On Wednesday, Washington Park is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a day filled with food trucks, live music, and a variety of festivities, and everyone is invited to attend for free.
The Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park are hosting this special event to commemorate the park’s rich history since its inception in 1899. After more than a century, Washington Park remains a vibrant hub of activity and community engagement.
From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., visitors can enjoy an array of activities spread throughout the park. These events include everything from fishing with park rangers to face painting for the kids. Here’s a rundown of what to expect throughout the day:
Activities at the Recreation Center:
- Free Day Access: Visitors can enjoy the facilities for free (ID required).
- 11 a.m.: Outdoor yoga class by Garry Appel on the lawn south of the rec center.
Events at the Bathhouse:
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Open house at the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado building.
Happenings at the Boathouse:
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.: “Copsicle Cruisers” event at the Boathouse Plaza.
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Trishaw rides for older adults, courtesy of Cycling Without Age, in the boathouse parking lot.
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Crafts for kids.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Food trucks serving delicious treats.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Face painting for all ages.
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Live animal demonstrations by the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance.
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Forestry education with climbing arborists, a bucket truck, and tree Jeopardy west of the boathouse.
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Public voting on the photography contest finalists.
- 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Historical displays featuring over 80 photographs from the Denver Public Library Collection and original artifacts from History Colorado.
- 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Educational booths offering insights into local history and ecology.
- 12-1:15 p.m.: Lunchtime jazz with The Joe Anderies Quartet.
- 12-1:30 p.m.: History talk by Phil Goodstein.
- 3-5 p.m.: Fishing with park rangers at the southeast edge of Smith Lake.
- 4-5 p.m.: Walking tour of significant trees led by Sonia John.
- 4:30-7 p.m.: More food trucks to explore.
- 5 p.m.: Announcement of the photography and essay contest winners by Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Jolon Clark and Deputy Director Scott Gilmore.
- 6-8 p.m.: Performance by the Wash Park Band.
Additional Events:
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Open house at Fire Station 21.
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Climbing wall near the field house.
- 10 a.m.: Loop road walk with a dog parade and the South High Drum Line starting at East Louisiana Avenue and South Franklin Street entrance.
- 3-5 p.m.: Tennis fun for kids at the tennis courts by Louisiana Avenue. Rackets will be provided for children 10 and under.
- 10:30 a.m.: Washington Park family photo captured by a drone photographer at the Great Meadow.
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Lawn bowling and croquet lessons on the Lawn Bowling Green.
- 3-5 p.m.: Scavenger hunts at Mount Vernon Garden.
For more information about the 125th anniversary celebrations and the full schedule of events, visit the Washington Park website
