Wheat Ridge’s newest park is officially opening Saturday morning with a ribbon-cutting and citizen tree-planting in celebration of Arbor Day.
The 2-acre Hopper Hollow Park, at West 44th Avenue and Kendall Street, falls into the city’s master plan to place a neighborhood park within a ½ mile walking distance from every resident, said Joyce Manwaring, director of parks and recreation for the city.
Park amenities include two playgrounds — one for kids 5 and younger, another for kids 6-12 — a 900-foot concrete trail, a concrete multi-use sports court, two shade shelters, a picnic area, ornamental grasses, drought-tolerant shrubs, ornamental and shade trees, BBQ grill, open field play area and a seating area with decorative paving and artistic elements.
The name Hopper Hollow was chosen last year after the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Commission began accepting names for the park land that had been vacant since the city purchased it in 1998.
“The reason it was land banked was just making sure the land would be there until the city could fund construction,” Manwaring said.
Former park commissioner Susie Seeds submitted the winning name, saying in a statement:
“I believe the name Hopper Hollow represents the theme of grasshoppers with a natural park feel. I chose this name specifically for children who may remember this name with smiles on their faces.”
In tribute to the name, metal grasshoppers can be found on a pavilion roof, and ladybugs are in the playground area.
Saturday morning’s event kicks off at 10 a.m., with refreshments, a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Joyce Jay and a sculpture dedication followed by a tree planting.
Total cost of the park was approximately $900,000 and was funded by a local government grant from Jefferson County Open Space and Conservation Trust Funds.
Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs
