Things to do in Denver: Washington Park

August 25, 3:14 PMDenver Outdoor Recreation ExaminerDarcie Gudger

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photo by Darcie Gudger

Wondering what to do during your next visit to Denver? Set your outdoor recreation sites on Washington Park. Centered in one of Denver's oldest neighborhoods, the park was desigend at the turn of the twentieth century by a German landscape architect named Reinhard Schuetze.

one of Wash Park's many flower beds, photo by Darcie Gudger

54 spectacular gardens dot the park. One is said to resemble Martha Washington's garden from Mt. Vernon. Marigolds the size of softballs create stunning borders to taller, leafier plants. Jog off the main path to get a closer look and shoot some photos.

the historic boat house with model T looking surrey's waiting to be rented photo by Darcie Gudger

Washington park is 165 acres in area, holds 25,000 plants, 2.6 miles of paths for running, jogging, biking and rollerblading. It has tennis courts, a full-amenity recreation center and a rental center for bikes, surreys and paddle boats. Wheel Fun Rentals is located in a little hut next to the boat house. Mountain and road bikes can be rented for $10/hour. For water sports, paddle boats and canoes are rentable. The perimeter of Smith Lake is .6 miles if you are keeping track of distance. Baby joggers and rollerblades are for rent at Wheel Fun as well.

water fowel search for tasty snacks near Smith Pond photo by Darcie Gudger

Geocachers try to find Nodding Off and ShPark #1. Nodding Off takes you to the cottage of poet, Eugene Field, best known for Wynken, Blynken and Nod and Little Boy Blue.

Statue of Field's three characters photo by Darcie Gudger

Wash Park teems with activity on the weekends. It's the perfect place to have a picnic lunch in the grass and watch the people or play a pickup game of volleyball.

The park is south of Alameda along Downing. Parking is available on the street and there are some lots in the park. RTD bus routes also service the Wash Park neighborhood.

The paved road that loops through the park is closed to vehicles so bike, jog or skate away!

View Wash Park in a larger map