Bordered to the East by the South Platte River and to the West by the Little Saigon Business District and Federal Boulevard, between Alameda Ave to the North and Mississippi to the South. Athmar Park has many riches to offer: some of the best food in town including dim sum, Vietnamese, and traditional Mexican; four amazing parks including Huston Lake Park; Aspgren Park, Vanderbilt Lake Park and the Johnson Habitat Park; cute Tudor bungalows dating back to 1927; and much more.
In 1946, Thomas and John R. McCusker purchased the land and developed the Denver subdivision named “Athmar Park.” According to urban legend, the name “Athmar” originated from the combination of the names of the developers’ two wives—Athea and Mary.
Athmar Park is a funky little neighborhood in central southwest Denver. The area is full of history, great stories, and people. As we speak, the neighborhood is going through a bit of a renaissance. Houses are being remodeled, people are moving in at a rapid pace, schools are improving, and new businesses, restaurants, and breweries are opening their doors.
This renaissance has been long in the making, but since lately the pace has really been picking up. If you haven’t been to Athmar Park lately, here are some great reasons to come on over and check it out:
Huston Lake Park: Athmar’s most identifiable park. Once a swamp area, used by residents for ice skating, it is now home to pelicans, cattails, a variety of beautiful trees, and amenities such as tennis courts, a fitness zone, horseshoes and a playground.
Vanderbilt Park and Johnson Habitat Park: These parks sit adjacent to the South Platte River. Both have recently undergone significant and exciting improvements which will make them more desirable places to enjoy and give us all one more reason to visit the South Platte River.
Aspgren Park: Packed on the weekends this park offers expansive gathering space, a playground, and sledding hill without having to travel up the notorious hill to Huston Lake Park.