Page 11 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

HISTORIC ASSESSMENT

Vegetation
As the landscaping and plantings in the park have ma-
tured over the years, the character of the site itself has
changed, the organization of the features changes, and
the visitor experience differs. Areas that were once open
and sunny now may be shaded and cooler. Historic under-
story plantings chosen for sunny locations may no lon-
ger be appropriate due to shade generated by what are
now mature trees. Vegetation throughout the park also
impacts the views within the park and views to and from
the park.

In the northern portion of the site, plantings are primarily
located along the edges, with open areas in the middle
where the reflecting pool and the formal gardens were
once located. While the plantings in this part of the park
are primarily trees, a few lower plantings are located on Vegetation within the park defines the user experience in many
the eastern side of where the formal gardens were locat- locations. While the internal pathway above is very close to the
ed. The grass areas in the northern portion of the park perimeter pathway and Speer Boulevard, the buffer created by
are in fairly good condition, especially considering the the landscaping ensures a quiet experience while in the park.
amount of use they sustain for recreational and gather- (Winter & Company, 2020.)
ing purposes. While the formal gardens were once a key
feature and exhibited an “ever-changing” garden design
that was part of the City’s “flower trail” through a series
of parks, they were likely removed due to maintenance
and labor costs.

While not as formal in nature, flower beds in the south-
ern portion of the park were also removed. Despite their
removal, the southern portion remains more dense in
its plantings, a key component of the original character
of this area. The plantings are primarily trees, creating
a shaded experience. It appears that new trees were
recently planted in the southwest corner of the park near
the gateway at Delaware Street and 8th Avenue.

As indicated above, trees are a key landscape component
to Sunken Gardens park. Existing trees in the park fit into
one of three categories. Some trees were likely planted The historic serpentine swale is a key landscape feature of the
park. It has historically been lined with trees and other plants.
during the period of focus, and those that are in good While that tradition remains, further study is needed to deter-
condition should be preserved. Other trees that were mine which plants might be historic and, therefore, significant
planted later, may be in keeping with historic designs for and important to maintain. (Winter & Company, 2020.)
the park. Finally, there will be trees that were planted
more recently, but are not consistent with the historic
character of the park. Existing trees in the park should be
examined to determine which category they fit in.
Significance
While some historic vegetation remains and is significant,
other existing trees and landscaping is not historic and
therefore not significant. More research is needed to de-
termine which vegetation is historic.

Condition
Similarly, the condition of potential historic landscaping
will be determined after further research.
Treatment
Further research will determine the appropriate treat-
ment for historic vegetation. Historic trees, flower beds
and other vegetation that has been lost could be restored
through new landscaping or reinterpreted through new Mature trees line the southern end of the park, leading from the
features. sun shade structure toward the rock garden. While these trees
are key to cultivating a quiet and insulated experience from 8th
Avenue, further study is needed to determine their significance.
(Winter & Company, 2020.)

CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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