Denver City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve the designation of La Raza Park as a Historic Cultural District. The landmark application was led by District 1 Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval, acknowledging the community’s desire to recognize the cultural significance of the park. Recently renamed to La Raza Park in 2020, it will be Denver’s third Historic Cultural District. The designation comes at the recommendation of a first-of-its-kind Latino/Chicano Historical Context Study led by the city’s Landmark Preservation division.
Within La Raza Park, located in the heart of the Sunnyside neighborhood, are distinct features such as Denver’s only Kiosko, the Plaza de la Raza, “El Viaje” or The Journey mural found within the Kiosko’s ceiling, designed and painted by Denver artist David Ocelotl Garcia, and “La Raza Unida” sculpture by the world-renowned artist Emanuel Martinez. La Raza Park has deep cultural ties in the Northside and was a vital part of the Chicano Movement in Denver. It serves as home to many community activi- ties including Dia De Los Muertos, Xupantla (the Summer Solstice), La Raza Park Day, quinceañeras, and family picnics.
The historic designation of La Raza Park will ensure that the vast history and culture of the park will forever be preserved and acknowledged. As stated in the application, “La Raza Park has been the beating heart of generations of Denverites… The significance of the park transcends its physical characteristics and has truly come to represent the Northside and Denver’s wider Latino/Chicano communities.
“It’s been such an honor to lead the La Raza Park Historic Cultural District. Working with community, Landmark Preservation, and Parks & Recreation staff on this application has been one of the highlights of my career. Given this is only the third Cultural District designation in Denver, it clearly identifies the need to work with our BIPOC communities on more of these designations. I’d like to thank every community member who shared their story, wrote letters of support, and showed up to give public testimony, you were the foundation of this application. I’d also like to acknowledge those who came before us and fought for our Chicano rights, they have helped guide me through the park name change and this Historic Cultural designation. ¡Que Viva La Raza!” Said, Councilwoman Sandoval.
