Athmar Park

What secrets does Athmar Park hold? This Denver neighborhood, nestled between Alameda Avenue, the South Platte River, Mississippi Avenue, and Federal Boulevard, whispers stories of its past. Athmar Park isn’t just rows of brick ranches and bungalows from the 1940s and 50s. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, community, and resilience. Athmar Park started as bits and pieces, annexed by Denver over time. The eastern edge, including Valverde, joined in 1902. The area west of Zuni, known as Mountain View Park, was added in 1943. It wasn’t until 1949 that developer Raymond Erb solidified the area, creating three subdivisions and giving Athmar Park its name. Legend says “Athmar” is a blend of his wife’s name, Margaret, and another’s, possibly Athena, although the “Ath” part remains a mystery. He did, however, name a street after himself: Erb Place. Athmar Park holds hidden gems. One is Colorado’s bustling driver’s license office on West Mississippi Avenue. Another is the Athmar Park branch library, once a small storefront and now a remodeled church on South Tejon Street, showcasing a Robert Mangold wind sculpture. But the heart of Athmar Park lies in its parks. Huston Lake Park, once a swampy spot called “Frenchie’s Lake,” now boasts sports fields, courts, trails, and playgrounds. Aspgren Park, quieter but no less significant, tells the story of the devastating 1965 flood through mosaic tables, a testament to the community’s strength. Vanderbilt Park offers vast sports fields, a perfect place for an afternoon game. Scattered throughout these parks are six mosaic game tables, each telling a story. One commemorates the women of Valverde Presbyterian Church and their quilting tradition. Another depicts a vibrant mountain view, designed by local artist Brenda Hendrix. A third captures the youthful energy of Valverde Elementary children in a floral mosaic. Athmar Park isn’t just a place; it’s an experience. From the bustling Alameda Square Shopping Center, once Denver’s first outdoor mall, to the diverse culinary scene offering everything from pho to dim sum, Athmar Park invites you to explore. It’s a community where history and modern life intertwine, where resilience and creativity flourish, and where the whispers of the past echo in the laughter of the present. Athmar Park is waiting to share its secrets.