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City of Loveland Celebrates Parks and Recreation Month

The Month-long celebration highlights the impact of parks and recreation

By Kerry Helke, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Loveland Parks & Recreation July 9, 2024

This July, join the City of Loveland for Park and Recreation Month, held in conjunction with the National Recreation and Park Association and celebrating that Loveland is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation.


This year’s theme — “Where You Belong” — celebrates the vital role that parks and recreation play in bringing people together, providing services and fostering a sense of belonging in our community by offering welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.


While the month is dedicated to highlighting how parks and recreation enriches the lives of the community, the Loveland Parks and Recreation Department will be focusing on one week of fun to showcase several City of Loveland parks and recreation facilities, programs and services, 


including:


Sunday, July 14, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Loveland Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave. Express yourself with sidewalk chalk! Tell us why you love Loveland Parks & Recreation.

Monday, July 15, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Batting Cages at Barnes Softball Complex, 405 S. Cleveland Ave. Batter Up! Test your skills at softball and baseball stations with various speeds. Bats and helmets available onsite. Enjoy one dollar tokens, limit 5 per customer, and 20% off cage rentals.

Tuesday, July 16, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., Train Rides at North Lake Park, 2750 N. Taft Ave. All Aboard! Take a ride on the Buckhorn Northern Railroad, a replica of a steam train that once served the Loveland area. Free train rides for all ages!

Wednesday, July 17, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Free SNAG at Cattail Creek Golf Course, 2116 W 29th St. Families can enjoy free SNAG (Starting New at Golf) for the evening at Cattail Creek Golf Course.

Thursday, July 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pool Party at Winona Outdoor Pool, 1615 4th St. SE. Come for a swim where the first 200 people get in free and the first 100 guests get a $5 coupon to use at the concession stand that evening. Dance to a DJ and play yard games, too!

Friday, July 19, 9:30 p.m., Astronomy Night at Prairie Ridge Natural Area, 6400 N. Wilson Ave. Get an up-close look at the night sky over the Rockies. Telescopes are available for viewing stars and planets! This is a free event, but you must register at offero.cityofloveland.org.

Saturday, July 20, 7:30 a.m., Drop-in Fitness Class at North Lake Park Amphitheater. Get your day started with a free fitness class in the park. Bring your friends and enjoy the fresh morning air.


“Park and Recreation Month highlights the ways parks and recreation builds belonging in our community and we are ‘Where You Belong!’ 

I invite you to reflect on the exponential value parks and recreation have brought to your life and your family. Did you join us at Fairgrounds Park for a Farmer’s Market? 

Did your family gather at a park shelter to celebrate a birthday, wedding, graduation or to remember a loved one with a celebration of life service? 

Did your child learn the fundamentals of basketball at Chilson Recreation Center while encouraging fun and sportsmanship? 

Did you experience the scenic beauty of our community on a bike ride on the Loveland Loop Trail? 

Did you meet new friends on the court for a game of pickleball at Mehaffey Park? 

Your parks and recreation public spaces and activities are essential experiences that foster a rich quality of life, community connections and improve your physical and mental health and wellness. 

Join us as we celebrate Park and Recreation month! And be sure to thank a Parks and Recreation worker the next time you see them; they are committed to serving you and our community each day. 

Now is the time to make even more memories with your Loveland Parks and Recreation Department!” said City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Director Kara Kish.


For information about events, please visit lovgov.org/PRevents and follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates.


About the City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Department


The City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Department provides access to health, wellness, community and quality of life for Loveland residents and visitors. Its mission is to provide effective, efficient and high-quality leisure facilities, sites, services and programs through the three pillars of parks and recreation – conservation, health & wellness and social equity – to make a positive impact on the community. For more information, visit lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation.


About the National Recreation and Park Association


The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org.