Parks
Overview
Much of Denver’s unique identity and sense of place is built on the system of interconnected parkways, parks and neighborhoods. As early as the 1870’s, city leaders began transforming Denver’s character from a dry and dusty prairie into the green oasis of today by creating parks and parkways. This rich legacy of grand, tree-lined boulevards and parkways is fundamental to the city’s quality of life. These special streets embody many values important to our community: local heritage and history, majestic shade trees, colorful summer flower beds, outstanding architectural design, and pleasant drives. In Denver, parkway management is the responsibility of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Caring for and maintaining these treasured streets is complex as it requires the combined efforts of city agencies, the historic preservation community, elected officials, neighborhoods and residents.We are taking steps to strengthen the management of parkways. The first is to share the basic information about designated parkways. This website offers information about the definition of a parkway, illustrations of parkway elements, the list of designated parkways and histories of selected parkways.
Our department began a study of parkways in January, 2002 to better understand the historical significance and condition of the parkways and develop guidelines for future improvements and management. Please contact Susan Baird if you want to be part of the study at 720.913.0617 or by email at Susan.Baird@ci.denver.co.us.
Please contact Devon Buckels at 720.913.0616 or email Devon.Buckels@ci.denver.co.us if you have any questions.