Denver is a city that is defined by its natural character and access to open space. It is what largely drives adventure-minded visitors to the city and its metropolitan area. This is owed to the fact that the city is situated precisely where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, making for a spectacular natural setting. Looking west, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains stand tall and look over the city with a commanding presence. On the way up to the mountains, an abundance of recreation opportunities exist within the vast amounts of open space that unfold just outside the city limits. In fact, some of the most famous ski resorts in North America are located just two hours from downtown Denver. However, city residents and urban dwellers within Denver do not always have to travel outside the city to experience great outdoor and recreation opportunities.
City Park is exactly what its name suggests. It is an urban park situated squarely in one of the middle of Denver. It is a 330 acre preserve of parkland located just east of downtown Denver in the central part of the city. It is an old park when compared to the rest of the development of modern Denver. When it was first conceived and established in the 1880s, it was located outside of the settlement of the city at the time. therefore, Denver and its residents were forward thinking in its desire for establishing land for open space at an early time in its development. As the city developed eastward, all sides of the park began to be enveloped and surrounded by the built environment. By the early to mid 20th century, the park truly began to form its much needed role as a valuable open space preserve and respite from urban Denver life.
The park was partially modeled after the City Beautiful movement. As such, sculptures and architectural beauty and achievement play a prominent role in the landscape of the park. Despite the mountainous terrain that lies directly west of the city, Denver itself is located in the plains. Therefore, the park is located on overwhelmingly flat terrain, which increased the need for for man-made landscaping and structural imprints to create a lasting impression on park users. As a result, an abundance of sculptures are scattered throughout its boundaries. Here is a great example of this:
Besides acting purely as open space, the park also a acts as a cultural and tourist destination. Numerous festivals and gatherings take place in the park throughout the year as Denver residents take advantage of its wide space. The Denver Zoo and and The Denver Museum of Nature and Science are also located within the boundaries, which is not not an uncommon occurrence of a park of such magnitude in a highly populated urban center. Golf enthusiasts also take advantage of City Park Golf Course which lies along the northern edge of the park. The park also hosts one of the largest bodies of water within city limits in Ferril Lake. When taken all into account, with everything from trails, architectural beauty, water, and cultural attractions, the park is a prime destination for almost any resident of Denver and its surrounding area.
When people think of Denver, outdoor access and recreation naturally spring to mind, with the Rocky Mountains as a grand backdrop. However, not every resident of Denver has the mobility or adequate funds to leave the city limits and experience it for themselves. As a result, City Parks and parks similar to it fill an incredibly valuable niche for urban dwellers. It grants affordable and close access to open space and all the benefits that it offers. A large, centrally-located park such as City Park plays an essential role in promoting the quality of life for all Denver residents.
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