Statement of Significance Chautauqua Park, as part of the Colorado Chautauqua (NHL), is an outstanding representation of the Chautauqua Movement. Colorado Chautauqua NHL is significant under NRHP Criterion A and NHL Criterion 1 for its association with the Chautauqua Movement. Colorado Chautauqua’s landscapes are "an outstanding representation of America’s first truly national mass educational and cultural movement. Chautauqua brought post-secondary education to millions and teacher training to thousands at a time when less than two percent of adult Americans held high school degrees, when primary and secondary teacher training was rudimentary, unsystematic, or non-existent. Chautauqua, also brought prominent speakers, high culture, and popular entertainments to non-urban areas that had never had such opportunities. While cities were growing more congested, chautauqua emphasized the benefits of outdoor life. Between the founding of the Chautauqua Movement in 1874 and its nadir in 1930, perhaps 45 million Americans had attended a chautauqua. 16 Period of Significance The period of significance for Chautauqua Park is the same as for Colorado Chautauqua NHL, 1898 to 1930. The period begins in 1898 with founding of the Texas-Colorado Chautauqua and ends in 1930 when the national Chautauqua Movement reached its nadir.
Summary of Use
Historic and Current Use The area associated with Chautauqua Park was historically used as pasture of Batchelder Ranch and as horse and carriage parking for Colorado Chautauqua. Chautauqua Green was built in 1910 and is considered Boulder's oldest public park. The park was historically used as the site of educational, recreational, and cultural programming. 17 Colorado Chautauqua NHL is currently used as a site for educational, recreational, and cultural programming, and lodging. Chautauqua Green is a neighborhood park and trailhead heavily used by residents, students, and visitors. Chautauqua Green hosts events throughout the year including festivals, outdoor classes and demonstrations, and lecture series with close proximity to Chautauqua Meadow Trailhead and other trails leading to the Boulder Flatirons, Chautauqua Park is often used for parking and gatherings for recreational trips.
16 Vail, "The Colorado Chautauqua," 46. Colorado Chautauqua is the only one of its kind that was founded as an independent institution and it continues to operate as a chautauqua open to the general public. "It remains the only continuously operating chautauqua west of the Mississippi River and is now the nation’s only continuously operating chautauqua with grounds open and free for public enjoyment. Colorado Chautauqua is a living document of the Movement’s ideals - learning for all, uplifting entertainment, and leisure in a natural and inspiring setting. The Colorado Chautauqua displays more historic integrity than any other extant chautauqua property." 17 Vail, "The Colorado Chautauqua," 7.
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