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FANS of Washington Park
Winter 2025 update

We are not hibernating!

Photos from the FANS 2024 park 125th anniversary photo contest.
Top - Tim Collins - “Washington Park, March 14, 2024”

Bottom left - James Schoedler, “Winter Sunrise at Lake Grasmere”

Bottom right Tom McClure, “Snowy Relaxation”

In this newsletter:

• Winning essay
• News from our horticulturists
• FANS 2025 program plans

• South High School tour opportunity
• Recreation center update
• Loose dog

“Treasuring Washington Park” an essay by Julie Murphy Seavy, winner of the FANS 125th Anniversary Essay Contest.

Most Denverites have walked the paths of Wash Park on a gorgeous fall day, perhaps looking up to see a Great Horned Owl in the tree above, or a gulp of Cormorants settled in a bare deciduous tree. Some folks have gathered with friends to play in volleyball leagues on a cooling summer evening, what seems like fifty nets filling the grassy center of the park well into the night, music playing, babies sleeping. During the pandemic, there was hardly room on the old carriage roads, now well-worn walking avenues, for the thousands who enjoyed the park as a respite from their own homes.

The park is an urban odyssey into nature, a gathering place, and for me, a living memory of childhood and my Denver ancestry. That’s why the park matters.

Eating breakfast with my grandparents in the 1960s at their house across from the park, we watched with a keen eye everything happening in the park from their picture window onto Grasmere Lake. Each conversation was a lesson in Colorado’s urban wildscape. Talk often turned to which birds were visiting the Island, the weather forecast impacts for the park that day, and the snowpack remaining on the high peaks in the view beyond the park.

My father’s family lived in several houses growing up in the Washington Park neighborhood and later he went to South High School. The importance of the park can’t be underestimated in his life, nor can the park be considered separate from the grounds of South High. The Italian Renaissance Revival architecture of the school, especially the tower, rising above the park to the southeast, coordinates with the architecture of the park’s Boathouse and other buildings. And the original tree collection, containing nearly a hundred species, spans both the park and grounds of South High school. As children we walked the park with my grandpa, who was as much a naturalist as a physician, while he spoke of where the trees came from, how well they might grow in Colorado’s dry climate, and whether he had seen one in its natural growing place. Many of those same trees can still be spotted with help of tree tags and a handy tree guide.

Back in my grandparents’ day – and my father’s – Denver’s winters were cold enough for ice skating on Smith Lake and no one worried much about public swimming in city lakes. There were more roads within the park open for driving and many Denverites took pleasure in a Sunday drive through the park.

City planners were extraordinarily forward thinking in preserving so much land for parks and creating the vast mountain park system. Yet of all the parks there is something exceptional about Wash Park. Partly this is due to its central location not only in the Denver proper, but in what has become the metro area. It’s easy to access being close to major thorough-fares, yet is nestled in a cozy old and charming neighborhood. And the design of the park itself creates a most balanced and interesting landscape. It’s rectangular shape is reminiscent of other great parks of the world, like Central Park in New York, and provides enough space to give one a feeling of being in nature, while still being squarely within the city. It provides long thoroughfares for walking, running, and cycling. And a huge variety of habitat for trees, flowers, and birds, including grasslands, lakes and ponds, small streams, and wooded areas.

The park was designed by famous architects and designers in the late 1800s, built around the turn of the century, and has never stopped improving for the people of Denver. A recreation center was built in the 1970s and a landscape and structure preservation plan began in the 2000s. This level of commitment and cultivated care by our community is what has kept Wash Park thriving over the decades. The park has always been where people want to be.

I remember Huck Finn fishing days along City Ditch that winds its way through the park and catching crawdads in Lilly Pond with my brothers. Then later having an all-girls friend picnic during high school when cars were still allowed on the roads. My friend accidently drove her car across and into a bridge that no longer even exists. Some things have changed about the park, but many have not. Me and my co-editor of the Washington High School yearbook, climbed behind the locked gate of the Boathouse to take our 1977 yearbook staff photo. At that time the Boathouse was in disrepair and mostly unused. Now it’s a lovely venue for wedding receptions after renovation in 2012. Yoga in the Boathouse on a summer morning, a gentle breeze floating across the lake, is one of the most peaceful experiences one can have.

Frequent weddings in the smaller garden, an exact replica of Martha Washington’s garden at Mt Vernon and at the Victorian garden on the west side of Smith Lake with lush beds of roses and rare varieties of perennials, are reminders of what a treasured setting the park is to many. It’s not unusual to glimpse a girl having her Quinceanera photos taken or a couple getting engaged.

Life comes full circle for all of us. Showing my dad how to play croquet with the Alzheimer’s group on the lawn bowling field even though he had known croquet all his life, and the next day taking my grandson on his first walk around the park, is a reminder of the important role Wash Park has played in my life and so many other Denver families through time. It brings comfort and peace. Sometimes fun, stress-relief, exercise, a meet-up with friends. Other times, a place to be alone with our thoughts in the Colorado sunshine. Always, there is a connection with the living world, both the trees, animals and birds of the park, and our fellow journeyers who venture out into this treasured urban land we call Washington Park.

Garden news

Skyler Smith giving FANS a tour of the Big Gardens

We are very fortunate that Denver Parks and Recreation continues to invest in our park. This ongoing commitment includes full-time horticulturists working hard to make our gardens the pride of the city.

Horticulturist Skyler Smith offers the following January update on his Big Gardens.

“This fall we cleared out the old shrubs and grasses from the ellipse, or "Racetrack" portion of the gardens in order to prepare for a huge new planting of native perennials this coming spring. That will include around 35 species over almost 4,000 square feet of bed space. The planting will be similar in style to the renovation of the Horseshoe beds we did last spring at the north of the gardens, but it will feature 8 large Serviceberry shrubs that will line either side of the planting and help to define that portion of the garden and give a touch of formality to the project while still providing native habitat for our birds.

Another large upcoming project this year will be to convert three large triangle areas within the gardens from bluegrass turf into native meadows. It will be very fun to add extra beauty and diversity to these areas while also reducing our water usage!

I have also been tidying and preparing our 11 large annual beds for their planting this coming May. It will be exciting to have all beds planted this season!”

Jane Packard giving FANS a tour of the Mount Vernon Gardens

Mount Vernon Gardens horticulturist Jane Packard offers this update: “Mount Vernon Gardens saw a fantastic year of perennial, bulb, native shrub installation, with much more to come in the following year. We began to edit out design elements that no longer fit the vision of the garden and had many visitors and volunteers enjoy the new plantings. 2024 was also marked by a significant amount of compost added (editors note: courtesy of a FANS donation) to the garden to continue to build up the health of the soil to support a greater array of plant life. We can expect a curated display of bulbs to emerge in March. As the perennials and pollinators sleep for the winter, I am taking the time to hone in my designs for the upcoming year.

I can’t wait to share the garden and all its magic with you all in the upcoming season.”

Pam Penick, an avid gardener, author of Lawn Gone! and The Water-Saving Garden, roving photographer, and former professional designer of many a waterwise garden in Austin, Texas, recently visited Washington Park and offered this beautiful collection of photos and observations.

FANS 2025 program calendar thus far

Our programs chairperson, Katy Garon, has been busy organizing an exciting list of events for everyone. Mark your calendars, sign up and stay tuned. Most of these events will require registration, as space is limited. Here’s a partial list:

• Friday, Jan 24th  4:00pm - 6:00pm Architectural Tour of South High School including the famous Alan True Murals (details below)
• Wednesday, Feb 12th @7:00pm - Using Native Plants presentation by Jane Packard, Denver Park and Recreation Horticulturalist. VOC headquarters. Sign up here.
• Saturday, Feb 15th  8:30 - 10:00 am - Great Backyard Bird Count event with the Denver Audubon Society. This will take place in the park. Click here for more information via a video. Sign up here.
• Wednesday, March 12th @ 7:00 pm - Greenwood Wildlife Rehab Center presentation - VOC headquarters
• Wednesday, April 9th @ 7:00 - Hummingbirds/Plants/Habitats presentation by Denver Audubon Society - VOC headquarters
• Thursday, May 8th @5:00 - City Park Greenhouse Tour and garden design presentations by Washington Park horticulturists - City Park Greenhouse
• Wednesday, May 14th @7:00 pm Avoiding Food Waste/Composting by Denver Urban Gardens - VOC headquarters
  

More events to follow. If you have suggestions for topics, events or presenters please e-mail Katy Garon.

Back by popular demand: Join us for a tour of the historic South High School building, museum and murals

While South High School is technically not in the park, it is a historically significant neighbor and is home to several Colorado Champion trees featured in our tree guide.

The school was constructed between 1925 and 1926 and was designed by the prolific Denver architecture firm of William E. Fisher and Arthur A. Fisher (Fisher and Fisher). South High was one of four high schools constructed in Denver in the 1920s to meet growing enrollment as the city grew “up and out.” All were named for the quadrant of the city they served, and all are understood today to be significant for the architectural distinction they brought to the cityscape and for their contribution to the aesthetic and civic values that were so formative in Denver during the City Beautiful period.

Upon entering South High School at the main entrance, students are greeted by two murals, painted in 1935 by Allen Tupper True, on the north and south walls of the foyer. Measuring approximately 8 ft by 14 ft, these are painted on canvas with egg tempera paint, and each depicts important aspects of student life at South High School. They are a sight to behold. There’s a link to much more historical and photographic information on our website.

Join FANS for a guided tour of South High School (including the tower) from Ken Dobrovolny, president of South High School Alumni and Friends Association.

Friday, January 24, 2025 at 04:00 pm - 6:00 pm. This is a rare opportunity and space is limited to please register.

Washington Park Tree Guide -  digital version is a hit!

In 2010 the Washington Park Tree Guide was published in hard copy. Written, illustrated and championed by former board member Sonia John, the tree guide identified and gave comprehensive information on 76 trees within the park and nearby South High School. The book has been out of stock for several years.

Under the leadership of board member Marc Linit, the tree guide was converted to a free download. (Marc was a professor and an administrator at the University of Missouri for 37 years before retiring and moving to Denver.  He taught forestry and entomology classes and conducted research on forest insect ecology.)

Under Marc’s leadership and with Sonia’s ongoing passion for the project, the tree guide has continued to evolve with improvements such as Google Maps locations of each tree to help you walk directly to it. The current version has had over 1,400 downloads.

Marc and Sonia are still hard at work. The next release of the Wash Park Tree Guide, to be released this spring, will include several tree species not included in previous versions.

You can download our free tree guide from the FANS website.

An invitation from the
Volunteers of Outdoor Colorado

Photography Exhibition in Washington Park

Join the VOC at the historic Dos Chappell Bathhouse in Washington Park on February 6th from 5:30-9:00 pm to view the photographs of Devin Kerr. The artist will be in attendance.

Devin Kerr is a Colorado-based landscape photographer known for capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Centennial State. A passionate outdoorsman, Devin enjoys exploring the outdoors with his camera in hand, always seeking the perfect moment to frame nature's beauty. Through his photography, he invites viewers to experience the awe and wonder of Colorado's wild places.

Devin is a four-season volunteer for Volunteers of Outdoor Colorado. His work includes forest thinning for fire mitigation and trail building around the state. 25% of sales will be donated to Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. Visit voc.org to learn more.

The show runs February 6^th through March 13th.The building is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00-4:00 pm. Ring the doorbell upon arrival.

Founded in 1984, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is the state's oldest outdoor stewardship nonprofit organization. Our mission is to motivate and enable people to become active stewards of Colorado's natural resources.

Each year, we engage thousands of people to provide a volunteer workforce for recreation and habitat improvement projects in partnership with land agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. These volunteer projects take place in every corner of Colorado and over the decades, we've grown beyond our projects - and our borders - to help others start and improve their own volunteer stewardship programs and inspire all of us to find our place in caring for the outdoors.

Our vision is a Colorado where all people connect to nature and care for our outdoor spaces.

Photograph by Devin Kerr

Recreation Center News

Don't want to hibernate this winter? Washington Park Recreation Center offers a variety of fun options to keep you active. Explore our offerings by visiting or www.denvergov.org/recreation or call 720-865-3400.

Free Membership Opportunities:

Good news! Denver recreation centers offer free access for children and seniors. Please see our membership options below and come play!

• Your Adventure Starts Now! The MY Denver Card unlocks free access to exciting recreation centers, refreshing pools, and enriching cultural venues. Explore and enjoy after school, during breaks, and on weekends. (Ages 5-18 | Includes all DPS students)
• Stay Active and Engaged with MY Denver PRIME! Denver residents aged 60 and over can enjoy free access to a world of wellness. Explore recreation centers, take refreshing dips in the pool, enjoy fitness classes, and get your pickleball on!

Winter Program Highlights:

Teen Advisory

Calling all Denver Teens! The MY Denver Teen Advisory at Wash Park Rec Center is your hub for adventure, good vibes, and delicious treats. Dive into thought-provoking discussions, embark on epic field trips, and enjoy tasty snacks!

No need to sign up – just drop by the multipurpose room on the first Tuesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 PM.

Ages 13-18. It's FREE!

Drop-In Pickleball

Looking to play pickleball in a fun and welcoming atmosphere? Stop by during our drop-in pickleball times on a first come first serve basis. Please visit our website to view pickleball times throughout the city. See you there!

Fitness Classes:

Find Your Fit with Denver Parks & Recreation! Denver’s team of 100+ fitness professionals offer a wide range of classes, from energizing group workouts to relaxing aqua fitness.

Experience the power of community support, expert guidance, and motivation to reach your fitness goals. Explore drop-in options by clicking here!

Registration Dates:

Click here to view all winter programs Washington Park has to offer!  

Spring Registration Date: February 25th at 12:00pm

Second Spring Swimming Lesson Registration Date: April 22nd at 12:00pm

View all recreation center drop-in fitness and aqua classes by scanning the QR code to the right!

Thanks for leashing your dogs

Even when snow is on the ground - your dog needs to be on a leash.

As the publication Denverite reported: having a dog off leash is the most cited park violation and the No. 1 complaint of park-going residents. Off leash dogs are often seen within Washington Park.

FANS would like to remind park users that Washington Park rules require all dogs to be on a leash and that leashed dogs are not permitted in the bike lane along the loop road.

Kindly keep your dog and others safe and obey the leash laws.

The fine for a loose dog in Denver parks is $100.00. Park users are encouraged to report loose dogs by calling 311.

FANS is now on Instagram - click here

Lee Hopkins - FANS board member and newsletter publisher.

Copyright (C) 2025 FANS of Washington park. All rights reserved.


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