Page 19 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

HISTORIC ASSESSMENT

Structural edge of pool (2B)
The structural edge of the reflecting pool, located to the
east of the former concrete pavilion, remains a defining
feature of the northern section of the park. While it does
not sit above the grass, it serves as a reminder of the
original pool size and importance in the park, and should
be preserved.
Significance
While the reflecting pool was filled in over 50 years ago,
the structural edge of the pool, which now sits level with
the ground, is highly significant.
Condition
The structural edge of the pool is in poor condition and
needs repair.
Treatment
Study the structural edge of the pool more to determine
whether it should be incorporated into a future use. The The structural edge of the reflecting pool is still a key component
safety of the park visitor should be the priority. Treatment of the northern section of the park. While its presence tells the
options may include preservation of the structural edge, early history of the park, opportunities for reinterpretation may
but may also include a reinterpretation of the historic also assist in telling the story. Further study should be complet-
feature. ed to determine the best approach. (Winter & Company, 2020)
Pedestrian footbridge foundation (2C)
Just outside the park, a pedestrian suspension bridge
crossing Cherry Creek was once an important link to the
adjacent neighborhoods. One of the historic staircases
that connects the perimeter path along Speer Boulevard
to Sunken Gardens leads to what once was the pedestri-
an footbridge. However, only the base of the footbridge
remains on either side of Cherry Creek. The concrete of
each base is crumbling and in need of structural repairs
if it were to be reused. Currently, the remnants of these
bases create a safety concern as the steps lead to a steep
drop off into the Cherry Creek trail culvert.
Significance
While not a feature within the park, the pedestrian foot-
bridge was significant in that it connected pedestrians
from neighborhoods to the east to the park.
The base of the pedestrian suspension bridge that once crossed
Condition Cherry Creek is all that remains. The base should be analyzed
Although the footbridge foundation remains, the bridge for safety, and a variety of future interpretive features could be
itself is missing. explored to preserve the story of the bridge. (Winter & Compa-
ny, 2020)
Treatment
Consider incorporating an interpretive feature to provide
information about the bridge. The base also needs to
be analyzed for safety and any future use should reflect
safety recommendations.
Landscape features (2D)
In addition to the structures that were once part of Sunk-
en Gardens Park, a few key original landscape features
have been lost over the years. In the southern portion of
the park, what now appears as a few rocks along 8th Av-
enue was once an extensive rock garden that incorporat-
ed a waterfall, stream and wooden footbridge. While the
original waterfall and rock garden are still reflected in the
topography of the area, few other characteristics remain.
While this area is now dry, historically, water was divert-
ed from Cherry Creek to create the streamlet through
the park. These features significantly contributed to the
design of the southern portion of the park. Remnants of the rock garden can still be found in the original
location, near the southern edge of the park. Opportunities for
reconstruction or reinterpretation exist for this historic compo-
nent. (Winter & Company, 2020)
CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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