Central Park Clubs and Orgs Introduced to Old and New Residents at “Picnic on the Wild Side”
And……that’s a wrap.
The Picnic on the Wild Side is in the rear-view mirror and the event highlighting Central Park’s final neighborhood North End is now just a memory. Many thanks to all who attended and made this final celebration the most attended ever!
For those who stopped in to check out the “Community Zone,” and especially for those who were unable to make it, here’s a reminder of some of the wonderful clubs and organizations who were on hand or who supported the picnic, and what they bring to Central Park’s twelve neighborhoods.
Soulfully Central Park
Soulfully Central Park (SCP) was born five years ago from the idea of connecting residents and neighbors with similar lifestyles, cultures, and backgrounds in the spirit of unity, diversity and fellowship. The group started with primarily African American families and has grown to include all communities, ethnicities and blended families of Central Park to meet and interact with each other, particularly at the many hosted events in the neighborhood. This growing population of families in all economic sectors celebrates diversity and inclusion in Central Park. The group also supports philanthropic efforts, schools, and local organizations in their sphere representing their families.
Founder, realtor and Conservatory Green resident Lori Pace, says, “the organization, now 200 strong, is the embodiment of diversity in the Central Park community, and welcomes any and all families and individuals to connect! Check us out at www.soulfullycentralpark.com, as well as on Facebook.” To find out more, visit www.soulfullycentralpark.com.
Bluff Lake Nature Center and Rocky Mountain Arsenal
“Bluff Lake Nature Center is a unique urban natural area dedicated to educating and inspiring people of all ages to respect, protect, and connect with our natural world.”
That’s a mission statement Rachel Crouch, Executive Director of the Bluff Lake Center, can not only get behind, but enjoys furthering for Central Park families.
“We believe that all kids should get the chance to catch crawdads in a creek while growing up, and that positive formative experiences in nature translate in an increased desire to protect it!” she says.
And as a special treat for kids, the Center will soon host the grand opening of its new Nature Play stations (Hawk’s Nest, Stumpitheatre, Build-A-Shelter, Dirt Mound and Tunnels). All are welcome to come and explore on July 24th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In that same spirit, the Center also works in tandem with the Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges, an organization whose mission is to support and promote the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in their efforts to conserve and restore native habitat and wildlife. They also provide meaningful opportunities for the public to experience wildlife and nature near a major metropolitan area, making it more accessible to individuals and families in the area.
For more information on both organizations, feel free to visit www.blufflake.org and/or www.ffrwr.org.
The Kappa Tower II
The Kappa Tower II senior apartments have finally become a reality in Central Park. The affordable senior living facility, visualized and spearheaded by Kappa Housing, Inc.’s (KHI) board of directors, opened April 9th at the southwest corner of Northfield Boulevard and Central Park Boulevard, for senior 62 years and older. Just a stone’s throw from The Shops at Northfield, the L-shaped Kappa Tower II boasts one and two-bedroom units (so far, the one-bedroom floorplan is the most popular), a fitness facility, spacious floorplans with sweeping windows, a picnic area and community garden, as well as energy-efficient appliances, laundry facilities on each floor, a community room for gatherings and holiday parties, and 24-hour emergency services.
In addition, Kappa Tower II offers wellness activities such as Tai Chi and Chair Fitness classes, healthy eating demonstrations, computer classes, bingo, potlucks and access to community resources – all to keep residents active and, most importantly, engaged.
With 70 units overall, KHI has plans for a second phase that will attach to the building in an L-shape, which will add up to 40 additional units within a couple of years.
To qualify, residents must be age 62 and older with income at 30 to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).
For more information contact community manager Lawanda Dudley at 303-576-8234, or visit kappatowertwo.com.
The Shops at Northfield
The Shops at Northfield is a 1.1 million square-foot, open air lifestyle and entertainment center located in Central Park at Interstate 70 and Central Park Boulevard. The shopping complex is anchored by Macy’s, Harkins Theatres 18, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, JC Penney, Super Target and more than 80 premier shops, restaurants and other venues.
The management office is located behind Claire’s Boutique on the second floor and offers support to both retailers and shoppers and serves as an organizing center for many of the events that take place there (e.g., carnivals, safety expos, Denver Century Ride, Summer Skate (an outdoor roller-skating rink, etc.). The Shops are also actively engaged in the community through community fundraising and philanthropic activities with organizations such as Mi Casa and other community-bases resource groups.
Serious shopping enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike can take advantage of The Shops’ Reward Program! Just sign up at https://shopsatnorthfield.com/rewards and start earning points that you can redeem for rewards such as Colorado Rapids tickets, retailer gift cards, movie tickets and so much more!
For more information or to find a retailer map and directory or event, visit shopsatnorthfield.com/directory-map/, follow them on https://www.facebook.com/theshopsatnorthfield, Twitter, Instagram, or contact them directly at (303) 375-5475.
A special shout out to Aspen Lane and Paws ‘N Play in Beeler Park! While they couldn’t be on hand as representatives of The Shops at Beeler Park, they generously provided giveaways to those who took a stroll through the community zone. Many thanks to both businesses!
