Confluence Park encompasses the point where Cherry Creek flows into the South Platte River. This is also the spot where Denver was founded in May 1858. Beginning a city here proved to be a poor choice as the waterways were prone to periodic flooding. The City shifted to the northeast and this area was ignored and filled up with heavy industrial users. A huge flood in 1965 destroyed much of that infrastructure and provided an opportunity for redevelopment. The Greenway Foundation was a prime mover in the 1970s to create a park highlighting this area. A major update in the 1990s focused on floodplain management and further enhanced the park as a hub for the regional trail system. Today this is a highlight of Lower Downtown. Shoemaker Plaza begins at the REI building and extends down to the north edge of the South Platte River. The main park area begins at the south edge of the River and covers both sides of Cherry Creek. The trail system runs through this and continues north, south, and east. This is a beautiful space and exists in its own world, apart from the bustle of Lower Downtown. It is well worth a visit. read more

Confluence Park - Plaza between REI and the South Platte River - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This park is okay. It does have a nice sandy beach area next to the water. The bridge doesn't feel very safe and I always feel like i'm going to fall through the bridge. The only reason I give it 4 stars and not 3 is because it's next to commons park and you can just walk over to a nicer park that I enjoy. read more

Confluence Park is such a fun place to hang out. It's breakable and walkable and a great place to bring a blanket and people watch and have a picnic and enjoy the Denver sunshine. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I walked up expecting another patch of grass with a river view--but this spot hums with life. The South Platte and Cherry Creek come together here, not just in water but in energy. Cyclists zip by, dogs pull on leashes, and kids splash around like it's their own urban beach. Meanwhile, the city skyline rises just beyond the cottonwoods like a reminder that yes, you're still downtown. I found a big flat rock near the water and just sat, listening to the rush of the river drown out the traffic. Kayakers bobbed past like they were on some secret adventure. It's the kind of place that makes a Tuesday feel like a soft reset. More than a park--it's a heartbeat. A mixing point, not just of rivers, but of people, pace, and peace. read more

Beautiful, eye-catching park. Seems like the city's watering hole for folks to stay cool in the heat. It was lovely seeing little kids playing in the creek. The water was shallow enough for them to be safe while playing. Parking nearby was easy. read more

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This park was awesome and there is plenty to do nearby. The running water was great to come across in the city. There were plenty of places to sit and just relax. It great for a run or a romantic stroll. read more

Great place to chill and for those brave enough to take a dip in the cold river, it's great on a very hot summer day. read more

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Gotta be honest, the body of water that the map refers to as a "River" is unimpressive. It's hard to believe some of the more western cities were founded on such minor features (by comparison, the District of Columbia sits at the confluence of one large, tidal river and a smaller one, but also has a substantial creek that frankly seems bigger than the South Platte river). This park makes the most of it, however, linking a set of trails where an even smaller creek joins the river. The upside is that the water is clear and swimmable, and several people (and some dogs) were happily using it to cool off, either wading in the shallows or taking a tube down a miniature set of rapids. There were a couple of bits of broken glass, and occasionally some random food scraps floated down the creek for some reason, but overall, it seemed cleaner than I would expect for an urban waterway. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I absolutely love this park! It's my favorite in Denver. So much that I decided to spend my birthday here. It's a dogs dream as the perfect playground with grass and water! It's one train station stop away from where I live so very convenient to get to! read more

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Decent little park near Denver. Nothing crazy special but a nice little patch of green grass that one could lay out on. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Absolutely beautiful! A good amount of shade, places to get into the water. So beautiful and picturesque. If I loved nearby I would be there every day. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This is a great spot to lounge and grab a cup of joe. You get a view of Downtown up close and the bubbling river is your free entertainment. There is an amphitheater like seating area where I hope there will be performances when the weather warms up. It is the start of the Cherry Creek path, so you can walk for endless miles to your heart's content. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Come to this park for the artwork! I was staying in downtown & during one of my Lyft rides, the driver recommended I check out this park. It was only about a mile from my hotel so i walked here in the morning. The river in this park is really nice and I enjoyed watching all the happy dogs here. The most striking difference between this park though and City Park and a couple other parks in Denver I checked out is the art on the stone walls. Just a couple notes: Make sure you stay on the side of the river designated for walkers (the other side is for bikers). You'll also see a few homeless people at this park in the morning but I wasn't bothered and didn't feel unsafe at all as there were a lot of walkers around. I def recommend checking out this park, totally worth it for the art and to build up an appetite for more breweries later! read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

A great place to stop and relax and enjoy the skyline! It's all new! Bike paths Cherry Creek and the Platte River meet Lots of place to sit and enjoy. Park setting. Quick access to REI and downtown. The afternoon sun can be spectacular too!! read more

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Confluence Park is a park at the point where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River join in Denver LoDo neighborhood. We had a few hours to spend in Denver before heading west into Colorado for a wedding, and we decided to stretch our legs and take in some views. Unfortunately, the views from Confluence Park were pretty underwhelming. The water is pretty brown, the banks of the river and creek dry and brown,... It just wasn't very scenic. We were there in late August, so maybe there's a time of year that this park has more of a view, but I wouldn't recommend anyone going out of their way to walk or take in the views here in summer. If you just want somewhere to walk or run, and you don't care much about whether there's much to look at, it's fine. But don't expect anything pretty to look at. read more

Gotta love Colorado and its outdoor space. There's literally gazillion parks in this state, it's amazing. I'm visiting from Nashville and I'm in love with the outdoors in Denver. Confluence park is so called because it encompasses the merging of two rivers. Came on a windy March afternoon. This area is great for picnics, and water sports along with amazing views. The scenic view is great - even locals came there for photoshoots which was interesting to see. read more

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Writing this review is one of the instances where Yelping is interesting. I write this because as I write my Denver reviews, I use a stack of cards corresponding to each business listing, shuffle them, and bingo the one that comes out when the timer goes off, I review. It just so happens that out of 20-plus cards, Confluence Park comes up. That is interesting because on my previous review I wrote about Cherry Creek Trail which originates and/or ends at Confluence Park. The luck of the draw has provided a continuation to my Cherry Creek review. Confluence Park is both an outdoor recreation hub and historic spot at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. It is a Denver Kodak photo moment. The center of Confluence Park is the pedestrian bridge that is parallel to the Speer Boulevard Bridge. Looking down from this bridge I appreciated the gorgeous vistas of the roaring rapids of the South Platte River in downtown Denver. From the viewpoint of the bridge, there is an outstanding vista of the South Platte River passing the green shorelines alongside Elitch Gardens and Denver Aquarium towards the Mile High Stadium. Looking the other way I saw the river flowing between under construction residential buildings to the left and the green open spaces of Commons Park to the right. I found it to be relaxing looking down at the rushing river and overhearing the rapids. On both the north and south side of the river, the South Platte River Trail travels through Confluence Park. This creates a trail hub where the South Platte River Trail, Cherry Creek Trail, and Commons Park walking trails converge. These trails led me into Confluence Park. One of many positive things about this trail hub is that there is an REI flagship store with the first 4 star Starbuck's that I have been to (been to over 300). Both of these businesses inside a historic preserved building came in handy. My dad's leg was bothering him on the Cherry Creek Trail. He'd alleviate the problem with purchasing new hiking shoes from REI. If only all trail hubs featured a business that specializes in outdoor recreation. The Starbuck's in the north bank of Confluence Park that overlooks the south bank came in handy as a place to take a break from hiking. It is the patio view of the roaring rapids passing by Confluence Park with the towering Confluence high rise that played a roll in that business's 4 star rating. When I draw that card from the deck I'll review it. I'd also spend some time on the opposite River bank taking in the river. The river itself is an outdoor recreation destination. I'd watch people kayaking and just soaking up the summertime in the river. The Confluence River connects the public to other attractions. Only a few hundred feet west via the South Platte River Trail is Centennial Gardens, where I'd spend relaxation time sitting in a garden and taking pictures. Across the river, the Platte River trolley originates from Confluence Park. It has been brought to my attention that during football season, you can ride it to Mile High Stadium when the Denver Broncos are playing. Confluence Park is also where Denver began. On the south bank near the junction of South Platte River Trail and Cherry Creek Trail is a historic marker on the path. It resembles a manhole cover. It is a historical spot that William Henry Greeneberry arrived at in May 1838 in his search for gold. He did not find gold here. However, I found spiritual gold. It is the vistas of the roaring rapids and the abundance of hiking trails and parks connecting to this scenic parkland at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek that made me rich in spirit. read more

Where nature meets city! Cute little park and river to escape from the city. Enjoy picnics here and walking our dog. Clean area and great for a run or outdoor activities like spike fall. Love watching a sunset here. Our dog also loves to swim in the river when possible. read more

This was one of several parks my husband and I visited on our 1 day adventure through Denver. It spans a large area, with areas to lounge out for a picnic. We are from Texas, and noticed people swimming around in the water. Of course we had to feel it for ourselves and that water was cold! On the other side people were playing sand volleyball, so lots of options for a relaxing day. One thing i will note, homeless people hide in the bushes. We were walking buy and noticed this, which, may be awkward and a bit uncomfortable for some. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times! I'm not sure where everyone parked, as we were walking, but likely just along the street somewhere. This is a far walk from the 16th street area, and closer to Union Station. Go by and see this place, it's a beautiful park! read more

We've been at residents at Confluence for 5 years now. We love it here. We wanted to give credit where it belongs, Tara is great manager here on property that has been really helpful to us. Cody is the best engineer here, whom fixed the issues quick and efficient. Ray is our favorite maintaince guy, who can solve any issues for you here in the building. Wes, senior technician, has been helpful with providing internet for us quick ! read more

This park was an unplanned beautiful little stop on our walk from Union Station to Commons teahouse. I wasn't expecting to see water in Denver, let alone a river but this was such a sweet find on our walk. It was lovely to stand and watch the water run and the children play. I do wish there had been more seating as we likely would have rested our tootsies, but it was wonderful to just stand for a few minutes and take it all in. Definitely a must-see in Denver, and I'm so glad we didn't miss it during our day-trip! read more

I visited during the summer and this place is gorgeous. It's only a 10-minute walk from Union Station, so it's a great place to take in the views, walk across the pedestrian bridge, and dip your feet into the river if you'd like. When I visited, I didn't see anyone kayaking, but I did see a lot of joggers since the Cherry Creek Trail runs through here. The park is clean with minimal litter and bird droppings, but I wish there were a few more large trees to provide some more shade from the Colorado sun. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I mean this as a shout out to the City of Denver graffiti artists in general. I've been spending a lot of time this summer biking all over the city and keep finding the best art work tucked away like little hidden gems to be found. Thank you to all the young artist that give the city flavor and flair. Taggers: stop messing up the art and learn how to paint read more

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Shirtless children shouldn't be your thing, but that is what you will mostly see at this popular "urban city" park. The park has a nice man-made feel.... With perfectly paved walkways and even steps into the river for splashing parties. The park might be cheesy, yet for some reason I always end up riding my bike through it over the weekend at least once... On the way into town and on the way out. I am surprised that I don't see kids selling Girls Scout cookies; everything is so cookie-cutter and perfect. The screaming kids and their parents take pictures and play in this thing called water, which most Denverites have only seen come down in the shape of raindrops. Woaaaa, what is that? OMG, it is an entire family in a blown up raft about to cruise down the Platte, under the bridge and through the raging class 1 rapids.... Everybody, gather around the bridge and the sides of the river and watch this amazing adventurous trick! Ok, I will stop the sarcasm, but honestly, this place is a magnet even though you don't really want to hang out there. You can practice your kayaking or frolic in the water on a hot day. You can lay in the sun, play Frisbee in the grass, or take a jog along the path and over into town. This park has really turned into a gateway, allowing the city to connect to the once industrial side of Denver. The bike path will lead you right onto the Cherry Creek path and then you are home free... * Star one is for designing a place to create a community ** Wet star two is for this thing they call water... it makes me feel silly *** Crazy star three is for adventurous souls who brave the Platte and enjoy the gawking crowds **** Free bird star four is for being outside read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I'm a huge water/park enthusiast so after a trip to see the infamous REI flagship we decided to walk across the bridge and hang out on the steps near the river (is that actually a river people?). They have done a great job at taking not a river and making it sound like one by building up the rocks to create a rushing sound which is pretty appealing to me. The area is very clean and has great views! I was impressed and could imagine a nice evening summer walk ending here to hear the water and stare at the sky. Apparently, they have a problem with people "camping" here because there was a sign indicating no camping (like we should have to tell people that stuff - cue Mc Donald's hot coffee lawsuit). Nice spot though, Denver is pretty great if you ask me!!! read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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The word Confluence means two or more of the same things that are joined together. i.e., two rivers or two trails that are joined together and the name of this place couldnt fit better. This place was jumping with activity. Runner, bikers, tourists, locals all use this park as a fun way to spend the day in Downtown Denver. Some of the areas were under construction, so Ill be back in the future to see what new and exciting things are planned for this great place. read more

Overgrown weeds along the path and a bunch of garbage in the creek on the sides, along the path. What a shame that the city doesn't keep it better and clean it up. It has potential but needs to be cleaned. read more

As the name probably suggests, Confluence park is located at the confluence of the Platte river and Cherry Creek. Upon entering the park from the West, you go through some highly sculpted 'nature' areas, which look more corporate than natural. However, once you actually reach the river, this changes. The confluence itself is fairly impressive, at least the day I was there: there had been torrential rain a few days before, and as such the rapids were fairly intense. One of the best parts about Confluence Park however is the little plague that tells you about the history of Denver and Confluence park. What is different about this plague is that tells the history of 'Shady Denver' and how the history of the river and the city has been mutually destructive: the river has flooded and killed many pioneers and and now modern day citizens, while Denver in turn had heavily polluted the river. Now however these two foes have come to make amends, with better river containment and strict pollution controls. The moral of the story? Well that's for you to decide I guess. read more

Confluence Park - http://www.denvergov.org/redirect_404/tabid/393910/Default.aspx? - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Great place to go biking or people watching. My recommendation is to park at REI, go through the store and then head out to the park to either wade in the water or try out some kayaking. There's a nearby B-Cycle Station too and you can borrow a bike and ride along the Platte River. I think there are better options for picnics such as City Park or Wash Park. read more

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Craving fresh air? This is your place! Quaint park in the heart of downtown with many walkable restaurants and stores. The park itself is pretty picked up and not usually filled homeless people which is nice for downtown! There is plenty of room for you and your dog to play (leashes are kind of enforced by grump people passing by)! read more

The infrastructure of confluence park has been updated many times over the decades. The most recent, to be completed at the end of 2016, is the redesign of Shoemaker Plaza (northwest) to conform with the American Disabilities Act. The pedestrian and bike paths/ramps will be straightened to remove zig-zags and widened to accommodate wheel chairs. Additionally, the crumbling plaza at the water's edge, built in the 1970s, will be replaced with a more contemporary design befitting the renovation of the surrounding area. The existing infrastructure includes a kayak run, an updated Speer BLVD bridge, and the conversion of the railroad museum into a flagship REI. Confluence Park is a nexus connecting the multiple paths frequented by runners, bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers. It offers beautiful views, the sound of rapids, and place to sit and reflect. With the update of the long-neglected northwest plaza, this area has the potential to match the beauty of the surrounding neighborhood that's grown up around it. read more

Confluence Park - Planned improvements of northwest plaza. - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I love walking around here - it's really cute and plenty of walking and biking trails all around to enjoy yourself! Bring a blanket and relax or even dip your feet in the river as well. Have fun! read more

When we went it was cloudy but loved the few. There were several old men fishing. I was a little uneasy with a sketch guy walking behind us but luckily there were a lot of people around. We stuck around for another 5 minutes and left since this was the only nice part of the park. read more

Confluence Park - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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You like dogs? I like dogs. I creep on dogs like pedos creep at playgrounds, and this is the playground for dogs. Stand on the bridge and gaze upon them, so many dogs of all shapes and sizes and ages, happily romping about in the river, on the grass, or wistfully connected to their controlling owner by a leash. Oh, this place is grand. There's always something going on down here, and it's a great place to stop and enjoy for a while. What I don't get are the people who swim in this thing, or let their kids swim here. A lot of this water comes from the mountains, yes, but a lot of it is run-off from neighborhoods between here and the mountains. And dogs play in the river upstream, too, and use it as a frequent toilet. Just pay $3 and go to a public pool? Or drive a bit and head to a cleaner stream. read more

Didn't mean to even visit this park, but somehow ended up here as we were walking along the river! It's situated in a nice area with lots of different pathways to explore. You get a good view of the city and you can spend lots of time here and not be bored. Overall very satisfied with this park :) read more

Confluence Park - I loved the plants that were placed on this bridge... VERY HIP - Parks Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Yeah for local parks! It's the park where the rivers merge. Hence the name! There is a part near REI, a part on a hill, a part with pick nic tables, grass, water, scultures, pathways and more! Enjoy the day, enjoy the people watching! Just get out and enjoy! read more

The park is my quick grasp on nirvana. Confluence exudes "Summer": it is full of people in swimsuits soaking up sun, picnicking in the grass, playing fetch with a sopping wet dog, and tubing the oh-so-intense rapids. In the daytime I come here to pick out a large, flat rock (I have a few on the top of the list) so I can turn on the MP3, lay down to tan, and get away from the stresses of work. In the night time I come here to study the water, the way it interacts with itself as it moves powerfully over the rocks, and just let my mind wander. There is something very thought provoking resting in bodies of water for me, and to find a great spot on the river helps me forget about life for awhile. There is truly nowhere else I'd rather be in Denver. read more

What a convenient park to walk around right near downtown Denver. The water flowing by as you walk along it or over the bridges. I just loved it. The park really adds something to the downtown area. I actually visited it twice while I was in Denver. Once to walk along it and once to stop and sit near the rushing water while reading a book. I even dipped my feet in the cool water. There is also a small sandy area that could be considered beach like. I imagine in the heat of the summer many walk down to the sand and cool off. There is even a hot dog stand set up daily if you get hungry or thirsty. They also made a sort of kayak obstacle short course in the water, but I did not see anyone kayaking either time I visited. I wish I had. It is so peaceful to just walk along the paths. If you find yourself in Denver, check out Confluence Park and give yourself some leisure time to just sit and enjoy the peace. read more

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I was in Denver for an extended weekend in November (with incredibly mild weather, some days warmer than in Atlanta) with my baby sis, who was tied up with a conference at the whole time at the Colorado Convention Center (yes, I went to look at the "I See What You Mean" exhibit by Lawrence Argent, fell in love with the 40-foot big blue bear, and subsequently bought a mini replica from Denver Art Museum to bring home to Atlanta), so I was pretty much on my own to explore the city. No problem, since I was able to rely on the trusty World Wide Web and my fellow Yelpers. We didn't have a car, as we used SuperShuttle to get from DIA to our hotel in LoDo. Through the workings of the gods or something, we were just one block from the 17th Street Mall, where is a F R E E shuttle that runs quite frequently almost all day, everyday. What?! It was like I hit the public transportation jackpot. So... Wanting to explore the city using the shuttle and walking on foot, I took the 17th Street Shuttle all the way to the west and continued on foot to the Highland district. I passed through Confluence Park, which is a park where Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet. I was super excited to see water, bridges, and an open green space where people. Now mind you, there is a cluster of parks in this area, so you may very well traverse between Confluence, Centennial, Commons, Denver Skate, City of Cuernavaca, Crescent Parks. This is actually quite amazing. So much public land has been set aside for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors right in the middle of the beautiful city. I loved the area so much that I dragged my landscape designer sister back the next day and she was snapping photos away like there was no tomorrow. Come to enjoy the crisp air, walk/run, ride your bike, people-watch, or get inspiration from the architecture surrounding you. You'll be glad you did. read more

Great little park! I have heard some less than encouraging things about the cleanliness of the water, but I also see plenty of people tubing and wading and not coming out of the water with any extra limbs or digits. That said, I don't swim in the water, I don't tube, and I certainly wouldn't drink the water. But that's just me. The Platte isn't a mighty, rushing river. This park provides a nice, fairly quiet, place to stop and sit for a few minutes. People watching is fantastic, there's usually a cart vendor out when the weather is nice. I would caution some people about walking through the park late at night. I have never felt unsafe, but I do see how some could feel uncomfortable. The park is a semi-secluded area so it used as a place to sleep and drink for those who do not have anywhere else to go. I want to reiterate that I have always felt very safe there, no matter what the time of day. But I feel like fair warning is appropriate for those who might not share my attitudes. read more