Livable Cities Studio is thrilled to celebrate the completion of Denver Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) first Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan (OAAS) . The plan creates a 20-year strategic framework that diversifies current recreation opportunities by providing new ways to engage with and recreate in the outdoors. The plan seeks to address the issues of equitable access to outdoor recreation head on and position Denver as the premier city for outdoor adventure.

Access to OAAS is a critical amenity for Denver, drawing national acclaim for its unique urban and mountain park system. OAAS provide exciting alternatives to traditional recreation and a multitude of benefits related to health, stewardship, and economic prosperity.  Recent studies highlight that despite overall national trends of increased participation, not everyone has equitable access to OAAS. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Denver is not immune to the nationwide outdoor adventure equity gap. 

The robust engagement process reached over 6,500 Denverites and guided the plan outcomes, including deliberate, transformative enhancements framed by four focus areas which structure the plan: Increased Participation, Progressive and Inclusive Programming, Access and Transportation, and Communications and Education. LCS collaborated with DPR, Watson Wenk, Stantec, and Berry Dunn to develop the strategic plan which works toward making the outdoors more welcoming and accessible so Denverites can remain healthy, happy, and thriving.