Westminster Station Nature Play Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Westminster Station Nature Play Park stands out for its unique blend of extensive 'natural' play elements – including real rocks for climbing, log obstacles, wooden bridges, and a large sand pit with a buried dinosaur – combined with exciting engineered features like two distinct cement slides (one 'flying', one 'long, steep, fast'). It offers a clean, well-shaded environment with water features, making it a highly engaging and free outdoor destination for a wide range of ages.
Key Highlights
- ✓Extensive 'natural' play with real rocks for climbing, log obstacles, and bouncy wooden bridges.
- ✓Two unique cement slides: one described as 'flying' and 'super fun', another as 'long, steep, really fast' and 'gives a little thrill'.
- ✓Large, clean sand pit featuring logs for adult seating, picnic tables, and a unique 'dinosaur buried there!'.
- ✓Seasonal splash pad anticipated to be 'amazing' in summer.
- ✓Clean, shallow (approx. 15 inches max) water feature perfect for kids of any age, allowing them to 'make rivers all day long'.
- ✓Plenty of shade and large sitting areas, including a pavilion with a grill.
- ✓Handicap accessible and clean restrooms available.
- ✓Integrated with nature, located next to a walking/biking trail and near a beautiful creek.
Standout Features
- ⭐Variety of natural climbing structures: rocks, log obstacles, and wooden bridges.
- ⭐Two distinct and thrilling cement slides for different experience levels.
- ⭐Interactive sand pit with a unique 'buried dinosaur' and a water fountain for sand play.
- ⭐Shallow water feature for 'making rivers' and safe play for all ages.
- ⭐Planned (or newly available) splash pad for summer fun.
- ⭐Large, shaded sitting areas, including a pavilion with a grill and picnic tables.
- ⭐Small stage and seating for potential outdoor events.
- ⭐Direct access to a walking/biking trail.
- ⭐Easy accessibility via light rail from Denver or Arvada.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Bring sand tools**: Parents recommend bringing 'buckets and shovels' for the sand pit to maximize fun.
- →**Supervise closely**: Parents of young children should be extra vigilant due to the lack of a fence near the road.
- →**Plan for water play**: If visiting in summer, expect the splash pad to be active; year-round, the shallow water feature is a draw, so prepare for kids to get wet.
- →**Consider light rail**: 'Hop on the light rail for easy access from Denver or Arvada' to avoid potential parking issues.
- →**Utilize amenities**: Take advantage of the picnic tables, grill, and shaded seating for a full day out.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Lack of a fence between the playground and the road, requiring close supervision for 'little ones' who might wander.
- ⚠Main parking lot is described as 'somewhat small', though additional street parking is available.
- ⚠Some amenities (bathrooms, tables under pavilion) were noted as under construction or recently completed by one reviewer, suggesting they might still be very new or occasionally incomplete (though other reviews mention existing bathrooms).
Price & Value
This is a free public park, offering exceptional value with a wide array of engaging features, amenities like restrooms, shade, and picnic facilities at no cost. It provides a full day's entertainment without any entry fees or reported hidden costs, making it a highly cost-effective option for family fun.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Handicap accessible.
- •The water feature is clean and shallow (about 15 inches at most), making it 'perfect for kids of any age' which implies ease of access for various mobility levels within the water.
- •Light rail access provides an alternative to driving.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food is encouraged; picnic tables, a grill, and large sitting areas are provided, making it suitable for packing a lunch or having a BBQ.
🚗Parking Info
- •The main parking lot is described as 'somewhat small'.
- •Additional parking is available 'along the road', suggesting street parking is an option.
👥Crowd Levels
- •While not explicitly stated, the overwhelming positive sentiment and description as an 'incredible park' suggests it can be a popular destination. No specific crowd times were mentioned, but its popularity implies it could be busy during peak hours (e.g., weekends, summer).
🛡️Safety Features
- •Water feature is described as 'clean, shallow (about 15 inches at most), making it perfect for kids of any age' for safety.
- •A notable safety concern mentioned by a parent is the 'wish there was a fence as it is close to the road, so watch the little ones', indicating a need for active parental supervision.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Parents who require a fully fenced play area for toddlers or very young children prone to wandering, due to the park's proximity to a road without a barrier.
- • Individuals expecting a highly structured, indoor-only play environment.
What People Say
What's Great
- Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 9 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Mason Good-Turney
3 years agoThis is an incredible park. So much "natural" play. They have two cement slides. They can send you flying but it's super fun. All the rocks are great for climbing. And if you need to train for a big hike it is the perfect place. The wooden bridges are really fun and bouncy if you want it to be. The sand pit has logs for adults to sit and a few picnic tables. They also have a dinosaur buried there! The log obstacles are really cool to climb on and move around. In the summer the splash pad is going to be an amazing thing. There is even a small stage and seating for a cool outdoor venue. Will be back.
Aliya Mauch
2 years agoLarge sitting area (restrooms are under it - walk around) with a shade, grill. The water feature is clean, shallow (about 15 inches at most), making it perfect for kids of any age. The sand area has nice clean sand and a water fountain, The kids are happy making rivers all day long. A natural playground made out of wood and ropes right next to it, I wish there was a fence as it is close to the road, so watch the little ones. The playground is next to a walking/biking trail. The parking lot is somewhat small but there is additional parking along the road too. Great place to spend the day. Will be back!
MJ Jimenez
2 years agoWhat an awesome park! The kiddos loved the sand,(next time we'll bring buckets and shovels) slide, log/rope course, and climbing rocks. Can't wait to come back in the summer when the splash pad gets turned on! Lots of shade, handicap accessible, bathrooms, clean and a beautiful creek not far away for the nature lovers.
Yvette Lynham
10 months agoGreat little play area. Fun water feature and a sand box. I love that the kids could build a sandcastle.
Jenny B
3 years agoThis nature park is very new, and a great option for kids of all ages. The bridges, boulders, sand pit area with fossils, and small cement slide are great for littles. The log climbing area with nets and ropes is great for advanced climbers and older kids. The long, steep cement slide is really fast and gives a little thrill! There are picnic tables and bathrooms under construction. The pavilion is up, but I didn't see tables under it yet. Lots of space to ride bikes, too. What a great addition to Westminster! Hop on the light rail for easy access from Denver or Arvada.