This July, join the Metro District in celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association. This year’s theme is “The Power Of…” and it celebrates how parks and recreation brings us together through the power of play, nature, community and well-being.

July bucket list:

We’ve created a summer bucket list with 10 can’t-miss parks and activities to inspire your family fun. From exploring scenic Highlands Ranch trails to splashing in water features, get outside and enjoy. Take our suggestions or start your own list today to discover the “Power of Parks & Recreation” right in your backyard:

1. Slide down Highlands Ranch’s newest playground equipment at Toepfer Park, 9320 Venneford Ranch Road, and enjoy the tall central play structure, shaded swings, rubber surfacing and more.
2. Splash in the popular interactive fountains and stream at Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd. Did you know the lower splash pad closest to the stage features 45 ground nozzles? A variety of spray zones and patterns keep kids cool all summer long.
3. Grab your paddle and head over to Southpark Pickleball Complex at 400 W. County Line Road to engage in some friendly competition with fellow pickleball players.
4. Get your practice swings in for the upcoming season at the Batter Up Batting Cages at Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle.
5. Enjoy expansive mountain views from Historic Park trail, along Gateway Drive west of the iconic Highlands Ranch windmill.
6. Help your child learn how to skateboard this summer at Tanks Park Skate Park, 10371 S. Broadway.
7. Cast a line and enjoy fishing at Fly’n B Park’s pond, 2910 Plaza Drive. The park features a large picnic shelter, fishing dock, pier and plenty of great spots to reel in a catch. Kids under 16 don't need a fishing license.
8. Join a tennis league and get on the court at Lebsack Tennis Center in Redstone Park, 9325 Foothills Canyon Blvd.
9. Challenge yourself with a fun workout at the outdoor Fitness Court at Central Park, 1367 Central Park Drive. This free amenity features seven different bodyweight training zones to accommodate all skill levels and abilities (ages 14+). Scan the QR code on site to download a free app to guide you through exercises.
10. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced disc golfer, West Fork Disc Golf Course at 9095 S. Broadway offers two different par distances for all skill levels. Grab a disc and see if you can get a hole in one! 

Benefits of parks and recreation:

“Recreation can help people and families connect,” said Neil Alderson, Metro District director of recreation and cultural programs. “There is always something for everyone in our community.”

Our dedicated staff helps make these connections possible. Metro District staff care for 26 parks, 70+ miles of trail, and 2,644 acres of open space. Annually, close to 7,000 kids and adults participate in our sports programs, field use exceeds more than 26,000 hours, and park shelters are reserved more than 1,150 times.

But the numbers only highlight part of the story. You can feel the real power of parks and recreation on the sidelines of a weekend game as a 7-year-old beams and high-fives their teammates after scoring a run. Or as you share a friendly hello and chat with a neighbor on an open space trail.

“Seeing our residents and visitors to the community enjoy our public spaces every day is the driving factor for doing what we do daily to maintain these great outdoor places,” said Ken Standen, Metro District director of operations and maintenance.