The Joseph P. Martinez Park Vision Plan provides a model for blending environmentally sensitive design with culturally responsive design through a community-driven vision to honor and celebrate the history of Joseph P. Martinez and the community of Villa Park.
Located in West Denver, the 12-acre park is embedded in the diverse and underserved west Denver community. The new vision for the park reflects the diverse and rich culture of the neighborhoods, honors its namesake, and enhances the natural ecology of nearby Lakewood Gulch with health and wellness opportunities. Over time leading up to the planning effort, the project had become in ill repair, was neglected and the memorial for Joe P. Martinez was vandalized, defaced and eventually removed.
Livable Cities Studio led the Joseph P. Martinez Vision Plan for the City and County of Denver which was adopted in 2021, and led the overall design, landscape architecture and co–led the community engagement for the first phase of plan implementation which is anticipated to be fully constructed in Q1 2026. During the course of the project, our team engaged deeply with the surrounding community, schools and neighborhood organizations building ownership along the way.
The design for the park is one that celebrates culture, community and nature. The Drawing from influences of Joe P. Martinez story, community aspirations around events, activation, healthy living and play as well as the serene Lakewood Gulch that bisects the park. These influences and their stories are deeply embedded within the design and improvements and led to a design that knits together the cultural heritage of the community; honors Private Martinez and Latino MOH recipients in interpretive moments that create a link to past and present all the while providing an active park that the Villa Park neighborhood can be proud of.
