Washington Park

(Baker Historic District, Platt Park, Observatory Park)

Architected and developed in the 1890s, the 162-acre park is the defining feature of Washington Park and the center of this surrounding south central Denver neighborhood. Constructed as Denver's first suburb in 1886, the Washington Park area has served traditionally as an urban oasis for people seeking a refuge from the city's hustle and bustle. Immediately adjacent to Washington Park, to the west and south respectively, are the Baker Historic District, Platt Park, and Observatory Park neighborhoods.

Defining neighborhood boundaries

Washington Park's typical boundaries include Broadway to the west, University to the east, I-25 to the south, and Alameda to the north. The nearby Baker Historic District spans Mississippi to 6th Avenue, Broadway to the Platte River. The 3.7-acre Platt Park, named for Civil-War hero, humanitarian, and leading Denver businessman, James H. Platt, is located directly south of Wash Park, and runs from East Florida to East Iowa Avenue, from South Grant to South Logan Streets. The Observatory Park neighborhood is just a bit further south, between Evans and Iliff, bounded by Milwaukee and Fillmore Streets to the east and west.

Exploring Wash Park and the surrounding area

The Washington Park area is a mix of new developments and classic dwellings, from exquisite Tudors and brick craftsman bungalows to Victorians, unique ranches, Spanish mission style, and contemporary construction. The enduring, original residences have been, and continue to be, rehabbed and reconditioned with an eye toward both modernization and historic preservation of Denver landmarks.

In addition to Denver's largest traditional park, which contains both Smith and Grasmere lakes, tennis and basketball courts, volleyball, and cycling trails, the area offers the 3.7-acre Platt Park, as well as Observatory Park, a favorite with astronomy buffs, as it is named for DU's nearby Chamberlin Observatory.

The neighborhood features beautiful tree-lined streets, a modern, full-service recreation center in Wash Park, exceptional schools, entertainment options, the Cherry Creek bike path and various trails, as well as artisan shops and restaurants on South Gaylord, Pearl Street, and the revitalized antique district on Broadway. The area is directly adjacent to the sprawling University of Denver campus and the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and is easily accessible via nearby 6th Avenue, I-25, Speer Boulevard, Evans, or local neighborhood routes.