Recreation
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Fort Morgan
Keep an eye out for these outdoor recreation events this summer in Fort Morgan. By Britney Eschelman Fort Morgan Times intern
As the seasons change and warmer weather heads our way, it’s no surprise that people are growing excited about getting outside. You may already have summer vacations planned, or you’re thinking about what activities you could participate in during those hot, summer days and nights. Whether you’re near or far, Fort Morgan, Colorado has plenty of outdoor recreation to get you outside to have some fun in the sun! Recreation Superintendent for the city of Fort Morgan Steve Samson has been running the department for three years. When it comes to outdoor recreation events available during the summer for local community members and visitors in the area, Samson has some recommendations. With COVID-19 restrictions, Samson said that the recreation department follows restrictions based on the other local recreation departments guidelines. For example, they encourage those registering for the youth soccer program to use good practice and maintain social distancing as best as possible. “We’ve been very mindful of the restrictions and about keeping things clean and sanitary,” said Samson. Given the advancements with the vaccine over the past several months, the Fort Morgan recreation department is trying to get things back to normal for the upcoming summer season.
Organized Recreation
Organized recreation events must be planned a season ahead. Swim Lessons Swim lessons at the community center pool at Riverside Park are extremely popular and fill up fast. There are a variety of lessons
Jenni Grubbs / Fort Morgan Times
The Luke Wayne Band plays country music from the Dahms-Talton Band Shell in City Park during a past summer concert series.
Outdoor Entertainment Events
offered from group classes, to private lessons and are available for children and adults. The summer session for swim lessons will begin June 1, 2021 and wrap up around the first week of August. Baseball and Softball Baseball and softball leagues are very popular for the summer months for organized sporting events. With an abundance of fields at the recreation center, it’s easy to have multiple games or tournaments going on.
Open Outdoor Recreation
Riverside Park “Riverside Park is the largest park in the city,” said Samson. It contains seven baseball and softball fields, a walking trail, and a disc golf course. The disc golf course is very popular and is available for public use throughout the year and especially during the summer. Twamore Trail “Just on the other side of Rainbow Bridge, to the north of it, is Twamore Trail,” said Samson.
Fort Morgan Times file photo
At right, Rachel Serna (117) and Ramona Garcia (119) head to the finish line during a 2019 color run at Riverside Park.
With grants from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, this new rustic trail system was recently developed and is a great spot for outdoor recreation. Twamore Trail goes around both the north and south ends of the Platte River.
20 • APRIL 17, 2021 • OUTDOORS 2021 SPRING/SUMMER • PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN MEDIA
Thursday Night Live “Every Thursday throughout the summer we’ll have a band playing in the evening,” said Samson. This is one of their favorite events for the recreations center and is a big hit amongst the community. The concerts run from the beginning of June to the end of July. Movie Night “We also have our movie nights where we have our big inflatable movie screen out on the field,” said Samson. This is a great way to spend those hot summer nights. Bring your lawn chairs, outdoor blankets, and your favorite movie snacks and watch a movie outside. To find out more information, check out the City of Fort Morgan Recreation Facebook page or go to the City of Fort Morgan website to find information on registration for organized recreation events such as swim lessons, baseball, adult softball leagues, picnic shelters, etc.
