Washington Park

Washington Park is one of Denver's oldest and most popular recreation areas. It was first established in 1899 and was designed by renouned landscape architect Reinhard Schuetze and has earned itself a spot on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

The park's Smith Lake is home to the city's oldest swimming beach, which opened in 1911. The beach operated for more than 40 years before closing in 1957. Today one can rent paddleboats here.

The park's athletic facilities are all lighted so that people can play at night. The multipurpose field is great for many activities including kite-flying on a windy day. Come out and enjoy this beautiful place and have a picnic at one of it's picnic areas with grills.

To contact the department headquarters please call 720-913-1311.

Denver Park Rules  

*In any Denver Park there is a usage priority policy. If a person has obtained a special use permit then they have priority over other users. To find out more information on acquiring a permit please contact the Park superintendants office.

*For any picnic party of 100 people or more the Park district does require insurance.

*All dogs must be leashed and waste removed.

*Except in designated areas or under special permit amplified sound is prohibited in all park sites.

*Please respect all park property including plants, fountains, monuments, buildings, bridges, backstops, goal posts, etc.

*The sales of goods is only allowed under special permit.

*Posting signs on trees or other park property is strictly prohibited.

*Under special permit only beers with a 3.2% alcohol volume may be consumed on park grounds. All other alcoholic beverages are prohibited and all State of Colorado Liquor Laws apply.

*Weapons, glass objects, and fireworks are prohibited.

*Park hours are from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. mountain time.

*All BBQ grills must be at least two feet off of the ground and are not allowed on picnic tables. All burning is restricted to grills.

*No gambling allowed in any of the parks.

*No flying model aircraft.

Please respect these rules, the parks, and all local, State of Colorado, and United States statutes.