Loveland’s Connection to a Great Little Park in Golden

Colorado's mining history is attached to a small park in Golden. Within the park and the trail attached, visitors will find two very large pieces of art representing Golden's mining history and the mine that was once there.

New Loveland Mine Park in Golden, Colorado - With Shovel and Pick-Axe Art

In western Golden you'll find a little park with a a name Northern Coloradans are familiar with: Loveland. It's New Loveland Mine Park, and not only does it share the City of Loveland's name, but sculptures/art as well.

In April of 2025, I'd heard that the City of Golden would be unveiling a couple of pieces of art that looked very interesting: a large shovel and a large pick-axe. The site for the artwork, was a park I'd not heard of but definitely caught my attention: New Loveland Mine Park.

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William A.H. Loveland was key to helping Golden develop as a town, and to bringing railroad to the area, including the Colorado Central Railroad which would take passengers north through what would become the City of Loveland.

MORE: The Sculpture at DIA Created by a Loveland Legend

The City of Loveland was going to be called "Barnesville" because David Barnes had given up so much land and helped to create the town, everyone agreed it should have his name; but Barnes insisted that it be named after his good friend, William A. H. Loveland.

READ MORE: Loveland's Weird 3-Horse Sculpture - EXPLAINED

One of the many things Loveland did in the Golden area was to (it's believed) have operated Colorado's first coal mine, where New Loveland Mine Park is today.

Two recreation trails runs through the park, which has a playground and picnic area; and in 2025, they installed two large pieces of art. reflecting Golden's mining history: A 20-foot shovel, and a 20-foot pick-axe, done by Denver area artist Ian Houghton.