Like many urban neighborhoods, northwest Denver is experiencing a true Renaissance. With new restaurants and businesses opening their doors there are more places to visit and more people moving in to enjoy these amenities. Residents would like to walk to local destinations but there are many barriers such as busy streets and poor sidewalk conditions. Safety is often a concern.

The Great Paths project will promote neighborhood amenities and walking in northwest Denver through pedestrian improvements. Activities will include: an interactive community mapping exercise to identify top destinations for walking in the neighborhoods along Federal Boulevard and a priority path that links these destinations; design and installation of low-cost pedestrian improvements along the priority path such as wayfinding signs, public art, or intersection enhancements; walking tours that bring residents and visitors together to explore neighborhood amenities on foot; and, a “Walk to Dinner” event that celebrates and raises awareness of the neighborhood’s priority walking path.

The project will alert neighborhood residents and visitors to destinations that are within easy walking distance, highlight the best route for walking through the neighborhood, and enhance the pedestrian experience along that route. We will focus particular attention on the pedestrian challenge of crossing Federal Boulevard and other major roads that cut through the neighborhood. Our overarching goal is to support healthy living, economic vitality, and more walkable communities.