Cheesman Park

Cheesman park has a lot of history - some good ... some bad. For years (e.g. early 60s) before "gay liberation" in the 70s and HIV in the '80s, Cheesman was a gay male cruising hotspot. It was the place to go both day & especially nights (e.g. near "the Pavilion") for anonymous gay hookups. Sadly it was also a place (e.g. again early 60s) for violent muggings and beatings of cruising gay men by homophobics and high school punks. It was common knowledge and talked about all the time at my high school. Later on (late 70s+) it became safer for gay men to gather & hang out, and some still do today, though not nearly as much. Long ago it was originally a cemetery - Prospect Hill Cemetery and eventually called Denver City Cemetery - in the mid to late 1800s. Around 1893 when the cemetery was closed and "moved" - many bodies were left behind and remain today. Four preserved skeletons were uncovered by people doing irrigation work in the park in 2010. Cheesman is also supposed to be haunted. I've been there around 3am on a summer night, and it felt a little uncomfortable. A bunch of people were laughing and playing on the playground equipment (yup ... at 3am). It's a decent park in the daytime, though there are occasionally some dicey /homeless looking folks hanging out. I wouldn't recommend women to walk/run solo in the park at night. Kids? Ok in the daytime around the playground as long as they're supervised by adults. Bottom line, "history" or not - it's a good place around Capitol Hill - an 80-acre park with trails and urban sights like the remaining Cheesman Park Pavilion, best experienced in the daytime. Be careful at night.

My favorite park in Denver! Cheesman Park is so beautiful all year 'round. It feels clean and safe, and I love that it's connected to the Denver Botanic Gardens. I walk the 1.5-mile loop (not including the esplanade) several times a week, and there's always something going on! And dogs....so many adorable dogs....even cats in strollers! Slackliners every Wednesday, volleyball all summer long, weddings, quinceañeras, picnics, music, dancing at the monument...I swear this is Denver's Central Park (no...not as in formerly Stapleton...as in NYC). It's lively yet mellow...I just love it. In August 2024, the Secret Garden Bar & Cafe opened on the north side of Cheesman (off 13th + Williams), and it's the perfect place to grab an oatmilk latte and vegan panini. Such a charming location! (SecretGardenBarAndCafe.com) * Free street parking all around the park * Botanic Gardens member's gate on east side of Cheesman, by monument * Feels like being in the mountains––in the heart of the city * Occasional unhoused visitors simply looking for a place to rest * Muddy in some places; just walk on the grass

It is a beautiful public park in the middle of the city. Towering apratment buildings all around, century old homes and boarding houses on the edge, beautiful dwellings down the street all empty into this beautiful public green. It was so lush! No bare spots where soccer kids had worn the grass a way. No paths cut thru to the dirt where peole took short cuts across the grasee. Just big, beautiful and green. Grab some drinks or coffee and enjoy the peaceful tranquility for an hour or so!

Saturday, March 25th, 2023 late afternoon Cheesman Park Free street parking surrounding the entire park (read all signs/certain months/times of year may not permit parking) This park was on our list to experience during our week in Denver. We easily found free street parking, we enjoyed a nice park stroll in the cool weather, plenty of people around walking, jogging, conversing, playing with their dogs, singles, couples, families, duo and small groups of folks. We saw some roller skaters having the time of their lives and a whipcracker practicing their skill both intriguing to watch. Porta potty bathrooms but empty hand sanitizers. The entire park was perfection, beautiful, inviting, safe, relaxing, scenic views, very cool vibes that puts you in an instant good mood. Plenty of benches and space. We throughly enjoyed our time here and we’ll be back when in Denver.

I stayed near here when I visited Denver and walked in the park a couple of times. Beautiful park in the middle of the city.

Our eTuk driver took us to Cheesman Park because he lived near there. He told us about its history and took us to the columns so we could enjoy the view of the mountains.

We walked here from the City Center and were very happy we did. I think you must have a dog to be here because everyone did. It was a fairly open park but it is right next to the botanical gardens. It was nice to get away from hustle of the city and it provided a great view.

Basic. Not much going for it compared to Washington Park. Bordered by a major street to the south. It has Good parking though.

Very large park with plenty of history behind it. It used to be the location of one of Denver's cemeteries. There is plenty of running and biking paths and large fields to picnic and hang out. Parking took a second though.

Our niece recently moved a few blocks away from this park. We took an evening stroll with her- beautiful area, very clean, various activities going on