Washington Park Trail Improvements

In 2012 Denver Park and Recreation commissioned StudioCPG to redesign and stabilize the existing path and design a new alignment at the north end of the Park.

The perimeter running trail at Denver’s Washington Park had evolved over thirty years from a single track path worn into the turf into a crusher fines trail dotted with muddy puddles and varying from 8 feet to 16 feet wide in some areas. The path had not initially been planned. It ran on the extreme perimeter of the park conflicting with parking and traffic at Park entrances. Because it was situated on variable cross-slopes it simply grew bigger and wider over time as Park users worked to avoid puddles and find level ground for running.

Redesign and stabilization of the trail adjacent to Annual Garden

This was more than a simple park trail improvements. Consistent traffic counts of up to 500 park users an hour suggested a design approach based on track design and construction methods. Complete removal of existing material, regrading and compacting subgrade to drain, and modifications to trail shoulders for lateral stability.

New trail alignment behind the existing Fire Station

Redesign at the north end of the Park took advantage of well-established historic features including the restoration of a lost Olmstead Brothers alignment, the Rock Garden/Lily Pond by SR DE Boohr and Washington Park’s well-known Annual Garden.