Cheesman Park

Zip Code: 80218

The Cheesman Park neighborhood is one of the oldest communities in Denver. The first settlements popped up in the late nineteenth century, and the area was almost completely developed by the early twentieth century. The neighborhood was mostly large homes for the wealthy inhabitants of Denver and housing a large cemetery. In the 1930s, the headstones were removed from the cemetery, and the area was redeveloped as the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens. During this time, the area became an apartment district (1) primarily.

Today, the area is a complex and changing neighborhood, with the actual Cheesman Park and the Denver Botanic Gardens as two of its major assets. The park is home to the Walter Scott Cheesman Pavilion, which was dedicated in his honor in 1908. Now, the pavilion is frequently utilized as a place for various public gatherings and events. It’s one of the best places in Denver to take photographs, whether you’re an amateur or a professional; with its aged yet beautiful architecture overlooking the Denver skyline, there are amazing pictures to be taken and memories to be documented and created (2).

Moreover, the park plays host to the AIDS walk in Colorado, which occurs annually in September. Active community participation is heavily encouraged in this 3 to 6-mile walk, which often features speeches by politicians and/or community leaders, as well as celebrity appearances. The Denver Botanic Gardens is a public place, wonderful to visit for its vibrant array of flowers and incredible, specialized exhibits. Examples of past exhibits include Colorado landscape sculptures and the Chihuly exhibit, a fascinating Studio Glass movement pioneered by Dale Chihuly, a prominent architecture figure. While it may be too late to see these, captivating exhibits are sprouting up for months at a time. Of course, the collection of flowers and greenery are always around to see seasonally, making it well worth the admission price no matter what. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website for more information, as they offer a wide range of workshops and programs for those of all ages and backgrounds, as well as several different membership opportunities, gardening resources and assistance, and conservation efforts. Cheesman Park comprises two historic neighborhoods; Humbolt Island, which runs along Humboldt and 10th/12th Avenues, and Morgan’s Addition, which runs along 9th Avenue between Race and York. These areas include some of the most diverse architecture in the Denver area, including mansions, bungalows, ranch homes, high rise apartment conversions, and luxury condominiums.