On Saturday, June 1st, Capitol Hill residents, Denver Parks & Recreation, Lavender Hill Cultural District, the Denver Park Trust, the Center on Colfax, and Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods celebrated the beginning of Pride Month by unveiling a new temporary exhibit at Quality Hill Park highlighting the local history of queer Capitol Hill.
The project received funding through the Denver Park Trust’s Community Grant Program and is part of Denver Parks & Recreation’s “Reimagine Cap Hill Parks” project. This installation showcases the queer community’s unique experiences and contributions throughout Denver’s history, fostering appreciation and awareness for underrepresented stories within our public spaces. With research, photographs, and important historic information provided by The Center on Colfax’s Colorado LGBTQ+ History Project, this exhibit provides deep insight into the unique hardships, resiliency, and vibrancy of queer life in Denver.
Quality Hill Park has been closed for several months as it has undergone restoration and transformation to native landscapes. Changes include replacing water-thirsty grass with native grasses and adding native plants to attract local pollinators. Saturday’s event marked the re-opening of the park, as neighbors and community members walked through the exhibit, provided input on park amenities they’d like to see as the park continues to evolve, enjoyed free popsicles and swag from Denver Parks & Recreation, and heard remarks from several of the groups and individuals involved in the project.
The program concluded with a feel-good group sing-along led by Brittni Joy West-Ware, Executive Director of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods. What better way to kick off Pride Month than honoring our history, celebrating our progress — in our culture and our parks — and joining together as a community!
_
About Lavender Hill Cultural District
Lavender Hill is Denver’s Queer Cultural District. Our mission is to create an engaging place that celebrates the Queer community, honors its contributions to our city, and serves as a vital resource for all area residents and businesses. To learn more about Lavender Hill and all upcoming projects and events, visit lavenderhilldenver.org and follow @lavenderhilldenver on Instagram.