You’re driving through Arvada, Colorado, maybe heading toward West 80th Avenue, and you see it. From a distance, it looks like a regular neighborhood park. A few tennis courts, a hoop, some grass. Standard stuff, right?
Actually, no. Not even close.
Alice Sweet Thomas Park is essentially a giant architectural lid. Most people walking their dogs or practicing their backhand there have zero clue they are standing on top of a 10-million-gallon water storage tank. It’s one of those "hidden in plain sight" engineering quirks that makes Arvada’s infrastructure kinda fascinating if you’re a nerd for city planning.
It isn't just a patch of grass. It’s a Bicentennial Award-winning feat of design that solved a massive suburban problem in the 70s without making the neighborhood look like an industrial zone.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Name
There’s often a bit of confusion about who Alice Sweet Thomas actually was. Some folks hear the name and think of the 1976 cult classic horror flick Alice, Sweet Alice.
Please don't go looking for spooky masks here.
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The park was actually named to honor a real person: Alice Sweet Thomas, the wife of former Arvada City Councilman Thomas G. Thomas. She passed away on December 11, 1974, just weeks after the park was officially completed and dedicated. The city decided to memorialize her through this space, which, at the time, was a cutting-edge example of "multi-use" land.
Mayor Don Feland and the council members of that era were trying to figure out how to keep water pressure high for a booming population while still giving people a place to play. Building a park on a water tank was their "two birds, one stone" move.
The Weird Engineering of the "Circle"
If you look at the park from a satellite view, or even just stand in the middle of it, you’ll notice the geometry is a bit... deliberate.
The water tank is mostly recessed into the ground, but its presence dictates everything. The tennis courts and the basketball court are literally perched on the structure. Because of this, the park sits at a higher elevation than some of the surrounding houses.
Honestly, it creates a funny privacy situation. If you’re standing on the west side of the park, you’re basically at eye level with the upstairs windows of the neighbors to the south. You can see right into their backyards. A few of those neighbors actually got tired of the "fishbowl" feeling and installed private gates so they could just walk directly from their yards into the park.
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It’s a trade-off. They get a massive "backyard" they don't have to mow, but everyone in the neighborhood can see what they’re grilling for dinner.
Fun Stats and Facts
- Completion Date: November 15, 1974.
- The Big Tank: It holds 10 million gallons (though some older records occasionally cite 5 million, the 10-million figure is the standard for the main storage).
- The Cost: Back in '74, the whole project cost about $860,000. Only about $66,000 of that was for the actual "park" stuff (courts, hoops, etc.); the rest was the massive water infrastructure underneath.
- The Award: It nabbed a Bicentennial Award in 1976 for its design.
That Time They Found a "Secret" Wall
Here’s a story most locals forgot. Back in early 2023, a maintenance crew was doing some routine renovations on the tennis courts. They were ripping off some old, damaged siding and—surprise—they found a 50-year-old tennis practice wall hidden underneath.
It was like a time capsule.
The wall was built using a specific "tongue and groove" method that you just don't see much anymore. Enessa Janes, who was Arvada’s Director of Vibrant Communities at the time, mentioned that even the workers who had been with the city for thirty years didn't know it was there. It was a weird little piece of 1970s craftsmanship that had been literally boarded up and forgotten.
Why You Should Actually Visit
Look, if you want a massive regional park with 20 miles of trails, you go to Majestic View. But if you want a spot that feels like a neighborhood secret, Alice Sweet Thomas Park is the vibe.
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The mountain views from the northwest corner are legitimately some of the best in the city. Because you’re elevated on that tank, you get an unobstructed look at the Front Range. If you catch a sunrise there, the mountains turn this wild, glowing orange.
What’s there now:
- Tennis Courts: Recently renovated around 2022-2023, so the surfaces are actually good. No cracked concrete or dead nets.
- Basketball Court: Full court, usually less crowded than the ones at the bigger complexes.
- The Playground: It’s "neat" and well-maintained. Perfect for a quick burnout session for the kids.
- Picnic Spots: Plenty of grassy space, though it’s worth noting that since you’re on a tank, there aren’t huge deep-rooted trees in the center. Shade is mostly around the perimeter.
One thing to keep in mind: there are no lights. When the sun goes down, the game is over. The neighbors probably appreciate that, though, considering how close their bedrooms are to the three-point line.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head over to 7845 Simms Street, here is how to make the most of it:
- Check the Surface: If you’re a tennis player, these courts are some of the best "hidden" public courts in Arvada because they were recently resurfaced. You won't have to fight for a spot like you do at Apex.
- Golden Hour is Real: Go about 30 minutes before sunset. The elevation gain from the water tank gives you a "pedestal" view of the Rockies that lower-lying parks just can't match.
- Parking: There’s a decent-sized lot. You don't need to park on the street and annoy the neighbors.
- Bring Water: Ironically, despite standing on 10 million gallons of it, you’ll want your own bottle if you're playing hard.
This park is a classic example of why Arvada works. It’s functional, it’s a little bit weird, and it honors local history without making a huge fuss about it. Whether you're there for the history of the 1974 bond referendum or just to hit a few balls, it's a cool spot to stand. Just try not to stare too hard into the neighbors' windows.
Next Steps
If you're a tennis regular, check the city's "Taking Lasting Care" (TLC) program updates for 2026. While Alice Sweet Thomas had its courts done recently, other nearby spots like Pioneer and Ralston Cove are slated for playground upgrades this year, which might shift the local traffic patterns. Keep an eye on the Arvada Parks website for any seasonal maintenance closures on the Simms Street side.