CPRA Byline - Summer 2023

O F F I C I A L

P U B L I C AT I O N

O F

C O L O R A D O

PA R K S

&

R E C R E AT I O N

A S S O C I AT I O N

INSIDE: cpra-web.org | Summer 2023

Governor Offers Lifeguard Grant for a Second Year An Aerial Adventure in Westminster Keeping Up – Agency Briefs

CREATIVE PLAY FOR

ALL

Helping everyone make the most of your programs and services.

2023 CPRA CONFERENCE PREVIEW INSIDE

New Edge on the Horizon Natural play meets urban design in the NU-Edge GSX for activity that builds balance and overall confidence. This compact piece offers a gauntlet of challenges for a child. How will they choose to get to the rope bridge? The options are as limitless as a child’s imagination. Climb the crisscrossing ropes to escape a collapsing tomb or slide into an unexplored jungle.

Stay steady on the large rope over a course of raging rapids.

Designed with the ability to connect to an existing post and platform.

Hang out between the top wooden planks to plan the next adventure. The NU-Edge GSX invites kids, and kids-at-heart, to channel their creativity in a space that teeters between the rustic and the modern.

To see NU-Edge® GSX in action, visit LittleTikesCommercial.com/GSX

LetsPlay@RecreationPlus.com 303-278-1455 www.RecreationPlus.com ® & © The Little Tikes Company U.S. and other countries. PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc. is a PlayPower, Inc. company. ©2022 PlayPower, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS

11 8

COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 [P] 303-231-0943 [F] 303-237-9750 cpra@cpra-web.org www.cpra-web.org Ashley Perillo Executive Director ashleyp@cpra-web.org Rachel Hungerbuhler Professional Development Program Manager rachelh@cpra-web.org

6 Technical Tuesdays Survey 6-10

Agency Briefs

11 Governor Polis Offers

Lifeguard Grant

By Katie Groke 12-16

2023 CPRA Conference

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL 19 El Paso County

By El Paso County Comms. Dept.

20-21 City of Lakewood

By City of Lakewood 22-23 City of Colorado Springs

By Cassie Melvin 24-25 City of Glenwood Springs

By Laine (Helaine) Fabijanic 26-27 Inclusion Advice

By Lindsey Reardon 28-29 Town of Castle Rock

By KerriAne Mukhopadhyay

and Lisa Sorbo

20 26

31

Marketplace

FACILITY MANAGEMENT Dan Wahl Town of Castle Rock dwahl@crgov.com

PRESIDENT-ELECT Clay Shuck City and County of Broomfield cshuck@broomfield.org SECRETARY/TREASURER Sean VonRoenn ERBM Recreation and Park District seanv@ERBMrec.com

AT-LARGE Gina Barton Jefferson County Parks and Conservation gbarton@jeffco.us

UPCOMING BYLINE DEADLINES

AT-LARGE Megann Lohman City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Lohmanm@bouldercolorado.gov AT-LARGE Kit Newland City of Lakewood kitnew@lakewood.org

Fall 2023 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: September 30, 2023 | Mails: Nov. 2023 Winter 2024 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: January 23, 2024 | Mails: March 2024 Spring 2024 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: March 25, 2024 | Mails: May 2024 Summer 2023 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: June 15, 2024 | Mails: Aug. 2024

Learn more about advertising at www.bit.ly/CPRA2023.

CARA Miguel Chavez City of Commerce City Parks, Recreation & Golf MChavez@c3gov.com

Colorado Byline is the official member magazine of CPRA, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association. CPRA is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

AT-LARGE Susan Anderson City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation sanderson@ci.wheatridge.co.us

24

AQUATICS Hillary Osmack City of Boulder Parks and Recreation osmackh@bouldercolorado.gov

DIRECTORS Dean Rummel Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District drummel@cvprd.com

PRESIDENT Hillary Roemersberger Apex Park & Recreation District hillaryr@apexprd.org

30-31 An Aerial Adventure

By Lisa Krien

AAPS Amy Hodge Eaton Parks & Recreation District amyhodge@eaprd.com

Jillian Galoci (Strogis) Membership & Communications Coordinator jilliang@cpra-web.org

2022-23 CPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

30

2022-23 CPRA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Colorado Byline is the quarterly publication of Colorado Parks & Recreation Association (CPRA) and is provided as a benefit to members. Submit your article to www. cpra-web.org/page/bylinearticlesub under publication resources. Submissions are edited and published as space allows. Letters to the editor, suggestions, comments and encouragement are welcome. Expressed opinions and statements in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CPRA board of directors or its membership.

FITNESS Michelle Stout Apex Parks & Recreation District michelles@apexprd.org PARKS Ryan Jensen City and County of Broomfield rjensen@broomfield.org PLAaY Katy French City of Brighton kfrench@brightonco.gov THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (TR) Ashley Bordenet Town of Castle Rock abordenet@crgov.com

BYLINE , ONLINE & EMAIL ADVERTISING: Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.com

On the Cover: El Paso County's Trailability Program

GO DIGITAL View this issue online at cpra-web.org/page/byline.

Keep up on all things CPRA via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Mission: Promote the parks and recreation profession and its growth throughout the State of Colorado.

Vision: A dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 3

SURVEY SAYS - TECHNICAL TUESDAY RESULTS

Technical Tuesdays CPRA’s Technical Tuesdays emails provide our members with insight on the current technical trends in the Parks & Recreation field and available solutions provided by our Industry Partners. You can participate in our once-a-month Technical Tuesdays survey to provide your feedback on the leading questions on our partners’ minds. When you answer the survey, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Technical Tuesday emails and surveys are sent to all active CPRA members. Keep an eye on your inbox and check out the data here to get your gears turning with the latest from the industry!

You can see past Technical Tuesdays and Byline issues at cpra-web.org/publications – member log-in is required.

JUNE & JULY TECHNICAL TUESDAY SURVEY RESULTS Question 1: How do you keep records of your tasks and assets?

Computerized management software................ 46.7% Excel spreadsheets...................................................... 28.9% Paper records.................................................................. 13.3%

Question 3: What is your top priority during a remodel?

70 60 50

We just kind of wing it...................................................8.9%

40

Word documents............................................................. 2.2%

30 20

Question 2: What is your top goal to see your visitors achieve while they are at their local outdoor space?

50 40

10 0

Least disruption 67.6%

Quickest duration 13.5%

Avoid a shutdown 13.5%

Cheapest bid 5.4%

30

Question 4: How would you rate the design of your public recreation center in terms of functionality and aesthetics?

20 10

Excellent - design is both functional and visually appealing............... 10.8%

0

Enjoy their time in an outdoor space............ 48.9% Gain a sense of community and connect with the community........................... 24.4% Participate in physical activities...................... 11.1% Make memories with their family.................... 11.1% Socially connect with others............................ 4.5%

4 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

Good - design is mostly functional and visually pleasing.................. 45.9% Fair - design has some functional flaws and could be improved aesthetically................................... 43.2% Poor - design is not functional and lacks visual appeal...................... 0%

10.8%

43.2% 45.9%

Highlight Your Agency!

SHARE YOUR NEWS, PROJECTS, EVENTS & UPDATES IN CPRA’S COLORADO BYLINE

O F F I C

I A L

P U BL I

C AT I O

N

O F

C O L O R

A D O

PA R K S

&

R E C R E

AT I O N

A S S O C

I AT I O

cpra-web.o

N

rg | Winter

OF F

2023

ICI

A L

P U B

LIC

AT I

ON

OF

C OL

OR A

DO

Funding & Spaces Programs

: ALSO INSIDEAWARDS CPRA

, • 2022 SPORTS E THE BOX IDEAS • OUTSID & HEALTH FITNESS MENT LAWS • NEW EMPLOY

K S

O F F I C

&

REC

RE A

T IO

N

A S S

OCI

ATI

I A L

P U BL I

C AT I O

N

O F

C O L O R

A D O

PA R K S

&

R E C R E

AT I O N

A S S O C

I AT I O

N

Fall 2023 Editorial Themes*

ON

Fall 2023 Byline with Commercial Buyer’s Guide

6

cpra-web.o

Tips Crea for tin Fitnes g Recr s & Cent eation Colorers in ado

Revenuetion Genera Your

PA R

cpra-w eb.org

| Winter

2020

rg | Fall 2022

the Outside s Box Idea S OF COMMUNITIEE & COLOR ADO OFFER UNIQU ALL SIZES PROGRAMS INNOVATIVE

Article and advertising deadline............................................... October 8, 2023 Mails & Online: ............................................................................November 2023

Fall issue main theme: Tech 4 Rec & Parks

+

• MEE T YOU R CPR • MEA A BOA N(IN RD PUBLIC GFUL) TWE LAN DS EDIT ETS: • NIGH T OF ION COLORA THE STAR TO SHO DO YOU S GIVE S TH WCA SE TALEA CHANCE • HOW PARKS NTS PRO AND FESS RECREA IONA CHA MPIO LS N FOR CAN BE TION OUT DOO R PAR COLORA A TNERSH DO’S IP

E: ALSO INSIDCONFERENCE CPRA REVIEW

• 2022

IN

ALAMOSA • CITY OFED RAISE GRANT AWARD ER TOGETH • BAND WINNERS COMPETITION

2022-23

CPRA COM

BUYE MERCIAL

R’S GUID

E - PAGE

S 29-40!

CPRA Agency Members: It’s time to plan ahead for the fall issue of Colorado Byline magazine which features Technology in Recreation & Park departments. Have something unique you'd like to share? We would love to feature your agency! Byline offers great opportunities to be published in your state professional magazine.

CPRA members can view past issues of Byline on www.cpra-web.org.

How to submit: Send your article or article topic, high resolution photos, and any other details to Jillian Galoci at jilliang@cpra-web.org. Questions? Call (720) 588-0943.

• Technology Today & Into the Future Tech for facilities, fields, playgrounds • Programming and registration Community classes • Social media, web, advertising Contests and surveys • Gaming and eSports Fall Issue • 2023-24 Buyer’s Guide Includes Commercial • 2023 Annual Conference in Review Buyer’s * Editorial subject to change.

Guide!

CPRA Industry Partner Opportunities Get in front of CPRA members with a customized package including: Byline magazine advertising, sponsored editorial, online, email and event sponsorships. Single magazine and web ad opportunities are also available.

Contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111 or download the 2023 media kit at www.bit.ly/CPRAMEDIA2023

Good design is everything!

We can help you put your best marketing foot forward.

We help communities - as well as park and recreation industry partners - creatively showcase themselves in print and digitally.

Clients have considered us part of their marketing teams for more than 24 years.

We offer both á la carte and turnkey graphic design and marketing solutions: • Catalogs, newsletters & brochures • Logo development & branding • Event marketing • Social, email and web marketing • Exhibit design & production • Advertising & sponsorship development • Printing & mailing • Writing services

Winner winner chicken dinner!

Visit our table at the Conference to register to win one of three $50 Amazon gift card & more!

todd@pernsteiner.com | (952) 841-1111

www.pernsteiner.com

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 5

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

Wheat Ridge Anderson Park Nature Play Area

By Susan Bennett, Environmental Interpreter, and Danielle Moore, Marketing Specialist

Between 2020 and 2022, a Nature Play Area was added to Wheat Ridge’s Anderson Park with the help of many community partners. The Nature Play Area was designed to encourage visitors to play in nature, featuring a labyrinth, pollinator garden, log features, pathways, a meadow, bird habitat and more!

Each of these features have a theme that suggests investigation and offers opportunity for creativity.

Construction and design of these features were completed through a collaboration with the Colorado Health Foundation, National Wildlife Federation’s Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) program, Wilmore-Davis Elementary School, College Living Experience, and the City of Wheat Ridge Parks, Forestry and Open Space Division.

Students at Wilmore-Davis Elementary school are taught using the Project-

6 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

based Learning system, with curriculum built around an authentic project. The City suggested that sections of the Nature Play Area could be used for these projects and the entire school was able to participate. The City worked through the project with students as a contractor and client would work through a project; there was a kickoff meeting, site visits, research, design, and project presentation to the client (City). Students in kindergarten and first grade designed the bird habitat. Students in second and third grade designed the history pod.

And students in fourth and fifth grade created designs for the labyrinth.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Wilmore-Davis students were no longer able to complete the construction of their sections of the Nature Play Area, but plants had already been ordered for the pollinator garden and the bird habitat. At the same time, College Living Experience

(CLE) was looking for volunteer opportunities for their students that were outside. It was the perfect match for the CLE students to work at the Nature Play Area. These students planted most of the plants in the pollinator garden and bird habitats, installed the temporary fence to protect the young plants from foraging wildlife, applied protectant to the “canoe,” mulched the planted and log areas, weeded the site, and removed the temporary fence when the plants were established. Their efforts were invaluable!

There was an official Grand Opening event in September of 2022 to celebrate the achievements of the many hands involved in making this space special.

This amenity is getting a lot of use and has been incorporated into play time for Wheat Ridge Sun Camp and other youth recreation programming.

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

Parks and Recreation Month in Arvada

By Katie Groke, MPA, CPRP, Director of Community Services, Apex Park and Recreation District

The City of Arvada and Apex Park and Recreation District recently kicked off Parks and Recreation Month with a proclamation honoring Parks and Recreation Month at the June City of Arvada City Council meeting. This

CO M M U N I C ATE CONTRIBUTE CONSERVE

partnership not only recognizes the vital role of parks and recreation plays in their community but also encourages residents to explore and appreciate the abundant natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Arvada has to offer.

Apex and Arvada will continue to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month all through July with a Bingo card game, several community events, staff celebrations, and community prizes.

Conservation Graduate Certificate in

ommunications for

Le a r n M o re !

970.491.6591 | www.col.st/qMb4r

communicationsforconservation@colostate.edu

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 7

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

South Suburban Parks and Recreation

By Lindsay Robinson, Digital Communications Supervisor

South Suburban Parks and Recreation is embracing current and future trends in innovative parks and recreation opportunities with its Esports Lounge and biannual Esports Showcases.

South Suburban’s 2017 Master Plan prioritized inclusive programming for kids and adults of all ages and abilities.

In response, South Suburban created its first esports program in a multipurpose room inside the Lone Tree Hub – a building that formerly housed a library.

“Online connectivity has been a mainstay in the gaming community for some time and has created a disconnect in the interpersonal communication between its members,” South Suburban Esports Coordinator Tyler McIntosh said.

“By hosting local in-person events, we are able to build an ever growing and great community that may not have otherwise interacted outside of an online space.”

8 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

The Esports Lounge offers a safe space for youth of all ages to play popular, age-appropriate games in a community environment. Affordable drop-in play rates make it an accessible option for patrons that don’t have access to the equipment or games in their own homes, or those who want to make new friends while playing their favorite games.

“Traditional sports often have physical and/or mental restrictions that hinder a large majority of interested individuals,” McIntosh said. “Gaming has no such barriers, and we are happy to be able to offer a competitive space and atmosphere for ANY individual regardless of their background or demographic.”

Most recently, the program has expanded to form unique community partnerships.

The biannual Esports Showcase is a chance for high school, collegiate, amateur and pro players and teams

to celebrate gaming in Colorado. The inaugural showcase in fall 2022 hosted 60+ players and earned sponsorships from companies like Ting, Logitech, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Special Olympics Colorado and more. This year’s Spring Showcase featured even more players and community partners, and the upcoming 2023 Fall Showcase is expected to continue this growth.

“By holding a large-scale local event, we’re providing a great opportunity for sponsors and local organizations to come in and provide support,” McIntosh said. “In turn, our community sees that we have local talent and resources, and gamers are exposed to the wide range of opportunities within the industry. They may see a potential career pathway and that esports is not JUST about playing the games, but also all of the other great community aspects involved.”

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

Western Colorado's Base Camp: Highline Lake State Park

By Josh Gaunt, Content Writer, Romtec, Inc.

Highline Lake State Park is a recreation haven during the summer months and used as a base camp for exploring western Colorado.

Highline Lake State Park is in Loma, CO which is 25 miles west of Grand Junction.

The park is managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the Park Manager, Alan Martinez.

The park had an outdated restroom building with limited capacity creating long lines during the busy season from the beach and picnic area.

Steve Ryan, a long-time project manager with Colorado Parks & Wildlife spearheaded the project to get the restroom replaced quickly. “It wouldn’t have happened without Steve and he got it done,” Martinez said. “The biggest driving factor was the old restroom building was built in 1970 and was

very outdated, when it was built, it was built for 1970 visitation. The men's and women’s restrooms had three toilets each. We have seen a drastic increase in visitation so it was far too small for the amount of people we had coming to the park.”

Over the past year Highline Lake State Park has had 199,612 visitors. “We’re in the desert, and most people don’t think of Colorado being a desert,” Martinez said. “But with our large swim beach, we attract a lot of people when its 100 degrees out. We have a large turf grass area with large Cottonwood trees which provides a lot of shade as well as picnic tables and grills, so it a popular place in the summer. It’s a focal point that draws our largest number of visitors.”

The park was looking for a pre-designed option to speed the replacement process

up. The parks contacted Romtec, Inc. who designs, manufactures, supplies, and installs park and recreation buildings nationwide. The new park restroom has eight toilets on each side and a family restroom.

“There are no lines which we had a lot of when we outgrew our old building,” Martinez said. “The appearance is beautiful. The roof truss overhang is one of the most popular spaces that people settle into, close to the restrooms to provide shade that is also close to one of the beaches. People are excited about this new project and commenting on it all the time.”

The restroom building caters to all day visitors during the summer months as it serves as a base for the beach, picnic areas, along with campground users, and the trail systems.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 9

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

Wheat Ridge Receives Starburst Award

By Brandon Altenburg and Danielle Moore

Wheat Ridge’s Prospect Park received the statewide Starburst Award from the Colorado Lottery for renovations done between 2017 and 2022.

The awarded renovations were done in two phases, totaling over $1.2 million dollars, which was funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF). The park now hosts two ballfields, six pickleball courts, a football field, two playgrounds, two fishing piers, a 150-person pavilion, restrooms, permanent cornhole boards, horseshoe pits, and improved roads and walkways throughout the park.

Phase 3 of the project is tentatively planned for 2026-2027 and will focus on the northeastern portion of the park with a new picnic pavilion, renovation of the Berbert House, new restrooms, renovated or new park storage, and one or two new playground-type areas.

Prospect Park is a regional, diverse-use park on W. 44th Ave in Wheat Ridge between Kipling and Youngfield streets.

The park is adjacent to the 300-acre Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, connects to the Peaks to Plains Trail (a National Recreation Trail, also known as the Clear

10 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

Creek Trail, and one of the Colorado the Beautiful initiative’s priority trail systems).

Prospect Park now has an excellent balance of natural environment and developed park amenities, a rarity in for land-locked areas within the Denver metro. This renovation project is an excellent example of improving what Wheat Ridge already has and adjusting the space for the needs of future generations. The renovations provide more opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to be able to enjoy the park year-round.

The economic impacts from this project are significant for the local economy.

Nearly 45,000 residents and visitors enjoy Prospect Park annually. On weekends and weekday evenings in the springsummer, the athletic fields are heavily utilized by youth sports groups. Picnic groups and small special events utilize the large pavilion and parking area. The pickleball courts, despite only being open since mid-October 2022, have seen heavy consistent use whenever there is not snow coverage or freezing temperatures. Peaks to Plains Trail users

park at Prospect Park for commuting and recreation activities. All of these users provide customers and foot traffic to local businesses throughout the 44th Ave, Youngfield, and Kipling business corridors.

Additionally, the social impacts from this project are consistent with the significant research completed on the benefits of experiencing the natural world, exercising, participating in group social and/or sport activities, and having spaces to enjoy that are separate from one’s home and workspaces. Prospect Park has an incredibly diverse number of amenities within its boundaries and via its connection to the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt and Peaks to Plains Trail.

The Colorado Lottery awarded 2023 Starburst Awards to eight projects enriching communities across Colorado.

More than $4,042,283 in Lottery funds were represented in this year's winning projects, which include work on parks, campgrounds, open spaces, outdoor education, accessibility, and equity.

See all of the 2023 Starburst Award winners and more information on the award here: https://bit.ly/43rmY7j.

Governor Polis Offers Lifeguard Grant for a Second Year

By Katie Groke, MPA, CPRP, Director of Community Services, Apex Park and Recreation District on behalf of the CPRA Legislative Task Force

We are delighted to extend our sincerest gratitude to Governor Jared Polis for his unwavering commitment to Parks and Recreation and keeping pools open and safe this summer. Governor Polis recently announced the Lifeguard Training Initiative grant, made possible through Governor Polis's and Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)’s generous support.

The grant has immensely benefited our communities and the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association members.

Our renewed partnership with Governor Polis and his dedication to enhancing public safety and promoting recreational opportunities in the state of Colorado has been a winning combo. The Lifeguard Training Initiative grant, provided under his leadership and with help from our ongoing partnership, recognizes the importance of public pools and professional lifeguardinghas not only recognized the importance of keeping community pools open but has also empowered our association and its members to uphold the highest standards of safety and vigilance in our parks and recreational facilities.

Thanks to Governor Polis's support and advocacy by CPRA vision, this grant has enabled our association to offer comprehensive lifeguard training

programs, ensuring that our lifeguards possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and certifications to maintain a safe environment for everyone to enjoy this summer. This initiative has helped bridge gaps in training resources and facilitated the provision of up-todate techniques and protocols for effective lifeguarding.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association members for their tireless efforts in implementing the Lifeguard Training Initiative. Your dedication to preserving the safety and well-being of our community is truly commendable, and we are proud to have such a passionate group of professionals as part of our association. With the full $258,000 available awarded, the Governor’s Office now has evidence of the need for supporting lifeguards. A special appreciation to members of the CPRA Legislative Task Force who worked hard to build connections bridge the gap between CPRA and the Governor’s office. Moving forward, CPRA and the Governor’s office will continue to work together and open lines communication for future partnership opportunities.

As we move forward, we remain committed to keeping our pools open and safe. We will continue to collaborate with our members, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of our lifeguarding programs, all thanks to Governor Polis's steadfast support.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Governor Jared Polis for his visionary leadership and support for public pools in Colorado. The Lifeguard Training Initiative grant has been a transformative force, enabling us to create a safer environment for all who enjoy our parks and recreational facilities.

We are grateful for Governor Polis's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the people of Colorado.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 11

2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE September 27-29

Viewline Resort, Snowmass, Colorado

12 • Colorado Byline | Spring Winter 2023

SEE YOU IN SNOWMASS! “Hobbies? Organizing my agenda.

Wait, that doesn't sound fun … jammin’ on my planner!”

– Leslie Knope, Parks & Rec

This issue's Conference Schedule on page 16 will help you jam your planner full of inspirational sessions and fruitful networking opportunities.

We're excited to be in Snowmass Village this September as we look back on CPRA's rich history, enjoy the present with our colleagues & friends, and look ahead to the future of the industry!

This will be another memorable conference, and year of record-breaking attendance as we take over Snowmass. Due to it's overwhelming popularity, attendee registration to this conference is sold out.

We are excited to gather with members and industry partners from all across the state to discuss the past, engage on current trends, and embrace the future.

Registration is currently sold out!

Sign up for the waiting list.

- CPRA Conference Planning Team

CONFERENCE INFORMATION For more Conference information, visit www.cpra-web.org or scan the QR code.

THANK YOU 2023 CONFERENCE SPONSORS!* Title Sponsors

Support Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Associate Sponsors

Closing Keynote Speaker Sponsor

Contributing Sponsors

Communications Sponsors

Photo: Jeremy Swanson

• BerryDunn

• Ground Solutions

• Advanced Exercise

• Colorado Byline magazine

• Colorado Pool Designs

• MAC Equipment

• CivicPlus

• Pernsteiner Creative Group

• Essenza Architecture

• Recreation Plus

• Progessive Commercial Aquatics

• Pidj

• Fitness Gallery

• Star Playgrounds

• Push Pedal Pull • Vermont Systems

*As of press time

• Xplor Fitness & Wellbeing

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 13

OPENING KEYNOTE: Dr. Jon Kedrowski Meet Dr. Jon Kedrowski, the founder of Dr. Jon's Adventures. Jon has a Ph.D. in Environmental Geography, Weather, and Climate. He grew up in Vail, Colorado where he has climbed over 1,000 different Colorado peaks, including hundreds of ski descents, skiing each of Colorado's 14,000' peaks and about half of the 637 CO 13ers.

He has climbed six of the seven continental summits, including five expeditions to Mt. Everest in 2012, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021. His most recent summit of Everest came while guiding and coaching singer/ songwriter Mike Posner to the top on June 1, 2021.

His training ground has included the mighty Mount Rainier volcano in WA, which he has climbed over 35 times and skied on numerous occasions.

In the winter 2021, Jon went to K2 in Pakistan, the world's 2nd highest mountain. During this brutally cold winter expedition, Jon was part of a team that successfully put members on the summit of K2 for the first time ever in winter on January 16, 2021.

Jon is the author of four books: “Sleeping on the Summits: Colorado Fourteener High Bivys”; “Skiing and Sleeping on the Summits: Cascade Volcanoes”; and "Classic Colorado Ski Descents (2017)", and "Classic Colorado Hikes", published in 2022. He is also an expedition leader, an adventure coach, PSIAcertified ski instructor, keynote speaker, and college professor at Colorado Mountain College. In Jon’s talks, mountains are metaphors for accomplishing goals in life, both professionally and personally.

You will often find Dr. Jon outdoors hiking, climbing, skiing, or even ice skating…with his camera in hand… experiencing the next big adventure.

Dr. Kedrowski Vital Stats Trail Name: Avocado Height: 6'3"

Born in: Minnesota, moved to Vail at 1 month old Favorite camping game: Jenga

Known for: sleeping in uncomfortable places; skiing anything with good snow

Quote: "Life is like a game of Jenga: a continuous lesson in humility."

14 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

CLOSING KEYNOTE: Chad Hymas In 2001, at the age of 27, Chad Hymas’s life changed in an instant when a 2,000-pound bale of hay shattered his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. But Chad’s dreams were not paralyzed that day—he became an example of what is possible.

Chad is a best-selling author, president of his own communications company, and recognized worldclass wheelchair athlete. In 2003, Chad set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas (513 miles).

Chad’s speaking career in the areas of leadership, team building, customer service, and mastering change has brought him multiple honors. He served as president of the National Speakers Association Utah chapter and is a member of the elite Speakers Roundtable (one of twenty of the world’s top speakers).

Chad inspires, motivates, and moves audiences, creating an experience that touches hearts for a lifetime. He is one of the youngest ever to receive the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE) and to be inducted into the prestigious National Speaker Hall of Fame.

Chad travels as many as 300,000 miles a year, captivating and entertaining audiences around the world. He has graced the stage of hundreds of professional and civic organizations, including Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AT&T, Rainbird, IHC, American Express, Prudential Life, Vast FX, and Merrill Lynch.

The Wall Street Journal calls Chad Hymas “One of the 10 most inspirational people in the world!”

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 15

16 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

Parks & Open Space

SIGN

SOLUTIONS

HPL PANELS + HARDWARE MOUNTS

Wayfinding | Interpretive Panels | Trail Signage 888-464-9663 | izoneimaging.com

CREATIVE PLAY FOR

ALL

18 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2023

A well-planned equitible and inclusive approach is key to helping participants of all abilities make the most of your programs and services.

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

EL PASO COUNTY TRAILABILITY PROGRAM

RECEIVES MULTIPLE NATIONAL AWARDS

By El Paso County Communications Department

El Paso County Division of Parks & Recreation has been nationally recognized for its achievements and development of The Trailability Program.

The Program received a Universal Accessibility Award from the National Association of County and Park Officials (NACPRO) and an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards recognize unique and exceptional programs and honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

"El Paso County values the right of every individual to explore, engage, and celebrate the beauty of our parks and open spaces," said Todd Marts, El Paso County Executive Director of Parks & Community Services. "I am proud that our team is the regional leader in accessibility to outdoor recreation."

The El Paso County Trailability Program provides accessible outdoor recreational opportunities to individuals with limited mobility while preserving and protecting the natural resources within El Paso County parks and open spaces. The

Program is available to the community at no cost. The Trailability Program operates at the Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers. Reservations are required. The Program utilizes Terrain Hoppers, battery-operated vehicles that are quiet and gentle, preserving and protecting El Paso County's natural resources.

To learn more about The Trailability Program and to request reservations, visit https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/ trailability/

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 19

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

LAKEWOOD'S THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM

MAKES AN IMPACT

By City of Lakewood

Competing in sports and working out as an athlete has no limits in Lakewood, as mornings at the Whitlock Recreation Center demonstrate. team has grown significantly over the last few years, and more sessions have been added because families see such improvement and focus in their athletes, Sprague said.

The program has helped individuals in the community experience lifeenhancing activities since the 1970s when the city became a partner with Jeffco Public Schools to offer Camp Paha, a summer day camp for children and young adults with disabilities. The city took over the camp in the 1980s and to this day it remains the program’s most in-demand activity.

The center is buzzing thanks to a new adaptive activity offered to residents with disabilities. Drop-in wheelchair sports are offered every morning during the week, and athletes are frequently playing rugby and basketball. The dropin times have grown in popularity over the last few months with a large group from the Denver Harlequins wheelchair rugby team now coming in on Tuesday mornings to scrimmage.

This activity, along with many others is part of the city’s therapeutic recreation program, which provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges. The therapeutic program, often known as RISE, addresses the needs of individuals with disabilities

20 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

who have barriers to accessing and participating in recreation opportunities offered to the general public.

“Anyone in the community who is experiencing a barrier to participating in recreation and leisure opportunities is welcome to come see what we have to offer,” said Missy Sprague, coordinator for Lakewood’s therapeutic recreation program. “We have worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health conditions.”

Along with drop-in wheelchair sports, a variety of Special Olympics sport teams are offered throughout the year, including flag football, bowling, basketball, track and field and swim team. The swim

“We are fortunate to work with so many amazing families,” said Sprague. “At our end-of-summer slideshow for Camp Paha, we heard from so many families about how important the program is to them.

It offers a fun and safe place for them to drop their campers off and puts their mind at ease knowing that they are not only being taken care of but having fun.”

The therapeutic recreation program isn’t just geared toward sports There are social opportunities that are wildly popular as well. Participants enjoy monthly dances, social outings and even movie nights.

Now exploring the outdoors is an option for nature lovers through a new program for individuals with physical limitations who want to get out into Lakewood’s parks and trails. Freedom Trax are offered to individuals with manual wheelchairs, and these off-road wheelchair attachments allow the user to enjoy Lakewood’s trails. A GRIT chair, an all-terrain wheelchair, is also available to use.

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

Staff in the therapeutic recreation program are always looking for new ideas to offer the community and recently unveiled a one-of-a-kind reverberating floor at Whitlock. The floor offers those who are deaf, hard of hearing and even those without disabilities to experience music and dance. Feel the Beat, a local nonprofit, worked with the city to offer this unique experience to the community.

Through Feel the Beat’s patented floor technology, sound waves are converted into vibrations felt on a pliable floor.

These vibrations travel through the bones and hearing system just as a sound wave would move through

the air, allowing students to connect with the music and the beat through body motion. When combined with a specialized curriculum, musical tools and teachers communicating via American Sign Language, the result is a fully accessible and inclusive music and dance experience. A grand opening

event hosted by Feel the Beat and the Whitlock Recreation Center was held October. 8, 2022.

For additional information about Lakewood’s therapeutic recreation program, please call 303-987-4867 or email rise@lakewood.org.

THE MATERIAL PLACEMENT GUYS SPECIALIZING IN PRECISE MATERIAL DELIVERY & PLACEMENT

groundsolutionsco.com

CONTACT MIKE FOR A QUOTE: • Mulch/Cedar Installation • Soil/Compost Installation • Engineered Wood Fiber • Playground Surfacing Refresh

970-744-0782 mike@groundsolutionsco.com

• Rock Slinging • Topsoil/Compost Placement • Median Material Placement • Damp & Perimeter Drain

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 21

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

PANORAMA PARK –

A PLAYGROUND FOR ALL

By Cassie Melvin, Public Communications Specialist, City of Colorado Springs

“Meet me in the place where we gather in love and light, a once-desolate land now reinvigorated by the passion of the people.”

- Ashley Cornelius, the Pikes Peak poet laureate

Colorado Springs is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, like the famous red rock formations at Garden of the Gods or majestic Pikes Peak America’s Mountain. As one of the nations’ most physically active cities, Colorado Springs, known as Olympic City USA, abounds with neighborhood, community and regional parks as well as native open spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy in the endless, yearround sunshine.

In 2018, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department recognized the need for a vibrant outdoor recreation space in the southeast side of town that would reflect the community’s diversity and passion.

With limited public space available, Park staff identified Panorama Park as the perfect location to create that safe and inclusive environment. At the time, the 13.5-acre park, within walking distance for more than 3,300 people, was an underdeveloped and underutilized neighborhood park site with a small playground, pavilion, baseball backstop, and dirt parking lot.

The City of Colorado Springs, through a collaborative effort between multiple community partners, underwent a year-long process to gather public input about the park’s design, usage and future programming. Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national non-profit organization that works with communities to protect public land and provide equitable access to outdoor opportunities, led the community engagement process.

RISE | Southeast Colorado Springs, 22 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

also became a key partner and worked alongside TPL in the renovation of Panorama Park. RISE, an initiative developed and led by resilient, inspired, strong, and engaged residents in the southeast region of Colorado Springs, enhances the community through resident-led change. Funded by a grant through El Paso County Public Health, RISE works to connect people to resources within the city to provide opportunity for all to thrive. Rise and TPL, in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs, hosted multiple community engagement meetings with students, senior citizens, family members and neighbors to brainstorm ideas for the park. Initial ideas included a new playground, accessible walking paths, increased lighting for improved safety, more trees to combat the urban heat island effect, and a public gathering space. The next step was to secure funding to bring the community’s vision to life.

Eight and a half million dollars would be needed for the transformation of Panorama Park, and thanks to a variety of funding sources including many private and non-profit partners, Panorama Park became the largest neighborhood park renovation in city history. The City of Colorado Springs invested $5.5 million, including $4 million from Park Land Dedication Ordinance funds, $1 million from their Trails, Open Space and Parks

(TOPS) sales tax that collects one penny out of every $10 spent, and $500,000 from TABOR retention funds approved by voters in 2019.

The remainder of the project was funded by other partners including AARP Colorado, Colorado Health Foundation, Colorado Springs Health Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, Gazette Charities/ The Anschutz Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, National Endowment for the Arts, The North Face, Pikes Peak Community Foundation and TPL. “The renovation of Panorama Park would not have been possible without the generous support we received from private and nonprofit partners and the passion of southeast community members,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers. “Collaboration paved the way for southeast Colorado Springs to have a world-class destination park that will be enjoyed by generations to come here in Olympic City USA.” Now, residents in southeast Colorado Springs can enjoy a universally accessible and inclusive playground for all ages and abilities. Panorama Park also boasts a bike skill development park with three separate courses to accommodate riders of all skill levels, a youth area with a hammock garden and skate space

adjacent to a youth-designed climbing boulder, two basketball courts, an all-age fitness zone from AARP, a multi-use sports field, a state-of-the-art splashpad, and multiple public art installations.

One of the art features is a mosaic tile mural comprised of more than 7,000 individual community-designed tiles.

These tiles, which celebrate the diversity and unity of the southeast, create two mosaics. A community-driven sculpture created by Colorado-based artist Joshua Wiener will be unveiled near the park’s entry plaza in 2023.

“The Panorama Park transformation is a case study example of what can happen when a community’s vision for how it wants to connect to the outdoors is heard, respected, and brought to life,” said Jim Petterson, Trust for Public Land Mountain West Region vice president.

“Trust for Public Land is honored to have worked with the southeast community and proud to have partnered with the City of Colorado Springs to create a park that will be a cherished gathering place for families and a resounding source of neighborhood pride. Panorama Park sets a high bar for future community-driven park design and construction projects across the state and around the country.”

General William J. Palmer had a clear vision when he founded Colorado Springs in 1871. His dream was to build a city that would attract people from around the world to experience its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities in a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment.

Colorado Springs is a place where its citizens embrace the challenge to continue Palmer’s legacy to build a city that matches its scenery – a shining city at the foot of a great mountain.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 23

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

GLENWOOD SPRINGS PARKS AND RECREATION –

FUN FOR ALL

By Laine (Helaine) Fabijanic, Community and Therapeutics Recreation Supervisor, City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation Photos by Joe Van Wyk, Marketing Coordinator, City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation

“We reached for our dreams, and you can too.”

We’re not experts, but we are serious about fun for all. The National Recreation and Parks Association recently honored our City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation department as the winner of its July magazine cover contest. This victory has brought attention to our therapeutic recreation (TR) program and the impact it is having on people’s lives.

It can certainly be overwhelming to tackle something new, but at its core, this success started with a dream. We reached for our dreams, and you can too.

Twenty-plus years ago, when I started my career as a recreation therapist in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, I heard the stories of so many families who were desperate for activities and community for their loved ones with disabilities. I dreamed of helping people living with disabilities to participate in the epic adventure opportunities here in the Rocky Mountains.

Community for all is a driving value shared by many in our small city of just

over 10,000 people. A year ago, knowing the importance of this shared vision, our City of Glenwood Springs leadership pulled together resources and started our first therapeutic recreation program from scratch.

When you have a clear vision and you ask for what you want, hang on to your hat because something big is about to manifest. Our TR program is no exception. The winning photo, captured

by Marketing Coordinator Joe Van Wyk,

Architectural dog park products

ARCHITECTURAL

DOG PARK PRODUCTS 24 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

DOGWASH WASHTUBS TUBS DOG

FUNPRODUCTS PRODUCTS FUN

AGILITY AGILITYITEMS ITEMS

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

shows one of our TR program participants, Issac Alonso, beaming with joy as he scales our community center’s climbing wall using adaptive equipment. The moments where you’re able to see sparks of the dream become real are invigorating.

Collaboration has been key to getting our start Our therapeutic recreation program is in its infancy and we constantly reach out to other providers who have decades of experience in the TR space, such as the non-profit Challenge Aspen. Last year, their donation of an adaptive harness led to the creation of our adaptive climbing program.

Architectural dog park p

dog park prod ArchitecturalArchitectural dog park products

More partnerships have followed. Garfield County Public Health department reached out to us to manage an adaptive lending library for children with disabilities in our community. In addition, we are now collaborating with local outfitters to support our Therapeutic Recreation Adventures program. Soon, many in our TR community will feel the rush of whitewater rafting down the Colorado River.

Architectural dog park products Do you have a dream to lift up people living with disabilities? An idea or spark of inspiration that won’t let go of you?

That’s your signal to get started. You don’t have to be the world’s expert and have it all figured out ahead of time. Go for it.

Reach for your dreams. We did it and you can too.

DOG DOG WASH WASH TUBS TUBS

FUN FUN PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

DOG WASH TUBS

FUN PRODUCTS

DOG WASH TUBS

DOG WASH TUBS

AGILITY AGILITY ITEMS ITEMS

FUN PRODUCTS

FUN PRODUCTS

AGILITY ITEMS

WATER FOUNTAINS

PLAY EQUIPMENT

WATER FOUNTAINS

PLAY EQUIPMENT

PLAY EQUIPMENT

PLAY EQUIPMENT WATER WATER FOUNTAINS FOUNTAINS

PLAY PLAY EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

PLAY EQUIPMENT

PET PET STATIONS STATIONS

GymsForDogs.com

PET STA

PLAY EQUIPMENT

PLAY EQUIPMENT WATER FOUNTAINS

AGILITY

GymsForD

sales@GymsForDG

PET STATIONS

GymsForDogs.com sales@GymsForDogs.com

800-931-1562

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 25

sales@ 800-93

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

INCLUSION ADVICE –

FROM A NEWBIE

By Lindsey Reardon CTRS

Hi, my name is Lindsey Reardon, and just over a year ago, I obtained my Master’s in Therapeutic Recreation. I have officially completed my first full year as a full-time CTRS. Still, I have 9+ years of experience working as a nursing assistant and with people with disabilities. In a year of working in therapeutic recreation, it has

been a blast. In addition to having fun, I have compiled some “need to know facts” and advice on how to succeed whether you are a newbie like me, someone who doesn’t often work with people with disabilities (PWD), or even if you are a veteran in working with PWD.

So, here is my first piece of inclusion advice from a newbie: Please realize that we don’t all start from the same place. Understand that equality amounts to sameness and equity amounts to fairness. For example, a wheelchair user can attend a baseball game the same as a person who ambulates. That is sameness. However, the wheelchair user requires a lift to reach their assigned seat. Providing that elevator is fairness.

This example is a little flawed, as there are many inequities at a baseball game.

Still, the point is that equality is handing both individuals a ticket. Equity is giving both individuals a ticket but also giving the wheelchair user access to the lift.

Equity is ultimately the utilization of custom tools that identify and address inequality.

Let’s look over a few fun facts. Fiftyseven million people in the US have a disability. Most of those disabilities are not visual to other people.

When discussing inclusion, it’s not just about asking a person with a disability to participate. Inclusion isn’t about the building you work in either; it is also about making our community and program information accessible to everyone in various ways. Inclusion is about breaking down barriers in programs, meetings, parks, facilities, walking paths, and so much more.

26 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL There are several reasonable modifications that your organization can make to promote and bolster inclusion, such as: • Changing rules, policies, and procedures • Removal or installation of architecture, transportation, and communication barriers • Provisions of aids and services • Allowing service animals • Purchasing or acquiring adaptive devices to enable participants • Providing readers, interpreters, or assistive listening devices • Providing additional staff • Personal mobility devices Here are a few applicable scenarios, critical thinking questions, and self-reflection that made me cringe while writing. Additionally, I have added some sprinkles of newbie advice for your enjoyment.

I was hoping you could think about a wheelchair user trying to access the entirety of your gym.

Are there areas where maneuvering a wheelchair to reach a piece of equipment may be difficult? If yes, speak up. If the wheelchair user needs to transfer, is there enough space for them, their chair, the person assisting them in their transfer, and a place for the transfer equipment to be placed so that it won’t trip anyone? Additionally, is there room for canes and walkers that they will need to train with in addition to their chair? Will the medical equipment fit between the exercise equipment as the person tries to navigate the narrow paths between machines? In an ideal world, the answer should be, “Yes, of course, there is plenty of room.” However, this is most likely not the case, and you know what? That’s okay. You can always make room - after you finish reading this.

Making room to include people is just the start. Let’s think about a common adaptive device that can be used to adapt your activities and programs. Do you have resistance bands in your facility to employ the use of suspension for individuals with amputations or who are low weight-bearing?

(In my facility, the answer is no, we don’t. This is the part where I am cringing.) If you don’t, that is all right. It is an area you can improve upon, but it is not the end of the world. You will have to find other ways to adapt equipment to fit your client’s needs.

You will not always have the perfect setup for every individual all the time. Give yourself grace and know that “always” and “perfect” are impossible.

Let’s talk about something more common. Are the signs you use big enough to read if someone has a visual impairment?

How do people with visual impairment independently read your fliers if they forgot their glasses or if they use braille?

How would you get this information to them?

My advice? We could make the flier into an audio file or, if the person has an app that can read photos of words to them, ask if you can assist in taking the photo, maybe even ask to send the flier in an email that they can enlarge on their own device.

These are important things to consider, especially if the individual’s disability is not obvious, which, as we now know, is very common.

More advice from a newbie: Your attitude toward inclusion is the most important part of your job, regardless of your job. If you’re not sure how to assist someone with a disability, the best thing you can do is ask them and treat them how you would want to be treated.

It is okay to say, “I don’t have a lot of experience working with people who have ‘XYZ.’ How can I best assist you?” No one knows their disability as they do. They are the experts; no two disabilities are the same, even with the same diagnosis.

What works for some might not work for all. Your attitude, compassion, empathy, and willingness to include the individual are what matters the most.

If you have further questions on inclusion, please contact CPRA.

Your Experience is Our Priority

Plenty of items in each facility can be used to adapt programs and activities so that an individual can participate. It just takes some creativity, critical thinking, and patience to find ways to make inclusion possible in any situation. It may also take some trial and error but do not fear that.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 27

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL

NEW INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PROVES ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER

By KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay, Communication Specialist, Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation and Lisa Sorbo, Communication Specialist, Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation

With tear-filled eyes, Kris Frey watched her son smile with glee as he ran around the playground. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, 5-year old Ben and his family didn’t have a suitable place in their neighborhood to play together. After the opening of the Possibilities Playground at Butterfield Crossing Park, that all changed. Ben’s mother stood filled with emotion and gratitude as her son played near their home for the first time in a playground designed for children of all abilities.

“This is magical,” said Frey. “To see all these spaces where everyone can play together is amazing. It’s more than I expected.”

For more than 30 years, Butterfield Crossing Park has been one of the most beloved parks in Castle Rock, CO. Nestled in the heart of The Meadows, the park has been home to countless community events, sport practices and swim lessons.

But, after so much love, the park was in need of an upgrade.

As the Town of Castle Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department started planning for the improvements, the team quickly realized there was a gap in service for some residents. The community had a strong desire to create a playground and shared community space to serve users of all ages and ability levels.

“It was the community’s vision to make this happen and have a fully inclusive park,” said Castle Rock Park Planning and Construction Manager Brian Peterson.

“We knew Butterfield Crossing Park could

Courtesy of Design Concepts

28 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL be so much more and that we could create a special place where all felt included.”

With help from landscape architecture firm Design Concepts, the Town got to work gathering community feedback and realizing the dream to update this 30-acre space. Many of the new, multigenerational elements were in direct response to public surveys including enhanced gathering spaces and shade structures, new pickleball courts, relocating the tennis courts, a new basketball court, improved accessibility and LED lighting, new walking paths and trail connections, an outdoor fitness course enhanced with ADA and senior-specific equipment, and the fully inclusive playground.

While the Town had the funding for the initial park improvements, a partnership with the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation helped transform the park even further.

Grassroots contributions from a wide

range of community members raised nearly $1.3 million to fund adaptive, wheel-chair accessible and inclusive play equipment including a sensory wall, roller table, two-way Zipkrooz, Pulse tennis Table, We-Go-Round, Friendship Swing, music area and more. It’s proof that anything is possible when a community comes together.

“One of the most impactful moments when the park opened was to watch a grandmother and her wheelchair bound granddaughter swing together on the Friendship Swing,” said Peterson. “They talked to us afterward to express their gratitude for creating one of the most special moments of their lives.”

The Possibilities Playground is one of only a handful of fully inclusive playgrounds along the Front Range.

Now, the park is ready to welcome a new generation of visitors to its updated facilities. Learn more at CRgov.com/Butterfield.

Courtesy of John Leyba

Courtesy of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation

Courtesy of Design Concepts

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 29

An Aerial Adventure

By Patrick Behan, City of Westminster

Photos: Christopher Edmunds, Communications Coordinator, City of Westminster Mile High Trapeze: Michael Roudebush, Co-Founder, flymilehigh.trapeze@gmail.com

Confident. Exhilarated. Refreshed.

Those are the words used to describe an experience on the flying trapeze, Westminster’s newest summer program at Irving Street Park.

Fly Mile High, co-founded by Michael Roudebush, is Colorado’s first public trapeze school located right in the heart of Historic Westminster. Roudebush is a long-tenured trapeze artist hailing from experience with some of the world’s most renowned circus entertainment groups including Cirque du Soleil, Club Med, Atelier du Trapèze, and more.

“Flying trapeze is truly for anyone who is looking for something new and

thrilling,” Roudebush asserts. “We welcome students from all fitness levels and athletic backgrounds.” This inclusive ethos is crucial to Fly Mile High’s mission. “At Fly Mile High, we're excited to give people a unique place to gather, create amazing memories, showcase their progress, challenge themselves, and build lifelong friendships and community through this one-of-a-kind shared experience.”

Shared experiences are exactly what Westminster’s Recreation Services Manager, Tim Lachermeier had in mind when connecting with Fly Mile High and securing space for them in

Historic Westminster. “The proximity of [Irving Street] Park to Highway 36 is appealing as the location leads toward inviting participants from the Denver and Boulder areas, as well as Westminster.”

Lachermeier said, touting the park’s ideal location. “Irving Street Park is also the site of the Irving Street Library. This activity could bring attention to that library as well as the MAC and Swim & Fitness Center, which is currently undergoing an extensive $4.8 million renovation project. Introducing positive activity along this corridor helps to meet the Parks, Recreation and Libraries' mission of nature, wellness, and literacy.”

Karen Gonzalez is a former gymnast who was drawn to the trapeze installation in Westminster. After Roudebush offered her instruction on a low bar near the ground, he encouraged Gonzalez to try it at the trapeze bar’s full height, twenty feet high and twelve feet off of the safety net. Gonzalez admits agreeing to try it did not come without a healthy level of fear. “Climbing the ladder up is the scariest part,” she said.

Gonzalez, encouraged by staff atop the platform, executed her first knee hang by swinging her feet in between her arms, flipping upside down, gripping the bar

30 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023

behind her knees, and releasing her hand grip. As she swung upside down, arms pointing to the ground, applause and cheers erupted through Irving Street Park. After her fulfilling two-hour class, Gonzalez said, “I feel like [the trapeze] is a perfect fit for Colorado people because they’re very active and they’re all about moving their body.”

For those with a fear of heights, Roudebush takes care to respect every trainee’s comfort level. “You are always harnessed and connected to one of our spotting instructors via spotting safety lines while in the air. We never force anyone to go beyond their own boundaries.”

He assures people interested in the trapeze will feel “the sense of pride, accomplishment, and elation that flows through you when you finish your first swing,” and it may entice Westminster residents into making it a new regular activity.

Classes are now underway and weather permitting, the trapeze will be available to people 6 years and older, through October. www.cityofwestminster.us/Trapeze

Park & Recreation Marketplace Advertisers in this issue: ARCHITECTURE

ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS

Essenza Achitecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 essenza-arch.com

Colorado State University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 https://col.st/qMb4r

DOG PARK PRODUCTS

PLAYGROUND & PARK FURNISHINGS

Gyms for Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 GymsForDogs.com

Recreation Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC RecreationPlus.com

LANDSCAPE & TURF EQUIPMENT

SIGNAGE & EXHIBITS

Bobcat of the Rockies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover bobcatoftherockies.com

iZone Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 izoneimaging.com

LANDSCAPE MATERIALS & PLACEMENT

For Byline advertising information, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

Ground Solutions / Bedrock Slingers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 groundsolutionsco.com

Colorado Byline | Summer 2023 • 31

COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034