America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs

America the Beautiful Park, Colorado Springs

(formerly Confluence Park)

America the Beautiful Park is a central meeting place for all sorts of Colorado Springs events. There's something for every age and ability (including the adults). It's a futuristic-looking play area, circular in shape, split in half by a winding walkway. The massive Julie Penrose Fountain opened in June 2007 and provides a backdrop for farmer's markets, concerts and festivals on the lawn.

Location:

• Between the Cimarron Street (Highway 24) and West Colorado Avenue bridges near downtown. Easily reachable from West Colorado Avenue - turn onto Cimino Drive. Address: 126 Cimino Drive. MAP to America the Beautiful Park
  

Highlights:

• One side of play area is for toddlers and young children, featuring a number of slides, two swings, a helicopter, boat, and car-shaped equipment
• The playscape closer to the street is more focused on climbing for older children with a few swings and spinning equipment
• An ideal park for the parent who wants to have an eye on their children at all times. You can sit on a bench in the middle of the park or at a picnic table and have a view of all the action.
• Kids get a lot of exercise running between, under, and over all the equipment.

  

Be Aware:

• It's a very popular park and can become busy at times. It's also a field trip destination for day care and camps, so it can be a little overwhelming for small children when the big kids arrive.
• Contrary to city code, dogs are often off-leash here.
• I would caution mothers not to visit this park when there is no one present since it's a bit secluded.

Checklist:

• Plenty of street parking. On weekends, make sure to double-check the Gazette venue listing or your preferred calendar to make sure there aren't any huge events that would impact parking.
• Play surface is bark
• No shade from trees, but there are a few pieces of equipment shaped like umbrellas that provide some relief from the sun
• Restrooms are very clean located right off the play area. No doors on stalls.
• A few picnic tables with built-in shade, as well as a covered picnic area near the restrooms (which is available by reservation for large groups).
• Dogs allowed, but must remain on-leash in all city parks.
• City of Colorado Springs community parks list