Summertime in Central Park (formerly Stapleton) and Movie Nights

Summertime in Colorado is always a blast.  There is so much to do in the mountains and the city.  Families have seemingly unlimited options.  Summertime in Central Park (formerly Stapleton) is the same.  There really never is a dull moment.  If we can’t decide what to do, our fallback plan is to go to the pool.

100% of the time, my kids find friends at the pool and 98.7% of the time, another parent offers me a beer.  Most parents worry about being at the pool too long because of the heat and possible sunburn.  In Central Park (formerly Stapleton), parents worry about staying too long because of the cocktails.

Of course the drinking at the pool is all in moderation because it’s all about family time.  The pools, parks, bike paths and town center are always bustling with activity.  This is truly one of the best places in the Denver region to raise a family.

Out of town family love Central Park (formerly Stapleton) too.  The fun is blind to generations.  My parents have been visiting for a week.  They are in their eighties and they love chatting with my boys, playing games, and being part of their life.  When it comes to family time, we don’t have to go to the mountains or expensive amusement parks to create memories.  Central Park (formerly Stapleton) is our own perfect playground.

Friday night was a great example.  Since my parents live in the lightening capital of the world (Florida), they weren’t deterred by a little rain.  We walked to the Town Green with our camping chairs, blankets and cooler full of food and drinks to picnic before the outdoor movie.

Sandlot was the movie (click here for the schedule of future movies) and once the rain subsided, it was a perfect night for what has replaced the drive-in movie.  No cars or loud parties.  Just families enjoying each other’s company, their neighbors and of course the entertainment.

One of my sons sat a few groups up to watch with his buddy’s family.  My other son took advantage of the opportunity to snuggle up to his best girlfriend.

My parents sat next to each other with smiles on their faces.  And although I was watching the movie, I really was watching the generation gap in my family shrink to nothing.  We were all together enjoying the same moment.  Life is grand in Central Park (formerly Stapleton).

Posted by Brett Grischo – an aspiring writer hoping this endeavor doesn’t kill his dream. About Brett’s work with TJC here. Find more from Brett here.