Englewood parks bond moves into pool construction as two park projects await council review
Pirates Cove and the Recreation Center pool are under construction, while Ritola Park’s second phase and Northwest Greenbelt are scheduled for Sept. 21 council consideration.
Englewood’s $41.5 million parks bond program has moved into construction at Pirates Cove and the Recreation Center pool, while City Council is scheduled to consider the next phases of Ritola Park and Northwest Greenbelt on Sept. 21.
Voters approved the general-obligation bond in November 2024 for improvements to eight parks, the Englewood Recreation Center and Pirates Cove Water Park. Most projects are expected to be completed in 2028, according to the city’s Renew and Recreate progress report.
Two park projects await council review
Ritola Park’s first phase, including a new restroom, is under construction. The proposed second phase would add landscaping, irrigation and a path connecting Jason Street to the playground. Parks staff said construction could follow the first phase, with completion expected in spring.
Staff said Ritola work had paused while stormwater questions were resolved.
Northwest Greenbelt is also scheduled for council consideration Sept. 21. Staff said plans were complete and the project was ready to proceed with restrooms, a basketball court, landscaping, trees and seating. Construction was expected to begin in spring if the project moves forward.
The projects remain proposals until the council takes action. The Sept. 10 Parks and Recreation Commission update did not include a later council outcome.
Design and construction timelines
Miller Field’s final drawings were expected in September, followed by bidding in October. Staff described the project as on schedule while noting that stormwater requirements were challenging.
At Bellevue Farm, final drawings were expected in early October, followed by a request for proposals in late October or November. Planned work includes a new farm, parking lot, animal enclosures, updated paths, pedestrian lighting and new baseball-field lighting.
Pool access during construction
Pirates Cove had been closed and drained, with excavation underway. The Recreation Center pool was also closed during construction. Temporary men’s and women’s locker facilities were planned near the racquetball courts while the regular locker rooms are closed.
The renovated Recreation Center facility is planned to retain men’s and women’s locker rooms and add five universal private changing cabanas, including a larger accessible cabana with adult-changing equipment.