3 Metro Parks Worth the Drive

Westminster Station Nature Play Park

Destination Parks

By Anna Sutterer

Sometimes, a patch of grass and simple swing will suffice for a summer afternoon at the park. But if your family is in need of a fresh environment, visit these new and improved facilities featuring inclusive equipment, natural materials, and community programs.

RiNo ArtPark Living up to its mission to be a creative community hub, ArtPark—opened in September 2021—has several family-fun opportunities planned for summer 2022. The outdoor gathering space, located in Five Points, will host art workshops, programs connected to the nearby Platte River, and a Kid’s Fringe event in conjunction with the Denver Fringe Festival, a platform for experimental arts. Families can also check out the new Denver Public Library branch—opened in February 2022—and First Friday exhibit openings from Alto Gallery, plus artist workshops from ArtPark partner RedLine. rinoartpark.com Westminster Station Nature Play Park This park, full of features made from nature-based materials, opened in November 2021. Climb a tree house, scale a tiny mountain, and dig for replica dinosaur fossils in a playground constructed from boulders, logs, and sands that mimic the native surrounding area. During the beginning stages of design in 2017, developers Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds held community engagement sessions where Colorado STEM Academy sixth graders gave ideas for the park, which is just blocks away from the school and abuts the Little Dry Creek Trail/Rocky Mountain Greenway. bienenstockplaygrounds.com, cityofwestminster.us

James A. Bible Park Rising from the wood chips, two tall towers invite visitors to climb in the revived (as of November 2021) Bible Park. Bright green slides shoot out from the main structure leading kids toward a “Crab Trap” rope climbing obstacle structure, a swing set with two accessible chair swings, and an inclusive zero-entry merry-go-round with bench seating. Don’t forget to pack your wheels before heading out to this attraction near Cherry Creek State Park—the grounds also feature a pump circuit track on which bike and scooter riders can play with building momentum. denvergov.org

James A. Bible Park

good neighbors

Chess for Success

By Anna Sutterer

What makes a good chess player makes a strong person: tenacious learning, critical-thinking, understanding consequences, turning losses into lessons. Make a Chess Move (MACM) infuses the game’s philosophy into their youth development programs in order to elevate the community and defy negative forces, including the school-to-prison pipeline.

A student that learns compassion, ethical decision-making, and goal setting has a great chance for success. “Everyone at MACM has a common understanding that chess relates to life,” Oujaa Brown, MACM’s administrative assistant says. “Our participants begin to think about the potential consequences of their actions, thus resulting in them making better choices.” MACM provides opportunities for this process through elective classes in schools, quarterly chess workshops (currently online), and summer programming.

“Some students are able to come out of their shells and display a sense of confidence,” Brown says. “Others may have been directed by one of the facilitators and have been able to change some of their negative practices. Everyone who enters MACM’s doors is considered a “niecephew” (niece and nephew combined) and we create a strong bond with each member.”

COMING UP: The Make a Compassion Move summer internship pays youth ages 13 to 17 to help manage MACM’s social media and digital presence, and engage with chessboard/life strategy and social-emotional curriculum. The program is meant for youth that are struggling with school attendance, academic achievement, and involvement in the system. Make A Career Move, also for ages 13 to 17, helps youth to explore career opportunities through workshops that cover financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wealth building. Participants from both internships also plan and host Safe Zones during the summer. The free events allow the community to enjoy food and activities in a safe space. makeachessmove.org

HOW YOU CAN HELP:Reach out to become a volunteer or mentor (chess expertise not required) or donate to help MACM provide programming and operate in schools across Denver.

Summer starts at the Arvada Center

With camps in drama, dance, visual arts, digital arts, and more, there’s something for everyone at the Arvada Center!

Learn more and register: arvadacenter.org or call 720.898.7200

All PACKED UP

6 essentials for camp-bound kids.

By Kara Thompson

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Want to know what your child did at camp? Send them off with the Camping Journal for Kids by Kim Andrews so they can keep track of their adventures. The journal has spots for kids to log their favorite nature trips and crazy insect encounters, and offers journaling prompts to get them writing. $8, target.com

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Protect little ankles from ticks and sharp twigs with these Happy Camper Kids Crew Socks. The bear print socks keep kiddos cozy while they hike and play with their buddies. Plus, they’re a fun and affordable surprise to get your kid stoked for camp. $6, littlebluehouse.com

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Whether it’s a morning of trail walks or an afternoon dip in the lake, kids are active at camp. Keep your cuties hydrated by sending them with the Sprout Ware Straw Bottle. The 10-ounce bottle is made with plant-based materials, free of BPAs, and dishwasher safe. $15, greensproutsbaby.com

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The Coleman Kids LED Lantern will add a whimsical glow to your kid’s cabin. With a 16-hour runtime on batteries and lifetime LEDs, which never need to be replaced, it’s a no-brainer for kids heading on an overnight trip. $10, target.com

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While we certainly hope your tiny camper doesn’t encounter any grizzlies, they can still bring the thrill of wildlife on their summer getaway. The water-resistant Little Bear Backpack has plenty of space for kids to tote their necessities, and it comes with a pouch that holds smaller items. $100, cocovillage.com

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If your little one is heading to sleepaway camp, send them with this Sherpa Sleeping Bag. The super soft sleeping bag completely unzips on two sides for easy in and out transitions. A zippered pocket in the bottom corner gives kids a place to stash headphones and other knickknacks. $119, crateandbarrel.com

PERFORMANCE-BASED MUSIC EDUCATION FOR TOTS TO TEENS, BEGINNER TO ADVANCED SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS

JOIN THE BAND THIS SUMMER! Our award-winning weeklong day camps are perfect for young musicians of any skill level who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keys or vocals in a fun and collaborative setting, with a performance for friends and family at the end of each session!

NOW WITH 8 FRONT RANGE LOCATIONS

AURORA BOULDER BROOMFIELD COLORADO SPRINGS DENVER FT COLLINS GOLDEN-LAKEWOOD LITTLETON

Photo by Torch Media