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Bellevue Park redesign outlined; city seeks $600,000 Arapahoe County grant for phased overhaul
Summary
Englewood staff presented a three‑phase plan to redevelop Bellevue Park, seeking a $600,000 Arapahoe County grant (matched by the city) for a $1.4M phase‑1 playground and accessibility upgrades. The overall project is estimated at just over $4M and is contingent on county funding.
City parks staff presented design plans for a phased Bellevue Park overhaul and said the project will be delivered in multiple phases if the county grant is awarded.
"We applied for an Arapahoe County grant this year for $600,000 and we're matching that total," said Chris Rand, the project presenter. He outlined a phase‑1 playground and accessibility package estimated at about $1.4 million and said the total three‑year project would cost just over $4 million if all phases proceed.
Phase‑2 plans include reducing four tennis courts to two, adding a pollinator garden and more native plantings, and creating a consolidated playground area to better serve multiple age groups. The design includes ADA‑accessible play elements and sensory‑friendly features; staff said they will try to time big construction around the school calendar to limit impacts on students and families.
Staff emphasized the project is contingent on the county awarding the grant in July. Phase‑2 is currently estimated at roughly $1.1–$1.2 million and would be the subject of a future Arapahoe County grant application, presenters said.
Commissioners asked about community reaction to reducing court space and how the design will balance durable play surfaces with native plant areas and maintenance capacity. Parks staff said they will brief the commission during the 30% design phase and seek feedback before construction drawings are finalized.
Next steps: staff will await the county grant decision, continue 30% design work, and return to the commission for input on planting lists and signage once design documents are available.
