Inspiration Point Park was designed and constructed during the influential City Beautiful Movement and is a significant historic asset within the Denver Parks system. Through years of neglect following its opening in 1910, Inspiration Point Park became a forgotten landmark: the prominent white walls of the Point were cracking and the viewing area was largely devoid of seating, lighting, paving and vegetation.
Despite the fact that Inspiration Point Park was left unimproved for over 100 years, the natural character developed over time in the central part of the site with mature Ponderosa trees and diverse native vegetation. Perched up on a high point and surrounded by nature, one could visit Inspiration Point Park and be quickly transported out of the surrounding urban development. For this reason, as well as the historic significance of the site, the need for structural wall repair, and the community's desire for a play space, Denver Parks & Recreation started a renovation effort in 2018. A master plan and public engagement process was followed by final design and construction.

 
In June 2022, the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Point was commemorated with speeches by Mayor Hancock and Councilwoman Sandoval - both spoke about, and celebrated, the park being returned to its original intended glory with the completion of the renovation. The play area has been designed with natural materials and careful orientation of features to seamlessly integrate into the pine forest; and at the Point, a once barren unpaved area is now a formal plaza and elevated platform from which to view sunsets and look westward at the beauty of the Front Range.

The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

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