Acacia Park

A Glimpse of History in Downtown

Tucked in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs sits Acacia Park, a modest 3.7-acre green space that holds a special place in local history. Established way back in 1871, it's actually the city's very first park, gifted to the community by General William Jackson Palmer himself (yes, the founder of Colorado Springs).

What might seem like just another urban park actually represents the community's living room - a place where locals gather, visitors wander through, and the city's pulse can be felt amid the shade trees and open lawns.

What You'll Find There

The park has a classic layout with mature trees providing welcome shade, green lawns for lounging, and paved paths that meander throughout. It's a refreshing pocket of nature amid the downtown bustle.

A historic bandshell dating back to 1914 highlights the park's long history of hosting community events. During summer, it comes alive with free concerts and community gatherings that bring people together under the Colorado sky.

If you're visiting with kids, they'll likely make a beeline for the Uncle Wilber Fountain - a splash pad that's something of a local institution. During summer months, children dash through the water jets, laughing and cooling off. Just note that the fountain runs on a schedule throughout the day, so timing your visit might be worth planning.

Dog owners, you're in luck - your leashed furry friends are welcome to enjoy the grassy areas alongside you. There are waste bags and trash cans available, so keeping things clean is easy.

Statue of General William Jackson Palmer at the intersection adjacent to the park

Photo: teofilo (CC BY 2.0)

Recently Revamped Play Areas

The park got a pretty significant facelift in 2022, introducing a playground that's anything but ordinary. The centerpiece is an artistic Ninja Warrior-like climbing structure shaped like an infinity symbol - something that immediately catches the eye and the imagination of kids and adults alike.

This isn't your average jungle gym - it features ropes, netting, and balance challenges that offer different levels of difficulty, making it appealing to adventurers of all ages.

For the littlest visitors, a colorful tot lot with rubberized surfaces, a slide, and a spinner provides a safer space to play and explore. It's thoughtfully designed to keep different age groups entertained.

Seasonal Transformations

The park has a special winter personality too. From around November through January, an outdoor ice skating rink appears, transforming the space into a winter wonderland. They offer skate rentals and even assistive devices if you're wobbly on the ice (no judgment here - many of us are).

If you need information about the area, the park houses a Visitor Hub where you can get tips and recommendations. Public restrooms are also available here - always good to know when exploring downtown.

Part of the Downtown Experience

What makes Acacia Park special is how seamlessly it integrates with downtown life. Its central location means you can easily incorporate it into a day of urban exploration, perhaps as a peaceful break between shopping or museum visits.

The surrounding area is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and stores, so you're never far from refreshments or retail therapy. You can grab a coffee to sip while sitting on a park bench, or have a picnic lunch on the grass.

For parking, you'll find metered street spots around the park's perimeter. Just be aware that during busy times or special events, these can fill up quickly, so you might want to arrive early or consider alternative transportation.