CALU Park

This new two-acre pocket park is now open. Nestled between the Buffalo Highlands neighborhood and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge on the south side of E. 96th Avenue, this park offers a vibrant outdoor space for residents to enjoy.

The park’s name was officially adopted by City Council in October 2024 to honor the region’s Indigenous heritage. CALU represents the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, and Ute tribes who originally inhabited the land before the arrival of white settlers. During the early planning and outreach processes, the space was known as "Oasis Park" prior to the adoption of the official name.

Park Features

CALU Park features a variety of amenities designed for recreation, relaxation, and community gathering, including:

  • A playground for children of all ages
  • An overlook plaza with an embankment slide offering scenic views
  • A plumbed restroom for added convenience
  • A picnic area with trellises
  • An open lawn for informal recreation and leisure
  • An educational garden showcasing native plants
  • Direct access to the Second Creek Trail, connecting visitors to a larger trail network
  • Interpretive signage and public art honoring the Indigenous tribes historically in this region (interpretive signage coming soon)

Construction Wrap-Up and Opening Celebration

Some items in the park are still being completed, including interpretive signage, electrical service to the restroom, and the installation of trash cans and some shade structures over benches, which are anticipated to be installed early 2026, weather permitting. An official opening celebration is planned for spring, just in time for warmer weather and playful afternoons on the new playground. Stay tuned for more updates as we get ready to celebrate this meaningful addition to our community.

Overhead picture of CALU Park site
Overhead picture of CALU playground with green space in background
Overhead picture of the shade structures at CALU Park

Fast Facts

Estimated Total Project Budget: $3.2M
Park Opening: Q4 2025

CALU Park concept plan (originally called Oasis)(PDF, 4MB)

Indigenous Public Art at CALU Park

CALU stands for Cheyenne, Arapaho, Lakota, and Ute Indigenous tribes. The public art for this park, a mosaic tiling by artist Marco Antonio Garcia, will be celebrating the Indigenous culture and heritage. The center motif is a unifying symbol of a sunburst, representing shared heritage, unity, and life force. The braided grass symbolizes interconnectedness of the four nations. The 7-foot circle represents wholeness, completeness, and the circle of life. Each tribe is represented by a symbol, color scheme, and animal. The outer ring of mountains and plains represent the land they all share.

Art install update:

The art installation was completed on Nov 16. Video coming soon.

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Learn more about Public Art in Commerce City: c3gov.com/art

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