Lakewood

The Colorado city of Lakewood is nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about 7 miles west of the state capital of Denver. Lakewood’s history dates back to 1889 when the community was platted by Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loved. The initial urban/suburban development began with a 13-block area along Colfax Avenue. Today, Lakewood is the most populous city in Jefferson County with over 150,000 residents and spreads over 42 square miles. Recreation in Lakewood is abundant and multi-faceted. In winter, the Rockies offer skiing in a variety of challenging forms. In summer, the mountains provide a breathtaking venue for fishing, backpacking, camping, and hiking. The William Frederick Hayden Green Mountain Park covers approximately 2400 acres of open space and offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in an urban setting. All ages enjoy the outdoor lifestyle with 99 parks, over 7100 acres of open space, and more than 180 mile of trails for biking, walking, hiking, and horseback riding. Many retail and commercial businesses make their homes in Lakewood, and artists have designated an Arts District in the Belmar Town Center retail area that houses art studios and galleries. In 2011, Lakewood was named an All-America City for the first time.