“Trash dump” is hardly the term you’d expect to hear about the birthplace of a city. Yet, that’s precisely what the South Platte River was once considered. Today, standing here at Shoemaker Plaza Plaque Installation, we celebrate how far Denver has come.
Shoemaker Plaza stands as a testament to Denver’s transformation. It marks the spot where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet. This is Denver’s birthplace.
But the story of Shoemaker Plaza is more than just geographical. It’s a story of renewal. It is about reclaiming what was lost. Once upon a time, the South Platte River suffered neglect. As Mayor Michael Hancock noted, the river was once a dumping ground as recently as 1965.
Enter Joe Shoemaker. He was a state legislator. Shoemaker played a vital role in the cleanup of the South Platte River. He helped create Denver’s riverside greenway network. The plaza proudly bears his name to honor his contribution. His son, Jeff Shoemaker, now runs The Greenway Foundation.
The original Shoemaker Plaza was built in the 1970s. After 40 years, the plaza needed a serious upgrade. The ramps no longer met modern accessibility standards.
The revitalization took years and millions of dollars. The result is more than a superficial change. The rebuilt Shoemaker Plaza is now ADA compliant. It features improved bicycle and pedestrian flow. You can appreciate better river access now. New gathering spaces invite people to linger.
The construction wasn’t without challenges. During excavation, workers discovered coal tar. This byproduct of historic industrial activity caused a 16-month delay. But the city persevered. They found solutions to keep the project moving.
The grand re-opening of Shoemaker Plaza occurred in October 2017. Hundreds of supporters cheered from the new concrete terraces. The plaza stands as a symbol. It shows what Denver can achieve through dedication and vision.
The completion of Shoemaker Plaza marked the first phase of Denver’s “River Vision” project. Other projects followed. They include Globeville Landing Park. Also Heron Pond, the River North Promenade, and the new River North Park are part of it.
So, take a moment to appreciate Shoemaker Plaza. Remember its history. Reflect on the transformation of the South Platte River. Consider the vision of Joe Shoemaker. It is a story of reclaiming a river. It is a story of creating a vibrant public space. It is a story etched in this Shoemaker Plaza Plaque Installation.