News

Denver Parks & Recreation, Councilwoman Jamie Torres, and Villa Park neighbors celebrated the completed first phase of Joe P. Martinez Park’s revitalization — a new playground, cultural play area, sports court, memorial plaza, and pavilion/amphitheater. The park is the only one located entirely within Villa Park.

Coverage of the same park unveiling, with more detail on the entrance sculptures and mosaics by artist Marco Antonio García depicting the life of Private Joe P. Martinez, plus a quote from his nephew Daniel Martínez on preserving his legacy.

Coverage from the 3rd Annual Private Joe P. Martinez Birthday Celebration, where Denver Parks & Recreation and Livable Cities Studio shared Phase 1 design plans with the community ahead of construction.

Background on Private Joe P. Martinez — the first Latino and first Coloradan to receive the Medal of Honor — and the community coalition of Villa Park residents, veterans groups, and local officials who raised funds for a lasting tribute in his namesake park.

Official City and County of Denver page with the park’s master plan (completed January 2021) and future phase details.

When city budget cuts left the flower beds at Villa Park’s entrance unplanted, neighbors petitioned to plant and maintain them with native plants instead — turning it into a pollinator-friendly welcome garden for the community.

Denver Urban Gardens received a $500,000 EPA environmental justice grant to build new community gardens and food forests across six West Denver neighborhoods, including Villa Park.

Overview of how Denver Urban Gardens is supporting the city’s West Area Plan, which prioritizes new green space and community gardens for Villa Park and neighboring communities through 2026 and beyond.

Villa Park is one of Denver Urban Gardens’ official priority build locations for 2025–2026. Residents interested in starting a community garden in the neighborhood can apply directly through this page.

Denver Urban Gardens’ network of community gardens is open for the spring growing season — a reminder that garden season is here across Denver, including future Villa Park sites.

A neighborhood profile covering Villa Park’s history, demographics, parks, and the completed $98 million 6th Avenue bridge overhaul along the neighborhood’s edge.

Background on Villa Park’s boundaries, history dating to 1871, and the 2023 West Area Plan approved by Denver City Council.