Surrounding one of Denver’s finest parks, Washington Park (Wash Park for short) is home to one of the most popular running areas in Denver.  The 165 acre park includes two scenic lakes and the largest flower garden in Denver.  Established in 1886, Wash Park became Denver’s first “suburb.” In the late 1890’s the land was annexed into the Denver city limits.  Development of the park started in 1899 by a German landscape architect who designed the parks two lakes to be fed by a Denver city ditch.  Homes began to be developed shortly after, most of them made of brick.

Wash Park has recently become a very popular urban area due to its central location and proximity to the large park.  Several commercial businesses have developed in the area which has been said to worry residents because of the increase in traffic on the small streets and highly populated pedestrians.  The neighborhood borders I-25 which conveniently gives access to the RTD light rail for those wanting to head downtown or even go south to the Park Meadows Mall.

The major attraction to the area is the park itself.  The park includes several running paths, tennis courts, two lakes, 54 flower beds, and even a boathouse that may be rented out for special events.  You can find several volleyball games being played throughout the park daily.  The park is heaven for fitness enthusiasts and is a spectacular place to have a picnic or walk your dog.

The average home costs $469,475 and $920 to rent in the neighborhood. While it certainly isn’t the cheapest Denver living, Washington Park is definitely one of the most educated neighborhoods.  75 percent of residents have college degrees compared to Denver’s average of 39 percent!