Colorado’s 150th birthday is coming!
What do you think of the proposed 150th walkway at the State Capitol?
Love it? Don’t love it? Have other ideas? We want to hear from you! (submit your zip code and continue to survey below)
The Proposed Walkway to Celebrate Colorado’s 150th Anniversary
In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—our nation’s semiquincentennial and in 2026 Colorado will mark our 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union—our state’s sesquicentennial. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only one that will observe twin anniversaries. The state of Colorado is seeking to memorialize this historic and special occasion with a project that reflects our unique and varied history and our bold future.
An iconic pedestrian walkway connecting the Colorado State Capitol and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park—the heart of democracy and civic life at the doorstep of downtown Denver. Civic Center is also at the core of the downtown revitalization, including the new 5280 Trail, a 4-mile loop linking the Golden Triangle to Skyline Park and crossing through the Capitol Circle. Looking ahead to the next 150 years, Coloradans have a unique chance to deliver a project that honors our shared history, showcases our talented local artists, and brings the whole state together.
The idea for a walkway and greater, more accessible connectivity for all people between the Capitol and the Civic Center corridor and downtown Denver was first conceived during Mayor Pena’s administration and now can be brought to life as a way to memorialize Colorado’s 150th birthday.
The initial design for the CO150 Walkway is inspired by the iconic landscapes of Colorado, drawing on the rich sensory language of the state’s natural features to create a dynamic and diverse pedestrian experience. The bridge is anchored at both ends—Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park and the State Capitol—with a tribute to Colorado’s spectacular geology. These landings are informed by the characteristics of Colorado—our rugged central mountain range. These moments root the bridge into the earth with the heavy, timeless quality of Colorado’s ancient terrain.
The CO150 Walkway would feature public artwork by Colorado artists from across Colorado integrated throughout the pedestrian experience, highlighting the diverse stories and values of Colorado. Up to 20 Colorado artists will create original pieces inspired by Colorado's past, present, and future.
The walkway itself will cost an estimated $18 million, with up to $8.5M from the state of Colorado, and is envisioned as a public/private partnership. Additional upgrades to the park will be $10m over the next few years. The funds come from the state, private, corporate, philanthropic, and individual fundraising. About one million dollars from donors is already pledged.
Celebrating Colorado Artists
An art call went out statewide and closed on April 1st. We received over 159 applications from artists across the state. The selection committee will narrow the artists down to 20 artist teams to interpret Colorado stories into pieces for the walkway. The teams will submit proposals that will go through an additional review with a review committee. Each artist will be paired with a story, theme or narrative from Colorado’s 150 years and before, weaving together the histories of the past with today’s voices. These pieces are meant to be long-lasting and will be incorporated into the design and framework of the walkway, from handrails, decking, murals, and free standing sculpture.
Activating a Public Park
Lincoln Veterans Park, operated by the State of Colorado, sits directly between the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center Park, and yet few visitors to the area utilize the park. That in part, is because it is currently hard to access. Additions like the Liberty Bell (1950), Veterans Obelisk (1990), and the Elliptical Stairs flanking the plaza (1980’s) exemplify the continued dedication to preserving this park, however, data shows activation, like education, play, and storytelling, create safe environments that Coloradans and visitors alike can enjoy. With the many improvements happening in the Civic Center area, like the Greek Theater Project, new pickleball courts, and Colfax BRT, invigorating Lincoln Veteran’s Park will only contribute to the vibrancy of Denver. One key objective of this project is to fully realize Lincoln Veteran Park’s potential, creating a safe space for children and visitors to play, recreate, and learn. This project is informed by other successful projects from around the country on how to effectively activate public spaces so that they are utilized to the greatest public good. Establishing an easier access point will make the park more accessible and inviting, and make connectivity to both Civic Center and downtown.
Safety for School Children and Visitors
Hundreds of school children and tourists visit Colorado’s state capitol every year and this initiative will ensure there is a safe pathway for visitors to enter the capitol grounds without being forced to cross busy auto traffic on Lincoln.
Building an Iconic Walkway that Celebrates Colorado’s Past and Future
This walkway design is reflective of Colorado’s diverse topography, specifically the state’s flowing rivers. The walkway naturally winds its way from the Colorado State Capitol building to Lincoln Veterans Park. The design also features regional material like sandstone, marble, and granite to pay tribute to Colorado’s geology. The walkway will also include a number of features like viewing platforms, sculptural monuments, newly commissioned artwork from Colorado artists, play elements, and different learning and storytelling opportunities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy.
The idea for the bridge came from the desire to celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday while increasing accessibility between Lincoln Memorial Park and the Capitol, as well as Civic Center and greater downtown, but the concept for this walkway began back during Mayor Peña’s administration. The hope is that this project can inspire future connections into Civic Center Park, but the current phase of this plan is focused on connecting the Capitol to Lincoln Veteran Memorial Park. The Governor and state have engaged the community throughout this process and are open to feedback to make this walkway as usable as possible for all, particularly the school children who visit the Capitol, and Coloradans with disabilities.
The Governor’s office has held six community listening sessions from Pueblo to Grand Junction, four artist engagement sessions around the state, issued three press releases and social media posts encouraging feedback, survey responses, and community engagement. This feedback has been relayed and incorporated into the design. There is still room for feedback on this project, and we look forward to continuing to engage statewide on this important monument to our state.
What People are Saying
Below are a series of questions that will lead to the outcome of the celebration of Colorado’s 150th Anniversary.
Voting will close at midnight on July 21, 2025.