1924-2024 • 100th Anniversary!
CLICK HERE for a wonderful news story highlighting our 100 years.
CLICK HERE for another wonderful news story highlighting our 100 years.
CLICK HERE for yet another feature story on our club and anniversary.
Wash Park bowling green celebrates 100 years
Denver’s bowling green in Washington Park commemorates its 100th Anniversary with a two-day celebration Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29.
The celebration set for Friday, from 5-8 p.m. is a formal affair — participants are encouraged to wear traditional all-white clothing — with Denver dignitaries, club leaders and members, entertainment, food and drink, recognitions, and open play and skills contests. The official ceremony begins at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s celebration, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. includes open play, a picnic, and competitions between the Washington Park Lawn Bowling and Denver Croquet clubs.
(Please see attached itinerary for specific details of planned events.)
“The Lawn” — is home to the Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club and the Denver Croquet Club. Both non-profit clubs are open to the public and guests are welcome.
An article in the Rocky Mountain News (Nov. 17, 1925), titled “Plot Planned at Park for Bowling on Green,” states: “Washington park will add bowling on the green to its list of amusements for the coming summer season…Excavation of a 120-square-foot plot of ground for the green already is underway (Note: probably beginning in 1924, hence the 100th anniversary of the bowling green), but it will take until the middle of next summer [1926] before the grass is sufficiently strong enough for use…”
The Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club (WPLBC) was formed in 1924 and in 1985 the Denver Croquet Club (DCC) also moved into this unique gem of a space in Denver’s second-largest urban park, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year (Aug. 7).
Currently, the clubs have a Use Agreement with the City of Denver, via its Department of Parks and Recreation.The agreement states that the clubs “perform and conduct certain programs, events and activities related to lawn bowling and croquet….” Additionally, the agreement states that “the lawn bowling and croquet activities in Washington Park promote DPR’s goals, through ‘Game Plan for a Healthy City,’ which among other aspirations, strives to work more closely with local community organizations to enhance programmatic value and resident service and protect unique historic, social and cultural resources.” Plus, the agreement states that “the general role of the Clubs is to organize program and activity for participants; support efforts to equitably provide access to the lawn facilities and activities; maintain and care for the site in good condition; and to serve as the first point of contact for community participants’ and neighborhood residents’ engagement in lawn bowling and croquet activities.”
“As a regional and national croquet champion I have played and competed in many places. On a summer’s evening there is no more pleasant place than my home court. Wash Park is a treasure and The Lawn is a gem. Here’s to another 100!”
James Creasey, past president of DCC
The green in Washington Park is located on the northeast corner of Grasmere Lake, near the intersection of East Mississippi Avenue and South Franklin Street. It is one of only a few bowling greens located in city parks in the United States. Central Park in New York City is one. Others are in San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Pittsburgh.
The bowling green and the lawn bowling shed have been included in the 2024 Denver Parks and Recreation Historic Resources Study, which highlights significant historical areas and structures in Denver.
Both clubs share in the maintenance of the lawn. To defray this expense and others like providing equipment for members and guests, the clubs host events at the green to raise funds, and to introduce new people to their respective sports. Most importantly, both clubs host weekly events for members and guests. Check the websites for more information on membership, play times, special events, and lawn rental.
The clubs also plan to gather and celebrate 100 years in Denver during the 125 anniversary jubilee of Washington Park Aug. 7. For more information: https://fanswashingtonpark.org/washington-park-celebrates-125th-anniversary/.
“I encourage everyone to come out and learn about two British sports at one of the most beautiful sites in the park.”
WPLBC President John Tanner
CONTACTS:
Washington Park Lawn Bowling Club
washingtonparklawnbowlingclub.com
John Tanner, president: jatanner10@gmail.com
Denver Croquet Club
denvercroquetclub.org
James Creasy, past president: james@jiminywicket.org
