The City of Westminster is now home to one of the largest and most unique natural playgrounds on the Front Range! In one visit, families can climb a tree house, scale a mini mountain, navigate a switchback trail and dig for replica dinosaur fossils all in the community of Historic Westminster.

The Nature Playground at Westminster Station Park opened in November 2021 to hundreds of residents and their families, all eager to make memories in the City’s newest and most innovative play space yet. The playground and its unique features cover nearly 5 acres of space dedicated to equity, accessibility and environmental stewardship. The playground ensures children of all ages and backgrounds can come together in one place to access the great outdoors we take such pride in. During the beginning stages of design in 2017, community engagements sessions were held with sixth grade classes at Colorado STEM Academy to get input from those that know playgrounds best.

“This project had a lasting impact on my students as many of them still (as 11th graders), talk about the time we helped design a park,” said Jessica Sullivan a sixth-grade teacher at Colorado STEM Academy. “I hope the community sees the new park as a place to experience nature and come together. I know the kids and families at Colorado STEM Academy are eager to have such an amazing play area just blocks away from the school.”

The goal to expose children to nature and engage all five senses during outdoor play was incorporated into the thoughtful design process spearheaded by the City of Westminster, Matrix Design Group, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, Treecraft Design-Build, Muller Engineering Applebaum Architects, Waterline Studios, Clanton & Associates, Studio NYL, Belfay Engineering and Hydrosystems KDI.