Dog Safety

Preventing Dog Bites

Dogs and children speak different languages, and play by different rules. For those reasons, I do not feel comfortable letting my children run around at dog parks, nor do I like seeing dogs run around at children's playgrounds. In a micro moment of miscommunication, disastrous consequences can result. Children cannot be expected to understand the implications of a bothered K9, so the responsibility of caution falls on your shoulders, Adults. 

Dog Owners

If your furry family member is accompanying you to a playground, keep him on a leash. If another child approaches your dog, thank them for seeking your permission first. Encourage them to keep their hands by their side while your dog greets (smells) them, and show them a non-threatening place to pet your dog - generally his back or shoulders. 

If your dog is at all nervous around strangers, place a yellow ribbon on his leash, and ask children to say hello from a distance. Children are an unacceptable means by which to socialize a jittery pup. 

Parents

When at a playground with your kids, survey the crowd for pets. Give your kiddos a clear explanation of dog safety, reminding them to stay clear of unleashed animals, and to ask for an owner's permission before greeting a leashed dog. Loud noises and quick actions will startle almost any dog, and even a calm dog must be treated with extra caution at a playground. Tell your children to keep their faces and hands away from a dog's head. 

Respect your pets, protect our children, get outside and enjoy this beautiful day!

More Resources:

Be a Tree

Help Prevent Dog Bites

Phil Long/Pat Bowlen Community Playground (a.k.a. Palmer Park)

The Phil Long/Pat Bowlen Playground located at the NW corner of Maizeland Rd. and Academy Blvd, is one of the largest playgrounds in the city. It is set within the Palmer Park boundaries and conveniently close to walking and hiking trails. It is bordered by sports fields and grassy, open areas ideal for large gatherings, and often draws a crowd. The playground has different areas designed for different ages and therefore an excellent spot for all kids. Older kids can often be found making good use of the challenge course portion of the playground (found at the western-most side), while the youngest children have an easy time managing the low-lying play structures on the eastern side. Because this site often draws a crowd, be prepared to use the eyes in the back of your head to keep track of your kiddos, if you have more than one. Now that mine are older, I find it is an excellent place to burn off some energy. It was not ideal, however, when I had a newborn with me, as the massive spread of the place required more scurrying than any postpartum mommy is in the mood for.


Specifics

Bathrooms are located at the central pavilion, but may be closed during the winter months (as stated on the city website).

The fall surfaces are made of wood chips and sand.

Many of the structures are made of wood. As is the case with any wooden playgrounds, be mindful of splinters.

Perhaps it is the proximity to walking trails that entices many people to bring their dog to this playground... Whatever the reason, there are often dogs here (some on leashes, some not). Simply be on the lookout and remind your children of the basics of dog safety.

Happy Meadows Park

If your children have ever read the book, seen the movie, or even heard of Charlotte's Web, then you must visit the Happy Meadows Park playground. It is nestled in the pristine Cordera neighborhood and built to tickle the imagination. Even though it is a lovely experience for children of all ages, it is built for older kids. Younger children (under 5 years old) will struggle to climb up into the barn structure, as there are no steps or small ladders. The pig and spider sculptures are fun to climb on, and the giant "spider's web" is a daring challenge. It can pose a danger to younger children who adamantly follow in big sister's or brother's footsteps. Keep a close eye on your littles.


Specifics

This playground is maintained exclusively by the residents of Cordera. While non-resident visitors are welcome, please be mindful to park along the playground curbs and away from mailboxes and private drives. 

A couple of metal picnic benches are located very nearby the play structures. Great for an afternoon snack. Trash cans are also available and prettily disguised (it makes a difference!).

There are no restroom facilities on site.

The fall surfaces are covered in wood chips beneath the barn, spider's web, sculptures, and swings.

The sidewalk surrounding the grassy field to the west of the playground is excellent for walking, biking, or scooter-ing.

Downtown Aquarium - Denver

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver is a small but action-packed adventure for kids of any age. We have been with all of our kids and even a few friends, and although we leave satisfied every time, we also bruise a bit from the impact of the cost. If you are like us, you do your best to stretch every penny because adventuring with a big family can ruin even the most generous budget. If you are looking to try something new, enjoy fishes of all kinds, and can navigate busy downtown streets, give the Downtown Aquarium a try!


Specifics

Check the website (link above) for pricing per person. Admission charged outside of front doors.

The aquarium is indoors and fully equipped with roomy bathrooms, a restaurant, and gift shop.

Monument Valley North Playground - Colorado Springs

This playground enjoyed a significant facelift during the spring of 2014. Located near Boddington Park, and accessible from a small parking lot on Wood Ave. (as well as the Monument Valley trail), this two-part playground has beautiful new equipment for children of all ages, plush fall surfaces, and brilliant views of the valley lawn in all directions. If you are a jogger, this is a great resting point when you have kiddos in tow, and because of its relative seclusion, the playground is rarely over-crowded. Bonus!


Specifics

Access by trail from Wood Avenue is steep! Be careful if you have trouble ascending or descending hills. You can also gain access to the playground via Monument Valley trail, but expect to walk a significant distance.

Some of the equipment is built for older kids, so keep a careful eye on younger babes who might dare climb to the highest points.

Sheltered restrooms are nearby, but they might be closed during the winter months due to freeze danger (Oct - April).

Playground Safety Resources

As we travel from playground to playground throughout Colorado, we become more keen to the safety measures that are often employed (or neglected). To keep your little loves safe, be aware of the most common injuries sustained at playgrounds, and what you can do to help prevent them.

Age-Appropriate Equipment

Playgrounds are made to suit different ages. Most playgrounds are built for older kids, ages 6-9 or older. Steps are taller or absent, replaced by bar- or rope-ladders.

Playgrounds that are built for younger children often have smaller steps and climbing equipment that is low to the ground.

Playgrounds built for babies and toddlers are often devoid of steps, but instead have gentle, sloping access to equipment. Climbing apparatuses are not more than a couple of feet off the ground.

Fall Surfaces 

Different ground materials proved different levels of protection in the event of a fall. A child can sustain life-threatening head injuries by falling just a couple of feet to the ground. It is critical that the ground beneath a playground is covered in appropriate, shock-absorbing materials. Grass, dirt, and asphalt are considered unsafe surfaces for playground activities. Wood chips, sand, rubber mats, shredded rubber, or poured rubber are examples of safer fall surfaces on a playground.


Read for Yourself:

The Playground Encyclopedia

CDC Playground Injuries Fact Sheet

National Program for Playground Safety

Manitou Cliff Dwellings - Manitou Springs

Manitou Cliff Dwellings have provided a stunning and educational getaway for our family for many years. It never grows old! The welcome center is part museum, part gift shop. And the dwellings are accessible by foot by even the littlest of walkers. There are so many points of explanation and education, this would make a wonderful school field trip.


Specifics

There is a snack bar and picnic patio located near the Cliff Dwellings. 

Fully equipped restrooms can be found in the welcome center. 

A fee is paid (per person seven years old and older) at the gate.

Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods Nature Center and National Landmark is an excellent family adventure for young and old. There are dirt trails (moderate to difficult) and paved walkways (stroller friendly) that trailhead from the main parking lot, and a Welcome/Nature Center across the road from the main entrance. As you drive the winding roads through the park, look for signs pointing to the Trading Post and prepare yourself for a sensory overload of Colorado history memorabilia. And fudge. 


Specifics

There are clean restrooms at the main parking lot in the park, and fully equipped facilities in the Welcome/Nature Center. 

There is no shelter on the trails in case of inclement weather, so watch out for dark clouds over the Peak. 

You must have a permit (available at the Welcome/Nature Center) to climb the rocks with proper equipment, but kids often enjoy getting a few "practice runs" in on the smaller rocks. Wink, wink.

America the Beautiful Park - Colorado Springs

With areas for big kids, little kids, and even baby kids, this playground at America the Beautiful Park suits our big family perfectly. During the Summer, the water fountain across the lawn sprays liquid joy down on squealing kiddos as they move from playground to covered picnic tables to water fountain and back again. It's a never-ending assembly line of glee. Well, actually, it does end. The water stops flowing at Summer's end, BUT the playground is open year round! Hooray!!! While you're there, check out the beautifully landscaped paths southwest of the playground. They offer wonderful photo opportunities, or just a lovely place to rest.


Specifics

The fall surfaces include a combination of wood chips and rubber pad. 

Play equipment is available for all ages, so expect older children to be around. Toddlers and young children should be supervised closely and kept in the appropriate areas of the playground.

There are sheltered restrooms nearby, but they close for the winter to prevent freeze damage (October - April).