When Ferril Lake was built, it was intended as an open mirror of water to provide expansive vistas. Ferril Lake originally had sloping shores along the northern, eastern and southeastern edges, and a concrete retaining wall that defined the docks on the western shore. Originally Ferril Lake was called Large Lake. However, Thomas Hornsby Ferril, a journalist who specialized in corporate public relations and was named Poet Laureate of Colorado in 1979, loved to walk around Large Lake or sit and read next to the lake. He lived not very far from City Park. Mr. Ferril died in 1988. Carl Sandburg called Mr. Ferril “The Poet of the Rockies.” Ferril Lake has been known as a good place to fish, a fun place to rent a paddle boat, and it is very popular place to be at dusk.
Duck Lake
Duck Lake is a significant body of water, and continues to provide the “natural” bird refuge as originally intended. The Lake was built in 1887 with an island in the center to provide a breeding ground for birds. The island was heavily planted with willows, cottonwoods and evergreens. The north edge of the Lake is currently the northern boundary of City Park and is considered a part of the Denver Zoo.