The Heart Of The Highlands Ranch Community: Civic Green Park

One of the best parts about living in Highlands Ranch is that there is plenty of green space in which to get out on a sunny day, or to take part in some of the events that are regularly held in these parks and gardens. Civic Green Park lies right at the heart of the area, and it is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or a day out with the family.

Children are well provided for, with a range of different playthings and points of interest in the park. During the summer, there is a wading pool where many of the area's children love to come and cool off in the water. The spectacular interactive fountains are another summer specialty that are one of the park's most exciting features for the young and the young at heart. The water that is used in the park is treated to the same standards as swimming pool water, and is re-circulated between different water features in order to conserve water and help protect the environment.

The permanent play area features a range of structures for the little ones to climb over and play upon, while there is also plenty of space in which to roam freely. The park has been planted with species that thrive in the dry conditions that are experienced in the area, and they provide an excellent opportunity for gardeners from Highlands Ranch to pick up some ideas for their own planting.

Less active visitors will find that there are plenty of comfortable spaces in which they can sit back and watch the world go by. One of the most popular areas is fond near the western edge of the park, where picnic tables are sheltered under an open sided structure. There is even an electrical outlet so visitors can arrange to hold a party here, complete with music. This, or any of the other structures in the park, can be reserved for a special event or family get together.

One of the most prominent landmarks in the park is the monument, a tower that stands at the main entrance, while the amphitheatre is the venue of many of the park's cultural events. A large outdoor space, sheltered under a dramatic curving roof, the amphitheater has hosed many musical and dramatic events.  Among the special events that have been held in the Civic Green Park are concerts, dance performances and screenings of family movies. The amphitheatre can hold an audience of up to 3000 people.

The park has not yet been completed. The Highlands Ranch Metro District is still working to create a beautiful, useful area of open space that will be available to all members of the local community. Many of the local residents have already become closely involved in the park. One element that residents of Highlands Ranch have helped to bring into being is the Veterans' Monument, which is built next to the park's library entrance. It pays tribute to all those who have served in defense of their nation. The monument features a water cascade and fountain in order to facilitate peaceful contemplation, as well as five rock features of native Colorado stone that symbolize the five branches of the armed services.