Micro ’hoods. What? Why?

Here is a little insider history: Central Park residents are generally very friendly. And when the original pioneers (who settled here in 2002–2005) met each other, for the first time, at the park or the town center, they described where in the neighborhood they lived. Thus, the residents started nicknaming the neighborhoods based on the geographic landmarks that delineated one part of Central Park from another. For example, “South End”, described the area south of Greenway Park; “Eastbridge” defined the part of Central Park east of the two bridges that cross over Westerly Creek open space. Neighbors found a sense of pride and comradery in being associated with a smaller part of Central Park’s fast-growing community.

As these organic names took hold, Brookfield Properties, Central Park Denver’s master plan developer, decided to officially name each of the neighborhoods for marketing reasons, so when a new section of Northfield Central Park was being developed, it was easier for the future residents to identify and relate to this new area. Now, the names of these specific sub-sections of Central Park are cemented in as part of the culture.

Early Central Parkians named the ’hoods, now Brookfield and local builders use those names to sell new homes in Central Park.

Each of the neighborhoods is unique and has different appeal to its residents. Some ’hoods are super walkable to shops, restaurants, and services, like the Stanley Market Place; giving those areas a more urban feel. While others are more removed from the hustle and bustle and tend to live more suburban. Sometimes, people chose a particular micro’hood just to be close to friends. What binds everyone together is the sense of community. Through its diversity, neighbors find common ground and collectively enjoy the amenities that make Central Park an easy and fun place to live.

Learn more about each micro ’hood to see where you might like to live:

Beeler Park

This is where the city meets the country. Offering incredible views of the Front Range, this neighborhood provides homes designed to blend in with the high prairie that surrounds it. Residents enjoy a natural setting while still being connected to Northfield Stapleton amenities like pools, shops, and restaurants — all of which are just minutes away.

Bluff Lake

Bluff Lake Nature Center, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, provides the name for this neighborhood. Trails for running, walking your furry friends, enjoying nature’s beauty, and conservation education are just steps away. Isabella Bird school is in its heart. The amenities close by include Stapleton’s Rec Center, F15 Pool & Park and the Eastbridge Town Center. It’s the shortest commute to the Anschutz Medical Campus. And, it has an enclave of addresses in Aroura 80010, completing the vision that Stapleton be fully connected to the existing cities that it boarders.

Central Park North

This neighborhood is nestled within parks and green space. To the south is Central Park with trails, playground, ball fields, and fountains. Westerly Creek Greenway to the East, leads directly to Stapleton’s Rec Center. Jet Stream Pool & Park is centrally located, mere steps away from the homes and a leisurely stroll will take you to Town Center. Access to I-70, Northfield shopping center and the light rail station are all within a short distance.

Central Park West

The old Control Tower, Stapleton’s iconic landmark, and home of Punch Bowl Social, is a reminder of this area’s history and provides great character to Central Park West community. Easily walk to the shared campus of Swigert International and Denver Discovery Schools. Within steps of this neighborhood: Town Center, Sam Gary Library, and the light rail station with retail and everyday services in the plan. Enjoy connecting with neighbors in the unique park-like settings of the Mews.

Conservatory Green

As one of Northfield Stapleton’s most walkable ‘hoods, this area provides green spaces and energy efficient homes. Take an easy stroll to the wide lawn, enjoy open-air markets and concerts, or roast marshmallows over the public fire pit. Parks and pools named Maverick and Runway 35 provide great outdoor play with climbing equipment, sand volleyball pits and ping-pong tables. Other parks provide covered picnic areas, vegetable gardens and harvest tables to evoke community spirit. The retail center brings new talent to the table with Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and Torchy’s Tacos, to name just a couple.

East 29th Avenue

This is where it all began; the first residents established their homes here in 2002 with muddy fields and construction trailers as their neighbors! Now you will find tall trees and established landscaping lining the streets. Wonderful amenities are available by foot, including Stapleton’s original Town Center with shops, services, and restaurants. Enjoy the Farmer’s Market and concerts and movies on the Green. Aviator Pool and Park is nestled among the homes. Run or bike the trails from Greenway Park and connect to Westerly Creek Open Space and all of Stapleton.

Eastbridge

With a slight rise in elevation, some of the best views in Stapleton are found here. Sand Creek, Westerly Creek, and 26th Ave Greenway border this neighborhood and deliver nature and tranquility to every doorstep. The state-of-the-art Rec Center, and F15 Pool & Park provide year-round activity. Retail shops and services are just steps away at the Eastbridge Town Center and Stanley Market Place.

South End

This ‘hood encompasses the entire south side of Stapleton. Parks abound with ball fields, tennis courts, play grounds, and a bustling dog park. Nestled between Westerly Creek Elementary and Bill Roberts School, it’s an easy walk to either great school. Stanley Market Place and businesses along Central Park Blvd offer residents a variety of options. Work out and play at Puddle Jumper Pool & Park and the Bladium Gym.

Westerly Creek

Located in the heart of Stapleton, this neighborhood is framed by 80-acre Central Park to the north, open space to the east, and anchored by Westerly Creek school to the south. Trails wind through these parks, leading to both the Rec Center and the Stanley Market Place. Walk to both Aviator and Puddle Jumper Pools or take a picturesque stroll down the tree-lined 29th Ave to the Town Center.

Wicker Park

The smallest of the micro‘hoods, Wicker Park is named after a similar neighborhood on the east coast. Open space and Northfield High school provide a natural buffer around this quaint spot. Houses surround a charming pocket park, perfect for social gatherings and playtime. With shops and restaurants right down the street and an extensive park and trail system to connect it to all of Northfield, this little ‘hood is a gem.

Willow Park East

Flanked by open space, trails, and parks, it’s no wonder why “Park” is in the name of this micro’hood. Residents love the stunning views of city and mountains while they stroll the streets. Four-legged family members especially like the off-leash dog park. Places like Pizza Park with a working brick oven add to the social vibrancy of the area. And all of the amenities that make Northfield Stapleton great are just a short walk away.

Future ’Hoods

The Stapleton development is not yet complete. On a parcel of land located to the east of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (north of 56th Avenue) master-plan developer, Forest City, will build least two more micro ’hoods by 2022. Since this area backs up to the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge, the setting will surely be serene.