summer parks summer 2007

Forget the industry catalogs. When it comes to building Vail’s playgrounds, creativity and craftsmanship are what sets Vail apart from the more traditional “cookie-cutter” parks found in many urban settings. Whether you’re here for a short visit or you live nearby, make plans to explore Vail’s parks for an entertaining outing with the kids. Pack a lunch and bring the bikes as most of the parks can be found along the 12-mile Gore Valley
Trail recreation path which extends from Dowd Junction to the base of Vail Pass, or along the North Recreation Path which follows the North Frontage Road from West Vail to the Main Vail roundabout.

Kid Favorites:
• Ford Park playground features a large custom play area that includes a suspension bridge, climbing wall, multiple structures, climbers and slides that are meant to challenge
kids of all ages.

• Pirateship Park best exemplifies the town’s tradition of custom designed playgrounds. The newly rebuilt ship structure includes a crow’s nest, three deck levels, multiple climbing nets and even a plank.

• Donovan Park playground includes structures constructed of peeled logs as well as whimsical art elements. Its visibility from I-70 attracts many traveling families during the summer months who marvel at its craftsmanship.

Bighorn and Stephens parks, located at the east and west ends of Vail’s neighborhoods, are designated as off-leash dog parks. These areas have become extremely popular gathering places where users are asked to take responsibility for ensuring the park’s cleanliness.

Town of Vail
Toll Free. . . . .(970) 479-2100.

New and improved for your child’s recreational pleasure, the Eagle Town Park has been enhanced to accommodate swarms of playful children. Improvements this spring include creating an entry plaza for people to gather, planting of trees, and a new “boulder play area” for kids of all ages.

www.townofeagle.org

The Gypsum Shooting Sports Park is owned by the city of Gypsum The Shooting Park is home to the Eagle Valley Trap Club and the Castle Peak Rifle and Pistol Club. Both clubs emphasize safety, sportsmanship and most of all, fun.

Gypsum Shooting Sports Park
Toll Free. . . . . (970) 524-1087
Toll Free. . . . . (970) 904-5913.

The new Little Beach Park and Amphitheater in Minturn is nestled between the Minturn cliffs and the Eagle River. The perfect location for a family picnic or a party, the park has lots of shade trees, picnic tables and grills, easy access to the river and a variety of play structures for children of all ages. Stop by in the early evening and you may see a local band rehearsing on the amphitheater stage, which is adjacent to the playground.

www.minturn.org
Town of Minturn
Toll Free. . . . .(970) 827-5645