream Restoration and Flood Mitigation	November 2024-Mid-2026	In Progress	Mile High Flood District/Muller/CEI
Infrastructure and Utility Modernization	December 2024-August 2025	In Progress	Populous/Mortenson
Midway Redesign	January 2025-June 2025	Complete	DHM/Mortenson
Park Boulevard Closure	Winter 2025/2026	Awaiting Prior Task Completion	Mile High Flood District/Muller/CEI
Barns	April 2025-June 2026	In Progress	DHM/Mortenson
Outdoor Covered Arena	August 2025 – Mid-2026	Awaiting Prior Task Completion	Populous/Mortenson

The site infrastructure, utilities, and midway projects will all take place simultaneously with the Brantner Gulch improvements beginning in December 2024. The anticipated completion of the midway will be by the end of July 2025, with the completion of the outdoor arena and barns by beginning of 2026.

Accessing Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds

Construction within Riverdale Regional Park may affect the flow of traffic into and out of the park. Park Boulevard is open and will serve as the main point of entry and exit for the park. Visitors can enter the park by heading north through the roundabout at Henderson Rd./124th Ave. Please note that traffic patters may fluctuate as construction is underway – always follow any marked detours.

Construction Zone Closures

The Riverdale Regional Park Improvements will create areas of closure within the park as crews work on these improvements. The map below details the areas currently under construction and closed to the public within the Midway area of the park.

Riverdale Regional Park construction zones with public closure dates highlighted in blue and orange. Paths to campus buildings marked.

Construction Viewing Locations

The Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts department worked with the construction and design teams to create construction viewing locations, so park visitors can observe the improvement projects and learn more about their benefits. Viewing locations are established for the Brantner Gulch project and the midway and barns improvement project. To view the informational signage at each viewing location, please click here.

Brantner Gulch Improvements

Midway and Barns Improvements

Brantner Gulch Improvements

The Brantner Gulch Project is a collaborative partnership with the Mile High Flood District to design and construct stream restoration and flood control improvements in the Riverdale Regional Park in order to address the Brantner Gulch capacity issues and reduce flood risk. The stormwater flows from this highly developed watershed cause damage to infrastructure and send overflows into nearby storage lakes, which threatens the natural resources, wildlife, and surrounding residents and businesses. This project will construct a new gulch to protect people and property against flooding, enhance the stormwater quality within the stream, and will change the floodplain map effectively taking the fairgrounds out of the floodplain. It will also provide an opportunity to beautify the park further, naturalize the area, and create more spaces for enjoying nature. These improvements will establish a foundation for future progress of the park, create a secondary egress for emergency vehicles, expand Park Boulevard for more efficient traffic flows, and allow the Park and its facilities to be used for emergency sheltering.

It is slated to begin in November 2024 and continue in phases to accommodate operations and events with an anticipated completion in mid-2026.

Aerial view of a scenic park with parking lots, winding roads, grassy areas, and a river.

People relaxed at a pavilion, overlooking a vibrant park landscape.

Site Infrastructure and Utilities

The Riverdale Regional Park is in need of infrastructure improvements to maintain existing facilities and usage and to prepare for future expansion and the increase in visitor usage. The project will entail upgraded electrical, sanitary and storm sewer, domestic, fire, and raw water, and fiber for internet service. It will also include site work, improved drainage, roadways, parking lots, pedestrian paving, landscaping, and lighting.

Midway Relocation and Barns

The new Midway will be large enough for the entire current Fair layout, plus expansion space. It will provide better access, pedestrian safety, and enhanced experiences. It will create a drop-off area in close proximity to events with a circular two-lane drive and direct bus access.

The new barns will create an “Ag land” atmosphere and support the Grand Stands, Outdoor Covered Arena, Fair, and other agricultural and livestock events within the Park.