Bluegrass Conversions

StudioCPG developed a process for Denver Parks to convert bluegrass to alternative turf and cover types.

Our methodology focuses on identifying appropriate soil preparation methods and seed mixes, then working through weed control to allow for the establishment of native grasses and forbs that:

Reduce irrigation requirements and runoff
Reduce fertilizer loads
Reduce mowing and maintenance requirements, including improved safety from reduced mowing on steep slopes
Support site diversity

Bluegrass Conversion Projects:

Inspiration Park

Denver, CO

Inspiration Point Park is located at the far northwest corner of the City of Denver overlooking the Clear Creek Valley with views to the Front Range beyond. The once neglected landscape has been subject to several phases of restoration, including bluegrass conversion. The project converted nearly an acre of bluegrass to upland prairie grassland to match the adjacent landscape. Adjustments to the irrigation system allowed irrigation for seed establishment that was phased out over two or three seasons as well as the continued irrigation of several large, existing trees.

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Barnum Park

Denver, CO

StudioCPG was asked by City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation to prepare a master plan for converting a significant percentage of the park acreage of bluegrass to species that are less demanding in terms of water conservation and maintenance. The plan converts over five acres of hillside landscape from bluegrass to native wheatgrasses. A trail delineates the remaining bluegrass from the new, native species and completes a link in the Weir Gulch Regional Greenway. The design unifies the park by directing users to a specific location that allows them to focus on the views to Downtown (including the Capitol Building) with the lake in the foreground and the prairie sky beyond. StudioCPG generated the master plan, construction documents and collaborated with local artists on site improvement details.

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Bear Valley Park

Denver, CO

StudioCPG defined an area for bluegrass conversion within the two-acre area of Bear Valley Park between the trail and Bear Creek. Selection criteria included park program, topography, existing trees and existing irrigation system configuration. The conversion process closely follows the protocol StudioCPG developed on prior projects, including glyphosate treatment of existing grasses and weeds following by drill seeding of site specific seed mixes.

The goals of this project included reducing irrigation and fertilizer runoff into Bear Creek, reducing maintenance related to turf upkeep, and enhanced habitat along the creek corridor.

City Park

Denver, Colorado

StudioCPG prepared a landscape improvement plan to complement the restoration of the DeBoer Waterway as part of the Mile High Loop Trail. The Waterway was restored in conjunction with stormwater management improvements at Ferril Lake. The DeBoer Waterway was a feature of the City’s original arboretum in the southeast corner of the Park. Restoration includes a new mechanical system for the water feature and improved pedestrian access to the corridor. A contemporary approach to planting design replaces the historic taxonomic organization with native riparian and upland plant communities. The installation of native grasses converts approximately three acres of bluegrass to native species conserving water and reducing maintenance and mowing requirements.

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Washington Park

Denver, Colorado

Grasmere lake is an important feature within historic Washington Park. The lake sits in the immediate foreground of a grand visual composition that stretches west to Mt. Evans and serves as storage for irrigation water in the City’s original City Ditch distribution system.

Installation of a lake liner and constant traffic from canada geese have combined to degrade the lake edge impacting the views and reducing natural diversity within the park. StudioCPG worked with Denver Natural Areas staff to tailor a design for restoration of a portion of the lake edge recalls the historic fringe without compromising the liner. The design also includes details for very robust bird control to allow the new landscape to establish.