Denver's park system is unique. Within city limits, Denver offers more than 200 traditional and historic parks, many of them connected by bike paths that are part of the city's network of 850-miles of paved, off-street bike trails. But Denver also has 14,000 acres of parks in the nearby foothills of the Rocky Mountains - an immense mountain park system that covers an area almost the size of Manhattan. It took an Act of Congress to create this "city" park system. In 1914, the U.S. Congress passed an act that allowed the City of Denver to acquire scenic land outside of city limits to protect and preserve it for future generations. Today, Denver maintains parks that are 60 miles from city limits and include famous attractions like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Buffalo Bill's Grave on top of Lookout Mountain, Winter Park Ski Resort, a buffalo and elk herd and Summit Lake, the highest city park in the nation. The original goal of the mountain park system was to make Denver a rival to Switzerland for mountain tourism. Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., the son of the famed designer of New York's Central park, was hired to design the park system, which was completed in 1914. Here are 10 of Denver's most popular parks:
city park denver
1. City Park: This expansive, multifaceted park is Denver's version of New York City's Central Park. In City Park's 314 lovely, landscaped acres, you'll find a public golf course, colorful flower gardens, ornate fountains, placid lakes and rolling green lawns perfect for picnics. City Park is home to some of Denver's most popular attractions, including the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Martin Luther King Memorial and much more. It's also got unbeatable views of The Mile High City skyline and the Rocky Mountain Front Range. 2. Chessman Park: Joggers love Cheesman Park for the crushed granite jogging path that winds its way around the park. But it's also a popular spot for families, thanks to its large playground, with swings, slides and everything else to delight your young ones. The park, located at Franklin St. and 8th St., also offers as incredible vistas stretching from the Cheesman Memorial Pavilion to the Front Range. 3. Wash Park: One of Denver's most popular spots year-round, Washington Park (nicknamed "Wash Park" by locals) is a spectacular space, with two lakes (boat rentals are available), lovingly looked after flower gardens, innovative playgrounds and countless areas for outdoor recreation. Wash Park is also a favorite for its extensive sports and fitness options, including a recreation center with indoor pool, a bicycle/pedestrian pathway, a crushed granite jogging path, a fitness course, a horseshoe pit, a lawn bowling/croquet area, a soccer field and tennis courts. 4. Civic Center Park: Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Civic Center Park is always bursting with life, as tourists and locals take advantage of the beautiful landscaping and vibrant atmosphere of this unique urban park. Many events, such as Cinco de Mayo, Civic Center EATS (a food truck festival every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer months), the Capitol Hill People's Fair, Denver PrideFest, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and A Taste of Colorado are traditionally held annually in Civic Center. This spacious plaza, surrounded by monumental government and public buildings, is a stone's throw from a number of Mile High City attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library, the 16th Street Mall and the Colorado State Capitol Building. 5. Confluence Park: Where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet and mingle, you'll find the unique and scenic Confluence Park. Watch kayakers brave the rapids on custom-designed chutes, sunbathe on the sandy banks and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Denver. In the summer, Confluence Park is home to a free concert series, held every Thursday evening around dusk. The park is close to the the Downtown Aquarium, the Children's Museum of Denver and Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. 6. Sloan's Lake Park: Located in the up-and-coming Highlands neighborhood of Denver, Sloan's Lake Park is an urban oasis, with the enormous Sloan's Lake taking center stage. In the summer be sure to keep an eye out for water skiers zooming across the lake, framed by a stunning view of the Denver skyline. Bring some food to grill and spread out a picnic blanket or two - there's plenty of room at this 177-acre park. Sloan's Lake hosts the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, a celebration of Asian American culture and tradition, featuring a host of amazing dragon boats filling the lake. 7. Commons Park: One of the city's newest park additions, Commons Park can be found on the banks of the South Platte River in a spot that just happens to be the city's birthplace. It's a pleasing mix of natural and urban influences: Close to 40 percent of the park is covered by native plants, a piece of reconstructed lush "sand prairie" close to what would have existed in the area originally. Meanwhile, the promenade along Little Raven Street is a tree-lined walkway dotted with many seating areas and entries, to connect the park to downtown Denver and the parks' future neighbor, the Commons Neighborhood. 8. Skyline Park: Adjacent to the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park offers an easy getaway for the approximately 110,000 people who spend their workday in downtown Denver. Located at 15th and Arapahoe Sts., Skyline Park is always a fun place to spend a little time in, especially during the summer, with free evening movies taking place on a regular basis. But don't miss the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park every winter, offering FREE ice skating all season long. 9. Centennial Flower Gardens: Just steps away from Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park and the South Platte River, the Centennial Flower Gardens are a must-see for anyone with any interest in gardening. The Gardens are patterned after the Gardens of Versailles, with paths and patterned flowerbeds showcasing native species along with other flowers that grow well in Colorado's arid climate. This is a great spot for a refreshing afternoon stroll. 10. Bear Creek Park: Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life at Bear Creek Park - without even leaving the city. Almost 100 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, this spectacular park is divided by Bear Creek. The north side of the park provides picnic, playground and recreational facilities. The south side of Bear Creek Park is the largest undeveloped park area within Denver's city limits, offering a look at nature in a native setting. Thank you to Denver.Org for the info and photo  
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