Sustainable landscaping Henderson

Sustainable landscaping Henderson

Denver Garden Maintenance

Understanding Sustainable Landscaping Principles


Sustainable Landscaping Henderson: Gettin Down to Earth


Okay, so sustainable landscaping in Henderson, Nevada, aint just about throwin some cacti in the yard and callin it a day. Its a whole philosophy, really! Its about understandin the priciples that govern how we interact with the land, how we can create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces without, yknow, bleedin the desert dry.


One key principle is water conservation. Hendersons in the Mojave (duh!), so water is precious. Were talkin xeriscaping (thats drought-tolerant landscaping), efficient irrigation systems (drip irrigation is your friend!), and avoidin thirsty lawns that demand constant watering, which is not good. Think gravel gardens, native plants, and clever rainwater harvesting.


Then theres soil health. Healthy soil equals healthy plants, which equal less need for fertilizers and pesticides. Were talkin compost, mulch, and avoidin compaction! Amendin that Nevada soil is a game changer.


Plant selection is also crucial. Native plants are adapted to the climate, require less water, and provide habitat for local wildlife (bees are your friends!). Avoid non-native, invasive species that can wreak havoc on the ecosystem.


And, finally, consider waste reduction. Use recycled materials in your landscape design, like crushed concrete or reclaimed wood. Compost yard waste instead of sendin it to the landfill. Its all connected, see?


Its not rocket science, but it does require a bit of thought and planning. Its not easy, but the rewards are worth it. A beautiful, sustainable landscape that benefits both you and the environment! Whoa!

Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping in Henderson


Sustainable Landscaping in Henderson: Oh, the Benefits!


Okay, so, sustainable landscaping in Henderson aint just some fancy trend; its actually, like, seriously beneficial for everyone (and everything!). Think about it: less water waste is a biggie. Were talking about cutting down on those crazy high water bills, which is, you know, awesome! And it aint just about saving money, either. That conserved water helps keep our local resources healthy, especially during those scorching Henderson summers.


Then theres the whole thing about reducing pollution. Lawns that are constantly sprayed with chemicals? Not good! Sustainable landscaping often uses native plants, which are naturally adapted to the Henderson climate. This means fewer pesticides and fertilizers seeping into our soil and, ugh, waterways! Plus, these plants attract beneficial insects (like bees!), which are super important for pollination, yknow?


Frankly, a sustainable yard can actually boost your property value. Who wouldnt want a gorgeous, eco-friendly oasis? Its a real selling point!

Paths so pretty you’ll never need a treadmill again.

  1. Your Denver front yard deserves more than just a welcome mat.
  2. Your Denver front yard deserves more than just a welcome mat.
  3. Your Denver front yard deserves more than just a welcome mat.
And lets not forget the simple joy of having a beautiful, thriving outdoor space. Its good for the soul, I tell ya!


It doesnt negate the importance of aesthetics either. Sustainable landscaping can be stunning. Rock gardens, drought-tolerant grasses, colorful native flowers... the possibilities are endless! Its all about working with nature, not against it! So, yeah, sustainable landscaping in Henderson is a win-win-win situation. Dont miss out!

Water Conservation Strategies for Henderson Landscapes


Water conservation is super important for sustainable landscaping in Henderson, especially given the regions dry climate. It's not just about saving water; it's also about creating a healthy environment that supports local flora and fauna. So, let's dive into some effective water conservation strategies that can be implemented in Henderson landscapes!


First off, choosing native plants is a game-changer! Native species are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, meaning they generally require less water compared to non-native varieties. Plus, they provide habitats for local wildlife, which is a win-win situation! Isn't it great when you can help nature while also cutting down on water usage?


Now, let's talk about mulch. Applying a layer of organic mulch around plants can really help retain moisture in the soil. It reduces evaporation and keeps the roots cool, which is vital during those scorching summer months. And, guess what? Mulch can also suppress weeds, which means you won't have to spend as much time pulling them out. That's got to be a relief, right?


Another strategy is to design your landscape with water efficiency in mind. This means grouping plants with similar water needs together. That way, you won't be over-watering some plants while others are left high and dry. It's all about creating a balanced ecosystem in your yard! Also, using drip irrigation systems can be a fantastic option. They deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing waste and ensuring that your plants get what they need without drowning them.


Furthermore, rainwater harvesting is another sustainable practice that can be really beneficial. By collecting rainwater from rooftops and directing it into barrels or cisterns, you can have a ready supply of water for your garden. It's like having a backup plan for those dry days when the tap runs a little dry. Just think of the savings on your water bill!


Lastly, regular maintenance is key. A well-maintained landscape is less likely to suffer from water stress, and it can actually save you money in the long run. You wouldn't want to neglect your garden and end up spending more on water or plant replacements, right?


In conclusion, implementing these water conservation strategies in Henderson landscapes isn't just a smart choice; it's essential for sustainability. By embracing native plants, using mulch, planning efficiently, harvesting rainwater, and keeping up with maintenance, you can create a beautiful, eco-friendly landscape that thrives in our unique environment. So, let's get started on transforming our outdoor spaces into something truly special!

Plant Selection: Native and Drought-Tolerant Species


When it comes to sustainable landscaping in Henderson, choosing the right plants can make all the difference. Folks often overlook the benefits of native and drought-tolerant species, but they're truly a game changer! Native plants are those that have naturally grown in a specific region for a long time. They not only adapt well to the local climate, but they also provide crucial habitats for wildlife. It's amazing how a simple plant can support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators!


Now, you might be thinking, Why should I care about native plants? Well, for starters, they require less water than non-native species, making them ideal for the dry conditions we often face in Henderson. Plus, they don't need a ton of maintenance. You won't have to spend your weekends mowing or pruning them like you might with other plants. That's a win in my book!


Drought-tolerant plants, on the other hand, are designed to withstand long periods without water. They're perfect for our arid environment and can thrive even when the summer sun beats down. Some examples include succulents, agaves, and certain types of ornamental grasses. These plants not only save you time and effort, but they also help conserve water, which is super important in areas where water might not be as abundant.


It's also worth mentioning that using native and drought-tolerant species can contribute to a more resilient ecosystem. By planting these types of flora, you're supporting the local biodiversity. You're not just creating a pretty yard; you're fostering an environment where wildlife can thrive, and that's something we should all strive for.


In conclusion, if you're planning to spruce up your landscape in Henderson, consider going native and choosing drought-tolerant plants. You'll save water, reduce maintenance, and help the environment-all while making your outdoor space beautiful. So why not give it a shot? You might just find that you love the results!

Soil Health and Composting Techniques



Okay, the user wants me to write a short essay on soil health and composting techniques for sustainable landscaping in Henderson. Let me start by understanding the key points they need. The essay should sound human-like, so I should avoid being too formal. They mentioned adding grammatical errors, so I need to be careful not to make it too perfect. Also, include some contractions, like dont and its, to make it more natural.

First, Ill outline the main sections: introduction to soil health, importance in sustainable landscaping, composting techniques, and maybe a conclusion. Since the user specified Henderson, I should mention something specific about that area, like its climate or common landscaping challenges. Maybe Henderson has a dry climate, so soil health is crucial there.

I need to add some grammatical errors. Let me think of a few that are common but not too obvious. Maybe subject-verb agreement issues or incorrect prepositions. Also, include a couple of parentheses for asides and one exclamation mark. Make sure to use negation, so phrases like without healthy soil or dont neglect.

Avoid repetition. Use synonyms where possible. For example, instead of saying important multiple times, use vital or crucial. Also, use contractions to make it sound more conversational.

Let me start the essay. Maybe open with a general statement about soil health. Then mention Hendersons specific needs. Talk about composting techniques, like using kitchen scraps and yard waste. Mention the benefits, like reducing waste and improving soil. Add a parenthetical about how composting isnt just for gardens. Maybe include an exclamation mark when talking about the benefits of compost. Check for contractions and interjections like Oh, or Well.

Wait, the user said to add one exclamation mark. Let me make sure I dont overdo that. Also, avoid HTML and any markdown. Keep it plain text. Let me read through the example response to see how they structured it. They used a personal pronoun you, which makes it more direct. Maybe I can do the same.

Check for grammatical errors. For example, Soil health is vital for any sustainable landscape, especially in places like Henderson, where the soil can be less than ideal. Less than ideal is a good phrase. Maybe use doesnt just help instead of helps to include a contraction.

I need to ensure that the essay flows naturally, with each paragraph connecting. Use some transitions like Additionally, or By doing this, but keep it conversational. Maybe mention the different composting methods, like hot composting vs. cold composting, and how they affect the process.

Also, include a parenthetical comment, like (and lets be honest, it's free!) to add a casual touch. Make sure the negation is clear, like without healthy soil, even the best plants will struggle.

Let me put it all together now, making sure each part meets the users requirements. Check for the exclamation mark, contractions, parentheses, and a natural flow without being too technical. Avoid repeating words like soil too much by using earth or ground where appropriate. Best Landscaper Denver Colorado. Alright, time to draft the essay.

Soil health is vital for any sustainable landscape, especially in places like Henderson, where the soil can be less than ideal. You might think, Why focus on dirt? Well, healthy soil holds water better, supports plant life, and even fights erosion. But without it, even the best plants will struggle. (And let's face it, no one wants a garden full of sad tomatoes!) Composting is a game-changer here. It's not just tossing scraps in a bin; it's about balancing greens and browns, keeping it moist, and turning it regularly. Oh, and don't forget to avoid meat or dairy-it'll attract pests, which nobody wants.


In Henderson, where summers get sweltering (and dry), composting helps retain moisture in the soil. You can mix in things like leaves, coffee grounds, or even shredded paper. But skip the weeds with seeds-they'll just grow where you don't want them. (Heck, I once made a compost pile that looked like a jungle; lesson learned!) Techniques like layering or using a tumbler can speed things up, but patience is key. Neglect it, and you'll end up with smelly sludge, not rich, crumbly compost.

Your Denver front yard deserves more than just a welcome mat.

  1. Denver Garden Maintenance
  2. Paths so pretty you’ll never need a treadmill again.
  3. Your Denver front yard deserves more than just a welcome mat.


Sustainable landscaping isn't just a buzzword-it's about working with nature, not against it. By focusing on soil health and smart composting, you're not just growing plants; you're growing a better ecosystem. Just don't forget to wear gloves, or you'll end up with dirty hands and a smile!

Pest Management and Natural Alternatives


Sustainable landscaping in Henderson, huh? It aint just about pretty lawns, its bout working with nature, not against it especially when were talkin bout pesky critters. Pest management is a biggie, but who wants to drench their garden in chemicals, right? No one!


Natural alternatives, now were talkin. Think beneficial bugs (ladybugs are just adorable little aphid-eatin machines), attractin birds (they snack on insects, yknow), and using companion planting (marigolds repel nematodes, who knew?). We wouldnt want to ignore the importance of healthy soil either, a robust ecosystem can resist pests better, fer sure.


You shouldnt underestimate the power of prevention. Regular inspections are key!

Paths so pretty you’ll never need a treadmill again.

    Catch problems early, and you might not even have to reach for anything stronger than some soapy water. Diatomaceous earth (thats basically fossilized algae, cool huh?) is another great option; it scratches insect exoskeletons, leading to dehydration. Gross, but effective!


    And let's not forget about cultural practices! Proper watering and fertilization are important. Overwatering can create conditions that favor fungal diseases and attract pests. A healthy plant is much more resistant to attack in the first place.


    So, yeah, goin green with pest control in Henderson is totally doable. It might take a bit more effort and research, but hey, the long-term benefits for your garden, your health, and the environment are totally worth it! Its a win-win (or maybe even a win-win-win!) situation, wouldnt you agree!

    Sustainable Hardscaping Materials and Design


    Sustainable Hardscaping Materials and Design in Henderson


    Sustainable landscaping in Henderson aint just about pretty plants, yknow! Its about the whole shebang, including the hardscaping – those patios, walkways, walls and all that jazz. And choosing the right materials and design is, like, super important.


    Think about it: traditional concrete, for example, aint exactly eco-friendly. It requires a lot of energy to produce, and that contributes to, uh, you know, carbon emissions. Nobody wants that! So, what are the alternatives?


    Well, theres permeable pavers. These allow rainwater to seep back into the ground, reducing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater supplies. Pretty neat, huh? (Plus, they look good!) Then theres recycled concrete, which is made from, guess what?, old concrete! Its a great way to reuse materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and its just as durable as the new stuff, I think!


    Natural stone is another fantastic option. Sourced locally if possible, of course. Consider the quarry location. Local sourcing cuts down on transportation emissions. But, you know, it can be a bit pricey, so gotta consider the budget!


    Beyond materials, design plays a crucial role. We shouldnt just be slapping down a huge concrete patio without thinking about the consequences. Incorporating features like rain gardens and bioswales (they are like drainage ditches with plants, wow!) can help manage stormwater runoff and create beautiful, functional spaces. Proper grading can also help direct water away from buildings and into planting beds.


    Ultimately, sustainable hardscaping in Henderson is about making smart choices that benefit both our environment and our community. It isnt always easy, and it requires a bit more thought and planning, but its totally worth it! Isnt it!

    Broomfield is a combined city and area situated in the U. S. state of Colorado. It has a combined government which runs under Short article XX, Sections 10–-- 13 of the Constitution of the State of Colorado. Broomfield's population was 74,112 at the 2020 United States census, making it the 15th most populated community and the 12th most heavily populated region in Colorado. Broomfield belongs of the Denver–-- Aurora–-- Lakewood, Carbon Monoxide Metropolitan Statistical Location and the Front Variety urban hallway.

    .
    Denver is located in Colorado
    Denver
    Denver
    Denver (Colorado)
    Denver, Colorado
    City and County of Denver
     
    Official logo of Denver, Colorado
    Nicknames: 
    The Mile High City[2]
    Queen City of the Plains[3]
    Wall Street of the West[4]
    Map
    Map
    Map
    Denver is located in the United States
    Denver
    Denver
    Location of the City and County of Denver, Colorado.

    Coordinates: 39°44′N 104°59′W / 39.74°N 104.99°W / 39.74; -104.99 (Denver, Colorado)[5]Country United StatesState ColoradoCity and county Denver[1]PlattedNovember 17, 1858; 166 years ago (1858-11-17), as
    Denver City, Kansas Territory[6]IncorporatedNovember 7, 1861; 163 years ago (1861-11-07), as
    Denver City, Colorado Territory[7]ConsolidatedDecember 1, 1902; 122 years ago (1902-12-01), as the
    City and County of Denver[8][9]Named afterJames W. DenverGovernment

     

     • TypeConsolidated city and county[10] • BodyDenver City Council • MayorMike Johnston (D)[11]Area

     • Total

    154.726 sq mi (400.739 km2) • Land153.075 sq mi (396.463 km2) • Water1.651 sq mi (4.276 km2) • Metro

     

    8,403.00 sq mi (21,763.67 km2)Elevation

    5,280 ft (1,610 m)Highest elevation

    5,680 ft (1,730 m)Lowest elevation

    5,130 ft (1,560 m)Population

     • Total

    715,522

     • Estimate 
    (2024)[16]

    729,019 Increase • Rank58th in North America
    19th in the United States
    1st in Colorado • Density4,674/sq mi (1,805/km2) • Urban

    2,686,147 (US: 18th) • Urban density4,168/sq mi (1,609.1/km2) • Metro

    3,052,498 (US: 19th) • CSA

    3,623,560 (US: 17th) • Front Range

     

    5,055,344DemonymDenveriteGDP

     • Total$118.569 billion (2023) • Metro$311.876 billion (2023)Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP codes[22]

    80012, 80014, 80022, 80033, 80123, 80201–80212, 80214–80239, 80241, 80243–80244, 80246–80252, 80256–80257, 80259-80261, 80263-80266, 80271, 80273–80274, 80279–80281, 80290–80291, 80293–80295, 80299[23]

    Area codes303/720/983GNIS place ID201738GNIS city ID2410324FIPS code08-20000Websitewww.denvergov.org

    Capital and most populous city of the State of Colorado

    Denver (/ˈdɛnvər/ ⓘ DEN-vər) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Officially a consolidated city and county, it is located in the South Platte River valley on the western edge of the High Plains, and is just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.[10] Denver is the 19th-most populous city in the United States and the fifth-most populous state capital with a population of 715,522 at the 2020 census,[24] while the Denver metropolitan area with over 3.05 million residents is the 19th-largest metropolitan area in the nation and functions as the economic and cultural center of the broader Front Range Urban Corridor.

    Denver's downtown district lies about 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Named after James W. Denver, the governor of the Kansas Territory at the time, Denver was founded at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River in 1858 during the Gold Rush era. Nicknamed the "Mile High City" because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.344 meters) above sea level, Denver grew beyond its prospecting origins to become the principal commercial and transportation hub for a broad region spanning the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain West.[a][25] The 105th meridian west of Greenwich, the longitudinal reference for the Mountain Time Zone, passes directly through Denver Union Station.

    As the most populous metropolitan area in a 560-mile (900 km) radius, Denver is a major cultural hub with a variety of museums and cultural institutions, including the Denver Performing Arts Complex and Denver Art Museum. Denver also has professional sports teams in all five major leagues. Denver's economy is diverse, with eight Fortune 500 firms headquartered in the city.

    History

    [edit]
    Former Kansas Territorial Governor James W. Denver visited his namesake city in 1875 and in 1882.
    The "Bronco Buster", a variation of Frederic Remington's "Bronco Buster" Western sculpture at the Denver Capitol grounds, a gift from J.K. Mullen in 1920

    The greater Denver area was inhabited by several Indigenous peoples such as Apaches, Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and Arapahoes.[26] By the terms of the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie between the United States and various tribes including the Cheyenne and Arapaho,[27] the United States unilaterally defined and recognized Cheyenne and Arapaho territory as ranging from the North Platte River in present-day Wyoming and Nebraska southward to the Arkansas River in present-day Colorado and Kansas. This definition specifically encompasses the land of modern Metropolitan Denver. But the discovery in November 1858 of gold in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado[28] (then part of the western Kansas Territory)[29] brought on a gold rush and a consequent flood of white immigration across Cheyenne and Arapaho lands.[28] Colorado territorial officials pressured federal authorities to redefine and reduce the extent of Indian treaty lands.[29]

    In the summer of 1858, during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, a group of gold prospectors from Lawrence, Kansas, established Montana City as a mining town on the banks of the South Platte River in what was then western Kansas Territory, on traditional lands of Cheyenne and Arapaho. This was the first historical settlement in what later became the city of Denver. But the site faded quickly, and by the summer of 1859 it was abandoned in favor of Auraria (named after the gold-mining town of Auraria, Georgia) and St. Charles City.[30]

    On November 22, 1858,[contradictory] General William Larimer and Captain Jonathan Cox, both land speculators from eastern Kansas Territory, placed cottonwood logs to stake a claim on the bluff overlooking the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, across the creek from the existing mining settlement of Auraria, and on the site of the existing townsite of St. Charles. Larimer named the townsite Denver City to curry favor with Kansas Territorial Governor James W. Denver.[31] Larimer hoped the town's name would help it be selected as the county seat of Arapahoe County, but unbeknownst to him, Governor Denver had already resigned from office. The location was accessible to existing trails and was across the South Platte River from the site of seasonal encampments of the Cheyenne and Arapaho. The site of these first towns is now occupied by Confluence Park near downtown Denver. Edward W. Wynkoop came to Colorado in 1859 and became one of the city's founders. Wynkoop Street in Denver is named after him.[32][33]

    Larimer, along with associates in the St. Charles City Land Company, sold parcels in the town to merchants and miners, with the intention of creating a major city that would cater to new immigrants. Denver City was a frontier town, with an economy based on servicing local miners with gambling, saloons, livestock, and goods trading. In the early years, land parcels were often traded for grubstakes or gambled away by miners in Auraria.[31] In May 1859, Denver City residents donated 53 lots to the Leavenworth & Pike's Peak Express in order to secure the region's first overland wagon route. Offering daily service for "passengers, mail, freight, and gold", the Express reached Denver on a trail that trimmed westward travel time from twelve days to six. The Denver City, Kansas Territory, post office opened on February 11, 1860[34]

    On February 18, 1861, six chiefs of the Southern Cheyenne and four of the Arapaho signed the Treaty of Fort Wise with the United States[35] at Bent's New Fort at Big Timbers near what is now Lamar, Colorado. They ceded more than 90 percent of the lands designated for them by the Fort Laramie Treaty, including the area of modern Denver.[29] Some Cheyennes opposed to the treaty, saying that it had been signed by a small minority of the chiefs without the consent or approval of the rest of the tribe, that the signatories had not understood what they signed, and that they had been bribed to sign by a large distribution of gifts. The territorial government of Colorado, however, claimed the treaty was a "solemn obligation" and considered that those Indians who refused to abide by it were hostile and planning a war.[36]

    On February 28, 1861, the Colorado Territory was created,[37] Arapahoe County was formed on November 1, 1861,[37] and Denver City was incorporated on November 7, 1861.[38] Denver City served as the Arapahoe County Seat from 1861 until consolidation in 1902.[39] With its newfound importance, Denver City shortened its name to Denver in 1866.[39] On December 9, 1867, Denver became the territorial capital. On August 1, 1876, Colorado was admitted to the Union. Denver was made the permanent state capital in a 1881 Colorado state capital referendum.

    This disagreement on the validity of Treaty of Fort Wise escalated to bring about the Colorado War of 1864 and 1865, during which the brutal Sand Creek massacre against Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples occurred. The aftermath of the war was the dissolution of the reservation in Eastern Colorado, the signing of Medicine Lodge Treaty which stipulated that the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples would be relocated outside of their traditional territory. This treaty term was achieved, even though the treaty was not legally ratified by the tribal members, as per the treaty's own terms. Thus, by the end of 1860s, this effectively and completely cleared the Denver area of its indigenous inhabitants.[29][40]

    "Pioneer Mothers of Colorado" statue at The Denver Post building

    Although by the close of the 1860s Denver residents could look with pride at their success establishing a vibrant supply and service center, the decision to route the nation's first transcontinental railroad through Cheyenne City, rather than Denver, threatened the prosperity of the young town. The transcontinental railroad passed a daunting 100 miles (160 kilometers) away, but citizens mobilized to build a railroad to connect Denver to it. Spearheaded by visionary leaders, including Territorial Governor John Evans, David Moffat, and Walter Cheesman, fundraising began. Within three days, $300,000 had been raised, and citizens were optimistic. Fundraising stalled before enough was raised, forcing these visionary leaders to take control of the debt-ridden railroad. Despite challenges, on June 24, 1870, citizens cheered as the Denver Pacific completed the link to the transcontinental railroad, ushering in a new age of prosperity for Denver.[41]

    Finally linked to the rest of the nation by rail, Denver prospered as a service and supply center. The young city grew during these years, attracting millionaires with their mansions, as well as a mixture of crime and poverty of a rapidly growing city. Denver citizens were proud when the rich chose Denver and were thrilled when Horace Tabor, the Leadville mining millionaire, built a business block at 16th and Larimer, as well as the elegant Tabor Grand Opera House. Luxurious hotels, including the much-loved Brown Palace Hotel, soon followed, as well as splendid homes for millionaires, such as the Croke, Patterson, Campbell Mansion at 11th and Pennsylvania and the now-demolished Moffat Mansion at 8th and Grant.[42] Intent on transforming Denver into one of the world's great cities, leaders wooed industry and attracted laborers to work in these factories.

    Soon, in addition to the elite and a large middle class, Denver had a growing population of immigrant German, Italian, and Chinese laborers, soon followed by African Americans from the Deep South and Hispanic workers. The influx of the new residents strained available housing. In addition, the Silver Crash of 1893 unsettled political, social, and economic balances. Competition among the different ethnic groups was often expressed as bigotry, and social tensions gave rise to the Red Scare. Americans were suspicious of immigrants, who were sometimes allied with socialist and labor union causes. After World War I, a revival of the Ku Klux Klan attracted white, native-born Americans who were anxious about the many changes in society. Unlike the earlier organization that was active in the rural South, KKK chapters developed in urban areas of the Midwest and West, including Denver, and into Idaho and Oregon. Corruption and crime also developed in Denver.[43]

     
    Panoramic print of Denver, 1898

    Between 1880 and 1895, the city underwent a huge rise in corruption, as crime bosses, such as Soapy Smith, worked side by side with elected officials and the police to control elections, gambling, and bunco gangs.[44] The city also suffered a depression in 1893 after the crash of silver prices. In 1887, the precursor to the international charity United Way was formed in Denver by local religious leaders, who raised funds and coordinated various charities to help Denver's poor.[45] By 1890, Denver had grown to be the second-largest city west of Omaha, Nebraska.[46] In 1900, whites represented 96.8% of Denver's population.[47] The African American and Hispanic populations increased with migrations of the 20th century. Many African Americans first came as workers on the railroad, which had a terminus in Denver, and began to settle there.

    Between the 1880s and 1930s, Denver's floriculture industry developed and thrived.[48][49] This period became known locally as the Carnation Gold Rush.[50]

    A bill proposing a state constitutional amendment to allow home rule for Denver and other municipalities was introduced in the legislature in 1901 and passed. The measure called for a statewide referendum, which voters approved in 1902. On December 1 that year, Governor James Orman proclaimed the amendment part of the state's fundamental law. The City and County of Denver came into being on that date and was separated from Arapahoe and Adams counties.[8][9][51]

    From 1953 to 1989, the Rocky Flats Plant, a DOE nuclear weapon facility that was about 15 miles from Denver, produced fissile plutonium "pits" for nuclear warheads. A major fire at the facility in 1957, as well as leakage from nuclear waste stored at the site between 1958 and 1968, resulted in the contamination of some parts of Denver, to varying degrees, with plutonium-239, a harmful radioactive substance with a half-life of 24,200 years.[52] A 1981 study by the Jefferson County health director, Carl Johnson, linked the contamination to an increase in birth defects and cancer incidence in central Denver and nearer Rocky Flats. Later studies confirmed many of his findings.[53][54] Plutonium contamination was still present outside the former plant site as of August 2010.[55] It presents risks to building the envisioned Jefferson Parkway,[56] which would complete Denver's automotive beltway.

    Downtown Denver cityscape, 1964. Includes Denver's oldest church (Trinity United Methodist), first building of the Mile High Center complex, Lincoln Center, old brownstone part of the Brown Palace Hotel, and Cosmopolitan Hotel – since demolished.

    In 1970, Denver was selected to host the 1976 Winter Olympics to coincide with Colorado's centennial celebration, but in November 1972, Colorado voters struck down ballot initiatives allocating public funds to pay for the high costs of the games. They were moved to Innsbruck, Austria.[57] The notoriety of being the only city ever to decline to host an Olympiad after being selected has made subsequent bids difficult. The movement against hosting the games was based largely on environmental issues and was led by State Representative Richard Lamm. He was subsequently elected to three terms (1975–87) as Colorado governor.[58] Denver explored a potential bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics,[59] but no bid was submitted.[60]

    In 2010, Denver adopted a comprehensive update of its zoning code,[61] which was developed to guide development as envisioned in adopted plans such as Blueprint Denver,[62] Transit Oriented Development Strategic Plan, Greenprint Denver, and the Strategic Transportation Plan.

    Denver has hosted the Democratic National Convention twice, in 1908 and 2008. It promoted the city on the national, political, and socioeconomic stage.[63] On August 10–15, 1993, Denver hosted the Catholic Church's 6th World Youth Day, which was attended by an estimated 500,000, making it the largest gathering in Colorado history.

    In 2015, a new commuter railway system commenced operations in the Denver metropolitan area with a network operation of 25 kV 60 Hz.

    Denver has been known historically as the Queen City of the Plains and the Queen City of the West, because of its important role in the agricultural industry of the High Plains region in eastern Colorado and along the foothills of the Colorado Front Range.

    Geography

    [edit]
     
    Panorama of Denver seen in August 2015 from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Snow-capped Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans) can be seen to the left beyond the city skyline.
    Central Downtown Denver
    Denver and nearby mountains as seen from the rooftops of the Cherry Creek neighborhood

    Denver is in the center of the Front Range Urban Corridor, between the Rocky Mountains to the west and the High Plains to the east. Its topography consists of plains in the city center with hilly areas to the north, west, and south. It is the only state capital in the United States that is a consolidated city-county. At the 2020 United States census, the City and County of Denver had an area of 99,025 acres (400.739 km2), including 1,057 acres (4.276 km2) of water.[12] The City and County of Denver is surrounded by three other counties: Adams County to the north and east, Arapahoe County to the south and east, and Jefferson County to the west.

    Denver's nickname is the "Mile-High City", as its official elevation is one mile (5,280 ft; 1,609 m) above sea level, defined by the elevation of the spot of a benchmark on the steps of the State Capitol building. The elevation of the entire city ranges from 5,130 to 5,690 feet (1,560 to 1,730 m).

    Neighborhoods

    [edit]
    Denver's 78 official neighborhoods

    The City and County of Denver has 78 official neighborhoods used for planning and administration.[64] The system of neighborhood boundaries and names dates to 1970 when city planners divided the city into 73 groups of one to four census tracts, called "statistical neighborhoods," most of which are unchanged since then.[65]

    Unlike some other cities, such as Chicago, Denver does not have official larger area designations. Colloquially, names such as Northside and Westside are still in use, but not well-known.[66][67] Community planners have recently been using a set of 19 larger areas, all of which are groups of statistical neighborhoods, as part of the Area Planning process.[68]

    Construction along Cherokee Street in the Golden Triangle neighborhood

    Denver also has a number of colloquial neighborhood names and boundaries reflecting how people in an area, or others such as community groups and real estate developers, have defined areas. Well-known non-administrative neighborhoods include the historic and trendy LoDo (short for "Lower Downtown"), part of the city's Union Station neighborhood; Uptown, straddling North Capitol Hill and City Park West; Curtis Park and RiNo ("River North"), both part of the Five Points neighborhood; Alamo Placita, the northern part of the Speer neighborhood; Park Hill, a successful example of intentional racial integration;[69] and Golden Triangle, in the Civic Center.

    One of Denver's newer neighborhoods was built on the site of Stapleton International Airport, named after former Denver mayor Benjamin F. Stapleton, a member of the Ku Klux Klan.[70] In 2020, the neighborhood's community association voted to change the name from Stapleton to Central Park[71] (see more in Politics section below). The Central Park neighborhood itself has 12 "neighborhoods" within its boundaries.[72]

    Adjacent counties, municipalities and census-designated places

    [edit]
      North: Adams County, Berkley, Northglenn, Commerce City  
    West: Jefferson County, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakeside, Mountain View, Edgewater, Lakewood, Dakota Ridge Denver
    Enclave: Arapahoe County, Glendale, Holly Hills
    Adams County
    East: Aurora
    Arapahoe County
      South: Arapahoe County, Bow Mar, Littleton, Sheridan, Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Aurora  

    Climate

    [edit]
    Denver
    Climate chart (explanation)
    J
    F
    M
    A
    M
    J
    J
    A
    S
    O
    N
    D
     
     
    0.4
     
     
    45
    19
     
     
    0.4
     
     
    46
    20
     
     
    0.9
     
     
    56
    28
     
     
    1.7
     
     
    62
    34
     
     
    2.2
     
     
    71
    44
     
     
    1.9
     
     
    83
    53
     
     
    2.1
     
     
    90
    60
     
     
    1.6
     
     
    88
    58
     
     
    1.4
     
     
    80
    50
     
     
    1
     
     
    65
    37
     
     
    0.6
     
     
    53
    26
     
     
    0.4
     
     
    44
    18
    â–ˆ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
    â–ˆ Precipitation totals in inches
    Metric conversion
    J
    F
    M
    A
    M
    J
    J
    A
    S
    O
    N
    D
     
     
    10
     
     
    7
    −7
     
     
    10
     
     
    8
    −7
     
     
    23
     
     
    13
    −2
     
     
    43
     
     
    17
    1
     
     
    56
     
     
    22
    7
     
     
    48
     
     
    28
    12
     
     
    53
     
     
    32
    16
     
     
    41
     
     
    31
    14
     
     
    36
     
     
    27
    10
     
     
    25
     
     
    18
    3
     
     
    15
     
     
    12
    −3
     
     
    10
     
     
    7
    −8
    â–ˆ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
    â–ˆ Precipitation totals in mm

    Denver features a cool semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSk, Trewartha: BSao) with generally low humidity and around 3,100 hours of sunshine per year, although humid microclimates can be found nearby depending on exact location.[73][74] These humid microclimates have the temperature of a hot-summer humid continental climate (Koppen: Dfa) or a humid subtropical climate (Koppen: Cfa) when using the −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm. It has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.[75]

    July is the warmest month, with an average high temperature of 89.9 °F (32.2 °C).[76] Summers range from warm to hot with occasional, sometimes severe, afternoon thunderstorms and high temperatures reaching 90 °F (32 °C) on 38 days annually, and occasionally 100 °F (38 °C). December, the coldest month of the year, has an average daily high temperature of 44 °F (6.7 °C). Winters consist of periods of snow and very low temperatures alternating with periods of milder weather due to the warming effect of Chinook winds. In winter, daytime highs occasionally exceed 60 °F (16 °C), but they also often fail to reach 32 °F (0 °C) during periods of cold weather. Occasionally, daytime highs can even fail to rise above 0 °F (−18 °C) due to arctic air masses.[77] On the coldest nights of the year, lows can fall to −10 °F (−23 °C) or below, with the city experiencing a low of −24 °F (−31 °C) on December 22, 2022, with a wind chill of −40 °F (−40 °C).[78] Snowfall is common throughout the late fall, winter and early spring, averaging 53.5 inches (136 cm) for 1981–2010;[79] but in the 2021 winter season, Denver began the month of December without any snowfall for the first time in history.[80] The average window for measurable (≥0.1 in or 0.25 cm) snow is October 17 through April 27; however, measurable snowfall has occurred as early as September 4 and as late as June 3.[81] Extremes in temperature range from −29 °F (−34 °C) on January 9, 1875, up to 105 °F (41 °C) as recently as June 28, 2018.[82] Due to the city's high elevation and aridity, diurnal temperature variation is large throughout the year.

    Tornadoes are rare west of the I-25 corridor; one notable exception was an F3 tornado that struck 4.4 miles (7.1 km) south of downtown on June 15, 1988. On the other hand, the suburbs east of Denver and the city's east-northeastern extension (Denver International Airport) can see a few tornadoes, often weak landspout tornadoes, each spring and summer, especially during June, with the enhancement of the Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone (DCVZ). The DCVZ, also known as the Denver Cyclone, is a variable vortex of storm-forming air flow usually found north and east of downtown, and which often includes the airport.[83][84] Heavy weather from the DCVZ can disrupt airport operations.[85][86] In a study looking at hail events in areas with a population of at least 50,000, Denver was found to be ranked 10th most prone to hail storms in the continental United States.[87] In fact, Denver has had three of the top 10 costliest hailstorms in U.S. history, on July 11, 1990; July 20, 2009; and May 8, 2017.

    Based on 30-year averages obtained from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center for the months of December, January and February, Weather Channel ranked Denver the 18th-coldest major U.S. city as of 2014.[88]

    Denver's official weather station is at Denver International Airport, roughly 20 miles (32 km) from downtown. A 2019 analysis showed the average temperature at Denver International Airport, 50.2 °F (10 °C), was significantly cooler than downtown, 53.0 °F (12 °C). Many of the suburbs also have warmer temperatures and there is controversy regarding the location of the official temperature readings.[89]

     
    View of downtown Denver after a snowstorm in March 2016, looking northwest from Cheesman Park
    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
    Record high °F (°C) 76
    (24)
    80
    (27)
    84
    (29)
    90
    (32)
    95
    (35)
    105
    (41)
    105
    (41)
    105
    (41)
    101
    (38)
    90
    (32)
    81
    (27)
    79
    (26)
    105
    (41)
    Mean maximum °F (°C) 65.0
    (18.3)
    67.1
    (19.5)
    74.7
    (23.7)
    80.8
    (27.1)
    88.3
    (31.3)
    96.5
    (35.8)
    99.6
    (37.6)
    96.9
    (36.1)
    92.9
    (33.8)
    84.1
    (28.9)
    73.6
    (23.1)
    65.3
    (18.5)
    100.6
    (38.1)
    Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 44.6
    (7.0)
    45.7
    (7.6)
    55.7
    (13.2)
    61.7
    (16.5)
    71.2
    (21.8)
    83.4
    (28.6)
    89.9
    (32.2)
    87.5
    (30.8)
    79.6
    (26.4)
    65.3
    (18.5)
    52.9
    (11.6)
    44.0
    (6.7)
    65.1
    (18.4)
    Daily mean °F (°C) 31.7
    (−0.2)
    32.7
    (0.4)
    41.6
    (5.3)
    47.8
    (8.8)
    57.4
    (14.1)
    68.2
    (20.1)
    75.1
    (23.9)
    72.9
    (22.7)
    64.8
    (18.2)
    51.1
    (10.6)
    39.4
    (4.1)
    31.2
    (−0.4)
    51.2
    (10.6)
    Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 18.7
    (−7.4)
    19.7
    (−6.8)
    27.5
    (−2.5)
    33.9
    (1.1)
    43.6
    (6.4)
    53.0
    (11.7)
    60.2
    (15.7)
    58.3
    (14.6)
    50.0
    (10.0)
    37.0
    (2.8)
    26.0
    (−3.3)
    18.4
    (−7.6)
    37.2
    (2.9)
    Mean minimum °F (°C) −3.8
    (−19.9)
    −1.5
    (−18.6)
    9.5
    (−12.5)
    19.8
    (−6.8)
    30.2
    (−1.0)
    41.9
    (5.5)
    51.4
    (10.8)
    48.8
    (9.3)
    35.9
    (2.2)
    19.6
    (−6.9)
    5.4
    (−14.8)
    −3.4
    (−19.7)
    −11.0
    (−23.9)
    Record low °F (°C) −29
    (−34)
    −25
    (−32)
    −11
    (−24)
    −2
    (−19)
    19
    (−7)
    30
    (−1)
    42
    (6)
    40
    (4)
    17
    (−8)
    −2
    (−19)
    −18
    (−28)
    −25
    (−32)
    −29
    (−34)
    Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.38
    (9.7)
    0.41
    (10)
    0.86
    (22)
    1.68
    (43)
    2.16
    (55)
    1.94
    (49)
    2.14
    (54)
    1.58
    (40)
    1.35
    (34)
    0.99
    (25)
    0.64
    (16)
    0.35
    (8.9)
    14.48
    (368)
    Average snowfall inches (cm) 6.4
    (16)
    7.6
    (19)
    8.8
    (22)
    6.2
    (16)
    1.4
    (3.6)
    0.0
    (0.0)
    0.0
    (0.0)
    0.0
    (0.0)
    0.8
    (2.0)
    3.9
    (9.9)
    7.3
    (19)
    6.6
    (17)
    49.0
    (124)
    Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 3.8
    (9.7)
    4.7
    (12)
    4.0
    (10)
    2.2
    (5.6)
    0.5
    (1.3)
    0.0
    (0.0)
    0.0
    (0.0)
    0.0
    (0.0)
    0.1
    (0.25)
    2.0
    (5.1)
    4.1
    (10)
    5.3
    (13)
    9.0
    (23)
    Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 4.4 5.5 6.2 9.0 10.4 8.1 8.3 7.5 6.0 5.3 4.6 4.4 79.7
    Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 5.0 5.3 4.8 4.1 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 1.8 4.6 4.6 31.4
    Average relative humidity (%) 55.2 55.8 53.7 49.6 51.7 49.3 47.8 49.3 50.1 49.2 56.3 56.6 52.0
    Average dew point °F (°C) 12.7
    (−10.7)
    16.2
    (−8.8)
    19.9
    (−6.7)
    26.2
    (−3.2)
    35.8
    (2.1)
    43.5
    (6.4)
    48.4
    (9.1)
    47.7
    (8.7)
    39.6
    (4.2)
    28.6
    (−1.9)
    21.0
    (−6.1)
    14.2
    (−9.9)
    29.5
    (−1.4)
    Mean monthly sunshine hours 215.3 211.1 255.6 276.2 290.0 315.3 325.0 306.4 272.3 249.2 194.3 195.9 3,106.6
    Mean daily daylight hours 9.7 10.7 12.0 13.3 14.4 15.0 14.7 13.7 12.4 11.1 10.0 9.4 12.2
    Percentage possible sunshine 72 70 69 69 65 70 71 72 73 72 65 67 70
    Average ultraviolet index 2 2 3 3 5 6 6 5 5 3 2 2 4
    Source 1: NOAA (sun, relative humidity and dew point 1961−1990)[90][91][92][93][94]
    Source 2: Weather Atlas (Daylight-Average UV index)[95]
    Climate data for Denver Water Department (elevation 5225 ft), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1997–present
    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
    Record high °F (°C) 77
    (25)
    78
    (26)
    85
    (29)
    91
    (33)
    99
    (37)
    107
    (42)
    108
    (42)
    104
    (40)
    102
    (39)
    90
    (32)
    84
    (29)
    76
    (24)
    108
    (42)
    Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 48.5
    (9.2)
    49.0
    (9.4)
    57.9
    (14.4)
    64.1
    (17.8)
    73.0
    (22.8)
    85.3
    (29.6)
    91.4
    (33.0)
    89.6
    (32.0)
    81.6
    (27.6)
    67.6
    (19.8)
    55.9
    (13.3)
    47.3
    (8.5)
    67.6
    (19.8)
    Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 21.3
    (−5.9)
    21.7
    (−5.7)
    29.6
    (−1.3)
    36.2
    (2.3)
    45.9
    (7.7)
    55.8
    (13.2)
    61.8
    (16.6)
    60.1
    (15.6)
    50.7
    (10.4)
    37.7
    (3.2)
    27.6
    (−2.4)
    20.6
    (−6.3)
    39.1
    (4.0)
    Record low °F (°C) −15
    (−26)
    −14
    (−26)
    −2
    (−19)
    8
    (−13)
    20
    (−7)
    36
    (2)
    49
    (9)
    40
    (4)
    22
    (−6)
    4
    (−16)
    −8
    (−22)
    −13
    (−25)
    −15
    (−26)
    Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.43
    (11)
    0.60
    (15)
    1.13
    (29)
    1.98
    (50)
    2.65
    (67)
    1.73
    (44)
    1.90
    (48)
    1.81
    (46)
    1.20
    (30)
    1.16
    (29)
    0.78
    (20)
    0.48
    (12)
    15.85
    (401)
    Average snowfall inches (cm) 5.5
    (14)
    8.4
    (21)
    9.2
    (23)
    5.0
    (13)
    0.9
    (2.3)
    0
    (0)
    0
    (0)
    0
    (0)
    0
    (0)
    2.5
    (6.4)
    4.4
    (11)
    4.8
    (12)
    40.7
    (102.7)
    Source: xmACIS2
    Climate data for Central Park, Denver, 1991–2020 normals
    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
    Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 46.5
    (8.1)
    47.5
    (8.6)
    56.4
    (13.6)
    62.5
    (16.9)
    71.7
    (22.1)
    84.1
    (28.9)
    90.2
    (32.3)
    87.9
    (31.1)
    80.1
    (26.7)
    66.7
    (19.3)
    54.8
    (12.7)
    45.9
    (7.7)
    66.2
    (19.0)
    Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 17.6
    (−8.0)
    19.3
    (−7.1)
    27.1
    (−2.7)
    33.7
    (0.9)
    43.4
    (6.3)
    52.9
    (11.6)
    59.3
    (15.2)
    57.2
    (14.0)
    48.2
    (9.0)
    35.7
    (2.1)
    25.5
    (−3.6)
    17.7
    (−7.9)
    36.5
    (2.5)
    Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.46
    (12)
    0.53
    (13)
    1.12
    (28)
    1.67
    (42)
    2.29
    (58)
    1.68
    (43)
    2.12
    (54)
    1.83
    (46)
    1.51
    (38)
    0.98
    (25)
    0.70
    (18)
    0.47
    (12)
    15.36
    (390)
    Average snowfall inches (cm) 6.4
    (16)
    7.6
    (19)
    8.8
    (22)
    6.2
    (16)
    1.4
    (3.6)
    0
    (0)
    0
    (0)
    0
    (0)
    0.8
    (2.0)
    3.9
    (9.9)
    7.3
    (19)
    6.6
    (17)
    49.0
    (124)
    Source: NOAA[79]
    Climate data for Denver
    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
    Mean daily daylight hours 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 15.0 14.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 12.2
    Average Ultraviolet index 2 3 5 7 9 11 11 10 7 5 3 2 6.2

    See or edit raw graph data.

    Source: Weather Atlas[96]

    Demographics

    [edit]
    Historical population
    Census Pop. Note
    1860 4,749  
    1870 4,759   0.2%
    1880 35,629   648.7%
    1890 106,713   199.5%
    1900 133,859   25.4%
    1910 213,381   59.4%
    1920 256,491   20.2%
    1930 287,861   12.2%
    1940 322,412   12.0%
    1950 415,765   29.0%
    1960 493,887   18.8%
    1970 514,678   4.2%
    1980 492,686   −4.3%
    1990 467,610   −5.1%
    2000 554,636   18.6%
    2010 600,158   8.2%
    2020 715,522   19.2%
    2024 (est.) 729,019 [16] 1.9%
    U.S. Decennial Census

    As of the 2020 census, the population of the City and County of Denver was 715,522, making it the 19th most populous U.S. city.[97] The Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated 2013 population of 2,697,476 and ranked as the 21st most populous U.S. metropolitan statistical area,[98] and the larger Denver–Aurora–Boulder Combined Statistical Area had an estimated 2013 population of 3,277,309 and ranked as the 18th most populous U.S. metropolitan area.[98] Denver is the most populous city within a radius centered in the city and of 550-mile (890 km) magnitude.[98] Denverites is a term used for residents of Denver.

    Ethnic origins in Denver

    According to the 2020 census, the City and County of Denver contained 715,522 people and 301,501 households. The population density was 3,922.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,514.5 inhabitants/km2) including the airport. There were 338.341 housing units at an average density of 1,751 units per square mile (676 units/km2).[99] However, the average density throughout most Denver neighborhoods tends to be higher. Without the 80249 zip code (47.3 sq mi, 8,407 residents) near the airport, the average density increases to around 5,470 per square mile.

    Map of racial distribution in Denver, 2010 U.S. Census. Each dot is 25 people: White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, or Other (yellow)
     

    2020 census

    [edit]

    According to the 2020 United States census, the racial composition of Denver was as follows:[102]

    Denver, Colorado – Racial and ethnic composition
    Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
    Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[104] Pop 2010[105] Pop 2020[106] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
    White alone (NH) 287,997 313,012 388,764 51.93% 52.15% 54.33%
    Black or African American alone (NH) 59,921 58,388 61,098 10.80% 9.73% 8.54%
    Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 3,846 3,525 3,740 0.69% 0.59% 0.52%
    Asian alone (NH) 15,137 19,925 27,198 2.73% 3.32% 3.80%
    Pacific Islander alone (NH) 473 495 1,395 0.09% 0.08% 0.19%
    Other race alone (NH) 975 1,208 3,746 0.18% 0.20% 0.52%
    Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 10,583 12,640 30,121 1.91% 2.11% 4.21%
    Hispanic or Latino (any race) 175,704 190,965 199,460 31.68% 31.82% 27.88%
    Total 554,636 600,158 715,522 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

    Approximately 70.3% of the population (over five years old) spoke only English at home. An additional 23.5% of the population spoke Spanish at home. In terms of ancestry, 31.8% were Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% of the population were of German ancestry, 9.7% were of Irish ancestry, 8.9% were of English ancestry, and 4.0% were of Italian ancestry.

    There were 250,906 households, of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.7% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.1% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27, and the average family size was 3.14.

    Age distribution was 22.0% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. Overall there were 102.1 males for every 100 females. Due to a skewed sex ratio wherein single men outnumber single women, some protologists had nicknamed the city as Menver.[107]

    The median household income was $45,438, and the median family income was $48,195. Males had a median income of $36,232 versus $33,768 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,101. 19.1% of the population and 14.6% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.3% of those under the age of 18 and 13.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.[108]

    Denver has one of the largest populations of Mexican-Americans in the entire United States. Approximately one third of the city is Hispanic, with the overwhelming majority of them being of Mexican descent. Many of them speak Spanish at home.

    English, German, Irish, Swedish, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, and Russian immigrants immigrated to Denver by the 1920s.[109]

     

    Languages

    [edit]

    As of 2010, 72.28% (386,815) of Denver residents aged five and older spoke only English at home, while 21.42% (114,635) spoke Spanish, 0.85% (4,550) Vietnamese, 0.57% (3,073) African languages, 0.53% (2,845) Russian, 0.50% (2,681) Chinese, 0.47% (2,527) French, and 0.46% (2,465) German. In total, 27.72% (148,335) of Denver's population aged five and older spoke a language other than English.[110]

     
    Panorama of downtown Denver, c. July 2006, looking east along Speer Blvd

    Longevity

    [edit]

    According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, residents of Denver had a 2014 life expectancy of 80.02 years.[111]

    Economy

    [edit]
    The 17th street district includes many financial, business and corporate buildings.[112]
    The United States Mint in Denver (2010)
    Republic Plaza, Colorado's tallest building
    Wells Fargo "Cash Register" building
    1144 15th St: One of Denver's newest skyscrapers

    The Denver MSA had a gross metropolitan product of $311.9 billion in 2023, making it the 18th largest metro economy in the United States.[113] Additionally, the 12-County Denver–Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area had a GDP of $377.7 billion in 2023 while the broader Front Range had a GDP of $474.6 billion.[114] Denver's economy is based partially on its geographic position and its connection to some of the country's major transportation systems. Because Denver is the largest city within 500 miles (800 km), it has become a natural location for storage and distribution of goods and services to the Mountain States, Southwest states, as well as all western states. Another benefit for distribution is that Denver is nearly equidistant from large cities of the Midwest, such as Chicago and St. Louis and some large cities of the West Coast, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

    Over the years, the city has been home to other large corporations in the central United States, making Denver a key trade point for the country. Several well-known companies originated in or have relocated to Denver. William Ainsworth opened the Denver Instrument Company in 1895 to make analytical balances for gold assayers. Its factory is now in Arvada. Aimco is headquartered in Denver. Samsonite began in Denver in 1910 as Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company, but Samsonite closed its NE Denver factory in 2001, and moved its headquarters to Massachusetts after a change of ownership in 2006. Qwest Corporation, founded in Denver in 1911 as Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Company, is now a part of Lumen Technologies (previously CenturyLink).

    On October 31, 1937, Continental Airlines, now United Airlines, moved its headquarters to Stapleton Airport in Denver, Colorado (before United Airlines later moved to its current home in Chicago). Robert F. Six arranged to have the headquarters moved to Denver from El Paso, Texas because Six believed that the airline should have its headquarters in a large city with a potential base of customers. Continental later moved to Houston from Denver, but merged with United Airlines in 2013. Throughout that time, the company held a large employee base in the Denver area, which is home to the United Airlines Flight Training Center in the Central Park neighborhood. MediaNews Group purchased the Denver Post in 1987; the company is based in Denver. The Gates Corporation, the world's largest producer of automotive belts and hoses, was established in S. Denver in 1919. Russell Stover Candies made its first chocolate candy in Denver in 1923, but moved to Kansas City in 1969. The original Frontier Airlines began operations at Denver's old Stapleton International Airport in 1950; Frontier was reincarnated at DIA in 1994.

    Scott's Liquid Gold, Inc., has been making furniture polish in Denver since 1954. Village Inn restaurants began as a single pancake house in Denver in 1958. Big O Tires, LLC, of Centennial opened its first franchise in 1962 in Denver. The Shane Company sold its first diamond jewelry in 1971 in Denver. In 1973 Re/Max made Denver its headquarters. Johns Manville Corp., a manufacturer of insulation and roofing products, relocated its headquarters to Denver from New York in 1972. CH2M Hill, an engineering and construction firm, relocated from Oregon to the Denver Technological Center in 1980. The Ball Corporation sold its glass business in Indiana in the 1990s and moved to suburban Broomfield; Ball has several operations in greater Denver.

    Molson Coors Brewing Company established its U.S. headquarters in Denver in 2005, but announced its departure in 2019. Its subsidiary and regional wholesale distributor, Coors Distributing Company, is in NW Denver. The Newmont Mining Corporation, the second-largest gold producer in North America and one of the largest in the world, is headquartered in Denver. MapQuest, an online site for maps, directions and business listings, is headquartered in Denver's LoDo district.

    Large Denver-area employers that have headquarters elsewhere include Lockheed Martin Corp., United Airlines, Kroger Co. and Xcel Energy, Inc.

    Development in the bustling Union Station section of downtown

    Geography also allows Denver to have a considerable government presence, with many federal agencies based or having offices in the Denver area. Along with federal agencies come many companies based on US defense and space projects, and more jobs are brought to the city by virtue of its being the capital of the state of Colorado. The Denver area is home to the former nuclear weapons plant Rocky Flats, the Denver Federal Center, Byron G. Rogers Federal Building and United States Courthouse, the Denver Mint, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

    In 2005, a $310.7 million expansion of the Colorado Convention Center was completed, doubling its size. The hope was the center's expansion would elevate the city to one of the top 10 cities in the nation for holding a convention.[115]

    Denver's position near the mineral-rich Rocky Mountains encouraged mining and energy companies to spring up in the area. In the early days of the city, gold and silver booms and busts played a large role in the city's economic success. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the energy crisis in America and resulting high oil prices created an energy boom in Denver captured in the soap opera Dynasty. Denver was built up considerably during this time with the construction of many new downtown skyscrapers. When the price of oil dropped from $34 a barrel in 1981 to $9 a barrel in 1986, the Denver economy also dropped, leaving almost 15,000 oil industry workers in the area unemployed (including former mayor and governor John Hickenlooper, a former geologist), and the nation's highest office vacancy rate (30%).[116] The industry has recovered and the region has 700 employed petroleum engineers.[117] Advances in hydraulic fracturing have made the DJ Basin of Colorado into an accessible and lucrative oil play. Energy and mining are still important in Denver's economy today, with companies such as Ovintiv, Halliburton, Smith International, Rio Tinto Group, Newmont Mining, and Chevron Corporation, headquartered or having significant operations. Denver is in 149th place in terms of the cost of doing business in the United States.[118]

    The first Chipotle Mexican Grill, near the campus of the University of Denver

    Denver's west-central geographic location in the Mountain Time Zone (UTC−7) also benefits the telecommunications industry by allowing communication with both North American coasts, South America, Europe, and Asia on the same business day. Denver's location on the 105th meridian at over one mile (1.6 km) in elevation also enables it to be the largest city in the U.S. to offer a "one-bounce" real-time satellite uplink to six continents in the same business day. Qwest Communications now part of CenturyLink, Dish Network Corporation, Starz, DIRECTV, and Comcast are a few of the many telecommunications companies with operations in the Denver area. These and other high-tech companies had a boom in Denver in the mid to late 1990s. After a rise in unemployment in the Great Recession, Denver's unemployment rate recovered and had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.6% in November 2016.[119] As of December 2016, the unemployment rate for the Denver–Aurora–Broomfield MSA is 2.6%.[120] The Downtown region has seen increased real estate investment[121][needs update] with the construction of several new skyscrapers from 2010 onward and major development around Denver Union Station.

    Denver has also enjoyed success as a pioneer in the fast-casual restaurant industry, with many popular national chain restaurants founded and based in Denver. Quiznos and Smashburger were founded and headquartered in Denver. Qdoba Mexican Grill, Noodles & Company, and Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard originated in Denver, but have moved their headquarters to the suburbs of Wheat Ridge, Broomfield, and Golden, respectively. Chipotle Mexican Grill was founded in Denver, but moved its headquarters to Newport Beach, California in 2018.

    In 2015, Denver ranked No. 1 on Forbes' list of the Best Places for Business and Careers.[122]

    In 2024, Denver based Ibotta's initial public offering (IPO) was the largest tech IPO in Colorado's history.[123]

    Top employers

    [edit]

    As of the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[124] Denver's top employers are:

    # Employer Number of employees
    1 City and County of Denver 13,584
    2 Denver Public Schools 12,693
    3 State of Colorado 10,686
    4 Denver Health & Hospital Authority 9,502
    5 United Airlines 7,230
    6 HCA Health One 4,592
    7 University of Denver 4,548
    8 United States Department of Agriculture 4,496
    9 Southwest Airlines 4,247
    10 ADP TotalSource 2,535

    Culture

    [edit]
    Colorado Convention Center

    Apollo Hall opened soon after the city's founding in 1859 and staged many plays for eager settlers.[39] In the 1880s Horace Tabor built Denver's first opera house. After the start of the 20th century, city leaders embarked on a city beautification program that created many of the city's parks, parkways, museums, and the Municipal Auditorium, which was home to the 1908 Democratic National Convention and is now known as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Denver and the metropolitan areas around it continued to support culture.[125][126]

    In July 1982, Denver hosted the World Theatre Festival[127] at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, which comprised a program of 114 performances of 18 plays, by theatre companies from 13 countries, across 25 days.[128]

    In 1988, voters in the Denver Metropolitan Area approved the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Tax (commonly known as SCFD), a 0.1% (1 cent per $10) sales tax that contributes money to various cultural and scientific facilities and organizations throughout the Metro area.[129] The tax was renewed by voters in 1994 and 2004 and allowed the SCFD to operate until 2018.[130] Ballot issue 4B in 2016 won approval 62.8 percent to 37.2 percent, by Denver metro area voters, to extend the SCFD sales tax until 2030.[131]

    Denver is home to a wide array of museums.[132] Many are nationally recognized, including a new wing for the Denver Art Museum by architect Daniel Libeskind, the nation's second-largest Performing Arts Center after Lincoln Center in New York City, and bustling neighborhoods such as LoDo, filled with art galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs. That is part of the reason Denver was, in 2006, recognized for the third year in a row as the best city for singles.[133] Its neighborhoods also continue their influx of diverse people and businesses while the city's cultural institutions grow and prosper. The city acquired the estate of abstract expressionist painter Clyfford Still in 2004 and built a museum to exhibit his works near the Denver Art Museum.[134] The Denver Museum of Nature and Science holds an aquamarine specimen valued at over $1 million, as well as specimens of the state mineral, rhodochrosite. Every September the Denver Mart, at 451 E. 58th Avenue, hosts a gem and mineral show.[135] The state history museum, History Colorado Center, opened in April 2012. It features hands-on and interactive exhibits, artifacts and programs about Colorado history.[136] It was named in 2013 by True West Magazine as one of the top-ten "must see" history museums in the country.[137] History Colorado's Byers-Evans House Museum and the Molly Brown House are nearby.

    Denver has numerous art districts, including Denver's Art District on Santa Fe and the River North Art District (RiNo).[138]

    While Denver may not be as recognized for historical musical prominence as some other American cities, it has an active pop, jazz, jam, folk, metal, and classical music scene, which has nurtured several artists and genres to regional, national, and even international attention. Of particular note is Denver's importance in the folk scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Well-known folk artists such as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver lived in Denver at various points during this time and performed at local clubs.[139] Three members of the widely popular group Earth, Wind, and Fire are also from Denver. More recent Denver-based artists include India Arie, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, The Lumineers, Air Dubai, The Fray, Flobots, Cephalic Carnage, Axe Murder Boyz, Deuce Mob, Havok, Bloodstrike, Primitive Man, and Five Iron Frenzy.[citation needed] Denver is also home to the Denver Record Collectors Expo, a biannual music collectors event.

    Because of its proximity to the mountains and generally sunny weather, Denver has gained a reputation as being a very active, outdoor-oriented city. Many Denver residents spend the weekends in the mountains; skiing in the winter and hiking, climbing, kayaking, and camping in the summer.

    Denver and surrounding cities are home to a large number of local and national breweries. Many of the region's restaurants have on-site breweries, and some larger brewers offer tours, including Coors and New Belgium Brewing Company. The city also welcomes visitors from around the world when it hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival each fall.

    Denver used to be a major trading center for beef and livestock when ranchers would drive (or later transport) cattle to the Denver Union Stockyards for sale. As a celebration of that history, for more than a century Denver has hosted the annual National Western Stock Show, attracting as many as 10,000 animals and 700,000 attendees. The show is held every January at the National Western Complex northeast of downtown.

    Denver has one of the country's largest populations of Mexican Americans and hosts four large Mexican-American celebrations: Cinco de Mayo (with over 500,000 attendees),[140] in May; El Grito de la Independencia, in September; the annual Lowrider show, and the Dia De Los Muertos art shows/events in North Denver's Highland neighborhood, and the Lincoln Park neighborhood in the original section of West Denver.

    Denver is known for its dedication to New Mexican cuisine and the Chile. It is best known for its green and red chile sauce, Colorado burrito, Southwest (Denver) omelette, breakfast burrito, empanadas, chiles rellenos, and tamales. Denver is also known for other types of food such as Rocky Mountain oysters, rainbow trout, and the Denver sandwich.

    The Dragon Boat Festival in July, Moon Festival in September and Chinese New Year are annual events in Denver for the Chinese and Asian-American communities. Chinese hot pot (huo guo) and Korean BBQ restaurants have been growing in popularity. The Denver area has two Chinese newspapers, the Chinese American Post and the Colorado Chinese News.[141] A Korean Newspaper, the "Colorado Times News" is also based in Denver.[142]

    Denver has long been a place tolerant of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community. Many gay bars can be found on Colfax Avenue and on South Broadway. Every June, Denver hosts the annual Denver PrideFest in Civic Center Park, the largest LGBTQ Pride festival in the Rocky Mountain region.[143]

    Denver is the setting for The Bill Engvall Show, Tim Allen's Last Man Standing, and the 18th season of MTV's The Real World. It was also the setting for the prime time drama Dynasty from 1981 to 1989 (although the show was mostly filmed in Los Angeles). From 1998 to 2002 the city's Alameda East Veterinary Hospital was home to the Animal Planet series Emergency Vets, which spun off three documentary specials and the current Animal Planet series E-Vet Interns. The city is also the setting for the Disney Channel sitcom Good Luck Charlie.

    Sports

    [edit]

    Denver is home to a variety of sports teams and is one of 12 U.S. cities with teams from four major league sports (the Denver metro area is the smallest metropolitan area in the country to have a team in all four major sports leagues). Including MLS soccer, it is also one of 10 U.S. cities to have five major sports teams.

    The Denver Broncos of the National Football League have drawn crowds of over 70,000 since their origins in the early 1960s, and continue to draw fans today to their current home Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos have sold out every home game (except for strike-replacement games) since 1970.[144] The Broncos have advanced to eight Super Bowls and won back-to-back titles in 1997 and 1998, and won again in 2015.

    The Colorado Rockies were created as an expansion franchise in 1993 and Coors Field opened in 1995. The Rockies advanced to the playoffs that year but were eliminated in the first round. In 2007, they advanced to the playoffs as a wild-card entrant, won the NL Championship Series, and brought the World Series to Denver for the first time but were swept in four games by the Boston Red Sox.

    Denver has been home to two National Hockey League teams. The Colorado Rockies played from 1976 to 1982, but later moved to the New York metropolitan area to become the New Jersey Devils. The Colorado Avalanche joined in 1995, after relocating from Quebec City. While in Denver, they have won three Stanley Cups in 1996, 2001, and 2022. The Denver Nuggets joined the American Basketball Association in 1967 and the National Basketball Association in 1976. The Nuggets won their first NBA championship in 2023. The Avalanche and Nuggets have both played at Ball Arena (formerly known as Pepsi Center) since 1999. The Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids play in Dick's Sporting Goods Park, an 18,000-seat soccer-specific stadium opened for the 2007 MLS season in the Denver suburb of Commerce City.[145] The Rapids won the MLS Cup in 2010.

    Major League sports teams
    Club League Venue Attendance Attendance rank in League Start Championship
    Denver Broncos NFL Empower Field at Mile High 76,388[146] 5th of 32 1960 1997, 1998, 2015
    Colorado Rockies MLB Coors Field 32,196[147] 14th of 30 1993  
    Denver Nuggets NBA Ball Arena 19,669[148] 6th of 30 1967 2023
    Colorado Avalanche NHL Ball Arena 17,991[149] 13th of 32 1995 1996, 2001, 2022
    Colorado Rapids MLS Dick's Sporting Goods Park 15,409[150] 28th of 29 1996 2010

    Denver has several additional professional teams. In 2006, Denver established a Major League Lacrosse team, the Denver Outlaws. They play in Empower Field at Mile High. In 2006, the Denver Outlaws won the Western Conference Championship and then won their first championship in 2014 eight years later. They also won in 2016 and 2018 and would fold in 2020 with the MLL-PLL merger. The Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League play at Ball Arena. They won championships in 2006 and 2022.

    In 2018, the Denver Bandits were established as the first professional football team for women in Colorado and will be a part of the initial season for the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC) in 2019. Denver was awarded a National Women's Soccer League team called Denver Summit FC in 2025.

    Denver submitted the winning bid to host the 1976 Winter Olympics but subsequently withdrew, giving it the distinction of being the first city to back out after having won its bid to host the Olympics.[57] Denver and Colorado Springs hosted the 1962 World Ice Hockey Championships.

    Parks and recreation

    [edit]

    As of 2006, Denver had over 200 parks, from small pocket parks all over the city to the giant 314-acre (1.27 km2) City Park.[151] Denver also has 29 recreation centers providing places and programming for resident's recreation and relaxation.[152]

    Many of Denver's parks were acquired from state lands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This coincided with the City Beautiful movement, and Denver mayor Robert Speer (1904–12 and 1916–18) set out to expand and beautify the city's parks. Reinhard Schuetze was the city's first landscape architect, and he brought his German-educated landscaping genius to Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and City Park among others. Speer used Schuetze as well as other landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and Saco Rienk DeBoer to design not only parks such as Civic Center Park, but many city parkways and tree-lawns. Cheesman Park neighbor the Denver Botanic Gardens displays the beauty and versatility of micro-climates within the semi-arid Denver Basin. All of these parks were fed with South Platte River water diverted through the city ditch.[153]

    In addition to the parks within Denver, the city acquired land for mountain parks starting in the 1911s.[154] Over the years, Denver has acquired, built and maintained approximately 14,000 acres (57 km2) of mountain parks, including Red Rocks Park, which is known for its scenery and musical history revolving around the unique Red Rocks Amphitheatre.[155][156] Denver also owns the mountain on which the Winter Park Resort ski area operates in Grand County, 67 miles (110 km) west of Denver.[157] City parks are important places for Denverites and visitors, inciting controversy with every change. Denver continues to grow its park system with the development of many new parks along the Platte River through the city, and with Central Park and Bluff Lake Nature Center in the Central Park neighborhood redevelopment. All of these parks are important gathering places for residents and allow what was once a dry plain to be lush, active, and green. Denver is also home to a large network of public community gardens, most of which are managed by Denver Urban Gardens, a non-profit organization.

    Since 1974, Denver and the surrounding jurisdictions have rehabilitated the urban South Platte River and its tributaries for recreational use by hikers and cyclists. The main stem of the South Platte River Greenway runs along the South Platte 35 miles (56 km) into Adams County in the north. The Greenway project is recognized as one of the best urban reclamation projects in the U.S., winning, for example, the Silver Medal Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence in 2001.[158]

    As of 2022, Park Score by the Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation organization, reported Denver as having the 18th best park system among the 50 most populous U.S. cities. The report noted that 89% of Denverites live within a 10-minute walk of a park.[159]

    Government

    [edit]
    Denver City and County Building
    Colorado Supreme Court, just before completion
    Colorado State Capitol looking east

    Denver is a consolidated city-county with a mayor elected on a nonpartisan ballot, a 13-member city council, and an auditor. The Denver City Council is elected from 11 districts with two at-large council members and is responsible for passing and changing all laws, resolutions, and ordinances, usually after a public hearing. The city council can also call for misconduct investigations of Denver's departmental officials. All elected officials have four-year terms, with a maximum of three terms. The current mayor is Mike Johnston.

    Denver has a strong mayor/weak city council government. The mayor can approve or veto any ordinances or resolutions approved by the council, makes sure all contracts with the city are kept and performed, signs all bonds and contracts, is responsible for the city budget, and can appoint people to various city departments, organizations, and commissions. The council can override the mayor's veto with a nine votes. The city budget must be approved and can be changed by a simple majority vote of the council. The auditor checks all expenditures and may refuse to allow specific ones, usually for financial reasons.[160]

    The Denver Department of Safety oversees three branches: the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, and Denver Sheriff Department. The Denver County Court is an integrated Colorado County Court and Municipal Court and is managed by Denver instead of the state.

    Politics

    [edit]

    While Denver elections are nonpartisan, Democrats have long dominated the city's politics; most citywide officials are known to be registered with the Democratic Party. The mayor's office has been occupied by a Democrat since the 1963 municipal election. All the city's seats in the state legislature are held by Democrats.

    In statewide elections, the city also tends to favor Democrats, though Republicans were occasionally competitive until the turn of the millennium. The last Republican to win Denver in a gubernatorial election was John A. Love in 1970 by a narrow majority.[161] Bill Owens in 2002 remains the last Republican governor to receive at least 40% of Denver's vote.[162] The last Republican Senator to carry Denver was William L. Armstrong during his 1984 landslide.[163] The last statewide Republican officeholder to carry Denver was Secretary of State Victoria Buckley in 1994 by 1.2% margin; she was, at the time, the highest ranking African-American Republican woman in the United States.[164][165]

    In federal elections, Denver is a Democratic stronghold. It has supported a Democrat for president in every election since 1984. Despite then-president Ronald Reagan's landslide that year both nationally and in Colorado, Democrat Walter Mondale won Denver by a margin of 2.32%, and since then the party has increased its margin in almost every election. At the federal level, Denver is the heart of Colorado's 1st congressional district, which includes all of Denver and parts of Arapahoe County. It is the most Democratic district in the Mountain West and has been in Democratic hands for all but two terms since 1933. It is currently represented by Democrat Diana DeGette. A portion of southeast Denver, roughly half of the Indian Creek neighborhood and a small part of the Virginia Village neighborhood, is in Colorado's 6th congressional district, represented by Democrat Jason Crow.

    Benjamin F. Stapleton was the mayor of Denver for two periods, from 1923 to 1931 and from 1935 to 1947. He was responsible for many civic improvements, notably during his second term, when he had access to funds and manpower from the New Deal. During this time, the park system was considerably expanded and the Civic Center completed. His signature project was the construction of Denver Municipal Airport, which began in 1929 amid heavy criticism. It was later renamed Stapleton International Airport in his honor. Today, the airport has been replaced by a neighborhood initially named Stapleton. In 2020, during the George Floyd protests, because of Stapleton's demonstrated racism and prominent membership in the Ku Klux Klan, neighborhood residents changed the name to Central Park.[166][167]

    During the 1960s and 1970s, Denver was one of the centers of the Chicano Movement. The boxer-turned-activist Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales formed an organization called the Crusade for Justice, which battled police brutality, fought for bilingual education, and, most notably, hosted the First National Chicano Youth Liberation Conference in March 1969.[168]

    In recent years, Denver has taken a stance on helping people who are or become homeless, particularly under the administrations of mayors John Hickenlooper and Wellington Webb. At a rate of 19 homeless per 10,000 residents in 2011 as compared to 50 or more per 10,000 residents for the four metro areas with the highest rate of homelessness,[169] Denver's homeless population and rate of homeless are both considerably lower than many other major cities. But residents of the city streets suffer Denver winters – which, although mild and dry much of the time, can have brief periods of extremely cold temperatures and snow.

    In 2005, Denver became the first major U.S. city to vote to make the private possession of less than an ounce of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older.[170] The city voted 53.5 percent in favor of the marijuana legalization measure, which, as then-mayor John Hickenlooper pointed out, was without effect, because the city cannot usurp state law, which at that time treated marijuana possession in much the same way as a speeding ticket, with fines of up to $100 and no jail time.[170] Denver passed an initiative in the fourth quarter of 2007 requiring the mayor to appoint an 11-member review panel to monitor the city's compliance with the 2005 ordinance.[171] In May 2019, Denver became the first U.S. city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms after an initiative passed with 50.6% of the vote. The measure prohibits Denver from using any resources to prosecute adults over 21 for personal use of psilocybin mushrooms, though such use remains illegal under state and federal law.[172][173]

    Denver hosted the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which was the centennial of the city's first hosting of the landmark 1908 convention. It also hosted the G7 summit between June 20 and 22 in 1997 and the 2000 National Convention of the Green Party.[174][175] In 1972, 1981, and 2008, Denver also hosted the Libertarian Party of the United States National Convention. The 1972 Convention was notable for nominating Tonie Nathan for vice president, the first woman, as well as the first Jew, to receive an electoral vote in a United States presidential election.

    On October 3, 2012, the University of Denver hosted the first of the three 2012 presidential debates.[176]

    In July 2019, Mayor Hancock said that Denver will not assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with immigration raids.[177]

    United States presidential election results for Denver County, Colorado[178]
    Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
    No.  % No.  % No.  %
    1904 32,667 51.73% 28,958 45.85% 1,528 2.42%
    1908 30,193 45.95% 33,145 50.44% 2,369 3.61%
    1912 8,155 13.59% 26,690 44.47% 25,171 41.94%
    1916 23,185 33.84% 43,029 62.81% 2,298 3.35%
    1920 43,581 62.03% 22,839 32.51% 3,838 5.46%
    1924 59,077 63.44% 15,764 16.93% 18,282 19.63%
    1928 73,543 63.40% 41,238 35.55% 1,221 1.05%
    1932 59,372 43.48% 72,868 53.36% 4,318 3.16%
    1936 50,743 33.28% 99,263 65.09% 2,486 1.63%
    1940 81,328 46.91% 90,938 52.45% 1,105 0.64%
    1944 86,331 48.75% 90,001 50.82% 759 0.43%
    1948 76,364 45.17% 89,489 52.93% 3,214 1.90%
    1952 119,792 56.09% 92,237 43.19% 1,534 0.72%
    1956 121,402 55.91% 93,812 43.21% 1,907 0.88%
    1960 109,446 49.59% 109,637 49.68% 1,618 0.73%
    1964 73,279 33.57% 143,480 65.73% 1,529 0.70%
    1968 92,003 43.54% 106,081 50.20% 13,233 6.26%
    1972 121,995 54.14% 98,062 43.52% 5,278 2.34%
    1976 105,960 46.73% 112,229 49.50% 8,549 3.77%
    1980 88,398 42.19% 85,903 41.00% 35,207 16.80%
    1984 105,096 47.83% 110,200 50.15% 4,442 2.02%
    1988 77,753 37.13% 127,173 60.72% 4,504 2.15%
    1992 55,418 25.43% 121,961 55.97% 40,540 18.60%
    1996 58,529 30.04% 120,312 61.76% 15,973 8.20%
    2000 61,224 30.87% 122,693 61.86% 14,430 7.28%
    2004 69,903 29.27% 166,135 69.56% 2,788 1.17%
    2008 62,567 23.04% 204,882 75.45% 4,084 1.50%
    2012 73,111 24.18% 222,018 73.41% 7,289 2.41%
    2016 62,690 18.89% 244,551 73.69% 24,611 7.42%
    2020 71,618 18.19% 313,293 79.55% 8,918 2.26%
    2024 74,765 20.57% 278,634 76.65% 10,120 2.78%

    Taxes

    [edit]

    The City and County of Denver levies an occupational privilege tax (OPT or head tax) on employers and employees.

    • If any employee performs work in the city limits and is paid over $500 for that work in a single month, the employee and employer are both liable for the OPT regardless of where the main business office is located or headquartered.
    • The employer is liable for $4 per employee per month and the employee is liable for $5.75 per month.
    • It is the employer's responsibility to withhold, remit, and file the OPT returns. If an employer does not comply, the employer can be held liable for both portions of the OPT as well as penalties and interest.

    Education

    [edit]

    Denver Public Schools (DPS) is the public school system in all of Denver.[179] It educates approximately 92,000 students in 92 elementary schools, 44 K-8 schools, 34 middle schools, 18 high schools, and 19 charter schools.[180] The first school of what is now DPS was a log cabin that opened in 1859, which later became East High School. East High School, along with the other three directional high schools (West, North, and South), made up the first four high schools in Denver.[181] The district boundaries are coextensive with the city limits.[182] The Cherry Creek School District serves some areas with Denver postal addresses that are outside the city limits.[182][183]

    Denver's many colleges and universities range in age and study programs. Three major public schools constitute the Auraria Campus: the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Community College of Denver. The private University of Denver was the first institution of higher learning in the city and was founded in 1864. Other prominent Denver higher education institutions include Johnson & Wales University, Catholic (Jesuit) Regis University, and the city has Roman Catholic and Jewish institutions, as well as a health sciences school. In addition to those schools within the city, there are a number of schools throughout the surrounding metro area.

    Media

    [edit]

    The Denver metropolitan area is served by a variety of media outlets in print, radio, television, and the Internet.

    Television stations

    [edit]

    Denver is the 16th-largest market in the country for television, according to the 2009–2010 rankings from Nielsen Media Research.[184]

    Radio stations

    [edit]

    Denver is also served by over 40 AM and FM radio stations, covering a wide variety of formats and styles. Denver–Boulder radio is the No. 19 market in the United States, according to the Spring 2011 Arbitron ranking (up from No. 20 in Fall 2009). For a list of Denver radio stations, see List of radio stations in Colorado.

    Print

    [edit]

    After continued rivalry between Denver's two main newspapers, The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News, the papers merged operations in 2001 under a joint operating agreement that formed the Denver Newspaper Agency.[185] This arrangement lasted until February 2009 when the E. W. Scripps Company, the owner of the Rocky Mountain News, closed the paper. There are also several alternative or localized newspapers published in Denver, including the Westword, Law Week Colorado, Out Front Colorado, and the Intermountain Jewish News. Denver is home to multiple regional magazines such as 5280, which takes its name from the city's mile-high elevation (5,280 feet or 1,609 meters). The Colorado Times News is a Korean-language publication based in Denver.[142]

    Transportation

    [edit]
    Dawn over downtown Denver, viewed from the north with Pikes Peak and the southern Front Range to the south

    City streets

    [edit]
    Colfax Avenue at Broadway, where the downtown street grid and the "normal" city grid meet. Colfax Avenue carries U.S. Highway 40 through Denver.

    Most of Denver has a straightforward street grid oriented to the four cardinal directions. Blocks are usually identified in hundreds from the median streets, identified as "00", which are Broadway (the east–west median, running north–south) and Ellsworth Avenue (the north–south median, running east–west). Colfax Avenue, a major east–west artery through Denver, is 15 blocks (1500) north of the median. Avenues north of Ellsworth are numbered (with the exception of Colfax Avenue and several others, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Montview Blvd.), while avenues south of Ellsworth are named.

    There is also an older downtown grid system that was designed to be parallel to the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Most of the streets downtown and in LoDo run northeast–southwest and northwest–southeast. This system has an unplanned benefit for snow removal; if the streets were in a normal N–S/E–W grid, only the N–S streets would receive sunlight. With the grid oriented to the diagonal directions, the NW–SE streets receive sunlight to melt snow in the morning and the NE–SW streets receive it in the afternoon. This idea was from Henry Brown the founder of the Brown Palace Hotel. There is now a plaque across the street from the Brown Palace Hotel that honors this idea. The NW–SE streets are numbered, while the NE–SW streets are named. The named streets start at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway with the block-long Cheyenne Place. The numbered streets start underneath the Colfax and I-25 viaducts. There are 27 named and 44 numbered streets on this grid. There are also a few vestiges of the old grid system in the normal grid, such as Park Avenue, Morrison Road, and Speer Boulevard. Larimer Street, named after William Larimer Jr., the founder of Denver, which is in the heart of LoDo, is the oldest street in Denver.

    Speer Boulevard runs north–south through downtown Denver.

    All roads in the downtown grid system are streets (e.g., 16th Street, Stout Street), except for the five NE–SW roads nearest the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway: Cheyenne Place, Cleveland Place, Court Place, Tremont Place and Glenarm Place. Roads outside that system that travel east–west are designated "avenues" and those that travel north–south are designated "streets" (e.g., Colfax Avenue, Lincoln Street). Boulevards are higher capacity streets and travel any direction (more commonly north and south). Smaller roads are sometimes referred to as places, drives (though not all drives are smaller capacity roads; some are major thoroughfares), or courts. Most streets outside the area between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard are organized alphabetically from the city's center.

    East of Colorado Boulevard, the naming convention of streets takes on a predictable pattern of going through the alphabet by using each letter twice (i.e. AA, BB, CC, DD, through YY – there is no Z). The first street is almost always named after a plant or fruit, the second street is almost always named after a foreign place or location. For example, Jersey Street / Jasmine Street, Quebec Street / Quince Street, and Syracuse Street / Spruce Street. Inexplicably, the letter Y only has one street (Yosemite), and there is no Z. This double-alphabet naming convention continues in some form into Aurora, Colorado.

    Some Denver streets have bicycle lanes, leaving a patchwork of disjointed routes throughout the city. There are over 850 miles (1,370 km)[186] of paved, off-road, bike paths in Denver parks and along bodies of water, like Cherry Creek and the South Platte. This allows for a significant portion of Denver's population to be bicycle commuters and has led to Denver being known as a bicycle-friendly city.[187] Some residents strongly oppose bike lanes, which has caused some plans to be watered down or nixed. The review process for one bike line on Broadway will last over a year before city council members will make a decision. In addition to the many bike paths, Denver launched B-Cycle – a citywide bicycle sharing program – in late April 2010. The B-Cycle network was the largest in the United States at the time of its launch, boasting 400 bicycles.[188]

    The Denver Boot, a car-disabling device, was first used in Denver.[189]

    Cycling

    [edit]

    The League of American Bicyclists rated Colorado as the sixth most bicycle-friendly state in the nation for 2024. This is due in large part to Front Range cities like Boulder, Fort Collins and Denver placing an emphasis on legislation, programs and infrastructure developments that promote cycling as a mode of transportation.[190] Walk Score has rated Denver as the fourth most bicycle-friendly large city in the United States.[191] According to data from the 2011 American Community Survey, Denver ranks 6th among US cities with populations over 400,000 in terms of the percentage of workers who commute by bicycle at 2.2% of commuters.[192]

    B-Cycle – Denver's citywide bicycle sharing program – was the largest in the United States at the time of its launch in 2010, boasting 400 bicycles.[188] B-Cycle ridership peaked in 2014, then steadily declined. The program announced it would cease operations at the end of January 2020.[193][194][195] The city announced plans to seek one or more new contractors to run a bike-share program starting mid-2020.[196][197]

    Electric rental scooters

    [edit]

    In 2018, electric scooter services began to place scooters in Denver. Hundreds of unsanctioned LimeBike and Bird electric scooters appeared on Denver streets in May, causing an uproar. In June, the city ordered the companies to remove them[198] and acted quickly to create an official program, including a requirement that scooters be left at RTD stops and out of the public right-of-way. Lime and Bird scooters then reappeared in late July, with limited compliance. Uber's Jump e-bikes arrived in late August, followed by Lyft's nationwide electric scooter launch in early September.[199] Lyft says that it will, each night, take the scooters to the warehouse for safety checks, maintenance and charging. Additionally, Spin and Razor each were permitted to add 350 scooters.[200]

    Walkability

    [edit]

    2017 rankings by Walk Score placed Denver twenty-sixth among 108 U.S. cities with a population of 200,000 or greater.[191] City leaders have acknowledged the concerns of walkability advocates that Denver has serious gaps in its sidewalk network. The 2019 "Denver Moves: Pedestrians" plan outlines a need for approximate $1.3 billion in sidewalk funding, plus $400 million for trails.[201] In 2022, Denver voters passed Initiative 307, dubbed "Denver Deserves Sidewalks", to complete sidewalk construction and repair by shifting responsibility for sidewalk maintenance from property owners to the city and imposing a new fee on property owners based on the length of a property's sidewalk frontage,[202] although the measure may be revised in the course of implementation.[203]

    [edit]

    In 2015, 9.6 percent of Denver households lacked a car, and in 2016, this was virtually unchanged (9.4 percent). The national average was 8.7 percent in 2016. Denver averaged 1.62 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.[204]

    Freeways and highways

    [edit]

    Denver is primarily served by the interstate freeways I-25 and I-70. The problematic intersection of the two interstates is referred to locally as "the mousetrap" because, when viewed from the air, the junction (and subsequent vehicles) resemble mice in a large trap.

    Denver also has a nearly complete beltway known as "the 470's". These are SH 470 (also known as C-470), a freeway in the southwest Metro area, and two toll highways, E-470 (from southeast to northeast) and Northwest Parkway (from terminus of E-470 to US 36). SH 470 was intended to be I-470 and built with federal highway funds, but the funding was redirected to complete conversion of downtown Denver's 16th Street to a pedestrian mall. As a result, construction was delayed until 1980 after state and local legislation was passed.[205] I-470 was also once called "The Silver Stake Highway", from Gov. Lamm's declared intention to drive a silver stake through it and kill it.

    A highway expansion and transit project for the southern I-25 corridor, dubbed T-REX (Transportation Expansion Project), was completed on November 17, 2006.[206] The project installed wider and additional highway lanes, and improved highway access and drainage. The project also includes a light rail line that traverses from downtown to the south end of the metro area at Lincoln Avenue.[207] The project spanned almost 19 miles (31 km) along the highway with an additional line traveling parallel to part of I-225, stopping just short of Parker Road.

    Metro Denver highway conditions can be accessed on the Colorado Department of Transportation COtrip website.[208]

    Mass transportation

    [edit]
    Denver RTD light rail and bus lines
    Denver Union Station

    Mass transportation throughout the Denver metropolitan area is managed and coordinated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD). RTD operates more than 1,000 buses serving over 10,000 bus stops in 38 municipal jurisdictions in eight counties around the Denver and Boulder metropolitan areas. Additionally, RTD operates ten rail lines, the A, B, D, E, G, H, L, N, R, and W, with a total of 113 miles (182 km) of track, serving 77 stations, 35 of which are located within the City of Denver proper. The D, E, H, L, R, and W Lines are light rail while the A, B, G, and N Lines are commuter rail.

    FasTracks is a commuter rail, light rail, and bus expansion project approved by voters in 2004, which will serve neighboring suburbs and communities. The W Line, or West line, opened in April 2013 serving Golden/Federal Center. The commuter rail A Line from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport opened in April 2016 with ridership exceeding RTD's early expectations.[209] The light rail R Line through Aurora opened in February 2017.[210] The G Line to the suburb of Arvada (originally planned to open in the Fall of 2016) opened on April 26, 2019.[211] The N Line to Commerce City and Thornton opened on September 21, 2020.[212]

    An express bus service, known as the Flatiron Flyer, serves to connect Boulder and Denver. The service, billed as bus rapid transit, has been accused of bus rapid transit creep for failing to meet the majority of BRT requirements, including level boarding and all-door entry. A commuter rail connection to Boulder and its suburb of Longmont, also part of the FasTracks ballot initiative and an extension of the B Line, is planned to be finished by RTD, but no construction funds have yet been identified prior to 2040.[213] RTD is currently considering an interim commuter service which would run rush-hour trains from Longmont to Denver.

    The Colorado Department of Transportation runs Bustang, a bus system that offers weekday and weekend service connecting Denver with many locations across the state, including Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Gunnison.[214]

    Commuter rail station at Denver International Airport

    Greyhound Lines, the intercity bus operator, has a major hub in Denver, with routes to New York City, Portland, Reno, Las Vegas, and their headquarters, Dallas. Subsidiary Autobuses Americanos provides service to El Paso. Allied bus operators Express Arrow, and Burlington Trailways provide service to Billings, Omaha, Indianapolis, and Alamosa.

    Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Denver, operating its California Zephyr daily in both directions between Chicago and Emeryville, California, across the bay from San Francisco. Amtrak Thruway service operated by private bus companies links the Denver station with Rocky Mountain points. In 2017 the Colorado legislature reinvigorated studies of passenger rail service along the Front Range, potentially connecting Denver to Fort Collins and Pueblo, or further to Amtrak connections in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Trinidad.[215] Front Range Passenger Rail is a current proposal (as of 2023) to link the cities from Pueblo in the south, north to Fort Collins and possibly to Cheyenne, Wyoming.[216]

    At Albuquerque, New Mexico, Denver Thruway connections are made daily with the Amtrak Southwest Chief. Additionally, the Ski Train operated on the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, which took passengers between Denver and the Winter Park Ski Resort, but it is no longer in service. The Ski Train made its final run to Winter Park on March 29, 2009. The service was revived on a trial basis in 2016 with a great amount of local fanfare. Further development of a mountain corridor rail option, though publicly popular, has been met with resistance from politicians, namely the director of Colorado Department of Transportation.[217][failed verification] The Ski Train did return to service under Amtrak with the name "Winter Park Express" in 2017 and greatly expanded service for the 2024-2025 ski season, doubling capacity and increasing service to run Thursday-Monday during the winter ski seasons. The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to eventually expand service to Steamboat Springs and Craig as part of the Mountain Rail project.[218]

    Denver's early years as a major train hub of the west are still very visible today. Trains stop in Denver at historic Union Station, where travelers can access RTD's 16th Street Free MallRide or use light rail to tour the city. Union Station will also serve as the main juncture for rail travel in the metro area, at the completion of FasTracks. The city also plans to invest billions to bringing frequent public transit within one-fourth of a mile of most of its residents.[219]

    Denver public transportation statistics

    [edit]

    The average amount of time people spend commuting on public transit in Denver and Boulder, Colorado—for example, to and from work, on a weekday—is 77 minutes; 31% of public transit riders ride for more than two hours every day. The average amount of time people wait at a stop or station for public transit is 14 minutes, while 25% of riders wait for over 20 minutes, on average, every day. The average distance people usually ride in a single trip with public transit is 6.96 miles (11.20 km), while 31% travel over 7.46 miles (12.01 km) in a single direction.[220]

    Airports

    [edit]
    Main terminal of Denver International Airport
    Main terminal of Denver International Airport

    Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN, ICAO: KDEN), commonly known as DIA, serves as the primary airport for the Front Range Urban Corridor surrounding Denver. DIA is 18.6 miles (30 km) east-northeast of the Colorado State Capitol and opened in 1995. DIA is the 3rd busiest airport in the world with 58.8 million passengers in 2021;[221] it had the 5th highest number of passengers in the U.S., 61 million, in the pre-pandemic year 2019.[222] It covers more than 52.4 square miles (135.7 km2), making it the largest airport by land area in the United States and larger than the island of Manhattan.[223] DIA serves as a major hub for United Airlines, is the headquarters and primary hub for Frontier Airlines, and is a major focus city and the fastest-growing market for Southwest Airlines.

    In 2017, Denver International Airport was rated by Skytrax as the 28th-best airport in the world, falling to second place in the United States behind Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Skytrax also named DIA as the second-best regional airport in North America for 2017, and the fourth-best regional airport in the world.

    Three general aviation airports serve the Denver area. Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) is 13.7 miles (22 km) north-northwest, Centennial Airport (KAPA) is 13.7 miles (22 km) south-southeast, and Colorado Air and Space Port (KCFO), formerly Front Range Airport, is 23.7 miles (38 km) east of the state capitol. Centennial Airport also offers limited commercial airline service, on two cargo airlines.

    In the past, Denver has been home to several other airports that are no longer operational. Stapleton International Airport was closed in 1995 when it was replaced by DIA. Lowry Air Force Base was a military flight training facility that ceased flight operations in 1966, with the base finally closing in 1994. Both Stapleton and Lowry have since been redeveloped into primarily residential neighborhoods. Buckley Space Force Base is the only military facility in the Denver area.

    Notable people

    [edit]

    Twin towns – sister cities

    [edit]

    Denver's relationship with Brest, France, began in 1948, making it the second-oldest sister city in the United States.[224] In 1947, Amanda Knecht, a teacher at East High School, visited World War II–ravaged Brest. When she returned, she shared her experiences in the city with her students, and her class raised $32,000 to help rebuild the children's wing of Brest's hospital. The gift led to the development of the sister city program with Brest.[225] There were serious efforts in the early 2000s, in both Denver and Sochi, Russian Federation, to establish sister-city ties, but the negotiations did not come to fruition.

    Since then, Denver has established relationships with additional sister cities:[226]

    See also

    [edit]
     

    Explanatory notes

    [edit]
    1. ^ a b Denver has maintained its official mile-high elevation of 5,280 feet (1,609.344 m) for more than a century. When the National Geodetic Survey makes adjustments to its national elevation measurements, the State of Colorado moves the official mile-high elevation point up or down the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol to reflect the changes. Most of Denver actually lies above this elevation.
    2. ^ Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
    3. ^ The official weather records for Denver were recorded in Downtown Denver from January 1872 to December 1949, at Stapleton International Airport from January 1950 to February 1995, and at Denver International Airport since March 1995.

    References

    [edit]
    1. ^ "Colorado Counties". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
    2. ^ Claims to Fame – Geography Archived December 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, Epodunk, accessed April 16, 2007
    3. ^ Queen City, Time, January 30, 1928, accessed April 13, 2007.
    4. ^ "The Big Apple: Wall Street of the West (17th Street in Denver)". 2012.
    5. ^ "DENVER STATE CAPITOL DOME". NGS Data Sheet. National Geodetic Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce. 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
    6. ^ "Denver City Town Company Record Book, Mss.01813 (accession 99.225), History Colorado" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 18, 2015. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
    7. ^ "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
    8. ^ a b "The town of Argo was one of the municipalities which by virtue of the amendment became merged in the city and county of Denver. But it did not become so merged, nor did the terms of its officers terminate, until the 1st day of December, 1902--the day the proclamation was issued." Boston & Colorado Smelting Co. v. Elder, 77 P. 258, 259-60 (1904).
    9. ^ a b "[T]he city and county of Denver ... did not come into being until the day of the issuance of the Governor's proclamation, on December 1, 1902". City Council of the City and County of Denver v. Board of Commissioners of Adams County, 77 P. 858, 861 (1904).
    10. ^ a b "Active Colorado Municipalities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
    11. ^ Moore, Carly (July 17, 2023). "Mike Johnston sworn in as Denver mayor". Denver Post. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
    12. ^ a b c "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
    13. ^ "Denver, Aurora Metro Area". usa.com. 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
    14. ^ "Denver High Point, Colorado". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
    15. ^ "Elevations and Distances in the United States". United States Geological Survey. April 29, 2005. Archived from the original on October 15, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
    16. ^ a b "Census QuickFacts Denver". census.gov. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
    17. ^ "List of 2020 Census Urban Areas". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
    18. ^ "2020 Population and Housing State Data". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
    19. ^ "Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2021". United States Census Bureau. February 24, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
    20. ^ "Gross Domestic Product by County and Metropolitan Area, 2022" (PDF). www.bea.gov. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
    21. ^ "Total Gross Domestic Product for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO (MSA)". fred.stlouisfed.org.
    22. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
    23. ^ "Look Up a ZIP Code". United States Postal Service. 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
    24. ^ "Search Results". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
    25. ^ "Community Report, City and County of Denver, Colorado" (PDF). The City and County of Denver. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
    26. ^ "Early Auraria: Native Peoples". Historical Dialogues. May 24, 2016. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
    27. ^ "Treaty of Fort Laramie with Sioux, Etc., 1851." 11 Stats. 749, Sept. 17, 1851.
    28. ^ a b Hoig, Stan. (1980). The Peace Chiefs of the Cheyennes. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 0-8061-1573-4.
    29. ^ a b c d Greene, Jerome A. (2004). Washita, The Southern Cheyenne and the U.S. Army. Campaigns and Commanders Series, vol. 3. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 0-8061-3551-4.
    30. ^ "Denver: The Rocky Mountain metropolis timeline". The City and County of Denver. January 1, 2006. Archived from the original on August 13, 2006. Retrieved August 30, 2006.
    31. ^ a b Thomas J. Noel. "Denver History: The Arapaho Camp". City and County of Denver. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    32. ^ "Newsman Dead". Los Angeles Mirror. Los Angeles, California. 10 Apr 1954. p. 3. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
    33. ^ "A Good Man Gone". Pottsville Republican. Pottsville, Pennsylvania. 21 Sep 1891. p. 4. Retrieved 2022-10-11.
    34. ^ Bauer, William H.; Ozment, James L.; Willard, John H. (1990). Colorado Post Offices 1859–1989. Golden, Colorado: Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation. ISBN 0-918654-42-4.
    35. ^ "Treaty with the Arapaho and Cheyenne, 1861" (Treaty of Fort Wise). 12 Stat. 1163, p. 810.
    36. ^ Life of George Bent: Written From His Letters, by George E. Hyde, edited by Savoie Lottinville, University of Oklahoma Press (1968), hardcover, 390 pages; trade paperback, 280 pages (March 1983) ISBN 0-8061-1577-7 ISBN 978-0806115771
    37. ^ a b "State Government History". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. April 18, 2001. Archived from the original on August 23, 2003. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
    38. ^ "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved November 28, 2006.
    39. ^ a b c Thomas J. Noel. "Denver History: The Golden Gamble". City and County of Denver. Archived from the original on April 5, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
    40. ^ Magazine, Smithsonian. "How the 1867 Medicine Lodge Treaty Changed the Plains Indian Tribes Forever." Smithsonian.com. Smithsonian Institution, October 23, 2017. Link.
    41. ^ Baker, Gayle, Denver, HarborTown Histories. Santa Barbara, California, p. 31-33, ISBN 9780971098442 (print), 9780987903860 (on-line)
    42. ^ Baker, p. 39-48
    43. ^ Baker, p. 51-55
    44. ^ "Information from The Soapy Smith Preservation Trust website". Retrieved October 29, 2006.
    45. ^ United Way History Archived January 17, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. The United Way. Retrieved: September 26, 2006.
    46. ^ US Population History from 1850. Demographia. Retrieved: July 20, 2006
    47. ^ a b c d "Historical Census Statistics On Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For Large Cities And Other Urban Places In The United States". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 12, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
    48. ^ Kingman, Dick (1986). A History – Colorado Flower Growers and its People (PDF). Colorado Greenhouse Association, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016.
    49. ^ Shu Liu and Linda M. Meyer, "Carnations and the Floriculture Industry: Documenting the Cultivation and Marketing of Flowers in Colorado", 2007
    50. ^ Rebchuck, John (October 15, 2015). "Neighbors want historic designation for NW Denver home". Denver Real Estate Watch.
    51. ^ King, Clyde Lyndon (1911). The History of the Government of Denver With Special Reference to its Relations With Public Service Corporations. The Fisher Book Company. pp. 222, 233. Retrieved February 19, 2019 – via Internet Archive.
    52. ^ Moore, LeRoy (2007). "Democracy and Public Health at Rocky Flats: The Examples of Edward Martell and Carl J. Johnson". In Quigley, Dianne; Lowman, Amy; Wing, Steve (eds.). Ethics of Research on Health Impacts of Nuclear Weapons Activities in the United States (PDF). Collaborative Initiative for Research Ethics and Environmental Health (CIREEH) at Syracuse University. pp. 55–97. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 31, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
    53. ^ Johnson, Carl J. (October 1981). "Cancer Incidence in an Area Contaminated with Radionuclides Near a Nuclear Installation". Ambio. 10 (4): 176–182. JSTOR 4312671. PMID 7348208., cited in Moore 2007, pp. 103–109.
    54. ^ Moore, LeRoy. Democracy and Public Health at Rocky Flats: the Examples of Edward A. Martell and Carl J. Johnson (PDF). Rocky Flats Nuclear Guardianship (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
    55. ^ "Rocky Flats Nuclear Site Too Hot for Public Access, Citizens Warn". Environment News Service. August 5, 2010. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2011.
    56. ^ Salazar, Quibian (July 21, 2011). "Plutonium parkway". Boulderweekly.com. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2012.
    57. ^ a b "When Denver rejected the Olympics in favour of the environment and economics". The Guardian. April 7, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
    58. ^ "Archives |". State of Colorado. Archived from the original on August 20, 2003. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
    59. ^ [1][dead link]
    60. ^ "USOC: No Winter Olympics for Denver in 2022". KDVR. July 3, 2012. Archived from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
    61. ^ "Denver Zoning Code". City and County of Denver. 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
    62. ^ "Blueprint Denver". Denvergov.org. December 18, 2009. Archived from the original on May 17, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
    63. ^ "Think you know your Democratic convention trivia?". CNN. August 26, 2008.
    64. ^ City and County of Denver, Community Planning and Development. "Denver Open Data Catalog: Statistical Neighborhoods". DenverGov.org.
    65. ^ Beaty, Kevin (April 6, 2021). "How Denver's neighborhoods got their shapes". Denverite. Denverit. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
    66. ^ Hunt, Rebbecca (October 15, 2022). "Northside History: A Tale of Two Neighborhoods". The Denver NorthStar. Colorado Community Media. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
    67. ^ Mead & Hunt. "Nuestras Historias: Mexican American/Chicano/Latino Histories in Denver An Historic Context" (PDF). City and County of Denver. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
    68. ^ "Neighborhood Planning". City and County of Denver. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
    69. ^ Woods, Katherine (1998). "Park Hill, Denver". Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research. 4 (2). U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: 89–103. Archived from the original on September 4, 2006. Retrieved January 11, 2006.
    70. ^ David Williams (June 15, 2020). "Local officials in Denver's Stapleton neighborhood want to change its name because of a former mayor's KKK ties". CNN. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
    71. ^ Babiak, Larissa (July 20, 2020). "Central Park Selected as New Name for Stapleton Neighborhood". 303 Magazine. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
    72. ^ "Central Park: 12 Neighborhoods Strong". Denver80238.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018.
    73. ^ "Interactive United States Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Map". www.plantmaps.com. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
    74. ^ "Updated Köppen-Geiger climate map of the world". people.eng.unimelb.edu.au. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
    75. ^ "Colorado Climate Center – Climate of Colorado". Climate.colostate.edu. Archived from the original on July 3, 2012. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
    76. ^ US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "A Statistical Preview of Denver's July Weather". www.weather.gov.
    77. ^ "Denver's 10 Longest Below Zero Streaks". January 13, 2007. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
    78. ^ Denver records coldest temperature since 1990 Denver News, December 22, 2022
    79. ^ a b "NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
    80. ^ Kerr, Nicholas (30 November 2021). "Denver still waiting for 1st snow of season, breaking record". ABC News. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
    81. ^ "Frost Chart for United States". The Old Farmer's Almanac. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
    82. ^ "NWS Boulder Twitter Account".
    83. ^ "Adams County, Colorado". Tornado History Project. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
    84. ^ Church, Christopher R. (1993). The Tornado: Its Structure, Dynamics, Prediction, and Hazards. American Geophysical Union. p. 353. ISBN 9780875900384.
    85. ^ Meyer, Thomas A.; Bobb, William R.; Dulong, Thomas W. "Denver Air Route Traffic Control Thunderstorm Patterns" (PDF). Denver Center Weather Service Unit, Longmont, Colorado. National Weather Service. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2004-07-11. Retrieved May 22, 2014.
    86. ^ "Five Worst Weather Airports: Denver International Airport". Chicago Tribune. November 23, 2011.
    87. ^ Admin (September 16, 2011). "Report: Colorado and Oklahoma Cities Dominate Top 10 Hail Prone Metro Areas". Insurance Journal. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
    88. ^ John Erdman (January 27, 2014). "America's 20 Coldest Major Cities". The Weather Channel. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
    89. ^ Bianchi, Chris (April 12, 2019). "Denver weather: How official measurements compare at DIA, downtown and Stapleton". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
    90. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2012-04-01.
    91. ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
    92. ^ "Station Name: CO DENVER-STAPLETON". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
    93. ^ "Threaded Climate Extremes for Denver Area, CO". National Weather Service. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
    94. ^ "WMO Climate Normals for DENVER/STAPLETON INT'L AP CO 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
    95. ^ "Denver, Colorado, USA - Monthly weather forecast and Climate data". Weather Atlas. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
    96. ^ "Denver, Colorado, USA – Monthly weather forecast and Climate data". Weather Atlas. Retrieved February 26, 2019.
    97. ^ "QuickFacts Denver County, CO". 2020 Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau, Population Division. December 28, 2021. Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
    98. ^ a b c "Estimates of Resident Population Change and Rankings: July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018 – United States – Metropolitan Statistical Area; and for Puerto Rico 2018 Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
    99. ^ "QuickFacts Denver County, CO". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
    100. ^ "Denver (city), Colorado". State & County QuickFacts. U.S. Census Bureau.
    101. ^ "Denver (city), Colorado". State & County QuickFacts. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 21, 2012.
    102. ^ "United States Census Race Denver". United States Census. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
    103. ^ a b "Detailed Races and Ethnicities in the United States and Puerto Rico: 2020 Census". United States Census. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
    104. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Denver city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
    105. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Denver city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
    106. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Denver city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
    107. ^ "Single men outnumber all the single ladies in Denver". Fort Collins Coloradoan.
    108. ^ "Denver, Colorado (CO) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news". City-data.com. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
    109. ^ Immigration to Denver, 1920–Present | Articles | Colorado Encyclopedia
    110. ^ "Denver County, Colorado". Modern Language Association. Archived from the original on August 15, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.[dead link]
    111. ^ Dwyer-Lindgren, Laura (May 8, 2017). "Inequalities in Life Expectancy Among US Counties, 1980 to 2014". JAMA Internal Medicine. 177 (7): 1003–1011. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.0918. ISSN 2168-6106. PMC 5543324. PMID 28492829.
    112. ^ "Denver: A Mile High And Climbing". Parks & Recreation. September 2001. Retrieved September 26, 2007.[dead link]
    113. ^ "Gross Metropolitan Product". U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
    114. ^ "Gross Metropolitan Product". U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
    115. ^ Kris Hudson (December 3, 2004). "Finally, it's built. Now for the test". The Denver Post. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
    116. ^ "Denver: The Rocky Mountain Metropolis History". The City and County of Denver. 2002. Archived from the original on June 8, 2006. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
    117. ^ "Welcome collegedegreereport.com – BlueHost.com". Collegedegreereport.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
    118. ^ "The Best Places For Business And Careers". Forbes.
    119. ^ Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (January 2017). "Monthly Economic Summary". Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. Archived from the original on February 18, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
    120. ^ The Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO Economy at a Glance". The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
    121. ^ "The Top Reasons behind Denver's Booming Real Estate Market – Home Renovations". Archived from the original on July 30, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
    122. ^ "Denver Leads Forbes' 2015 List Of The Best Places For Business And Careers". Forbes. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
    123. ^ Chuang, Tamara (2024-04-18). "Denver-based Ibotta opens public trading at $107 per share". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
    124. ^ "City and County of Denver ACFR" (PDF). denvergov.org.
    125. ^ "Culture | Metro Denver". www.metrodenver.org. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
    126. ^ Venues, Denver Arts &. "Grants + Cultural Investments | Denver Arts & Venues". www.artsandvenuesdenver.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
    127. ^ "The Script Was in Serbo-Croatian". Washington Post. 31 August 1982. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
    128. ^ Schmidt, William E. (27 July 1982). "Baltimore's World Theater (sic) Festival blooms anew in Denver". The New York Times. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
    129. ^ "SCFD: Making It Possible". Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Archived from the original on December 19, 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2007.
    130. ^ "SCFD: Crafted for and by the People". Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Archived from the original on December 19, 2007. Retrieved April 3, 2007.
    131. ^ "Denver metro's arts and cultural tax, 4B, passes easily, extends to 2030". November 8, 2016.
    132. ^ "Museums & Exhibits in Denver, Colorado | VISIT DENVER". www.denver.org.
    133. ^ Denver-Boulder No.1 again with singles. The Denver Business Journal. July 25, 2006. Retrieved on July 29, 2006.
    134. ^ "Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado". Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado. Retrieved October 11, 2007.
    135. ^ "The 43rd Annual Denver Gem and Mineral Show". denvermineralshow. Denver Gem and Mineral Show. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
    136. ^ Lieff, Laura (2014). "History Colorado Center Ignites Imaginations Of All Ages". Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
    137. ^ "The TOP 10 Must-See Museums". Truewestmagazine.com. August 6, 2013. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.[dead link]
    138. ^ "Denver Art Districts". Denver Arts & Venues. Archived from the original on January 23, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
    139. ^ "Landmarks and Local Laughs". Colorado Arts Net. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    140. ^ "Hispanic Denver". Denver.org. February 20, 2007. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
    141. ^ "Cocnews.com". Cocnews.com. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
    142. ^ a b "Home". 콜로라도 타임즈 - Colorado Times. February 19, 2020.
    143. ^ "Denver PrideFest". Denver Pride. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
    144. ^ "Team History". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
    145. ^ "Dick's Sporting Goods Park". Dickssportinggoodspark.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
    146. ^ "NFL Attendance - 2023". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
    147. ^ "MLB Attendance Report - 2023". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
    148. ^ "NBA Attendance Report - 2024". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
    149. ^ "National Hockey League 2022-23 Attendance Graph". HockeyDB.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
    150. ^ "2023 MLS Attendance". SoccerStadiumDigest.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
    151. ^ "Denver Parks & Recreation: Parks Division". City and County of Denver. Retrieved August 18, 2006.
    152. ^ "Recreation Centers and Programs". City and County of Denver. Archived from the original on September 9, 2007. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
    153. ^ Etter, Carolyn and Don. City of Parks: The Preservation of Denver's Park and Parkway System. The Denver Public Library 2005.
    154. ^ "Denver Mountain Parks History: Park Descriptions". Denver Mountain Parks Foundation. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    155. ^ "Denver Mountain Parks". City and County of Denver. Archived from the original on December 5, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    156. ^ "Denver Mountain Parks: Red Rocks Park". City and County of Denver. Archived from the original on December 5, 2006. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    157. ^ Lora J. Finnegan (January 2000). "Winter's tale – Winter Park Resort in Colorado". Sunset. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    158. ^ "Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence". Bruner Foundation. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
    159. ^ "Denver ParkScore 2022" (PDF). Trust for Public Land - Parkserve. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-05-24. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
    160. ^ "How Our City Government Works". City and County of Denver. 2016. Archived from the original on July 7, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
    161. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". US Election Atlas. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
    162. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". US Election Atlas. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
    163. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". US Election Atlas. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
    164. ^ "1994 Secretary of State General Election Results - Colorado". Archived from the original on August 16, 2021.
    165. ^ Woo, Elaine (July 17, 1999). "Victoria Buckley; Colorado Secretary of State, GOP Star". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
    166. ^ "Change the Name Information - Central Park United Neighbors". Central Park United Neighbors. 2020. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
    167. ^ "Stapleton Neighborhood is Now Central Park After Final Vote". August 2020.
    168. ^ "History Timeline". Chicanomoratorium.org. Archived from the original on May 15, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
    169. ^ "Homelessness in Large Metro Areas" (PDF). Endhomelessness.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 15, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
    170. ^ a b O'Driscoll, Patrick (2005-03-11). "Denver votes to legalize marijuana possession". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2012-05-21. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
    171. ^ "Denver setting up panel to review marijuana cases". Daily Camera. Archived from the original on December 15, 2007. Retrieved December 16, 2007.
    172. ^ "Denver, Colorado, Initiated Ordinance 301, Psilocybin Mushroom Initiative (May 2019)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
    173. ^ "Denver Approves Decriminalizing Psilocybin Mushrooms in Unofficial Results, as Public Support for Psychedelic Drug Research Grows". Time. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
    174. ^ "List of Summit Meetings". MOFA. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
    175. ^ "Democratic National Convention". Pepsi Center. 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2016.[dead link]
    176. ^ Illescas, Carlos (October 31, 2011). "University of Denver to host first presidential debate in October". Denver Post.
    177. ^ "U.S. Cities Prepare For Planned ICE Raids". NPR. July 13, 2019.
    178. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". US Election Atlas. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
    179. ^ "2020 census - school district reference map: Denver County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-07-22. Retrieved 2022-07-22. - Text list
    180. ^ "Denver Public Schools". Dpsk12.org. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
    181. ^ Ross, Ariana (September 9, 2016). "North, South, East, West - Denver's Iconic Public High Schools". Denver Library.
    182. ^ a b "School District Reference Map (2010 Census): Denver County, CO." (Archive) U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on May 16, 2013.
    183. ^ "About Us Archived 2013-04-25 at the Wayback Machine." Cherry Creek School District. Retrieved on May 14, 2013.
    184. ^ "114.9 Million U.S. Television Homes Estimated for 2009-2010 Season | Nielsen Wire". Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
    185. ^ "Denver Newspaper Agency". Archived from the original on December 15, 2006. Retrieved December 15, 2006.
    186. ^ "Denver's 850 Miles of Off-Road Bike Trails". Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. Archived from the original on August 21, 2008. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
    187. ^ "Bicycle Friendly Communities: Denver" (PDF). League of American Bicyclists. 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 22, 2007. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
    188. ^ a b "B-cycle bike sharing to be the largest in U.S." CNET. Archived from the original on April 29, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
    189. ^ Acton, Johnny; Adams, Tania; Packer, Matt (2006). Origin of Everyday Things. Sterling Publishing. p. 309. ISBN 978-1-4027-4302-3. Retrieved March 21, 2011. origin of Denver Boot.
    190. ^ "Bicycle Friendly State : 2024 Ranking". Bike League. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2014-08-09. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
    191. ^ a b "2017 City & Neighborhood Ranking". Walk Score. 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
    192. ^ "Denver Hits 2.2% Bicycle Commuter Mode Share for 2010 " DenverUrbanism Blog". Denverurbanism.com. October 17, 2011. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
    193. ^ "Denver City Council passes Denver B-Cycle expansion". The Denver Post. October 8, 2012. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
    194. ^ "Denver B-cycle goes to year-round schedule". The Denver Post. September 9, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
    195. ^ Sachs, David (November 21, 2019). "B-cycle will leave Denver at the end of January after years of declining ridership". Denverite. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
    196. ^ "Denver's five-year, 125-mile bike lane project passes halfway point". BusinessDen. 2022-01-13. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
    197. ^ "Denver Will Go Out to Bid for Bike Share and Scooter Operator(s)". Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
    198. ^ "Denver officials seize more than 250 electric scooters from city streets, levy fines". The Denver Post. June 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
    199. ^ "Lyft launches its scooter business in Denver". TechCrunch. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
    200. ^ "Denver Is the First City to Get Lyft's Electric Scooters, With E-Bikes to Follow". 5280. September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
    201. ^ "Pedestrian Program". Denver, The Mile High City. City and County of Denver. Archived from the original on May 13, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
    202. ^ Minor, Nathaniel (November 14, 2022). "Denver sidewalk initiative backers have declared victory. Here's what may come next". Denverite. Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
    203. ^ Lopez, Meghan (November 25, 2022). "Denver's sidewalk repair initiative could face big changes before it's implemented". Denver7.com. Scripps Media. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
    204. ^ "Car Ownership in U.S. Cities Data and Map". Governing. December 9, 2014. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
    205. ^ Matthew E. Salek. "C-470? E-470? I-470? W-470? I give up!". Mesalek.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
    206. ^ "T-REX Announces Opening Day for Southeast Light Rail Line". City and County of Denver. 2007. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
    207. ^ "New light rail heads on down the tracks". Rocky Mountain News. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
    208. ^ "COtrip Traveler Information". maps.cotrip.org. Retrieved 2022-11-20.
    209. ^ "Denver's RTD marks A Line commuter-rail ridership growth". Progressive Railroading. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
    210. ^ "RTD Opens New Light Rail Line". CBS Denver. February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
    211. ^ "RTD: Long-delayed G-Line from Denver to Wheat Ridge will open April 26". Denver Post. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
    212. ^ "All Aboard: RTD's N Line Starts Rolling From Denver To Thornton". September 22, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
    213. ^ "RTD recommits to completing train service to Boulder, Longmont, considering interim plan". Daily Camera. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
    214. ^ "Bustang Routes". Colorado Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
    215. ^ "Backers believe this Front Range passenger rail plan is the real deal". Coloradoan. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
    216. ^ Heins, Nicole (13 April 2021). "Amtrak hopes to reduce I-25 traffic by creating a passenger rail along the Front Range". KKTV 11 News. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
    217. ^ "Can I-70's Mountain Corridor Ever Be Fixed?". 5280. February 15, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
    218. ^ "Colorado Mountain Rail". Colorado Department of Transportation. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
    219. ^ "Denver Moves: Transit" (PDF). Denver Department of Public Works. City and County of Denver. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-05-13. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
    220. ^ "Denver & Boulder, CO Public Transportation Statistics". Global Public Transit Index by Moovit. Retrieved June 19, 2017. Material was copied from this source, which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
    221. ^ "The top 10 busiest airports in the world revealed". Airports Council International. April 11, 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
    222. ^ "The 10 Busiest Airports In The United States". WorldAtlas. March 17, 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
    223. ^ "Denver Airport". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
    224. ^ "Brest France". Denver Sister Cities International. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
    225. ^ Sister City History. Denver Sister Cities International. Retrieved on November 11, 2006.
    226. ^ "Denver Sister Cities International". City and County of Denver. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
    227. ^ "Akureyri, Iceland". Denver Sister City International. 9 May 2012. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
    [edit]

     

     

    Parker, Colorado
    Mainstreet in downtown Parker
    Mainstreet in downtown Parker
    Flag of Parker, Colorado
    Location of Parker in Douglas County, Colorado
    Location of Parker in Douglas County, Colorado
    Coordinates: 39°29′50″N 104°45′57″W / 39.49722°N 104.76583°W / 39.49722; -104.76583
    Country United States
    State Colorado
    County Douglas
    Founded 1864
    Incorporated May 1, 1981
    Named after James Parker
    Government
     
     • Type Home rule municipality
    Area
     • Town
    22.455 sq mi (58.158 km2)
     • Land 22.447 sq mi (58.138 km2)
     • Water 0.0085 sq mi (0.022 km2)
    Elevation 5,834 ft (1,778 m)
    Population
     • Town
    58,512
     • Estimate 
    (2024)[4]
    65,473
     • Rank US: 633rd
    CO: 19th
     • Density 2,727.3/sq mi (1,053.01/km2)
     • Urban
     
    2,686,147 (US: 18th)
     • Metro
     
    2,985,871 (US: 19th)
     • Combined
     
    3,663,515 (US: 18th)
    Time zone UTC–7 (Mountain (MST))
     • Summer (DST) UTC–6 (MDT)
    ZIP Codes[5]
    80134, 80138
    Area codes 303, 720, and 983
    FIPS code 08-57630
    GNIS feature ID 2413117[2]
    Sales tax 8.0%[6]
    Website www.parkerco.gov

    Parker is a home rule municipality in Douglas County, Colorado, United States. As a self-declared "town" under the home rule statutes, Parker is the second most populous town in the county; Castle Rock is the most populous (the community of Highlands Ranch, with a population of over 100,000, is an unincorporated CDP).[7] In recent years, Parker has become a commuter town at the southeasternmost corner of the Denver metropolitan area. The population was 58,512 at the 2020 census.[3] Parker is now the 19th most populous municipality in the state of Colorado.

    History

    [edit]

    Native Americans

    [edit]

    The first known people to live in the area were ancient and Plains Woodland peoples. Utes, Arapaho, and Cheyenne were in the area by the 1800s. They were all hunter-gatherers who established seasonal camps to acquire food.[8] A nearby rock shelter, Franktown Cave, shows evidence of habitation beginning in the early Archaic period about 6400 BC and continuing through each of the intervening cultural periods to 1725 AD.[9]

    Pine Grove

    [edit]

    Stage roads were established on historic Cherokee and Trapper's Trails through present-day Denver. In 1864, Alfred Butters established the Pine Grove Way Station in a small one-room building (south of the current Parker United Methodist Church) to sell provisions, handle mail and messages, and provide respite for travelers.[8][10] The area was then within the Territory of Colorado (1861–1876). Butters became a state senator and representative. His house is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in downtown Denver.[10] George Long and his wife purchased the building, moved it to its present location on Main Street, and expanded it to include ten rooms, a ball room and outbuildings.[8] Built at the junction of stage routes, it was called Twenty Mile House for its distance to Denver. The stage station offered provisions, meals, and lodging, as well as protection for early settlers against attacks by Native Americans.[8][11]

    Initially, there were peaceful interactions with Native Americans. Chiefs Washington and Colorow led their tribes along Sulphur Gulch, passing and sometimes visiting cabins of early settlers, like John and Elizabeth Tallman. During one visit, Chief Washington offered up to 20 ponies in trade for their red-headed son. They occasionally heard the sounds of celebration and mourning from nearby encampments.[10] Tension between settlers and Native Americans began to build in the 1860s due to broken treaties, aggression, and cultural misunderstanding. People became especially fearful following the Hungate massacre of 1864 in present-day Elbert County, which may have been started by Nathan Hungate shooting a Native American who stole his horse. It may have been a precipitating factor in the Sand Creek massacre led by General John Chivington later that year. John Tallman was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the Hungate Massacre and he served under Chivington during the Sand Creek massacre. The citizens of Parker became quite concerned and closed the school for a brief time after the massacres. In 1870, Jonathan Tallman (John's brother) was killed by Native Americans while out riding his mule.[10]

    Twenty Mile House, Parker, Colorado, 1908

    In 1869, Twenty Mile House was owned by Nelson and Susan Doud.[8][11] In 1870, the Douds purchased the Seventeen Mile House in what is now Centennial and sold the Twenty Mile House[12] to James S. Parker, an American Civil War veteran from Illinois who came to Colorado in 1865.[8][13] He added a blacksmith shop and mercantile store. In December 1870,[8] or 1873, a post office was established for the Pine Grove settlement; James Parker was the postmaster.[14] He built a schoolhouse and provided lodging and the first year's salary for the teacher.[8] George Parker, James' brother, homesteaded and built a saloon on land east of Parker Road.[8] George owned most of the land that ultimately became the town of Parker. He encouraged settlers and business development by "parceling out his spread" to newcomers.[8][10]

    Parker

    [edit]

    The name of the settlement was changed to Parker in 1882.[14][15] It was first called Parkers' for the two brothers and largest landowners, but the apostrophe was later dropped.[10] That year, the Denver and New Orleans Railroad completed the initial railroad route[16] that provided service between Denver, Parker, and Colorado Springs. To ensure that the railroad came through the center of town, rather than along Cherry Creek, James Parker sold his right-of-way for $1 and his brother George sold his right-of-way to bring the railroad into the center of town to Parker station.[17]

    Rhode Island Hotel, 1908. Built near the railroad depot, the hotel had modern conveniences, a livery stable, a telephone company for the town, and a telegraph office. Over the years, it has been used for multiple purposes. It is now contained within the 20 Mile Center on Mainstreet. The outline of the old hotel can be seen from the rear of the building.[18]

    James donated three acres for Parker Cemetery around 1884, at which time it held the graves of his two sons. It holds the graves of early settlers, the earliest known death was in 1870. Parker (died 1910) and his wife Mattie (died 1887) are also buried there.[8] In the mid-1880s, gold was found at Newlin Gulch (site of the current Rueter–Hess Reservoir.) More businesses were added, including a dry goods store, two more general mercantile stores, another blacksmith shop, a livery stable, barber shop, creamery, stockyard, hotel, church, and a brickworks. Many of these were added by 1900.[8][10] Victorian architectural style houses were built along Pikes Peak Drive in the 1910s.[19] The Parker station of the Colorado and Southern Railway, which was renamed as it expanded its route, closed in 1931.[17]

    Pikes Peak Grange (1908), north of Franktown, near the entrance to Hidden Mesa Open Space

    At least through the 1930s, there were dances the first Saturday of each month at Pikes Peak Grange, located north of Franktown. The dances were attended by teenagers from Parker and Elizabeth.[20]

    The Parker City Land Company began development of a "modern western town" in the 1960s, but they did not complete the housing projects due to financial short-falls. In the 1970s, first african-american astronaut candidate Ed Dwight was involved in the project as a real estate developer.[21] The developer skipped town in 1971. About 1980 or 1981, the development was completed by another builder. Dean Salibury advocated for Parker's incorporation to protect its landowners.[20] The town was incorporated in 1981,[22] and Salisbury was Parker's first mayor.[20] Parker grew exponentially in the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, during the growth of Denver's southern suburbs.[22] In 1981 there were 285 people in Parker and by 2014 48,000 people resided in the town.[19]

    Historic places

    [edit]
    Ruth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

    The Twenty Mile post office, originally the Pine Grove post office building, was restored by the Parker Area Historical Society. It is located on Mainstreet, just west of Parker Road.[23] Ruth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[24] The town of Parker was given a grant by the History Colorado State Historical Fund a restoration project for the Parker Consolidated School at the Mainstreet Center.[25] The Hood House, one of two houses that did not sustain any damage during the flood of Tallman Gulch in 1912, is located in Preservation Park.[26] Some of the other historic sites include Tallman–Newlin Cabin and Parker Cemetery.[19]

    Geography

    [edit]

    Parker is located in northeastern Douglas County.[27] Its northernmost border follows the Arapahoe County line, and the city of Aurora touches the town's northeast border. The center of Parker is 23 miles (37 km) southeast of downtown Denver.[28] Castle Rock, the Douglas County seat, is 15 miles (24 km) to the southwest. Unincorporated communities that border Parker are Dove Valley to the northwest, Stonegate to the west, and The Pinery to the south.[29] Parker sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level.

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.455 square miles (58.158 km2), of which 0.00 square miles (0.008 km2), or 0.02%, is water.[1] Cherry Creek flows through Parker on its way north toward Denver.[30]

    Climate

    [edit]

    This climate type is usually found in the outskirts of true deserts in low-latitude, semi-arid regions. It has cooler, wetter weather resulting from the higher latitude and mid-latitude frontal cyclone activity. Annual precipitation totals are greater than in tropical and subtropical desert climates. Yearly variations in amount are not as extreme as in the true deserts but are nevertheless large. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "BSk". (mid latitude Steppe Climate).

    Climate data for Parker, Colorado
    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
    Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 43
    (6)
    46
    (8)
    51
    (11)
    60
    (16)
    69
    (21)
    80
    (27)
    86
    (30)
    84
    (29)
    77
    (25)
    66
    (19)
    52
    (11)
    45
    (7)
    63
    (18)
    Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 15
    (−9)
    18
    (−8)
    23
    (−5)
    31
    (−1)
    40
    (4)
    49
    (9)
    55
    (13)
    54
    (12)
    46
    (8)
    35
    (2)
    23
    (−5)
    17
    (−8)
    34
    (1)
    Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.3
    (7.6)
    0.3
    (7.6)
    0.9
    (23)
    1.3
    (33)
    2.5
    (64)
    1.9
    (48)
    2.2
    (56)
    1.9
    (48)
    1.1
    (28)
    0.8
    (20)
    0.7
    (18)
    0.3
    (7.6)
    14.1
    (360)
    Source: Weatherbase[31]

    Demographics

    [edit]
    Historical population
    Census Pop. Note
    1980 290  
    1990 5,450   1,779.3%
    2000 23,558   332.3%
    2010 45,297   92.3%
    2020 58,512   29.2%
    2024 (est.) 65,473 [4] 11.9%
    U.S. Decennial Census[32]
    2020 Census[3]

    2022 estimate

    [edit]

    As of the American Community Survey of 2022, there were 61,222 people, 20,083 households, and 6,525 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,619.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,011.5/km2). There were housing units at an average density of 897.8 per square mile (346.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 84.4% White, 4.9% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, 1.01% Black, and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.1% of the population.

    There were 20,083 households, out of which 45.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.1% were married couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of people living alone, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.28.

    In the town, the age of the population is trending older, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

    The median income for a household in the town was $120,075, and the median income for a family was $136,520. Males had a median income of $93,090 versus $63,008 for females. The per capita income for the town was $48,857. About 1.8% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.

    2010 census

    [edit]

    As of the 2010 census, there were 45297 people, _ households, and _ families residing in the town.

    2000 census

    [edit]

    As of the 2000 census, there were 23,558 people, 7,929 households, and 6,525 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,615.2 people per square mile (623.4/km²). There were 8,352 housing units at an average density of 572.6 per square mile (221.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 92.60% White, 1.71% Asian, 1.01% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.80% of the population.

    There were 7,929 households out of which 52.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 13.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.27.

    In the town the population was spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 43.4% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 2.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

    The median income for a household in the town was $74,116, and the median income for a family was $77,384. Males had a median income of $52,070 versus $35,700 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,479. About 1.7% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

    Education

    [edit]

    Parker is served by Douglas County School District. Douglas County School District has among the highest level of students in Colorado. Students have scored, on average, 12 to 19 percent above the state average.[33] The district was rated 9th in the state in 2009.[34] The Pine Lane Elementary School had the largest student enrollment in Parker until Mammoth Heights Elementary opened in January 2007 and took the overload.

    Two of the three principal high schools in the area, Ponderosa and Chaparral High School, have a cross-town rivalry and compete annually for The Pride of Parker trophy. Legend High School opened in 2008, as Douglas County's ninth high school.

    Private schools in Parker include:

    • Ave Maria Catholic School (PK-8)
    • Southeast Christian School (PK-8)
    • Lutheran High School Parker (9–12)
    • Parker Montessori Educational Institute (PK-K)
    • Montessori Academy (PK-K)

    For other Parker and Douglas County school information:

    • Pine Lane Primary
    • Frontier Valley Elementary School
    • Pine Lane Intermediate
    • Pine Grove Elementary School
    • Mammoth Heights Elementary School
    • Cherokee Trail Elementary
    • Iron Horse Elementary
    • Prairie Crossing Elementary
    • Legacy Point Elementary
    • Gold Rush Elementary
    • Pioneer Elementary School
    • Global Village Academy

    Parker Secondary Schools:

    Parker also has six public charter schools:

    • American Academy (annual lottery)
    • Challenge to Excellence Charter School (annual lottery)
    • North Star Academy (annual lottery)
    • Parker Core Knowledge Charter School (students selected through a wait list; application at birth strongly recommended in order to gain entry for kindergarten)
    • Leman Academy of Excellence (K-8)
    • Parker Performing Arts School (K-8)

    College classes:

    • The University Center at Chaparral
    • Arapahoe Community College (Parker campus)
    • University of Colorado South Denver Campus (Located at the old Wildlife Experience on Lincoln Ave.)

    Post-Secondary Education:

    • Rocky Vista University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

    Healthcare

    [edit]

    AdventHealth Parker is the only hospital.[35]

    Recreation

    [edit]

    The Town maintains 10 trails with over 27 miles of concrete paved, multi-use trails, over 6 miles of natural surface equestrian trails and a 1.8-mile natural surface, multi-use loop trail. The Cherry Creek Trail runs along Cherry Creek, north and south through Parker. Bicycling, hiking, nature walks, and cross-country skiing are all popular uses.

    The Rueter–Hess Reservoir is located west of town and is not yet open for recreational use of the water as of 2021, although trails around the reservoir are open. Planned activities there include fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating.[36] No natural streams flow into the reservoir, instead, water rights owned by the Parker Water and Sanitation District provide water delivered via Cherry Creek and local canals. If filled to capacity, the surface size would be 1,140 acres.

    The Parker Recreation Center is located alongside Lincoln Avenue and has several amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, fitness and cycling studios, sports and fitness classes, and more.

    The Parker Field House offers 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2) of space, including sports turf, batting cages, gymnasiums, inline rink with Sport Court flooring, and climbing.

    The Parker Racquet Club opened in 2019 and offers six indoor courts to tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Phase 2, opening in 2023, adds one of the first paddle courts in Colorado, and additional outdoor tennis courts and pickleball courts.

    Attractions

    [edit]

    The town currently maintains about 250 acres of developed parkland and more than 900 acres of open space.[37]

    Parker is home to the Parker Arts, Culture, & Events Center (PACE). It is a venue that hosts art exhibits, art classes, theater productions, and concerts. It is the official home of the Parker Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra established in 1994, that offers a full season of orchestra concerts annually. The Parker Symphony was formerly the South Suburban Community Orchestra.

    Parker is also home to Colorado School of Dance, which partners with PACE each December to produce the "Nutcracker of Parker." The annual ballet has been a Parker tradition since 2003.

    Local media

    [edit]

    Parker currently has one local magazine and one local paper. Search Parker Magazine is the local magazine and the Parker Chronicle is the local paper. Parker also receives the county-wide channel, Douglas County 8, which broadcasts school sports events and assorted programs run by residents.[38]

    Notable people

    [edit]

    Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Parker include:

    See also

    [edit]

    References

    [edit]
    1. ^ a b "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
    2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Parker, Colorado
    3. ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
    4. ^ a b "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
    5. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup" (JavaScript/HTML). USPS.com. United States Postal Service. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
    6. ^ "Parker (CO) sales tax rate". Retrieved February 9, 2024.
    7. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "A Brief History of Parker, Colorado". Parker Area Historical Society, Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    9. ^ Gilmore, Kevin P. (April 24, 2012). "National Register Nomination Form: Franktown Cave. Site 5DA272". University of Denver. pp. 1–2, 4. Archived from the original on April 24, 2012.
    10. ^ a b c d e f g Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - The Early Years: 1864-1910". Parker Chronicle. Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    11. ^ a b "Tales Told with Markers" (PDF). Colorado Magazine. Summer 1970. p. 223. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
    12. ^ "17 Mile Farm Park Master Plan". Arapahoe County Government. October 2007. p. 16. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    13. ^ Bishop, Will C. (1911). The Trail: A Magazine "for Colorado.". W.C. Bishop. p. 27.
    14. ^ a b Bright, William (2004). Colorado Place Names. Big Earth Publishing. p. 135. ISBN 978-1-55566-333-9.
    15. ^ Donald R. Elliott (1999). Doris L. Elliott (ed.). "Colorado Place Names" (PDF). Denver Public Library. p. 464. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
    16. ^ Bulletin of the United States Geological Survey. United States Geological Survey. 1910. p. 339.
    17. ^ a b Sandra Jane Whelchel (2015). Parker. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-1-4671-3315-9.
    18. ^ Smith, Larry T. "Rhode Island Hotel". Parker Area Historical Society - Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    19. ^ a b c Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - The Changes: 1995-2014". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    20. ^ a b c Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - The Simple Life: 1911-1994". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    21. ^ Dwight, Ed (2009). Soaring on the wings of a dream. Denver, Colorado: Ed Dwight Studios, Inc. pp. 354–358. ISBN 978-0-9841495-0-6.
    22. ^ a b Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - Looking Back". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    23. ^ "Twenty Mile House". Parker Area Historical Society - Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    24. ^ "National Register of Historical Places - Colorado, Douglas County". www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    25. ^ "Parker Consolidated School at the Mainstreet Center". History Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    26. ^ Smith, Larry T. (January 2009). "The Hood House". Parker Area Historical Society - Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    27. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
    28. ^ Google Maps, accessed October 16, 2014
    29. ^ "About Parker | Town of Parker - Official Website". www.parkerco.gov. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
    30. ^ U.S. Geological Survey topographic map series, retrieved October 16, 2015
    31. ^ "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on May 5, 2013.
    32. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
    33. ^ "2009-2010 Quick Facts" (PDF). www.dcsdk12.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 16, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
    34. ^ "Colorado District Rankings". www.schooldigger.com. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
    35. ^ Lena, Haley (December 7, 2023). "AdventHealth Parker teams up with Newday Adventist Church to help 200 families buy gifts". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
    36. ^ "Rueter-Hess RESERVOIR is NOT Open to the Public Yet..." Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority. July 31, 2019. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
    37. ^ "Parker Parks & Trails".
    38. ^ "The Network Douglas County Television, Colorado". www.douglas.co.us. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
    39. ^ "Josh Adams". University of Wyoming. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    40. ^ Helling, Steve (August 25, 2015). "Aurora Shooting Prosecutor George Brauchler: The James Holmes Trial 'Will Always Stay with Me'". people.com. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
    41. ^ "Legend shortstop Bobby Dalbec commits to Arizona baseball". The Denver Post. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
    42. ^ Meachum, Brandon (July 12, 2006). "Parker player shines in Wimbledon spotlight". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    43. ^ "Scott Elrod Biography". IMDb. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    44. ^ Lynskey, Dorian (March 2, 2013). "John Grant: 'I wanted to let some of the anger out'". The Guardian. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    45. ^ Michlewicz, Chris (February 26, 2012). "Parker seeks to boost daytime economy". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    46. ^ Strode, Dale (July 15, 2012). "He's no 'pacer'". The Durango Herald. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    47. ^ "#486 John Malone". Forbes. 2006. Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    48. ^ "Chris Martinez". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    49. ^ "Chad Muma Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
    50. ^ Sanchez, Robert (January 2010). "Dana Inc". 5280. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    51. ^ Baines, Gary (July 21, 2011). "Soule leading at Colorado Open". Daily Camera. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    52. ^ Bunch, Joey (October 29, 2015). "Coloradans analyze Wednesday's Republican debate in Boulder". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    53. ^ Roberts, Michael (July 8, 2014). "Photos: Tour ex-Dollar Store CEO's astonishing Parker home -- yours for about $18 million". Westword. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
    54. ^ "Derrick White". ESPN. Retrieved August 28, 2018.

    Further reading

    [edit]
    • McLaughlin, Frank B. (1998). A Guidebook to Historic Sites in the Parker Area: What They Look Like, what They Looked Like, how to Find Them, Their History. Parker Area Historical Society.
    • Miller, Ruth L. (2005). Parker, Colorado: An Historical Narrative. Parker Area Historical Society.
    • Whelchel, Sandy (1996). A Folk History of Parker and Hilltop. Parker Distributing/Paintbrush Press. ISBN 978-1-878406-08-8.
    • Whiteley, Lee (1999). The Cherokee Trail: Bent's Old Fort to Fort Bridger. Johnson Printing. ISBN 978-0-9671351-1-3.
    [edit]

     

    Frequently Asked Questions