“A delightful retreat on the banks of the Platte” is how the Rocky Mountain News described Argo Park in 1880. Welcome to Argo Park. It’s more than just a green space. It’s a place filled with history. This urban oasis was intended for residents of Argo. Argo was an industrial company town. It also served the nearby community of Highland and the citizens of Denver.
In 1885, Philip Zang, a brewery magnate, bought the resort. He added a dance pavilion, a theater, a bowling alley and even a small zoo to Argo Park. Imagine the sounds of music and laughter echoing through the park. The German Maennerchor performed concerts here. The Welsh held singing contests. People from nearby towns enjoyed Zang beer. Argo Park was a hub for festivals, picnics and community gatherings. It was a place for pleasure parties of all kinds.
Martha Kulik Birch lived across from Argo Park. She remembered the dance pavilion with its orchestra. People danced under the stars after working hard all week. In the summer, there were swings and sandboxes. There was also a cement wading pool for kids. Mrs. Roosevelt, a teacher, kept the children in line with her big whistle. She taught them how to make baskets.
The park diminished as parcels were sold for homes. Argo Park became part of Denver’s park system in 1902. This happened when Globeville was annexed. In 1940, the New Deal brought a swimming pool and changing rooms to Argo Park. Baseball fields were added too. A memorial honoring Globeville veterans was dedicated in 1948. They were killed in World Wars I and II.
Today, Argo Park has a blue and pink water slide. There are lap lanes and a children’s entry area. A spray fountain welcomes guests. Murals of Aztec sculptures and ocean scenes decorate the pool area.
Events like the “Old Globeville Days” and the “Orthodox Food Festival” are held here. An updated playground and a basketball court are here. There is also a walking path and picnic tables. Argo Park continues to welcome “pleasure parties of all kinds”. Argo Park remains a vital part of the community, offering a space for recreation, remembrance, and gathering. It connects Globeville’s past to its present.