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!