HomeMy WebLinkAboutA. Paepcke Park History
NAME: Paepcke Park
ADDRESS: E. Main St. & S. Aspen St.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lots Lettered A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,
R, and S in Block Numbered Sixty-Seven (67) in
and to the Townsite and City of Aspen,
DATE PURCHASED: October 11, 1954 and March 25, 1966.
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HOW FUNDED: 6 Penny
LEGISLATION: City Council minutes on August 31, 1940,
Resolution #21 on July 18, 1966
DEED: Treasurer’s Deed Reception #101694 recorded 10/11-1954 &
Warranty Deed Reception #123808 recorded 3/25/1966
Paepcke Park was originally named City Park. On August 17, 1959 the City
Council decided to move the bell tower from the Fire Station Park to City Park
and to rename City Park after Walter Paepcke who with his wife Elizabeth are
best noted the founding of the Aspen Institute and Aspen Skiing Company in the
early 1950’s, both of which helped transform the town of Aspen into an
international resort destination and popularize the sport of skiing. After
Walters’ death in 1960, Elizabeth took over affairs with the Aspen Institute,
Aspen Music Festival and the International Design Conference. On October 3,
1960 the memorial resolution was unanimously passed.
The City of Aspen owned all of the block except Lots H & I. In March of 1966
Lots H & I of Block 67 were bought from the Christian Churches of Colorado
which meant that the City of Aspen now owned the entire block. On July 18,
1966 by resolution, Paepcke Park was permanently dedicated to the people of
Pitkin County for park and recreation purposes.