Best Park in town?

Since moving into a new construction home a few years ago, I have been on the hunt for the best park around us. We didn't have one in our subdivision without crossing a major road, which is a hassle walking or biking with 2 small kids. Now construction is underway to build a baseball diamond and playground in our area, the Hearth in Highlands Ranch. It is next to the Southridge rec center on Mc Arthur Ranch Road. What a welcome addition it will be! They are prepping the soil for sod now and putting in the parking lot.

But we did have fun getting out more in our neighborhood visiting a new park each time. Now whenever we are on the road and the kids need a break from errands I know the best closest place to let them loose. Some of their favorites:

Here's a pic of the view from the wilderness trail on the south side of the Ranch. This is an amazing high point with 360* views of the entire city. It is connected to miles of trails, but can be reached about 1 mile from the nearest parking lot, off Grigs Rd. This is a walk I take all my out of town friends on - they love the view of the entire front range and downtown. It's also beautiful to set out a half hour before sunset.

Redstone Park, next to Shea Stadium, south of the Highlands Ranch Golf Club. Inbetween Santa Fe and Lucent. This park has a small fishing pond with geese, so obviously instant entertainment. Playground and ball fields.

Civic Green Park on Ridgeline, just south of Highlands Ranch Parkway, and west of Broadway. This park is next to our huge and fabulous Library. The playground is fun with interesting structures, a little creek and fountains to play in. And Bathrooms! This park is host to many summer concerts and events put on by our HOA.

Big Dry Creek Park. What I love about this park is it is free from roads on all sides, Other than the spot where you turn into the parking lot. It is flat with lots of room for whatever. Basketball hoops, playgound, bathroom, bike trail and sometimes depending on rainfall, a little creek for exploring. There is a covered picnic area that can be reserved too. You really have to know where you are going to find this one. From University you would take cresthill ln. south to Mackay DR. left. Follow down the hill. From there you should see a sign.

If you are in the Park Meadows Mall area there is a park just south of there to let them run or have lunch called Lonesome Pine Park. From County Line you go south on Acres Green Dr. It will be on your left. In Lone Tree The large sweetwater Park just east of here has a huge fireworks display every 4th of July!

Happy Picnicing!