"The famous diving elks at Chutes Park," Denver Republican, page 27
The Diving Elk of Denver's Chutes Park
While many of today's Denver residents seek their thrills at Elitch Gardens or Lakeside Amusement Park, 116 years ago, they headed to Chutes Park.
Chutes Park, known as "Arlington Park" from 1892-1898, was an early business venture of Robert Speer (Denver Mayor, 1904-1912). Jerome C. Smiley describes the amusement park in his book, History of Denver (1901):
The “Chutes Park,” on the bank of Cherry creek, at the intersection of Corona street and Fourth avenue in the southeastern section of the city, is a recent addition to these summer places of amusement, and is designed for those who enjoy spectacular things, and have a fondness for “roller coasters;” a playground for grown-up boys and girls.
The diving elk at Chutes Park, Rocky Mountain News, page 11
In May 1899, one of the "spectacular things" at Chutes Park was W. H. Barnes' team of diving elk. On May 28, the Rocky Mountain News described the opening day performance:
And last, but by no means least, the wonderful diving elks, owned, trained and exhibited by that greatest of all wild animal conquerors, W. H. Barnes. The control Mr. Barnes has over these beautiful animals is simply wonderful. At the word of command they took contentedly to the top of a specially constructed scaffold, and at a second word from their trainer, dive unhesitatingly into a tank of water, sixty feet below. No living man has ever succeeded in gaining the confidence of dumb animals to the extent that is shown by Mr. Barnes in the handling of his wonderful elks.
High dive shows performed by horses were prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their popularity seemed to wane as interest in motion pictures and concern for animal welfare grew.
W. H. Barnes' Diving Elks, Rocky Mountain News, page 8
Chutes Park suffered from a fire in 1901 and was briefly renamed "Riverside Park" before reverting back to its original name, "Arlington Park." The City of Denver purchased the park land in 1911 and construction of what we now know as Alamo Placita Park began in 1927.
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