EXISTING CONDITION Landscape Condition Summary of Landscape Characteristics
Glen Huntington Bandshell’s original setting, features, and spatial relationships remain largely intact. The Bandshell is set on the north edge of Central Park and oriented to the south. The setting is characterized by sloped amphitheater seating—a concrete terrace with fifteen rows of wood and concrete benches—that faces the Bandshell. A landscaped berm and remnants of a sandstone retaining wall remain south of the Bandshell's seating define the southern edge of the amphitheater seating. Mature trees frame the site on its north east sides and screen its edges from the adjacent streets, similar to DeBoer's original plans for site. Two concrete paved sidewalks extend from the northeast and northwest corners of the park towards the Bandshell. These paths terminate at a large level area between the Bandshell and the amphitheater seating that is paved with loose gravel. Numerous small-scale features serve typical park functions including lighting, wayfinding, and trash/ recycling. Topography Topography of the site consists of the sloped amphitheater, large level area between the Bandshell and the amphitheater, the berm and sloped south lawn. These contribute to the Bandshell and associated site's historic character. The berm mitigates flooding, as it did historically. The original shape of the Bandshell setting is less defined than it was in 1968. Spatial Organization The spatial organization of the Bandshell and associated site remain similar to the end of the period significance. In the 1940s, the spatial organization of the site was altered by Saco Rienk DeBoer's Central Park's design that added amphitheater seating to the Bandshell setting. This inclusion created a defined space for entertainment and performance separate from the south lawn, which remained open for flexible use. The Bandshell is prominently sited at the north edge of Central Park with the amphitheater seating oriented towards it. A sloped berm gradually transitions into a south lawn creating a visual connection between the spaces. Concrete paved sidewalks at the northern corners connect the perimeter walks to the Bandshell's amphitheater. The overall appearance of the landscape reflects a functional urban park and the original design by Saco Rienk DeBoer.
Figure 1-4. Central Park, May 1938 (prior to completion of the Bandshell) (source: CU Aerial Photographs of Colorado)
Figure 1-5. Glen Huntington Bandshell, post-construction, 1940s (source: Carnegie Branch Library for Local History)
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Glen Huntington Bandshell
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