Page 14 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

SUNKEN GARDENS

The perimeter pathway is defined by a single concrete
sidewalk that runs along the edge of the entire park,
above the sunken component. This pathway reflects
the historic perimeter pathway as shown in the map on
page 13. It provides access from the primary gateways
described on page 12. While it is elevated from the park
itself, connections in the form of staircases and downward
sloping paths provide access into the park. The majority
of this sidewalk, especially along Speer Boulevard and 8th
Avenue, is in need of repairs and maintenance as many of
the sidewalk sections have shifted from growing roots or
have weeds coming up between sections. While in need
of maintenance, the perimeter sidewalk provides access
to the park and should remain a key pathway.

The second pathway type is those internal to the park
that are more formal in nature. These walkways are
Historic staircases along the eastern side of Sunken Gardens paved and easily visible from within the park. The largest
connect the park to a perimeter pathway along Speer. Many key pathway of this type runs parallel to Speer Boulevard
parts of this pathway, such as the section shown above, are in along the full length of the park, beginning at the gate-
need of repair. (Winter & Company, 2020)
way at Elati Street and Speer Boulevard, and continuing
to the gateway at 8th Street and Speer Boulevard. The
other pathways in this category are focused in the south-
ern portion of the park and connect playground, former
rock garden and sun shade structure.
The final type of pathway in the park is less easily
mapped. This type focuses on pedestrian-made foot-
paths, which are more informal in nature and not paved.
These are located throughout both the north and south
portions of the park, although they are more common in
the northern part of the park because of the less frequent
formal paths. These pathways change as the use of the
park and pedestrian activity changes.
While each of these pathway types are part of the move-
ment into and through the park, not all reflect the historic
pathways and circulation system through the park. The
original pathways reflected a more meandering quality
Running parallel to the perimeter pathway is the internal path- rather direct paths between park functions.
way along Speer Boulevard. This pathway is paved but pro-
vides a quieter experience than the perimeter pathway. While Significance
many internal pathways have changed location from the historic While some of the existing pathways are highly signifi-
pathways, they are still key to circulation throughout the park. cant, others are not historic and are therefore not signifi-
(Winter & Company, 2020) cant. The gateways into the park are highly significant.

Condition
The current condition of historic pathways that remain in
the park (which is few, as shown in the map on page 13)
is fair. More research needs to be conducted to determine
the condition of all historic pathways.
Treatment
More study should be completed in order to confirm the
original paths through the park. Any additional paths
should be carefully considered to ensure they meet the
original design intent of the park. Enhance the access
from the school to the park, and to the adjacent neigh-
borhoods, especially to the east and north. Study cross-
walk improvements to enhance pedestrian safety.

An internal pathway meanders through the southern section of
the park, passing the serpentine swale and rock garden rem-
nants. Parts of this path may be historic. Further study is needed
to confirm. (Winter & Company, 2020)
CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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