The Observatory Park neighborhood generally is considered to be captured within the area bordered by Colorado, University, East Evans and Yale Way. Like many other near-in Denver neighborhoods, Observatory Park is quickly transforming. Older ranches and colonials, and the scattered Victorians, Denver Squares and Tudors, are making way for what has been described by many as neo-eclectic mansions. Single family homes predominate the Observatory Park neighborhood but some apartments and fraternity and sorority houses are found nearer to the University of Denver.
Overall, this is a quiet and shaded oasis just southeast of downtown Denver accessible to the city via a brief hop onto the Interstate or down connecting avenues that run through some of the most eclectic retail areas of the Denver. Observatory Park residents have ready access to two light rail stations as well.
Residents can enjoy all that the nearby University of Denver has to offer—lacrosse matches featuring the school’s nationally ranked team, performances at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts and the fun bistros and off-the-wall pubs ubiquitous to a university neighborhood.
The Park itself offers tennis courts, a playground and fields for rugby, baseball and basketball. It is home to the historic Chamberlin Observatory built in the late-1800s and open to the public at events sponsored by the Denver Astronomical Society. The nearby Robert H. McWilliams Park is smaller, somewhat quieter and more picturesque.