About us
Mission
The Park People is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit working with communities to plant trees and improve parks for a healthier, more resilient future for Denver.
Vision
Thriving, Green Communities for All
We envision vibrant, thriving neighborhoods where people, place, and nature are integrated, connected, and mutually supportive.
Our Values
Hope
In action and in community. We take action and work together to create hope, momentum, and community that can sustain and inspire us.
Care
We care for ourselves, our earth, our work, and each other. We are thoughtful stewards of trees, of places, of relationships, and of our communities.
Resilience
We cultivate our ability to adapt, respond, and thrive in the face of change and challenges.
What We Do
Founding & Early Partnership
The Park People was created in 1969 by a small group of park lovers who banded together to raise private funds for Denver’s parks and recreation system. We're a separate organization from, yet have worked hand-in-hand with Denver’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Investing in Park Infrastructure
Over the past 50+ years, The Park People has infused millions of dollars into Denver’s parks. We restore historic features—like fountains and park buildings—and build new amenities such as playgrounds and recreation facilities. Signature projects include Washington Park Boathouse, Cheesman Park Pavilion, Civic Center Greek Theatre and Esplanade, and City Park fountains, as well as community treasures like the Sundial & Plaza in Cranmer Park, the James Fleming House in Platt Park, and the award-winning Gates Tennis Center in Cherry Creek. We also prioritize high-need neighborhoods, bringing new resources to areas that lack access to play- and greenspace resources.
Growing our Community Forest
The Park People is best known as the home of Denver Digs Trees, a grassroots initiative that began with neighbors around kitchen tables organizing to distribute 50 affordable trees in the West Wash Park neighborhood. Today, Denver Digs Trees is a beloved city-wide tradition, that has provided more than 65,000 free and low-cost, carefully selected, climate-appropriate trees to residents throughout the city and especially in under-canopied neighborhoods. And The Park People has grown a robust set of urban forestry programs that engage our whole community - individuals, neighborhood groups, schools, businesses, and other partners - in planting and stewarding our neighborwoods.
Support & Involvement
The Park People is powered by individual donations, program fees, foundation and government grants, and corporate sponsorships. A small staff, a dedicated Board of Trustees, and hundreds of volunteers carry out our mission each year. Learn how you can get involved or contribute to keep Denver’s greenspaces and shared community resources thriving.
