Confluence Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Confluence Park |
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Confluence of the South Platte and Cherry Creek near downtown Denver
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| Type | Urban Park |
| Location | Denver, Colorado |
| Operated by | City of Denver |
| Open | Year round |
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Confluence Park is a cool urban park in Denver, Colorado. It's a special place where two rivers meet: Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. The park is located in a busy part of Denver called Lower Downtown, or LoDo. This area used to have old warehouses but has been updated with new buildings.
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What Can You Do at Confluence Park?
Confluence Park is a great spot for outdoor fun. It has concrete trails that are perfect for walking, running, and biking. You can also find grassy areas to relax in and benches to sit on. These spots offer nice views of the rivers.
River Activities and Bridges
Two bridges cross the South Platte River and Cherry Creek right in the park. This makes it easy to explore both sides. A part of the South Platte River in the park has been changed into a fun kayak run. This is a great place for people to practice their kayaking skills. Right across from the kayak run is a big outdoor store called R.E.I.
Nearby Attractions
The park is also close to other interesting places. You'll find new homes and apartments nearby. There's another park along the South Platte River further downstream. Train tracks run close by, and Denver's skatepark is right next to Confluence Park.
Ride the Platte Valley Trolley
A fun old train, the Platte Valley Trolley, starts its journey from Confluence Park. You can ride it along the west side of the South Platte River. It usually runs from late May through early September. It also runs on days when the Denver Broncos football team plays home games.
A Look Back: The Park's History
Confluence Park is important to Denver's history. In May 1858, a group led by William Greeneberry Russell started looking for gold in this area. They didn't find much gold right at the park where the rivers meet.
The Start of the Colorado Gold Rush
However, they soon found "good diggings" a few miles south, near a place called Little Dry Creek. This discovery quickly led to the Colorado Gold Rush. Many people rushed to the area hoping to find gold. The small camp that grew from this gold discovery eventually became the city of Denver. So, Confluence Park marks the very spot where Denver's story began!
