Washington Park

Planning a visit to Washington Park? Below you will find park details, the events held here, and upcoming events. Plan your visit to Washington Park →

Venue Overview

Washington Park is a 165-acre historic park in south Denver, in the Wash Park neighborhood near Downing Street, Exposition Avenue and the Old South Gaylord shops, a few minutes from I-25. It is one of the most visited parks in Denver's historic system, and its Loop Road is one of the city's premier walking and bicycling routes, which makes it one of Denver's favorite running and 5K venues. Its scenic loop around two lakes suits races, fun runs and charity walks.

About the Park

• 165 acres, managed by Denver Parks and Recreation
• Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake
• The Great Meadow, the City Ditch, the Perennial Garden, Mount Vernon Garden and the Bowling Green
• Hard-surface Loop Road for walkers, runners and cyclists
• Soft-surface Jogging Path around the perimeter, plus narrower park paths
• Tennis courts, volleyball in the smaller meadows, horseshoe pits and basketball courts
• Picnic areas and the historic Boathouse on Smith Lake
• Washington Park Recreation Center inside the park

History

Denver landscape architect Reinhard Schuetze master planned Washington Park in 1899, and it was built in phases through 1929. The park is one of 15 Denver parks listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Denver Park and Parkway System. Denver Parks and Recreation adopted the current Washington Park Master Plan in March 2011.

The Course and Trails

Most races use the hard-surface Loop Road, which circles the park past both lakes and is shared with cyclists and walkers. The perimeter Jogging Path is about 8 feet wide with a soft surface, and the inner park paths run 4 to 6 feet wide. Denver Parks and Recreation does not publish a loop distance, so measure your course or work with a certifier if you need an exact 5K.

Events Held Here

• Running: holiday and charity 5Ks and fun runs, including the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run Colorado each December with a timed 5K, a 1 mile and a kids run. On CUP, the Ugly Sweater 5K is set for December 20, 2026.
• Volleyball: league play and pickup games in the smaller meadows.
• Tennis: public courts, including the south courts, one of the park's most popular destinations.

Upcoming events at this venue are listed below.

Lessons, Coaching & Programs

Programs run through the Washington Park Recreation Center, which offers fitness classes and a free youth meal program. Youth and adults 60 and older can get free recreation center membership through the MY Denver Card and My Denver Prime programs. No running or tennis coaches based at the park are published as of 2026.

Food, Drink & Amenities

• Picnic areas, among the park's most popular destinations
• Recreation center with fitness space and a pool
• No food concessions are published, so events bring their own vendors

Private Events & Groups

Group use of the park, from races to large picnics, goes through Denver Parks and Recreation.

Membership or Access

Washington Park is a free public park with no entrance fee. The recreation center inside the park uses Denver Parks and Recreation memberships.

Contact & Links

• Denver Parks and Recreation
• Washington Park Recreation Center
• Jingle Bell Run Colorado at Washington Park

The recreation center's general inbox is washingtonpark.recreation@denvergov.org.

Questions About Washington Park

What races are held at Washington Park in Denver?

Washington Park hosts holiday and charity runs, including the Jingle Bell Run Colorado each December. The Ugly Sweater 5K is listed on CUP for December 20, 2026.

How long is the loop at Washington Park?

Denver Parks and Recreation does not publish an official loop distance for Washington Park. Measure or certify your course before a timed race.

Is the Washington Park loop paved?

Yes, the Washington Park Loop Road is hard surface. A soft-surface Jogging Path about 8 feet wide also runs around the perimeter.

Are there tennis courts at Washington Park?

Yes, Washington Park has public tennis courts, including the south courts. They are among the park's most popular destinations.

Where do runners park at Washington Park?

Washington Park has limited in-park and street parking, and city plans call for keeping or reducing spaces. Encourage runners to walk, bike or carpool.

Can I host an event at Washington Park?

Yes, races and group events are held at Washington Park with approval from Denver Parks and Recreation.

How do I list my event?

Submit your Washington Park race or event for free at coloradounderpar.com/submit-event. Once approved, it appears on this page.

Planning Your Event Here

Start with a permit from Denver Parks and Recreation and a measured course. Assume tight parking and heavy background foot traffic, and use the Jogging Path to separate walkers from runners if needed. December events should plan for cold, icy mornings. Contact the venue for current pricing and availability.

Hosting an Event at Washington Park? Launch It on Colorado Under Par

If you’re organizing a 5K, fun run, trail race or charity walk at Washington Park, once you have your permit from Denver Parks and Recreation, you can launch your event for free on Colorado Under Par, Colorado’s dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado’s active sports community takes less than five minutes.

Launch your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event