Washington Park

Washington Park, the heart of the neighborhood and one of Denver’s most beloved green spaces, serves as the inspiration for this flag. Spanning 165 acres, the park was originally designed by Reinhard Schuetze in 1889 and later refined by the Olmsted brothers, creating a landscape that remains a cherished retreat for residents and visitors alike.

The flag’s design reflects the park’s defining features, including its two scenic lakes, Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake, and the historic City Ditch, a key waterway recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. A tribute to the park’s botanical beauty, the flag also nods to its two formal flower gardens, including the Mount Vernon Garden, a carefully maintained replica of George Washington’s gardens in Virginia. Additionally, the iconic boathouse on Smith Lake, a staple of the park since the early 20th century, stands as a symbol of the area’s rich history and continued vibrancy.

Beyond the park itself, the Washington Park neighborhood has deep historical roots. Development began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shaping the area’s distinctive architectural character, which features Tudor, Victorian, and Craftsman bungalow homes along lush, tree-lined streets. This flag celebrates not only the neighborhood’s natural beauty but also its enduring legacy as one of Denver’s most picturesque and historically significant communities.