Lakewood Colorado

Sitting only 200 feet higher in elevation than the Mile High city Denver – Lakewood, Colorado is the 4th most populous city in the state and part of Jefferson County. Although the development of the community known as Lakewood started in 1889 with the platting of a 13-block area along Colfax Avenue west of Denver, the city wasn’t actually incorporated for another 80 years until 1969. Many changes have taken place since that time, from relying on police protection from the Jefferson County Sheriff, and a volunteer fire department to the thriving city of 42.5 square miles, which now includes the heart of Lakewood, the City Municipal center in Belmar and Lakewood City Commons.

This area is now known as the “downtown” area of Lakewood. Prior to the building of Belmar, a large shopping mall (Villa Italia) had occupied the space for decades. Redefining the Belmar area brought a new and welcome microcosm to the city. People now have the opportunity to live, eat, shop, work and play all within walking distance of each other. This was a new look at having a suburban atmosphere coupled with the energy of city living and all the conveniences it brings.

More Town Facts

Region: Denver	County: Jefferson
Latitude: 39.706389	Longitude: -105.102778	Elevation: 5,480 ft (1,682 m)

Located in the Lakewood City Commons is the 38,000 square foot Lakewood Cultural Center which offers a “316-seat theater, the Artisan Showcase gift shop, rotating juried exhibits in multiple gallery spaces, meeting spaces, art classrooms, lobby space and free, well-lit parking. The Lakewood Cultural Center is close to shopping, restaurants, the Belmar Library, Belmar Park and Lakewood’s Heritage Center.” One of the forward thinking efforts made by the City of Lakewood is the “2028 Cultural Vision Plan” which was initiated in 2008 and the brainchild of Colorado Citizens for Culture, an affiliate of Arts for Colorado. The team well represented a cross-section of all Lakewood residents, businesses and educators to make a long-term community plan to continue to integrate arts and culture in a positive way into the communities.

Lakewood residents are very loyal to their town and many have chosen to stay in the area for generations. While many new residents are being added, many old friends never seem to be far away. Lakewood High School, which is proud to be the only International Baccalaureate school in Jefferson County, has been the highest ranked High School in Colorado according to Newsweek Magazine. The original school was built in 1928 and still stands at the corner of Wadsworth and 10th Avenue. The buildings just to the west were used as the Junior High School from 1958 on when the High School moved to it’s present location. Major remodeling and restructuring have gone on in both locations in the past few years, making a new Open School possible for Lakewood residents.

Another major feature of Lakewood is the presence of the Federal Center which employs about 6,200 people in many capacities for the U.S. Federal Government. On a plot of land of about 670 acres, you can find over 4 million square feet of offices, warehouse, labs and special use space for the 26 different agencies. This location is second only to Washington, D.C. in being the largest concentration of Federal agencies. To the west of this huge complex, a large hospital and medical facility is now being constructed which will better serve the needs of the community in its relocated site. One of the newest features in the area is the RTD Light Rail system which connects the west corridor with downtown and eventually to the farthest reaches of the Denver Metro area. Work has been going on since 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2013. Riders will be able to get on the Light Rail in Golden at the Jefferson County Municipal Center, ride past the Federal Center and through Lakewood on to downtown Denver, with six planned stations along the way.

Current Lakewood Colorado Weather Forecast

Lakewood Local Attractions

The Lakewood Cultural Center presents regional, national and internationally recognized artists, and is host to community performances, presentations, exhibits and art classes. Tickets for all Cultural Center performances are available at the box office and online. The Civic Center North Building is located at 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO. For more information call 303-987-7845.
The Lakewood Heritage Center – Experience Lakewood’s unique past with a visit to Lakewood’s Heritage Center…a 20th Century Museum. Historic buildings, artifacts, exhibits and educational programs offer an opportunity to explore the history of Lakewood. Museum Tours will help you to explore Lakewood’s past. Included: 1920s Country School, Streer-Peterson House, Ethel’s Beauty Salon and 88¢ Variety Store, 1930s Farmhouse, Visitor Center and Emporium and the White Way Grill. $5 adults, $4 seniors age 65+, $2.50 Youth age 3-12, 2 and under free. For more information, please call 303-987-7850.
Spirit of Lakewood Gallery – Learn more about the history of Lakewood, Colorado’s fourth largest city, by visiting this permanent exhibit that explores Lakewood’s development from the late 19th century through the City’s incorporation in 1969. Free Admission. Located at Lakewood’s Heritage Center Visitor Center- 801 S. Yarrow (Wadsworth & Ohio) Hours: 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.
The Lakewood Symphony Orchestra has presented affordable, quality performances of orchestral music to the community since 1977. These skilled and enthusiastic musicians delight in performing for appreciative audiences. Concert performances are held at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado.
Bear Creek Lake Park – located at Morrison Road and C-470, offers an abundance of recreational and educational opportunities for all ages. Explore Bear Creek Lake Park by foot, from the deck of a sailboat, on a mountain bike or on the back of a horse. Enjoy it with friends, family or on your own, but don’t miss the beauty it has to offer! 15600 W. Morrison Road, Lakewood, CO 80465. For more information call (303)697-6159.
The Jeffco Parks and Recreation Department want you to know about Lakewood’s 99 parks and open spaces, and over 36 miles of trails for biking, walking, hiking, and horseback riding. Your family will be able to enjoy the Colorado sunshine in many locations throughout the Lakewood area. To find more information, please call (303) 987-7800.