Page 22 - Denver, CO Sunken Gardens

SUNKEN GARDENS

• Consider ways to reuse or reinterpret the structural
edge of the pool, while prioritizing visitor safety and
ensuring the story of the reflective pool remains a
key component of the history of the park.
• Adaptively reuse the maintenance building for a pub-
lic function, after the building is stabilized (if need-
ed) and repaired. When repurposing this building,
consider functions such as a public restroom facility
or a concession stand. In this effort, the storage
yard should be removed from the park and the fence
removed as well to restore views through this area.
Consider incorporating the storage yard as part of the
function of the maintenance building.

• Re-establish flower gardens on the northern por-
tion of the park near Elati Street & Speer Boulevard.
The new playground structure in the southern portion of the park Consider partnering with West High School students
expands the available park uses, but is not a significant structure or a local university to assist with the maintenance,
in the park. Ongoing maintenance of the structure should be part making it part of a school’s curriculum
of the park’s maintenance plan. (Winter & Company, 2020)
• Consider restoring the sloping hillside along 9th
Avenue where the basketball court is located. Other
Playground (4C) opportunities for reuse could also be considered.
The playground is located in the southern section of the • Program the park with year-round activities, events
park, along Delaware Street. It sits in a mulched area and and educational opportunities. Consider planning
a variety of equipment pieces comprise the playground, events that reflect historic uses of the park, such as
which also incorporates a shade structure and bench. incorporating a removable ice skating rink in the orig-
Significance inal reflecting pool location
The playground is not significant.
• Partner with Denver Health to create a walking pro-
Condition gram that incorporates the park’s paths in the route
The playground is in good condition.
Treatment
Ensure ongoing maintenance of the playground structure.

INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
From the existing study of the historic elements of Sunk-
en Gardens Park – its history, former and existing struc-
tures, and the landscape – there are a variety of ideas to
explore for the future of the park that would reflect and
respect its history. Before these are formalized as recom-
mendations, community input is needed regarding role of
Sunken Gardens Park for the next 20/30/50 years. Initial
recommendations and ideas to explore include:
• Maintain the two distinct sections of the park, as well
as the defined “rooms”, to emphasize the unique
character of the variety of spaces throughout the
park.
• Incorporate wayfinding and interpretive markers
throughout the park and locate them at gateway and
other key pedestrian points throughout the park.
These could incorporate historic photos to show
historic structures that have since been demolished
and views that no longer exist because of matured
landscaping and new construction.
• Repair the sun shade structure and remove graffiti.

• Consider ways to reuse or reinterpret the base of the
concrete pavilion, while maintaining it as a key gate-
way into the park.
CITY & COUNTY OF D ENVER | P ARKS & RECREATION
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