South Suburban Park and Recreation District facts for kids

The South Suburban Park and Recreation District is a special group that manages parks and fun activities in the southern part of the Denver, Colorado area. It covers about 41 square miles and was started in 1959. This district helps about 155,000 people in six towns and three counties. These places include Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Littleton, Sheridan, parts of Centennial and Lone Tree, and areas in Douglas County, Jefferson County, and Arapahoe County.

What Can You Do in the Parks?

The South Suburban Park and Recreation District has lots of places for you to explore and have fun! There are more than 100 parks, including 61 playgrounds where you can play. You'll also find many sports fields for games like soccer or baseball.

Fun Sports and Activities

The district offers many ways to stay active. You can visit several community recreation centers. There are also swimming pools for a cool dip and ice arenas for skating. If you like tennis, there are almost 50 outdoor courts and an indoor tennis center. For adventure, check out the BMX track. You can also play miniature golf or practice your swing at the batting cages. If you enjoy golf, there are public golf courses and even a disc golf course.

Trails and Green Spaces

The district has over 3,000 acres of parkland and greenways. These are natural areas that connect different parts of the community. You can explore nearly 100 miles of trails. These trails are great for walking, running, or biking.

Explore Carson Nature Center

The Carson Nature Center is a special place located in South Platte Park in Littleton. This park has 880 acres of open space right along the South Platte River. It also includes the Mary Carter Greenway Trail.

Activities at South Platte Park

At South Platte Park, you can go fishing in five different lakes. If you like water adventures, you can kayak on the river. Some parts of the river have calm water, while others have exciting rapids. There's a big regional trail perfect for biking and running. You'll also find many miles of natural dirt trails to explore.

Learn at the Nature Center Museum

The Carson Nature Center has a museum where you can learn about nature. Inside, you'll see live animals. There are also exhibits that teach you about riparian ecosystems. These are special areas along rivers where unique plants and animals live. You can learn about the South Platte Flood of 1965. This big flood led to the building of the Chatfield Reservoir. The museum also has exhibits about the different kinds of wildlife that live in the park.

High Line Canal Trail

The district also helps manage and take care of a part of the High Line Canal Trail. This trail is a long pathway that runs through many communities. The South Suburban Park and Recreation District makes sure the section within its area is well-maintained for everyone to enjoy.