Government » Departments » Public Works » Parks, Recreation and Open Space

Parks and Playgrounds

Vail Parks Available for Gatherings, Events and Programs

If you’re looking to host a gathering in any of Vail’s parks, they’re available for your use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vail's team, working with artists, have custom designed and built play areas.  The artistic concepts evolve into play structures, equipment and whimsical elements and help Vail’s play areas stand out above the rest.

Please note the Town of Vail has an open container law that prohibits alcohol consumption in most areas including public rights-of-way without proper State of Colorado alcohol permits. Alcohol for personal consumption is allowed in town parks. 

Community Parks

Ford Park

Slides, climbing features, swings, picnic areas and half-court basketball. Home to Better Ford Alpine Gardens and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

Ford Park climbing bridge for kids
530 S. Frontage Rd. E., Vail Village

Donovan Park

 Playground with slides, climbing ropes, swings and bridges. Home to Donovan Pavilion, athletic fields, picnic areas and a basketball court. On the recreational bike path.

Play area among wildflowers at Donovan
West of Lionshead Village in Cascade Village

 

Neighborhood Parks

Bighorn Park

A dog-friendly park with a large pond and a playground of slides, mini rope courses and covered picnic tables.
Play equipment at Big Horn Park
4825 Juniper Lane, East Vail

Booth Creek Park
Large climbing structures with secret nooks to hide in. Covered picnic areas and Adirondack chairs.
Children play on boulders in Booth Creek Park
Manns Ranch Road, East Vail
Buffehr Creek Park

A small playground with picnic area and charcoal grills. Park has playsets, slides, swings and monkey bars.
Grassy open space in Bueffer Park
1950 Chamonix Lane, West Vail

Cloud Park

Big white "clouds" for children to climb, under and around and interactive hanging chimes.
Children play on giant cloud-looking structures.
Near Vendettas, Lionshead Village

Ellefson Park
A small playground with swings, slides, picnic tables and grassy fields. In winter, bring a sled.
Covered picnic area at Ellefson Park
2300 Garmisch Dr., West Vail
Piratehip Park
At the base of Gondola One, the park has a life-sized pirate ship, swings and climbing nets. 
Children playing on small boat near giant wood pirateship
9 Hanson Ranch Road, Vail Village
Red Sandstone Park

Featuring forts, curvy slides, swings and colorful statues of boxy stick figures. 

Child in play area at Red Sandstone Park
2470 S. Frontage Rd. W., West Vail

Stephen's Park

Picnic tables, jungle gym and off-leash dog park along Gore Greek.

Dogs cross a bridge at Stephens Park
555 E. Lionshead Circle, near Vail Square

Sunbird Park
Features three giant bird's-nest shaped play areas, bridges and slides.
Play area with ladders and slides at Sunbird Park
555 E. Lionshead Circle, Lionshead Village
Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark

Young man skate boarding at vail skate parkThe Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark was named in 2016 for a spirited 15-year-old who lived life to the fullest. The park was designed with input from local skaters and was constructed by California Skateparks, one of the world’s premier park builders. The skatepark also includes four colorful mosaic murals created by artist Valerie Theberge.

The skatepark, at 395 E. Lionshead Circle, near Lionshead Parking Structure, is open daily from dawn to 11 p.m. Helmets are required and safety equipment is recommended.

Off-leash Dog Friendly Parks

Dogs are a big part of the mountain lifestyle and are considered a member of the family by many. Dogs are allowed on leashes in all town parks, except for Ford Park or within 100 feet of an athletic field. An off-leash program has been established at Bighorn Park in East Vail and at Stephens Park in West Vail.

Safety Reminders for Your Best Frienddog off leash

When you’re out enjoying Vail, please remember to control your dog.

  • Within the Town of Vail, dogs must be on a leash in Vail Village, Lionshead Mall, on all bike paths and in all the town parks except for Bighorn and Stephens parks.
  • Both Bighorn and Stephens parks are dog friendly parks and dogs may be off-leash and controlled by voice command, with the exception of the playground areas.
  • Please clean up after your dog. Dog waste left in the environment transmits bacteria such as E. coli into Gore Creek. Pet pickup bags are provided throughout town for your convenience but never leave home without one.
  • Never leave a dog left unattended, especially inside a vehicle. During the warmer months, that temperature can rapidly increase threatening the health and safety of your animal. Even with the windows down, the temperature can be up to 20 degrees hotter than the outside. Please leave your pet at home rather than risk a dangerous and regrettable circumstance.

Parks and Landscape Maintenance

Parks and Landscape Maintenance is a division of the Department of Public Works. The team provides design, development, maintenance and management of all town parks, playgrounds, recreation paths and open space. The division also provides landscaping, horticulture, arborist, weed management, roadside vegetation management and turf management services.

Contact us: Parks Superintendent, 970-477-3424.