Cranmer Park

Cranmer Park is a city park located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, situated off Colorado Boulevard between East 1st and East 3rd Avenue. The park is renowned for its expansive views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver city skyline, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

The park's most notable feature is a large 6-foot sundial, which has become an iconic landmark. The sundial sits atop a sweeping flagstone terrace, often referred to as "the plaza," which was constructed in the 1930s through the Works Progress Administration. Along the western edge of the plaza, visitors can find a colorful mosaic panorama depicting the Front Range, including five 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation). This mosaic serves as a visual gateway to the mountains and is a frequent stop for tour buses introducing visitors to Denver's unique landmarks.

Originally named Mountain View Park due to its elevated position and panoramic vistas, the park was later renamed after George Cranmer, a former Manager of Denver's Department of Parks and Improvements. Cranmer, along with Mayor Ben Stapleton, is recognized as one of the visionaries behind much of Denver's extensive parks system.

The park has undergone several renovations over the years. In 1965, vandals destroyed the original sundial with dynamite, but the community rallied to raise funds for its replacement. More recently, in 2018, the park underwent a significant restoration project to address weather erosion damage to the terrace and its flagstones. The project aimed to preserve the historic features of the park while improving its accessibility and safety.

Cranmer Park is not just a scenic spot; it's also a hub of community activity. The park is used by an estimated 70,000 Denver and metro area residents each year for various activities including organized sports, picnics, casual strolls, and dog walking. It has also been the backdrop for many cherished memories, from viewing sunsets and fireworks to hosting weddings and children playing on the sundial.