Beneath the shade of mature trees and the laughter of children lies McDonough Park. It is more than just a green space. McDonough Park is a testament to the dreams and struggles that shaped the surrounding Park Hill neighborhood.
Park Hill traces its origins back to Baron Allois Gillaume Eugene A. von Winckler. He arrived in Denver in 1884. Inspired by Montclair, Winckler purchased land east of City Park. He platted Park Hill in 1887. Winckler preferred the company of Walter Cox. Cox was Denver’s pound master and dogcatcher.
McDonough Park, like the rest of Park Hill, transformed from dairies and brickyards. It became tree-lined streets with attractive homes. Early developers presented City Park as a buffer. It was a buffer between residents and the noise of the city. Park Hill’s early development mirrored streetcar suburbs. These suburbs allowed cities to grow outward.
The development of Greater Park Hill took decades. It ensured diversity in streets and architecture. The 20th century saw significant building. This building boom happened in the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. It met the post-World War II demand for housing. Consequently, Park Hill’s residential styles are varied. They range from Victorian to Arts and Crafts. Modest mid-century homes were also constructed.
From the 1920s, Park Hill was desirable. Developers presented the neighborhood as a reflection of accomplishment. They appealed to prospective homeowners. A 1960s brochure captured the appeal. It said: “In Park Hill you can be pardoned for feeling quietly pleased with yourself… just a bit smug.”
Middle-class African Americans began purchasing homes in Park Hill after World War II. This led to conflict. Unscrupulous realtors used racial divides. They steered black families. This precipitated white flight. This practice was known as blockbusting.
Some Park Hill residents organized for orderly integration. In 1960, a coalition formed the Park Hill Action Committee. It later became the Greater Park Hill Community, Incorporated.
Conflict over residential integration spilled over to public schools. Rachel Noel, a Park Hill resident, championed school integration. Her 1968 resolution called for a plan to integrate Denver’s schools. This led to court-ordered integration.
In recent decades, the Park Hill community has addressed quality-of-life issues. These issues included toxic waste and crime. A legacy of integration has instilled pride in tolerance. Yet, divisions remain.
Census figures from 2000 showed racial divides within Greater Park Hill. Northeast Park Hill was predominantly African American. South Park Hill remained predominantly white. Wealth also differed among neighborhoods.
Regardless of unfulfilled promises, pride in Park Hill runs deep. NBA star Chauncey Billups has “King of Park Hill” tattooed on his arm. He dedicated his effort to his neighborhood.
Greater Park Hill includes Northeast Park Hill, North Park Hill, and South Park Hill. Park Hill derives its name from its proximity to Denver’s Central Park. It sits on a gentle rise east of the Platte River Valley.
So, as you enjoy the open space of McDonough Park, remember its story. Remember the dreams, the challenges, and the community that shaped it. This park is not just a place. It’s a symbol of Park Hill’s enduring spirit.