A state agency in Colorado has come out against a capitol grounds project promoted by the state’s governor and other state officials.
As envisioned, what is being called the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway would connect the Colorado State Capitol Building with the nearby Veterans Park, with the 150 in the title referencing the state’s 150th anniversary as an official part of the U.S. in 2026.
The 11,000-square-foot walkway will include several viewing platforms, statues, play elements, and artwork created by Colorado artists.
In releasing the design of the project two weeks ago, Governor Jared Polis remarked: “Now, when Coloradoans of all ages come to visit our State Capitol, they can more easily access and enjoy Lincoln Veterans Park, while enjoying and learning from art from local artists.”
But after surveying that same design, the group History Colorado, which is the state’s official agency tasked with historic preservation, has said that the new walkway is “highly out of place” for the Civic Center Park where it will be built.
In a statement, John Deffenbaugh, chief executive officer of History Colorado, has argued that the proposed walkway “serves no functional purpose and is a response to a problem that does not exist.”
The agency has since launched a petition drive, noting that the proposed curved raised walkway will do “extensive damage” to a historic site. Within one hour of the petition being posted, it had already attracted more than one hundred signatures.
Critics of the project have also noted that the capitol building, which was completed in 1894, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and should be best left alone without any structural attachments.
A statement from the Governor’s office has since said the project’s team of “expert landscape architects and designers is well versed and supportive of the National Historic Landmark guidelines that govern the park and Capitol complex, and look forward to engaging in further conversation.”
Earlier reports indicated that work on the walkway was expected to begin later this year.
June 9, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Logo courtesy History Colorado
