Welcome to Central Park
A thoughtfully curated neighborhood with tree-lined streets within Denver city limits
Formerly known as Stapleton, Central Park is the largest neighborhood within Denver city limits, with 12 unique sub-neighborhoods, each boasting its own distinct features. The neighborhood is located east of Downtown Denver; it spans I-70 and abuts Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to the north.
Central Park began as a development project by Denver business leaders, civic officials, and citizens who wanted a say in how Denver should grow. Today, Central Park is a classic neighborhood with modern amenities, including pocket parks, farmers markets, hospitals (Anschutz Medical Center is next door in Aurora), several neighborhood schools within the Denver Public Schools District, rec centers, and a large park — all within a short walk, bike ride, or drive away.
The neighborhood is also well-connected, with proximity to I-70, I-225, and Denver International Airport; when needed, you can hop on a train at Central Park Station to head to Downtown Denver. When it comes to architecture, Central Park contains relatively new homes in styles like traditional, classic farmhouse, and contemporary, with plenty of landscaping and maple trees that are gorgeous in the fall.
What to Love
- Award-winning master-planned community
- Well connected to Denver
- Easy access to parks and green space
- Beautiful homes, trees, and streets
Local Lifestyle
Central Park is a vibrant, tight-knit community where residents (including kids and dogs) enjoy walkable access to the neighborhood’s myriad of green spaces, trails, shops, and restaurants.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Central Park neighborhood has a close community and residential feel. The area features an array of opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. To the south of the neighborhood is Stanley Marketplace, a converted aviation factory that now houses shops, restaurants, and bars and hosts fun family events, such as outdoor movie nights and live music. (The site was built in 1954 by a US Navy test pilot to design, test, and manufacture ejection seats for the military, and the factory was operational until 2007, after which the building underwent a $25 million renovation.) Today, Stanley is a gathering place with something for everyone — spas, kickboxing, gymnastics, and more. Unique boutiques located inside the marketplace include June Ruby, Sterre, and Trunk Nouveau. After you’ve built up an appetite, grab a New York-style bagel at Rosenberg’s Bagels, or head to Sweet Cow Ice Cream and enjoy a selection of traditional and creative ice cream flavors.
For dinner, head to Annette for a scratch to table menu featuring seasonal salads, toasts, and wood-grilled fare prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef Caroline Glover.
If you’re in the mood for comfort food and beer, the Stanley Beer Hall has got you covered. Don’t forget to check out HashTAG in Central Park’s East Bridge Neighborhood for flavorsome breakfast additions like eggs, hash, and hotcakes, as well as cocktails. Modern Asian cuisine is served at ChoLon.
Things to Do
At the heart of the community is Central Park, the neighborhood’s namesake and the third-largest park in Denver. This 80-acre park is managed by the City of Denver and borders the neighborhoods of Westerly Creek, Central Park West, and Central Park North. It has nearly everything you need to have fun or simply relax. It features an ultramodern playground, a pond, a climbing wall, fountains, picnic spots, an amphitheater, paved and dirt jogging trails, multi-sport fields, lookout spots, biking paths, a sledding hill, barbecues, bocce ball courts, a full-length promenade, and shade structures. Central Park’s trails connect to Westerly Creek Trail.
The nearby Bluff Lake Nature Center’s 123 acres offer endless recreational opportunities. While visiting, tour the wildlife refuge and environmental education center to learn more about the lake and its ecosystem. Central Park also borders Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a free preserve where you might see bison, deer, songbirds, prairie dogs, or coyotes. It is a refuge for both wildlife and visitors, a contained area where endangered species thrive. Visitors are encouraged to hike, bike, fish, take pictures, and practice archery.
There are always community events going on in Central Park — from Easter Egg Scrambles and speaker series to farmer’s markets. Stanley Marketplace plays host to a wide range of art and cultural events, including the notable Stanley Summer Music Series, Dali Alive, and Van Gogh Alive. Every Sunday in the summer, the Central Park Farmers Market provides residents and tourists with various fresh produce, local arts and crafts, baked goods, and more.
