Amenities: Historical/Interpretive Signage

Bancroft Park (City of Colorado Springs)

Bancroft Park is the historic heart of Old Colorado City — a one-block square of green space along Colorado Avenue that has served as a community gathering place since the neighborhood’s founding in 1859. Renovated in 2020, it’s one of the most lively and event-filled neighborhood parks in the city.

 

Features

  • Bandshell (reservable for performances and events)
  • Playground
  • Picnic shelter and picnic tables
  • Trail/sidewalk path
  • Flower gardens
  • Historic Dr. Garvin log cabin (circa 1867)
  • Historical marker and displays
  • Award-winning self-cleaning restrooms (named America’s Best Restroom in 2020)
  • Wheelchair accessible

 

What to Expect Bancroft Park is far more than a patch of grass — it’s the cultural hub of Old Colorado City and one of the most charming and active neighborhood parks in Colorado Springs. On any given weekend you might find a farmers market, live music, an art walk, or a community festival. Surrounded by boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants, it’s a perfect spot to anchor a full afternoon in one of the city’s most beloved historic neighborhoods.

 

Don’t Miss

  • Territory Days — one of the largest annual festivals in Colorado Springs, held right in the park every Memorial Day weekend
  • Old Colorado City Saturday Farmers Market — running June through October
  • Free summer concerts at the bandshell

 

History Colorado City was founded in 1859 — before Colorado Springs even existed — and briefly served as the first capital of the Territory of Colorado. Bancroft Park occupies what was the original town square. A historic log cabin from that era still stands in the park today. The neighborhood was annexed into Colorado Springs in 1917 and designated a National Historic District in 1983. The park was named for Hubert Howe Bancroft, a prolific 19th-century western history writer, after whose name the former Bancroft School on the site was also named.

 

Plan Your Visit
Location: 2408 W. Colorado Ave. (W. Colorado Ave. & S. 24th St.), Old Colorado City
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Ave. and surrounding streets
Hours: Open daily Fees: Free

Thorndale Park

What a history! Thorndale Park was once the Town of Ramona. Once considered the “City of Sin”, Ramona was incorporated as a counter to the temperance movement of the early 20th century.

Recreation and Activities

Thorndale park has plenty of features for families including play equipment, numerous picnic tables,  a basketball and tennis court and a large open field for kids to romp. Large old trees provide plenty of shade during the hot summer months.

History

To fully appreciate the fascinating history of both Thorndale Park and the Town of Ramona it preceded, stop at the interpretive sign at the corner of 24th St. and Uinta St. You’ll get a better understanding of the complex history of the area.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 2310 W. Uintah St. The park can be accessed either along Uinta St. or along the side streets: 24th and 23rd Sts.
Parking: Street parking is available on Uinta, 23rd or 24th. Accessibility ramps are located at the corners of 24th and 23rd.
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Fees: No entry fee.
Tips:

  • The ramada must be reserved through the Parks Department  (719) 385-5940

  • The restrooms are closed during the winter months. Check and restroom closures on the City Parks Website

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