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PHOTOS: Art parade celebrates 50 years of the Aspen pedestrian mall
By Austin Colbert Follow
acolbert@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· June 28, 2026
· 7 min read
Much like the entrance to Aspen , affordable housing, the airport modernization project and a host of other popular topics today, the creation of the pedestrian mall in the downtown core was hotly debated for years before becoming reality.
Created in 1976, this summer marks the 50th anniversary...
Key takeaway ” Initially approved in 1972, the pedestrian mall became the first of its kind in Colorado.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The 50th anniversary celebration of the Aspen pedestrian mall is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its unique character. As the downtown core continues to evolve, the pedestrian mall remains a vital part of Aspen's identity, fostering a sense of community and promoting a pedestrian-first lifestyle. The mall's history is intertwined with the city's growth, and its creation was a pivotal moment in Aspen's development. The fact that it was the first of its kind in Colorado underscores the city's willingness to innovate and take risks. As Aspen looks to the future, the pedestrian mall will likely remain a central part of the city's plans, particularly as it relates to issues like affordable housing and airport modernization. The upcoming Fourth of July parade will once again bring the community together in the downtown core, highlighting the enduring importance of the pedestrian mall as a public gathering space.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Much like the entrance to Aspen, affordable housing, the airport modernization project and a host of other popular topics today, the creation of the pedestrian mall in the downtown core was hotly debated for years before becoming reality.
Created in 1976, this summer marks the 50th anniversary...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Austin Colbert Follow
acolbert@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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