Greenwood Village, Colorado

Orchard Light Rail Station. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

From a rural farming community in the 1900s to a business-residential area today, the City of Greenwood Village is an image of progress and development. With a median household income of $116,147, the city ranks as the 31st highest income places in the United States.

The city’s major improvements throughout the years didn’t completely erase its country vibe. In fact, Greenwood Village has a total of 22 parks, 26.8 miles of trails and 184 acres of open spaces. Greenwood Village is located in Arapahoe County with a total land area of 8.1 square miles.

History

Its name was inspired by Greenwood Ranch, a farm with eight reservoirs once owned by Colorado immigrant Cyrus Richardson in the 1900s. Incorporated in 1950 with only 500 residents, the Village has swelled to a population of 13,925 in 2010.

Things to do in Greenwood Village

Main Attractions

Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve – It is the Village’s most significant open space area named after the naturalist and conservationist Marjorie Perry. The area is surrounded by High Line Canal, one of Colorado’s premier trail networks. It offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, wildlife habitats and natural vegetation. It’s a great place to relax and immerse oneself in nature and environment.

Equestrian Parks & Trails – A symbol of the city’s rural character, Greenwood Village has eight Equestrian Parks and Trails to choose from where you can practice in an arena, do a cross country course, or simply go for a stroll.

Recreation

With 22 parks to boast, you are never going to run out of places to explore in Greenwood Village.

Westlands Park – Westlands Park is a 25-acre award-winning park for the entire family. It has three customized play areas perfect for kids from toddlers to teens. It also offers two large climbing areas for professionals and beginners, three playing fields for multiple uses, a hockey rink, a pond, a water sculpture and a hike/bike trail. Westlands Park also features three pavilions namely the Center, Top Playground and Rink Pavilions which can seat 84, 25 and 16 people respectively.

William McKinley Carson Park and Skate Park – Located adjacent to the city hall, this 6-acre park offers a small gazebo with picnic table that can be used with permission. It also features a fishing pond, a skating area, a hike/bike trail, and a walkway that provides a view of the Greenwood Gulch Trail. For those who are looking for a quiet place to meditate and relax, you can go to Mayors’ Memorial Garden. This garden is dedicated to past mayors of the village, commemorating their contributions to its present quality of life.

Silo Park – This 11-acre park has a large shelter that can accommodate at most 50 people. Its features include a playground, a small amphitheater, demonstration gardens, one multi-use playing field, and a natural trail area.

Other parks that are worth a visit include:

• Castlewood Park
• Chenango Park
• Cherryville Park
• Curtis Park
• Francis H. Williams Park
• Green Oaks Picnic Area
• Greenwood Pines Park
• Hoffman Park
• Huntington Park
• Monaco / Crestline Park
• Orchard Hills Park
• Running Fox Park
• Sundance Park
• Tommy Davis Park
• Village Greens Park
• Village Greens Park North
• Westglow Exercise Station