Doesn’t this sundial look interesting? This is Cranmer Park, a Denver treasure. It sits in the Hilltop neighborhood. Cranmer Park offers stunning views and a unique history.
Cranmer Park is named after George Cranmer. He was the Manager of Denver Parks. The park is known as Sundial Park because of its large sundial. This sundial does double duty. Kids love to climb on it. The park also has a terrace. It offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. You can also see the Denver skyline from here.
But how did Cranmer Park come to be? What is its significance to Denver’s history? The park was once part of a large farm. George W. Clayton owned this farm. He was a wealthy businessman and philanthropist. Clayton donated his land to Denver in 1899. He said it should be used for public purposes. The city sold some land to developers. They kept 20 acres for a park. It was named Clayton Park.
In 1926, George Cranmer bought a house near Clayton Park. He wanted to transform the park. He envisioned a “country estate in the city.” Cranmer hired Saco Rienk DeBoer. DeBoer was a landscape architect. He designed a formal garden. It had terraces, fountains, and statues. Cranmer also commissioned Arnold Ronnebeck. Ronnebeck was an artist. He created a sundial that would be accurate for Denver. The sundial was installed on a circular platform. The platform was made of flagstone. It came from Colorado quarries. A low wall surrounded it. The wall had inscriptions of mountain peaks and their elevations.
Cranmer donated his house and garden to the city in 1937. The park was renamed Cranmer Park in his honor. The park became very popular. People came for picnics and stargazing. They enjoyed the views and the sundial. Cranmer Park also hosted events. There were concerts, weddings, and fireworks.
The park faced challenges. In 1965, vandals blew up the sundial with dynamite. Only fragments remained. The city replaced it with a replica in 1966. Some original pieces were used. In 1992, the sundial’s gnomon was damaged. The city repaired it again. Donations from the community helped.
Weather erosion caused damage to the terrace. The flagstones were significantly affected. A restoration project began in 2018. Grants, bonds, and donations funded it. The project preserved historic features. It also improved accessibility and safety. The project finished in 2020. Cranmer Park reopened with a celebration.
Today, Cranmer Park is a cherished landmark. It reflects Denver’s history and culture. People enjoy nature, art, and education here. It is a testament to George Cranmer’s vision. The community’s dedication also helped.
BOWS is a public art installation in Cranmer Park. Patrick Marold created it. He is a Denver-based artist. The sculpture has 32 steel arches. They span across the lawn. The arches align with the cardinal directions. They also align with the sundial. The sculpture changes with the seasons. It also changes with the time of day.
The Save the Sundial project restored the historic sundial. The Park People led the project. The project began in 2014. It finished in 2018. Over $2 million was raised. The sundial was repaired. The plaza was reconstructed. The new plaza has a terrazzo map of Colorado. It also has engraved bricks honoring donors.
Cranmer Park is used by about 70,000 people each year. It is popular for sports and picnics. People also stroll and walk their dogs here. The sundial and mosaic panorama are a regular stop for tour buses. They introduce visitors to a unique Denver landmark. They also show the Rocky Mountains.
The park was once called Mountain View Park. This was because of the expansive view of the Rocky Mountains. George Cranmer and Mayor Ben Stapleton were visionaries. They created much of Denver’s park system. This included Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Winter Park. The original sundial was carved from quartzite stone. It was quarried in Lyons, CO. It was based on an ancient Chinese sundial design.
Cranmer Park stands as a reminder of Denver’s past. It is a place for community and connection. Take a moment to appreciate this special park.