With the sun beating on the backs of their necks, kids ran around Sloan’s Lake fishing, riding bikes and climbing a rock wall, surviving Saturday’s heat with the help of an occasional breeze and shade from trees.
Denver celebrated it 10th annual National Get Outdoors Day, a free event, hosting natural resource agencies and kid-friendly activities, such as a rock wall and toddler obstacle course. The event was complete with .
“We love being out here, being by the lake,” said Jeffrey Maes, who was teaching his grandson DeQuan Williams how to fish with the help of his wife Nettie Evans. “If nothing else, we’re enjoying the weather and the outdoors and the fun of catching a fish.”
GO Day started in 2008 when the United States Forest Service and American Recreation Coalition partnered to create a day celebrating the outdoors and health. More than 120 cities hosted their own events, although Denver was considered the flagship.
Families walked around with sunglasses, hats and sunscreen as the temperatures hung around the low and mid-90s.
Edgewater residents Lucas and Ann Rich took shelter under a tree while snacking on pizza with their 3-year-old daughter Sloan. The couple said they were very active, often hiking, camping and backing.
Ann Rich said it was important for them to teach their daughter an appreciation for the outdoors so she grows up protecting nature for future generations. Lucas Rich said the outdoors are good at keeping kids out of trouble.
“Kids these days and their devices,” Lucas Rich said. “You got to get them outdoors as much as possible.”
