Whitman Park is now closed to the public

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Whitman Park in downtown Grand Junction is closed, unless you have a reservation.

On Sept. 12, the park began the transformation to its new primary purpose as a location for special events by reservation only. According to the city, it’s the first step in a multi-phase approach in planned improvements to the park.

The city said notices are posted, and city staff is on hand to notify visitors to Whitman Park. The Grand Junction Police Department will also have officers on hand to provide resources and as necessary, housing information as well as contacts to local providers and shelters. Once the park closes, the city said the next steps for the park include a design process, with public input planned for 2024.

Whitman Park is located between Ute and Pitkin Avenues and 4th and 5th Streets. According to the city, officials hope to look to other communities and review ways they have successfully reimagined parks in downtown corridors; looking at things like fencing the property and only opening the park through a permitting process for special events. Some of those would include, parties, concerts, festivals and other things.

As the planning process continues, the city hopes to have community members participate.

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