COMMERCE CITY — More than 750 suggestions have been offered on what to do with the old Mile High Greyhound Park, which city officials say is ripe for redevelopment.
The ideas were gleaned from residents who attended a series of public meetings called not long after the city purchased the greyhound park for about $3.3 million Aug. 2.
So far, the only redevelopment partner for the 65-acre park – located near East 62nd Avenue and Dahlia Street – is the Boys & Girls Clubs. The nonprofit is building on a 2-acre parcel that will serve about 1,800 new members.
The city council is scheduled to get a glimpse tonight of what people hope the park will eventually be by viewing a 7-page report summarizing the public meetings.
The specifics are varied but several general themes emerged from residents, said city officials.
There is an overall desire for this development to attract people from other communities – and keep Commerce City residents from leaving town – by offering an experience they can’t get in the immediate area,” according to the report summary. “In other words, don’t create another development like Stapleton’s Northfield, but offer something that distinguishes the community.”
Suggestions for the site that came from small group discussions with residents, included:
Residents also want higher density developments to go on the west side of the property to transition to lower density retail and residential uses on the east side. The also want an open space and town square type concept in the middle.
In every meeting, people said they wanted a hospital/urgent care trauma unit to be located at the site.
In addition, residents want to keep the grass infield area of the park to be used for community and sports activities as well as a focal point for a cultural arts facility.
They also want a monument or some other reminder of the dog track’s past, according to the report.
Built in 1946, the greyhound park held its first race in 1949. But racing ended at the park in 2008, although the site is still used for off-track betting of races.
The city is expected to begin marketing the park heavily after the beginning of the new year.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
