We need to network more!

  ABC Nannies put on a very fun picnic at Washington Park this week with entertainment by the Jackman Brothers. Watching a children's magician and eating sno-cones is definitely fun, but what I noticed most is the camaraderie felt amongst these caretakers and their little ones. It isn't easy finding others who are in the same boat as you and understand about poopy diapers and everything going into your little one's mouth, but when you do find it there is this sense of relief and a feeling that you can relax and be yourself. Not everyone understands babies and young children and that's okay, but then again not everyone knows how to diagnose and fix a broken computer but we still respect IT guys. 

  I guess the point that I'm trying to make here is that we as caregivers need to find a better way to network and create positive ways to support one another. When you are a single, stay-at-home parent or a nanny, you don't have co-workers to talk to throughout your day. You become friends with the mailman, the neighbors, and anyone close-by who shows some level of respect for the work that you do that you know is just as important as everyone else's (if not more so because it IS human capital development, but I won't argue that point now...). It's time for caregivers of young children to speak out and step up- time to partner up and get together. Ask that sweet lady you just met at the playground if she'd like to meet up for a playdate next Tuesday. Maybe you thought that man was a bit rude, but your little one enjoyed the company of his toddler, so ask if they'll be at this same park anytime soon so that you can bring your little one back to play. Socialize. Get out in your community. Let's get together more and find ways to show our youngest generation how to be the best future members of our community that they can be! "Children should be seen and not heard" is a phrase from the past, let's change this mantra together and grow a new culture that thrives on community and enjoying new experiences together- loud and clear!

PH- Belleview and Cornerstone

Playground Hopping

Walking from the parking lot on S. Inca  Street towards the upper playground and covered picnic tables 

  We've visited Belleview Park twice now, and once followed the path under University to Cornerstone Playground and Spray park. This is definitely a half hour drive coming from downtown Denver, but it is well worth it for a day outing (well, half day as you know how it goes with the very little ones!). Plan to bring a stroller that you can pack with a picnic, a variety of outdoor gear 'just in case', some cash for the petting zoo and train ride, and if you're feeling brave then pack swimming gear to wade in the cool, clean stream that runs through the park or if you are planning to venture over to Cornerstone. 

A short cement barrier surrounds most of this small-child play-space, which is always nice.  There is a climber, however its not the most fun for my little one, as most of the climbing parts and slides are a bit above his ability level and the climber does't accommodate adults very well. There is a small standing manipulative area that he does enjoy, plus the airplanes were fun to try. Across the picnicking area is a playground for older kids, but we haven't tried it yet as it looks way out of his league.

The small train that goes around the park. For a mere $1.75 a person (free 2 and under) you can have a nice five minute tour along the stream and wave to all of the excited children watching it pass by. Heads up- although simple yet-fun, we went on a Wednesday and there was a line in which we had to wait two rotations before we could ride. The driver said that was actually not bad and that sometimes the line extends down the path. As there are benches along the wait-line we took out some strawberries and a few bites of our sandwiches, which helped keep the little one grounded a bit in the wait. When we went I noticed a sign that said there was a break from 1- 1:30, and at 1:20 there were only a few people in line. If I went back and it was possible, I might aim to head there for 1:15- 1:20 and get on the first train after the break. 

  

Along the stream looking back towards the playground (out of sight up the hill).

Although there were no children swimming when we went in mid-spring, in mid-July there were children and families with blankets and toys out along the stream and enjoying the water. Me and my playdate partner plan to meet up there again soon with our charges for a day just of splashing in the water and enjoying a picnic. 

The petting zoo is very small, but you do get to touch a few sheep and goats, and see chickens and a duck up close.  In this picture the children are around small gated pond with a duck swimming in it.

A small covered area (and with a water mist coming from above!) to touch some of the sheep and goats that are hanging around.

Cornerstone Park

A small area walking under University where there are some swings, covered picnic tables, and this rubber padded area for climbing on rocks (a large boulder for bouldering is out of sight just to the right). I did notice a lot of homeless camps along this path, just to be cautious of.

  After crossing under University and walking up the hill, we played a bit on the playground. We did not take advantage of the spray park on this day as I didn't know we'd be heading there, plus my little guy was just taking his first steps and didn't even realize there was water play (thank goodness!).

Entering the playground from the hillside, looking onto the water play area (a large flower spraying water is the centerpiece), two separate climbers.

What a fun play area for little ones! There was freestanding house area with small tunnel and things to manipulate, swings, a sand box, bouncy ride-on toys, and a nice and short climber with three small slides. 

Bathrooms onsite. 

Amazing views!

PH- Teller Elementary

Playground Hopping

Main entry to the playgrounds at Garfield and 11th.

  Although it's technically an elementary school playground, I've found this playground to be a secret gem that is well-maintained, and since it's summer we can use it as we please. The amount of play-space is excellent with three separate climbers for young to older children, a large field for playing ball or walking along a gravel path that surrounds the field, and lots of aesthetic surprises such as sayings on the walkways, games and activities painted on the tar, and trees and greenery. The playground at Teller Elementary is located along 11th between Garfield and Jackson Streets.

The climber for the youngest children. Even my one-year-old enjoys this climber because he can climb the short steps with some help, play with a steering wheel at the top, and then go down both slides with me close-by. 

This smaller play area is enclosed by it's own fence and has a picnic table, two swings, and a circular path with letters on the ground and various plants and greenery to explore (as seen above). 

11th is on your right behind the climber, and you are looking towards Jackson Street to the far back, with the mid-sized climber in view. Notice the two swings (my little one fits in the handicap seat-type swing). The large tree seen and some others along the street provide some shade.

Looking onto the mid-sized climber. Even though I wouldn't let me little one go up alone, the stairs to climb it and the top area is large enough for an adult so we climb to the top so that he can bounce on the bridge and then we go down the twirly side together. He also likes to play under the climber and play with the large plastic drums to the side. 

Standing in the same spot as above but turned around facing towards 12th with Jackson along the right. The field is partially in view on the right, and the largest of climbers in far to the back. We've walked around it shortly, but it is definitely for older children so I haven't attempted letting him climb up those stairs yet! It does provide yet another area to explore though, and the black fence along it does have a gate so that you can exit right onto Jackson.