City Council - Jeanne Robb, Dist. 10
Cheesman Park History
Cheesman Park is a 80.7 acre rectangle, set in a high density residential area. At the highest point in the park, on the east side, is a neoclassical pavillion which provides a platform for spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. The pavillion has served as a picnic, square dancing, opera, and concert center. From 1934 to 1972, the Denver Post's summer opera series were performed here. The pavillion is made out of Colorado Yule marble. In contrast to the pavillion's grandeur, sits a rustic "Japanese Tea House" on the park's north end.
The roadways and walkways were configured in 1898 by Reinhard Schuetze, a German landscape architect and engineer. At times some of the traffic routes have been blocked or discontinued. For example, in 1909, iron posts and chains were installed at all park entrances. In 1912, traffic was so heavy on Franklin Street that the street was closed and grassed over, leaving the four rows of linden trees planted by Schuetze. In the 1970s, the north-south loop roadway to the pavillion was closed to eliminate vehicle access to it.
Cheesman Park was the site of the first Denver cemetery. In 1892, the use from cemetery to city park was changed by congressional action. In 1907, the park was named after Walter S. Cheesman, a real estate baron.
The original park design included plans for a lily pond, remnants of which are still apparent in the uneven landscape just east of the children's playground.
On the whole, Cheesman Park has remained true to its original design. It is one of the last urban parks in the country where vehicles are permitted to travel through and around the grounds. Most recently and during the past 20 years, residents and city officials have proposed and sometimes implemented in-park traffic changes to try to keep a balance between the park's recreational and functional uses.