Page 10 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

SUNKEN GARDENS

stairs, the berm separating the two rooms in the north-
ern section of the park, as shown in the map on page 8,
creates the feeling of entering a new space.
Significance
The park’s topography is reminiscent of the original de-
sign for both the northern and southern sections and is
highly significant.

Condition
The grade changes throughout the park remain in good
condition.

Treatment
The topography throughout the park should be preserved
to continue to reflect the historic design of the northern
and southern sections.
Views
Historically, visitors to the park could view the capitol building Historically, views to, through and from the park were
from the pavilion structure. While this view no longer exists key features. Some views have changed over time due
because the pavilion was removed and due to adjacent neigh-
borhood growth, opportunities for reinterpretation exist. Photo to changes in vegetation and construction of new, taller
taken between 1911 and 1920. (McClure, “Vista from pavilion, buildings near the park. However, maintaining as many
Sunken Garden, Speer Blvd. Denver.” Western History Collection key views as possible is key to preserving the character
MCC-1944. 1911-1920. Denver Public Library.) of Sunken Gardens. Within the park, the views between
the northern and southern portions are key to supporting
a singular, connected park, despite the varied character
of the sections. This view exists along the pathway that
connects the two spaces, and also typically occurs when
standing in the central part of either portion. However,
the fence addition to the maintenance building currently
obstructs this view.
Also from within the park is the key view to West High
School when standing on the internal pathway or perime-
ter pathway along Speer Boulevard. While this view once
included the pavilion, it now focuses on the high school.
From the other perspective, when standing on the west
side of the park at the pavilion base, the viewer can look
out to Speer and beyond. This view once allowed a visitor
to view the capitol building in the distance. Another view
The view from Speer Boulevard to West High School is now one looking out from the park to the neighborhood is what
of the most iconic views through the park, and is important to once was titled the observatory deck, which was on top of
preserve. (Winter & Company, 2020)
the “comfort station”. While this building no longer exists,
the views from the same spot are available, if the visitor
stands on 9th Avenue and looks north over the park. Key
views are noted in the map on page 8.
Significance
The views to, through and from the park are significant.

Condition
The historic views from and through the park are in poor
condition due to a change in structures and matured
landscaping in the park.
Treatment
Consider incorporating interpretive features to highlight
original views to capitol building, and other views through
the park.
Looking east from the original pavilion location is a key view
over the park to the adjacent neighborhoods. (Winter & Compa-
ny, 2020)

CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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