Today was another New Park Day. This time we went to the Dakota Ridge Park. I hadn’t been in this Boulder subdivision before. It’s on the far north west side of the city. The park is surrounded by fancy row houses. The park itself is very new and modern looking.

I miss the old-style playground equipment: real teeter-totters, merry-go-rounds, and tall straight slides. However, after playing at this park, I have to admit there’s something to be said about the newer playground equipment also. This park was full of all sorts of things for Calvin to climb on. Not the traditional playground equipment but ropes, rings, and springs.

In addition to all the fantastic climbing equipment there was also what I think is suppose to be a traditional merry-go-round substitute. Calvin thought it was amusing but I was disappointed with how hard it was to make go a decent speed. (Though Calvin did fall off once since there’s almost nothing to hang on to.)

All the fancy equipment is nice. However, Calvin got almost as much kick from running up and down the detention basin.

The park also had a large rock to climb. Calvin was able to climb up by himself but not down.

Technically, all this stuff I’ve been showing you is rated for kids ages 5-12. However, the park does have a small play structure for younger kids.

Underneath the small slide is a section that has rings you can slide back and forth on horizontal poles. Almost like baby’s first abacus. Calvin quickly decided these were donuts and I was given one with chocolate sprinkles and one with vanilla sprinkles. Calvin is a huge fan of sprinkles and insists that his donuts must have them.

After donuts, Calvin drove the bus to take me to the library.

Calvin had a lot of fun at this playground and threw a minor temper tantrum when I decided it was time to go. Too much of a good thing, I guess :)

Summary:

Features	Areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12, small slide, swings, bucket swings, all sorts of rope climbing equipment as well as a rock to climb, spinning ring (kind of a merry-go-round substitute)
Surface Material	rubber
Restrooms	No restrooms :(
Water fountain	None
Shade	Several man-made shade areas. Trees have been planted around the playground so more natural shade may be available in a few years.
Picnic area	There are two covered areas that each have a picnic table.
Pros	New equipment Lots of things to climb on
Cons	No bathrooms of any kind.

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