Lakewood Heritage Center Gets New Name

LAKEWOOD, CO — The Lakewood Heritage Center has been renamed as part of a rebranding initiative. The center's new name, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, was inspired by an effort to provide the site with a "strong identity, brand and position of visibility," City of Lakewood officials said.

Community members, visitors and volunteers gave input on the rebranding through surveys and public meetings, officials said. The Lakewood Heritage Center was often confused with the nearby Lakewood Cultural Center, which caused some frustration with attendees and visitors. Now, as Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, it is "staying true to the intention of the name selected in 1996 while helping identify the distinction (in location and mission) between the two centers and honoring the park’s namesake, May Bonfils Stanton’s Belmar estate," the city said.

The site, which sits on 15 acres on the southeast corner of Belmar Park, the was originally established as the Belmar Museum in 1976. The first historic building was relocated to the site in 1980, and the history park began developing as a way to preserve endangered buildings typical of Lakewood architecture.

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The city commissioned the first master plan of the site in 1996, which included a recommendation to create a festival area for community celebrations and a name change to the Lakewood Heritage Center.

The museum currently has more than 40,000 artifacts and 15 historic buildings significant to Lakewood. The center hosts exhibitions, supports research about the area and offers field trips and education programs for all ages. Annually, more than 50,000 people participate in programs and attend community events like Rockin’ Block Party, Sounds Exciting! Summer Concert Series, Cider Days and Lakewood Lights.

“We have many new visitors – including longtime residents – who say ‘We didn’t know you were here!’” Betsy Bowers, Heritage Lakewood administrator, said in a statement. “They might have noticed some of the historic structures as they drive down Wadsworth between Alameda and Mississippi avenues, but they were never enticed to turn in and explore. Our goal with rebranding is to help pique residents’ curiosity and encourage them to discover all of the unique and interesting things at Heritage Lakewood.”

In 2020, exterior signage featuring the new name and logo will be added to the site, and there will be increased communication about the programs, events and experiences available at Heritage Lakewood, officials said.

The city provided the following excerpt on the new logo:

The logo design takes inspiration from the retro-themed visitor center, early agricultural and mid century modern architectural forms, the rolling hills of the park’s short grass prairie and the musical notes you might hear coming from the summer concert series, Cider Days music stages, Lakewood Lights carolers or a festive wedding band. Above all, this is a place that preserves Lakewood’s past and celebrates community. The warm and sunny color palette gives a nod to its role in welcoming visitors to explore Lakewood’s history.