Washington Park Neighborhood

The Washington Park neighborhood centers around one of Denver's finest parks, known as Wash Park for short. The park covers 165 acres, and features one of the most popular running trails in Denver. Two scenic lakes and the city's largest flower garden add to Wash Park's bucolic charm. The Washington Park neighborhood encompasses the park's borders, and stretches from Downing St. to University Blvd. The neighborhood is bounded by Cherry Creek Dr. to the north and I-25 to the south.

Demographics:

According to the 2000 census, Washington Park is home to 6,650 residents. The average home costs $429,475, while $913 covers the average rent. While certainly not Denver's most affordable neighborhood, Wash Park is one of the most educated. A whopping 75 percent of Wash Park residents have college degrees, much higher than the city's average of 39 percent.

Restaurants:

South Gaylord Street is home to many restaurants and shops in the Wash Park neighborhood. Take a stroll along the tree-lined streets after dinner, or meander over to the park.

• Hemingway's Key West Grilleat 1052 S. Gaylord St. offers seafood in a rustic setting, complete with fireplace.
• Reivers Restaurant at 1085 S. Gaylord St. features all-American fare and a popular happy hour.
• Washington Park Grille at 1096 S. Gaylord St. boasts one of Denver's best Sunday brunches.

  Schools:

  Washington Park has several local schools in the neighborhood, although Denver Public Schools allows students to pick the schools they want to attend.
  • South High at 1700 E. Louisiana Ave. was built in 1926, and abuts the southern edge of Washington Park. South is one of Denver's four original high schools, imaginatively named North, East, West and South.
  • Merrill Middle School at 1551 S. Monroe St. serves grades 6-8.
  • Steele Elementary at 320 S. Marion St. offers classes for K - 5.

    Grocery Stores, Etc.:

    • Wild Oats at 1111 S. Washington St. sells organic produce and healthy groceries.
    • If you need a food fix in the middle of the night, King Soopers at 825 S. Colorado Blvd. is open 24 hours.
    • Bank of the West has a branch with a 24-hour ATM at 750 S. University Blvd.

      Trivia:

      • The ditch that runs through Washington Park is actually a National Historic Landmark known as... wait for it... City Ditch.
      • Washington Park was named after our first president, George Washington. The park was built during 1899 - 1908.
      • On the east side of the park lies a replica of the Martha Washington garden at Mt. Vernon, Virginia.