Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Confluence Park

Denver

CO

USA

Contributed by 
sara parke
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
January 27, 2010
May 1, 2024

Park \nURLS:\n

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

This is a great place to people watch. There are people biking, jogging, walking on the paths that surround the park. There are people hanging out in the water (even though it's gross) and dogs running everywhere (the owners violate leash laws). This is a great place to hang out during a lunch break.

Access & Linkages

This is the confluence of many bike paths. It can be confusing if you don't know where you're going. The park is not very accessible from Speer Blvd. but is very accessible from everywhere else. Nearby residents and workers use the park. People come from all over in the summer to kayak and swim.

Comfort & Image

There are views of everything from this park. Downtown, mountains, roller coasters at the local theme park, Invesco Field. There are many different places to sit and the garbages are always emptied (I usually see maintenance workers on my way to work). This park is safe and only has a few vagrants in the summer sleeping under the ramps on the north side of the river.

Uses & Activities

This space is used nonstop in the summer. People use the large hill leading up to Speer Blvd. for working out, people jog and bike through, often stopping to take a rest and observe everyone else. Kayaks are used in the rapid and many people stop to watch. Visitors are mesmerized by the waterfall for some reason. Probably because of the mountain view behind it. It's fun to watch the fire department practice swift water rescue.

Sociability

There are a mix of singles and groups in Confluence Park. People walking dogs interact with other people walking dogs. Kids who don't know each other play together. People in Kayaks stop to answer questions. There is a steady flow of tourists year round (I can tell from the cameras). People are constantly doing photo shoots for one reason or another. There is usually always someone passing through the park.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

The park is actually split into three sections and all are visible from one another. This park is at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the Platte River. There are restaurants and shops nearby (including the second largest REI in the country) and many condos and apartment buildings. Nearby attractions are Six Flags Elitch Gardens, the Denver Children's Museum and the Denver Aquarium. There are bus lines serving the park and the park is located between two light rail stops.

Related Links & Sources

Confluence Park
Confluence Park
Confluence Park
Confluence Park
Confluence Park
Confluence Park
Confluence Park
Confluence Park

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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