Exciting Updates at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center: New Parking Lot Unveiled

Written by: Christina Haywood
Executive Director, Garden of the Gods Foundation

The Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is thrilled to announce the completion of a significant upgrade to our facilities: a newly expanded parking lot! The project was generously funded by Lyda Hill, esteemed philanthropist and founder of the Garden of the Gods Foundation and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. This marks a transformative moment for the Visitor Center, enhancing the overall experience for our visitors from the moment they arrive.

Enhanced Capacity and Accessibility

The new parking lot boasts an increase of 44 parking spots for a total of 240. This is a much-needed expansion to accommodate the growing number of visitors eager to explore the breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations of Garden of the Gods Park. Additionally, the construction project prioritized accessibility improvements, incorporating new sidewalks and crosswalks, as well as additional accessible parking spaces. These enhancements ensure that all guests, regardless of mobility, can enjoy seamless access to the Visitor Center and park.

Dedicated Space for Adventure Partners

A noteworthy feature of the new parking lot is the dedicated space for our Adventure Partners, Adventures Out West and Amp’d Adventures. This area is designed for tour preparation and practice, offering a convenient and safe place for our partners to train guests prior to embarking on their adventurous experiences!

Improved Traffic Flow

One of the primary goals of this project was to create a smoother and more intuitive flow of traffic within the parking lot. The new design addresses previous congestion issues, making it easier for visitors to navigate and find parking swiftly. The improved layout significantly enhances the overall guest experience, reducing the time spent searching for parking and increasing the time available to enjoy the magnificent Garden of the Gods Park.

Gratitude for Collaborative Efforts

This project’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of many individuals and organizations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, revenue partners, park partners, and Foundation Board members for their flexibility and partnership throughout this endeavor. Your support and cooperation were invaluable in bringing this project to fruition.

We also wish to express our thanks to Art Klein Construction, TDG Architecture, and Matrix Design Group. Their hard work, commitment, and expertise were crucial in ensuring that the project was completed on schedule.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Lyda Hill, whose creativity and generosity made the Visitor Center a reality. Thanks to her gifts, the Visitor Center delights over 1.2 million visitors each year and has generated over $6 million in donations to the park through the Garden of the Gods Foundation. Her support has allowed us to preserve and protect the Garden of the Gods Park while offering educational and recreational opportunities that foster appreciation and understanding of the park’s geology, history, and culture. Lyda’s unwavering commitment to our mission is a cornerstone of our continued success.

Looking Forward to a Busy Summer

With the parking lot now fully open, we are excited to welcome even more guests to the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center this summer! The expanded and improved parking facilities will enhance the convenience and enjoyment of every visit, allowing guests to focus on the beauty and wonder that the Garden of the Gods Park offers.

We invite everyone to come and experience the newly improved Visitor Center, explore the stunning natural landscapes, and take advantage of the fantastic services provided by our Adventure Partners. This summer promises to be an exceptional one, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you!

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center soon!