Elitch Gardens Carousel Pavilion

So, I started 2020 with a goal of getting out more and experiencing all the things the Denver region had to offer. What happens?  A global pandemic comes and makes everyone stay home for months!  Needless to say, a lot of things have happened since I last posted that have made life challenging.  Like everyone, I haven't been able to get out and do things much.  Add to the situation the fact that I was one of the many people who lost their job during this crisis.  So, I had time on my hands, but couldn't go out and do fun stuff.  Woo-hoo!  

Things are slowly creeping back towards normal. I have a new job, which is going well.  Now, every so often, we are able to get out and do things. Hopefully that means I will get back to posting here at In and Around Denver.  A few weeks ago I did venture out one afternoon and spent a few minutes checking out a historic spot in Denver, the former Elitch Gardens Carousel Pavilion, located at 3775 Tennyson Street in Denver.

It was once said that to not see Elitch Gardens was to not see Denver.  The amusement park and botanic garden opened in 1890 and stayed in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver until it closed in October of 1994 (just a few months after I mover to town). The following year, the new downtown version of the amusement park opened for business right along the Platte River. Only two elements of the original park remain today: The Historic Elitch Theater, and the pavilion which once housed the park's carousel. The theater is currently being renovated and is not looking terribly photogenic right now, but the carousel pavilion was just fine with having its picture taken.

The area that was once the home of Elitch's has been redeveloped into a neighborhood which includes both residences and shopping. The carousel pavilion sits inside a small park. It is a bit unique to walk around the area and picture people with balloons and cotton candy standing in line for the rides. I actually got to visit the original park once while my family was on vacation in Denver in the 80's. I have memories of riding the swing ride and seeing a kid undo his seatbelt and leap off as the ride was starting up. That swing ride, known as Turn of the Century, is still in operation at the current version of Elitch's.

Of course, like all amusement parks, Elitch's has not been open this year. There are plans afoot for the park to make another move in the not-too-distant future.  It currently sits on land that is due to be turned into the River Mile district in Denver. The project is still several years away from happening and nothing has been announced yet as to where Elitch's third home will be. The park owners, however, have made it clear that Elitch's will remain a part of Denver, just in a new location. As for me, while I love the thrill of riding the roller coasters, there is a certain thrill in seeing these reminders of the park's past.