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A major revitalization is now complete in Downtown Denver after years of planning and discussion. In May 2003, construction began to transform Skyline Park into an inviting, beautiful and accessible attraction for Downtown employees, residents and visitors of all ages. The construction process culminates more than seven years of public process and studies. The resulting design, developed by a team led by Thomas Balsley Associates of New York, infuses the park with a new sense of openness, greenery and indigenous Colorado materials, while still preserving several signature elements of the original Lawrence Halprin design, including two of the fountains and the row of honey locust trees along Arapahoe Street. Plazas, performance spaces, lawn areas, generous sections for seating and flowers, and a space for a large temporary ice skating rink have been incorporated into the first phase of the design. Other elements will be added as additional funding becomes available.

The total project cost through Phase I is $6.5 million, which includes $2 million in bond funds approved by Denver voters in 1998, and $1.5 million in City capital improvement funds. In March 2003, private property owners adjacent to Skyline Park overwhelmingly agreed to contribute the remaining $3 million in reconstruction funds through the formation of a special assessment district. In April 2003, the City hired the Weitz Company of Denver as the construction manager and general contractor for this phase of construction.

In addition, the BID purchased new furnishings for the park. The order included 400 chairs, at least 300 of which will be available for park visitors during the day, and 30 tables for eating lunch, catching up on work or just people watching. Each table also features an umbrella to provide additional shade during the park's early days, as the new trees and other landscaping elements will need some time to mature. To add more color and festivity to the park, the board also approved the purchase and installation of approximately 30 Dori poles, which are 20-foot high fiberglass poles that support colorful pennants. These are located in the planters along the edges of the park. Service Group, Inc. (SGI), the BID's clean and safe contractor, will provide maintenance services for the BID-funded elements. In addition, Downtown Ambassadors will support the Denver Police Department by patrolling the park seven days a week.

The grand opening of the redesigned Skyline Park was July 22, 2004. The park was dedicated by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper; Elbra Wedgeworth, Denver City Council President and District 8 Representative; Anne Warhover, Past President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership; and other city leaders.

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