Through Steel Gates Exists An Aesthetic Experience: Shalom Park

By Mark Kramer, ASLA

As seen in the overall view of the garden looking west to Mount Evans, the “Butterfly” sculpture over the flowerbed on the right side of the photo was fabricated by JBK Landscape staff from a Horchow Collection Bench.

Shalom Park in Denver, Colorado is the culmination to create an environment where healing, nature, family, and heritage can be enjoyed.

Mark S. Kramer, ASLA, Principle of JBK Landscape, Inc. donated the landscape architecture, design concept, project management, research, fundraising, and a easy accessible environment for seniors and the disabled while providing an aesthetic experience.

Behind the sandstone walls of the park, draw you to the senses of touch, sight, smell, and sound. Entering the garden through the main gate the sound and touch of the flowing water from the raised water channel immediately attracts visitors. The shallow stream flows the length of the garden, originating at the upper pool at the east end of the garden, cascading through a series of six channels, and terminating at the lower pool at the west end. A wind harp at the center of the lower pool provides a calm auditory experience for visitors near the fragrance garden pausing to smell mint or rosemary. Lining the outward face of the water feature panels are plaques. Each plaque contains the donor’s message of remembrance of celebration to loved ones.

Through the construction process, JBK Landscape, Inc. subcontracted Stanley Brown, Shelter Architect and Saunders Construction for hardscape and shelter. With the construction team in place, construction started in spring of 2000. Special attention was given to the stream, where visitors, especially those in wheelchairs, could place their hands in the stream and feel the smooth, black stones and the heated water.

The metal flower sculptures at the main entry to the garden were designed and constructed by Mark Kramer in Taos, New Mexico. Mark and his daughter Brooke Levy also designed and constructed the stainless steel gates at the main entryway into the park.

An Environment For The Senses

The garden is home to four varieties of trees, fifteen varieties of shrubs and eighteen total varieties of fragrant plants, perennials, and groundcovers. The fragrant plants are located at the west wall of the garden; ranging in scent from rosemary and mint, to lemon and even bubblegum.

It was JBK Landscape, Inc.’s pleasure to have contributed to an important part of the community. Upon completion, JBK Landscape, Inc. received the Landscape Excellence Award for Special Area, Water Feature and City of Aurora Excellence Award for Design and Architects in 2002.