Writing this review on Rodeo Park is not my first rodeo reviewing a neighborhood park. However, it is the first time ever that a dream led me to a park. Last night I had this dream that I was jogging in Rodeo Park. What is funny is that I had never stepped foot in Rodeo Park with the exception that I drove by it one time. As it turns out, the day after the dream I had planned to hike in the desert a few miles east of Rodeo Park. My dreamy bookmark became reality when I visited Rodeo Park on the way to the hiking trail.
Speaking of dreams, You would be dreaming if you expect to see a rodeo here. I am curious what the story is behind the name Rodeo Park. Then again the names of the streets around it are Sky Forest and Aspen Peak (actually overlooks Frenchman Mountain).
In reality, Rodeo Park is an 8-acre jellybean shaped park northeast of Boulder Highway and Broadbent. It is a City of Henderson Park just south of the Town of Whitney border. Instead of rodeos it provides the amenities of a neighborhood park. Within the 8-acres are a basketball court, sand volleyball court, playground, baseball field, tennis courts, picnic pavilion, open grass, benches, and so on. From my tour of the park, I would like to pass on that one of it's premier amenities is the sufficient mature tree canopy in the center of the park. This tree canopy covers the playground, center benches, and picnic pavilions. During the brutal days of summer, this sundry of shade is a significant advantage. Closing off this paragraph on amenities, I would will pass on that there is sufficient parking on both sides of the park in the parking lots off Aspen Peak Loop and Sky Forest.
During the first visit to a neighborhood or regional park, I prefer to partake in a walk along the peripheral walkways. This gives me a feel of the park. A vibe in otherwords. I got a good vibe walking along the peripheral walkways beside Aspen Peak and Sky Forest. The condition of the park was a major contribution to the welcoming vibe.
When I review parks ranging from a neighborhood to a national park, the condition it is in is critically important in my rating. On the park condition report card, I grade this one an "A Plus." The grounds were extremely clean. Graffiti and litter were unsubstantial. For the most part, park users utilized the dog waste bags and cleaned up after their dogs. The grass lawn at the southern side to the baseball field at the northern side were immaculate. The equipment that include the playground, jungle gym, and fitness stations appeared to be in fine condition. The only opportunity for improvement was the men's room where there were some challenges including an out of soap situation.
Visiting Rodeo Park is one of those times where I turned my dream into reality. And my subconscious mind led me to a nice park. I don't know what other dreams that will lead me to adventure are in my future. Maybe a dream will lead me to a winning slot machine (just kidding!) What I do know is that in the real world Rodeo Park is a very nice neighborhood park. read more
