Wet and wild summer - #lakewoodnews

There's no shortage of fun summer activities in Colorado, from mountain hiking and camping to team and outdoor sports.

But for a landlocked state, Rocky Mountain folks sure do love the water.

"Water is magical. Nothing quite says summer like a pool, the smell of sunscreen, wet towels and the sound of kids playing in the water," said Deb Lawson, recreation programs supervisor of Northglenn. "Here in Colorado ... people seem to really love the water and appreciate the summer tropical atmosphere it provides. Pool and natural water draw people in --; it's a summer concept."

It's also very much a family one. In fact, there's perhaps no family activity more indicative of summer celebration than adventures in aquatics.

Cool destinations

With five of her six kids employed by Water World in Federal Heights, Kim Cochran is hard-pressed for a reason not to frequent the water park with her kids.

"We always buy season passes so we practically live here," she said. "We come here about twice a week."

Cochran, of Thornton, said she likes the safety and security that comes with the stripped-down environment of a water park, and feels safe letting her kids roam. She also appreciates how Water World --; like many aquatics facilities in the region these days --; permits outside food, helping keep costs low. (Though she said you can't beat the park's all-you-can-eat buffet, especially when feeding a flock of teenage boys.)

But, mostly, it's about sun and fun.

"It's just great that they're outside all day and that's what I really like," she said. "People think we're crazy because we come so much, but to us it's something fun and easy to do."

And the real appeal, added Littleton mother Deanna Miller, is ability to keep it cool in the hot Colorado sun.

"I think it's the heat --; it's always nice to have a place to cool off," Miller said.

Fun for everyone

Some of the most popular destinations are those that provide the most bang for a family's buck --; not just in terms of cost but also range of activities.

For the parents with kids of varying ages, aquatics facilities that include water parks with varying levels of attractions --; or even public pools with a good slide and a kiddie "sprayground" --; are the equivalent of summer fun one-stop shopping.

"City Pool hits capacity on a regular basis because of the little water park," said Renee Dodson, Thornton's recreation program and facilities supervisor of aquatics. "The sprayground is packed all the time ... and we also have several new shade structures with picnic tables, so people pretty much camp out for the day, have their picnics and let their kids run around."

Lakewood boasts four indoor pools, three outdoor pools and two splash pads. The splash pads are especially affordable, only $1 a person.

Lakewood Aquatics Supervisor Cris Radic said the city also hosts special family nights, 5:30-8:30 p.m., several times during the summer at both the Glennon Heights and Morse Park pools.

"We actually have an inflatable obstacle course we'll set up for those," Radic said.

Pools can differ in amenities, and even personality, according to Radic. Some are warm water pools, perfect for relaxation, while others offer special features --; like Lakewood's Carmody Pool, which has high dives and hosts an active underwater hockey league.

Splash pads can offer variety too. The Splash in Golden features two water slides, a lap pool, toddler fountain area, and a robust sandbox.

For Kristina Campos, with daughters Nya, 3, and Carly, 12, variety is definitely the spice of summer life.

"The thing about Water World is that it is for the whole family --; my older kids have a great time and my smaller kids have a place to be that's fun," she said. "And as adults, we love it, too."

"There's definitely a lot of activities for different aged kids," Miller added.

Keeping it cool

While pools, parks and splash pads make summer recreation easy, the slightest error in judgment can quickly cloud over a good time.

Obviously, water safety trumps all else --; both parents and kids need to be aware of the inherent dangers of water activities and keep tabs at all time. But sunburns and dehydration are other serious dangers to consider.

"Definitely, you need to stay hydrated and bring lots of sunscreen," Dodson said.

Most parks allow outside bottled water and food, (but nothing in a glass container!) and any aquatics director, lifeguard or other water hound knows that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours --; at least.

"It's especially important now, at the start of the summer when kids and parents haven't been outside a lot," Radic said.

Follow just a few safety measures and a day at the pool or water park can be all blue waters and sunny skies, Lawson said.

"Just let loose, relax, have fun, enjoy the day, bring sunscreen and enjoy being together."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Wet-and-wild-summer,220244