Denver, Colorado has more land area devoted to parks than any other major city – and Washington Park, Wash Park to us, is the jewel in our crown. Fields for team sports, courts for tennis teams, lakes for birds and miniature boats, top-of-the-line play equipment for the toddler-set, a walking/cycling loop, historic gardens – even a croquet lawn! And, surrounding this 165 acre green space are the homes and neighborhoods that make up one of Denver’s most vibrant urban centers.

The neighborhoods surrounding Washington Park include Wash Park, West Wash Park, Bonnie Brae, Belcaro, and Polo Club. They are served by three small commercial/retail areas right in the neighborhood – the Shops along University Boulevard, the Old South Gaylord street shops and the shops and restaurants at the intersection of Alameda & Downing.

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Wash Park – Located between University and Virginia, Alameda and Louisiana, this area on the East side of Washington Park has beautiful older homes, many classic Denver squares and some Victorian beauties, too. The lots are large with well-maintained homes and landscaped yards. Within walking distance to the park, many of these homes have been remodeled, “popped” and given a second floor, and/or torn down and rebuilt. The lifestyle is “walking” – the dog, with the kids, to the ice-cream shop or for a cup of Joe. Everybody uses the park – and neighbors count on seeing each other rounding the loop, with the kids on the slide or throwing bread crumbs to the ducks.

West Wash Park – Situated between Downing and Logan, Alameda and Louisiana, this area on the West side of the Park also has older homes including the classic Squares and it also has bungalows, including duplexes, townhomes and high-rise condominiums. Closer to the activity along Downing Street, this side of the park has a slightly more urban vibe.

Bonnie Brae – On the east side of University is the neighborhood of Bonnie Brae – which means “pleasant hill” in Gaelic. The developer who oversaw the building of the neighborhood in the 1920s strived to recreate the aura of peaceful Scottish village. This neighborhood is known for its winding, curvy streets and charming, well-cared for homes in a variety of styles – Denver Squares and bungalows sit next to Georgian brick homes with shuttered windows nestled next to contemporary ranches with glass blocks. It’s a walking neighborhood with a quaint park in the center where neighbors gather on summer evenings. On the University side of the neighborhood is a Denver landmark, the Bonnie Brae Tavern – known city-wide for its fantastic pizza. And, the Eugene Field Library is a family favorite for all who live here.

Belcaro – Just east of Bonnie Brae and a straight line to Wash Park along Exposition Avenue, is Belcaro Park, once a considered a quiet suburb of downtown Denver, now a coveted central neighborhood. 1950s ranches on large lots with no sidewalks were the style back when but today the neighborhood has grown up. Some of those ranches still remain with their interiors substantially remodeled and re-shaped; others have been transformed into French Country mansions or large Georgian brick family homes or sleek contemporary homes. With mature trees, dense landscaping and large lots the neighborhood can easily contain and celebrate all styles. At the heart of Belcaro Park is the Phipps Mansion, an historically elegant mansion with brick tennis house and structured gardens currently owned and operated as a event facility by the University of Denver.

Polo Club – Once the home of the city elite’s polo fields, today this neighborhood is now fenced-in by a brick wall for a secure “club-like” setting with significant homes on very large lots accessed by winding streets reminiscent of country lanes. Each home is architecturally unique – showcasing individual homeowners’ lifestyles. With easy access off Exposition and Alameda, the area is close to Wash Park for outdoor living as well as the exclusive shopping in Cherry Creek North and central Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Mall.

Written by Perry & Co. VP/Director of Marketing Lorrie Grillo.