Estes Valley Recreation and Park District has already started to open some of its facilities for the summer season, with all operations commencing by the end of May.
With opportunities throughout Estes Valley for a wide variety of interests, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to recreation activities, the EVRPD team is also working towards making a positive environmental impact with the open space in their care. At the Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course, the team, along with a group of high school students, has established a new permaculture program. As they integrate land, resources, people and the environment into a no waste, natural system, they plan to establish bee colonies on the property as one of the first projects.
“Also, construction on the new skate park will begin next month, with Artisan Skateparks (general contractor) expected to arrive in early May,” said Tom Carosello, EVRPD Executive Director. “Construction will likely last into August, weather permitting. The new park should be ‘skateable’ by early September, if not sooner.”
Carosello also highlighted that Stanley Park is now equipped with Trailblazer broadband, with work being done to extend the service to the outer reaches of the park, as well as plans to install security cameras throughout Stanley Park.
Estes Park Golf Courses
With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains surrounding the valleys, the two golf courses in Estes Park have some of the most scenic perspectives in Colorado. The courses are also frequented by elk, a unique aspect of golfing in the valley. Remember that elk calves are born in late May and early June so keep an eye out for any protective elk mothers and give them plenty of space.
The Lake Estes 9-Hole Golf Course, located at 690 Big Thompson Avenue on the northwest side of Lake Estes, opens for the summer 2024 season on June 1. There is also a disc golf course at this property.
The Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course, located at 1480 Golf Course Road, opened for the season on May 1. There is also a restaurant, Mother’s Café, at the clubhouse at this course.
Estes Valley Recreation
EVRPD has an extensive list of classes and activities – nearly 300 – for youth, adults and active adults for a wide array of interests. Their comprehensive program throughout the summer now includes hiking, skateboarding, cooking, art, fitness, aquatic classes and much more.
Young adults from 11 to 14 interested in learning how to be a lifeguard can register for a six-week program that teaches the fundamental aspects of CPR, first aid and water safety. Students also learn job-related skills, such as resume writing, working with a team and communication, that develops important proficiencies required throughout their future careers.
For family and youth activities, consider joining their glow swim events on specified summer evenings at the leisure pool.
For adults looking for a fun way to get active and social, sign up for the 100-mile swim challenge, join a summer softball league team or take the paint-and-sip class.
Children and teenagers looking for something to do this summer can sign up for mountain biking skills classes, the hiking club or the summer tee ball league. Programs are available for certain age groups.
One new program in particular that has been popular is Bobcat Adventures.
“This program is a six-week outdoor ed program that will be led by Rec staff,” said Lauren Pavlish, Recreation Manager for EVRPD. “Participants will learn beginner backcountry skills, backcountry cooking, nature-based arts and crafts and play adventure themed games.”
Pavlish says that most sessions will occur at Stanley Park and the program is open to 6- to 14-year-old children.
Tuesday Night Live is also back this summer at the Lake Estes Marina, hosting bands on June 11, July 9 and August 13 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
For more information, including the full schedule of programs and to register, visit evrpd.colorado.gov.
Rentals for Special Events
There are numerous shelters, pavilions and indoor facilities throughout Estes Park available from EVRPD for reservations. From small birthday parties to large rehearsal dinners, a variety of indoor and outdoor locations offer an inexpensive and convenient option for a special event.
At Lake Estes, the large pavilion at the marina is available for bigger groups, seating up to 120 attendees, or reserve one of the many shelters around the lake for a smaller special event.
The Estes Valley Community Center provides an indoor option for gatherings of up to 202 people. There are several spaces available for rent for various uses, like the gymnasium, multipurpose room or classrooms, that are ideal for lectures, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, birthday parties, memorial services or graduation parties.
“Last year we started a new package for these events that permits people to come in at 12 noon to decorate, then go to their wedding or rehearsal, and come back for a four-hour event later in the afternoon/evening,” said Tonya Russell, Event Manager for EVRPD. “This has proven to be popular!”
To reserve a facility, visit https://evrpd.colorado.gov/estes-valley-community-center-venues-for-rent.
EVRPD facilities are open throughout the summer. Current hours include:
- Estes Valley Community Center: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; 12 to 5 p.m. Sundays; pools close one hour prior to the main facility
- Lake Estes Marina: open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; hours extend to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in May; boat rentals are not available on Tuesdays
- Marys Lake and East Portal Campgrounds: open for reservations with camping dates starting May 24. To reserve a campsite, visit evrpd.colorado.gov/campgrounds.
- Hours vary for the golf courses throughout the season. Visit https://evrpd.colorado.gov/golf-courses to reserve a tee time.
For more information about Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, visit https://evrpd.colorado.gov/.