Donovan Pavilion and Park

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The Donovan Pavilion is Vail's first public facility to be built by the town since the opening of the Vail Library in 1982. In addition to the pavilion, the adjacent park features a playground, basketball court, soccer field and restrooms. Ample free parking is available on-site.

Considered Vail's newest "crown jewel," the Pavilion's timber and stone structure is reminiscent of an alpine mountain lodge. Guests enter the 5,205 sq. ft. Pavilion through an informal lobby before entering the Great Hall, which is accentuated by massive timber work and expansive walls of glass. The Great Hall accommodates up to 499 people while the 3,040 sq. ft. outdoor Terrace generously seats 110 guests. The outdoor patio is embellished with an oversized aspen leaf pattern, designed by artist Kate Petley. The west side of the Pavilion contains a meeting room for intimate gatherings and the east side a state-of-the-art catering kitchen.  Nearby is a large outdoor fire pit for additional ambiance.  J.L Viele Construction, Inc., has served as the project's design-builder and Vail Architectual Group (VAg) served as the architect on the project.

In many respects, the opening of the Pavilion and park are symbolic of Vail's coming of age as a community in addition to its well-known resort characteristics. The need for a Pavilion-like community gathering place was identified during the Vail Tomorrow community visioning process in 1996. Since then, various councilmembers have worked diligently to keep the project moving forward as a town priority. Sybill Navas, who served on the Town Council from 1993 to 2001, and Diana Donovan, who was elected in 1999, both contributed greatly to the project.

The Donovan Pavilion and Park are located on the south side of I-70, nestled between Gore Creek and the South Frontage Rd. It is named for former Vail Town Councilman John F. Donovan (JOHN F. DONOVAN BIO), who convinced the Town of Vail to purchase the property for $1 million in 1980. For the past two years, Diana Donovan (John Donovan's wife) along with current Councilmembers Dick Cleveland, Chuck Ogilby and Rod Slifer have served on a Council subcommittee to assist a team from VAg Architects and Planners to design the Pavilion after an earlier effort at a contemporary theme was rejected by the Council.

Donovan Park and Pavilion are located at 1600 S. Frontage Rd. in West Vail. For details about the Aug. 30 dedication ceremony or to RSVP, call Donovan Pavilion Management, Inc. at 477-3699 or e-mail pavilion@vailgov.com. The Pavilion will be available on a year-round basis and can be used for weddings, receptions, social events, community conferences, parties, meetings and other occasions. It will be used as Vail's polling place during the November election.

Donovan Pavilion Floorplan
click to enlarge