Memorial Park, Colorado Springs facts for kids
Memorial Park or Memorial Community Park is a super fun park in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It has tons of cool sports places, like indoor and outdoor pools, a recreation center, trails for walking or biking, and a beautiful lake called Prospect Lake. Every year since 1977, Colorado's biggest hot air balloon festival happens here on Labor Day weekend!
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A Park with a Past: How Memorial Park Started
Did you know that Memorial Park was a gift? A generous person named General William Jackson Palmer gave the land, including Prospect Lake, to create this park. He also helped start other parks in Colorado Springs, like Monument Valley Park and Palmer Park. General Palmer donated a huge amount of land, about 1,270 acres in total, to create many parks for everyone to enjoy.
What Can You Do at Memorial Park?
Memorial Park is located at 1605 E. Pikes Peak Avenue and covers 196 acres. It's easy to get to from South Union Boulevard. This park has so many things to do!
Sports and Activities for Everyone
You can find many sports facilities here:
- Baseball and softball fields (3)
- Basketball courts
- Football and soccer fields (15)
- Horseshoe pits
- In-line hockey court
- Tennis courts (12)
- Volleyball courts
There are also special tracks for racing:
- A bicycle racing track
- A roller skate racing track
Ice Skating Fun
At the Mark "Pa" Sertich Ice Center, you can go public ice skating. They even offer skating lessons if you want to learn!
Trails for Walking and Biking
If you love trails, Memorial Park has them!
- A 1.25-mile fitness trail
- A 2.2-mile trail around the park's edge
- A 0.6-mile criterium trail inside the park
- Two 5K trails that go around the park
Playgrounds and Picnics
The park also has playgrounds for kids to enjoy. You can have a picnic at one of the picnic tables or use a picnic shelter. The park is also easy to use for people with disabilities, with a special fishing dock and playground.
Park Amenities
For your convenience, the park has vending machines, public telephones, restrooms, and concession stands.
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Memorial Park's Youth and Adult Sports Office.
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Skateboarders having fun at the park.
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A wide-open playfield at Memorial Park.
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The skatepark, a popular spot for skaters.
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Spurgeon Field, ready for games.
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The Sertich Ice Center for ice skating.
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The 7 Eleven Velodome, a track for cycling.
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Enjoying Prospect Lake
Prospect Lake is a beautiful spot in the park where you can swim, boat, and fish. There's a bathhouse near the beach for swimmers. If you like fishing, there are two fishing areas, including one that's easy for people using wheelchairs.
Boating on the Lake
You can use both non-motorized and motorized boats on Prospect Lake. If you don't have your own, you can rent sailboats, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats right at the park! There's also a 1.25-mile fitness trail around Prospect Lake.
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Prospect Lake, a great place to relax.
Memorial Park Recreation Center
The YMCA helps run the city's Memorial Park Recreation Center. If you have a YMCA membership, it's included, but it's also open to everyone! You can use workout equipment and swim laps during pool hours.
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The Memorial Park Recreation Center.
Indoor Pool Fun: Aquatics Center
The Recreation Center has a 25-yard indoor pool. You can enjoy free swim or take swim lessons all year round, except on holidays. There are locker rooms, showers, and even a hot tub! The YMCA also teaches CPR and lifeguard classes here. You can even rent the pool for parties after hours.
Staying Fit: Healthy Living Center
The Healthy Living Center has lots of equipment to help you stay active. You'll find free weights, elliptical machines, treadmills, weight machines, and bikes. It's open to people aged 14 and older.
Special Programs for All Ages
- Silver Sneakers: These classes are for older adults and include water fitness and strength training.
- MEND Program: The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! (MEND) program is a 10-week course for kids aged 7 to 13. It usually starts in June and helps kids learn about healthy living.
Outdoor Swimming Pool
During the summer, the outdoor swimming pool is open seven days a week. It opens the day after Memorial Day and is located at 280 South Union. There's a big grassy area nearby with picnic tables, perfect for a snack after your swim!
Picnic Pavilions
There are three pavilions in the southwest part of the park, near Costilla Street and Hancock Avenue. Each pavilion can hold up to 50 people. Close by, you'll find tennis courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds. You can also use a grill at each pavilion. Restrooms are available during the summer if you have a reservation. Just remember, there's no electricity at the pavilions.
Exciting Events at the Park
Memorial Park hosts many fun events throughout the year:
- May: Free Tennis Play Day
- June: Springs Spree, Springs Spree 5K and 1K Family Fun Run, Pikes Peak Celtic Festival
- August: Rocky Mountain Rampage International Skateboarding Competition, USA Triathlon Youth Splash & Dash
- September: Colorado Balloon Classic
