2019-12-09 03:42:17
Being an urban center doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ways to get some fresh air. Various parks woven into the city’s interior offer a respite of green spaces and recreation. Aptly named City Park is the largest, boasting more than 300 acres and prime views of the downtown skyline set against a mountain backdrop. Stroll pathways that wind around two lakes, claim a tennis court or pay a visit to the Denver Zoo, located within the park’s boundaries. Spend time in Washington Park (Wash Park to locals), and you’ll see why it’s a favorite. With the flurry of joggers and cyclists, a soccer field, a fitness course, lawn bowling and picnickers, this spot is a true hub of activity. Nestled into the Central Business District, Skyline Park is a three-block oasis with its flowerbeds, grassy areas and free events throughout the year, like summer movie nights and an ice-skating rink in the winter. Need a fresh perspective? Get the lay of the land on two wheels. Rent a ride from B-cycle — Denver’s bike-share system with 80-plus stations — and pick a route to see the sights. Though the Cherry Creek Trail is 40 miles total in length, the in-town portion makes a convenient urban passage through downtown, following a waterway of the same name. For adventurers who prefer paddling to pedaling, head for the South Platte River — specifically Confluence Park near downtown. Here you’ll find manmade whitewater chutes, as well as kayak rentals, lessons and excursions, courtesy of nearby outfitter Confluence Kayaks. Pop into the REI Flagship for gear, equipment rentals, a climbing wall and a tour of the store’s clever restoration and reuse of the 1901 Denver Tramway building. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Aurora (page 192), Arvada, Brighton (page 193), Castle Rock (page 194), Centennial, Commerce City, Denver (page 195), Englewood (page 197), Evergreen (page 198), Federal Heights (page 198), Glendale, Golden (page 199), Greenwood Village (page 200), Highlands Ranch (page 200), Lakewood (page 201), Littleton, Morrison (page 202), Parker, Roxborough, Sedalia (page 203), Thornton (page 204), Wheat Ridge QUICK TIP South of downtown, Levitt Pavilion Denver in Ruby Hill Park hosts 50 free concerts each year — spanning musical genres from jazz to Latin — at its state-of-the-art amphitheater.
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