One simple comment – I think a priority must be to get Denver Kids to the mountain parks. So many field trips and expeditions think they need to go into the “wilderness” when it’s at their back door.
I also believe that if the kids use the parks they will be the next generation of voters to want to keep this treasure. If they don’t know about it they won’t keep funding it in the future. I think this should be a high priority in the master plan.
I don’t know if DPS can make a request that each class must visit one of the mountain parks each semester. Who knows maybe there could be an incentive program to get them there to perform a civic duty and get a discount to water world or some other partnership.
Reply from Susan Baird, planner:
Thank you for your comment---it very much reaffirms the priorities stated and shared for the Denver Mountain Parks. Currently, DPS third graders (in a program with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science) can visit Genesee Park for a half day. And for some kids, we know that is their only experience out of the city. In our brainstorming, we’ve discussed whether DPS could establish an Outdoor Lab in the Denver Mountain Parks for elementary school kids and then devote their more remote site in Boulder County (Balarat) to older kids. How can we get more kids and families connected to nature, to the outdoors, starting in their own backyards!
If you’d like to be involved in any future discussions about programs and strategies to expand those opportunities for Denver kids, please let us know. Thanks.
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