Civic Center Park Endures as The Heart of Denver

Photo: Hyoung Chang, Denver Post

In a year where the need for welcoming and safe public spaces became even more evident, Civic Center Park proved its enduring role as the Heart of Denver, while also serving as the epicenter of social expression in our community. We at the Civic Center Conservancy think back on both the moments of protest and mourning as well as the moments of joy and celebration. We think of all the voices expressed, the small businesses supported and the togetherness cultivated...

We could not have done our work without our partners, community funders, individual donors and supporters, who we thank from the bottom of our hearts.

While our work to re-energize Civic Center is never done, at year-end, we pause to reflect on all we accomplished together:

• Funded and kicked off, in partnership with the City of Denver, a concept design process to guide a transformative, generational evolution of Civic Center.
• Supported and told the story of the Black Love Mural Festival – bringing diverse artists and audiences into the park.
• Brought thousands of people safely into the park through Civic Center EATS, Civic Center MOVES and Civic Center LIVE.

Photo, top right: Jes Kimak Photography; Photos, bottom: Evan Semón

• Championed over 50 fitness studios, artists, food trucks and performance groups – by inviting them into Civic Center Park as they pivoted for their survival during this pandemic.
• Partnered with Pacifico to bring the Downtown Open, a unique ski and snowboard event, to the park in February.
• Helped to facilitate the move of the Denver Christkindl Market to Civic Center Park – creating an anchor attraction for the Holiday Season.
• Invested in lighting for the trees along the Great Lawn – connecting the Christkindl Market to the City & County Building.

Photo: Wolfwerks Aerial

• Partnered with 9News and Next with Kyle Clark to raise funds to support the repair and revitalization of Civic Center Park.
• Added eight community leaders to our Board of Directors.
• Supported the Colorado Symphony to pivot Independence Eve to a virtual event that raised thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.

As we look ahead to 2021, we are excited to convene conversations about the future of Civic Center and dream with all of you about how the Park will evolve for future generations. We are ready to continue on this positive path of activating, enhancing and restoring Civic Center Park, the Heart of Denver.

Photo: Wolfwerks Aerial

The Civic Center Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with the City and County of Denver to restore, enhance and activate Denver’s historic Civic Center Park - elevating and sustaining this historic urban oasis as a vibrant and iconic cultural and community hub. Learn more at www.civiccenterpark.org/civiccenterconservancy.