Red-tailed Hawk Park

Inclusive Playground

At the heart of Red-tailed Hawk Park is an 8,000 square foot inclusive playground with a touching backstory - it was inspired by a local child. What makes this playground special is how it's thoughtfully designed so that every child can play, regardless of physical abilities or limitations.

You'll come across some pretty cool features here, like a wheelchair-accessible swing complete with a latching harness, a merry-go-round that accommodates sitting, standing, and wheelchairs, and - a kid favorite - ziplines! There are actually two zipline options: a standard one with a round seat and another with a special latching harness designed specifically for accessibility.

Musical Elements

Get ready for some noise (the good kind)! The playground has a delightful musical theme running throughout. Kids can explore a dedicated musical area where they're free to bang, strum, and create their own symphony with various interactive instruments.

It's a fantastic sensory experience that adds another dimension to playtime.

Water Feature

When summer heats up, the park's sprayground (splash pad) becomes the place to be. Operating seasonally from late May to early September, it offers a refreshing escape from the Colorado sun.

The splash pad is quite roomy, although fair warning: the surrounding turf can get pretty toasty on those bright sunny days, so maybe pack some water shoes.

Additional Play Areas

Beyond the inclusive playground, you can find more traditional play equipment in a separate area, with structures designed for both little tots and bigger kids. This section includes fun elements like a climbing wall, monkey bar circles, and a wavy bridge.

Many kids particularly love the roller slide - it's not only fun but also easier to slide down than conventional slides. The ground surface is made of squishy material, offering some peace of mind for the inevitable tumbles and falls.

Park Amenities

Red-tailed Hawk Park isn't just about playgrounds. It offers open fields great for impromptu soccer matches or baseball games, a wetland boardwalk where you can spot local wildlife, and multiple picnic areas for outdoor meals.

Need some shade? The park features three covered pavilions with picnic tables that work on a first-come basis, but you can reserve them for gatherings if needed. There are also BBQ grills available if you're in the mood for a cookout.

If you're looking for more structured activities, the park offers facilities for bocce ball, volleyball (complete with a sand court), and even horseshoes - a little something for everyone.

Trails and Nature

Lace up your walking shoes! Red-tailed Hawk connects to an extensive network of walking trails that meander through the area. These paved paths have earned the nickname "flat 14ers" because walking them provides the equivalent distance of climbing a 14,000-foot mountain - minus the grueling elevation change, thankfully.

Keep your eyes peeled while exploring, as you might spot various wildlife along the trails and wetlands. Birds are common sights, and if you're there in the evening hours, you might even catch a glimpse of coyotes in the distance.

Facilities

The practical stuff: The park has seasonal restrooms (vault toilets), but these typically close during winter months. There's also a dedicated changing enclosure near the splash pad area - handy for those wet swimsuit situations.

Parking is plentiful across the park, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a spot even on busy days.

Future Development

Looking ahead, the Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department has been working on a master planning process to evaluate the park's features and develop an updated design for future improvements.

This process has included public meetings and surveys to gather community input, ensuring that Red-tailed Hawk Park continues to evolve based on what locals actually want and need.