Despite years of skepticism about its future along the Platte River in downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park may be sticking around for a while in light of a June real estate deal that opened the way for upgrades and improvements at the 58-acre attraction.
“Elitch’s is an incredible business,” said Mike Neary, executive vice president of Kroenke Sports Entertainment (KSE), in an email to The Denver Post this week. “We have every incentive to not only keep Elitch’s going, but to invest in rides and attractions and overall experience.”
In fact, the park reopened two of its signature roller coasters this summer after both had been closed. Twister III: Storm Chaser is now running for the first time in 2025 after repairs, while the Sidewinder, closed for maintenance since 2023, reopened two months ago.
KSE, which owns Ball Arena, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche, Altitude Sports & Entertainment, as well as other teams, stadiums and real estate, bought out Revesco Properties’ share of a property known as the River Mile in June. River Mile is planned as a 62-acre mixed-use redevelopment that includes the land under Elitch Gardens.
Revesco and KSE first bought the property together in 2015 and announced plans to scrape and redevelop it in favor of a massive residential and retail complex that would abut Ball Arena and its parking lots. At the time, the discussions involved moving Elitch Gardens out of downtown.
The original plan — which would make room for 15,000 residents, along with offices and hotels, stores and restaurants inside several 40- to 60-story towers — was approved by the city in 2018.
Nothing has gone forward, however, and although Elitch Gardens is still on shaky grounds, Kroenke’s buyout of Revesco seemed to suggest that the theme park may remain for a while.
Cindy Hann, an Elitch Gardens spokesperson, declined to comment on a potential move, but said this season’s attendance has been an “incredible” boon for the park (though she also declined to provide those attendance numbers).
“Currently, we are focused entirely on creating thrilling experiences right here in the heart of Denver, including preparing for our signature Halloween and holiday season events,” Hann said. “We were very pleased with our 2024 season and are on track for another strong year in 2025.”
Elitch Gardens, which is 135 years old, moved from its original space in northwest Denver to its current home in 1995. There, it transformed into a contemporary, thrill-ride theme park.