Veterans Park

Veterans Park is one of the oldest parks in Brighton. As the name suggests it is dedicated to the men and women who have served our country and the US Flag flies over it 24 -7. It covers a total area of 4.5 acres

The park’s best feature is the South Platte River, which flows along its eastern border. The park has become an established put in point for canoers and kayakers in the Denver area. The river is pretty tame, and actually becomes unfit due to low water volume during parts of the summer.

The canoe put in area is unimproved, but very popular with the dogs that are brought to the park. The areas to the immediate north and south of the bridge spanning the river are ideal for letting Fido splash and have a good time.

Following the river are two trails. The first is a paved biking and pedestrian, 52-85 Trail. This trail is named for the two state highways that intersect in the approximate middle of the cities (Brighton, Ft. Lupton, Firestone, and Frederick) the completed system will on day service. The 52-85 trail is part of the Colorado Front Range Trail that will one day have a trail system that connects New Mexico with Wyoming. The trail, which runs south from the Veterans Park Trailhead, is lined with cottonwoods and makes for a very pleasant walk or ride.

The other trail, the Edward Getz Nature Trail dirt and gravel), makes its way through the Morgan Smith Nature Preserve. Birders will see a variety of water fowl, standard Colorado birds (robins, finches, and sparrows) in addition to riparian birds like the red-wing blackbird and the yellow wing blackbird. Several families of Bullock’s Oriole show up each year. There are also hawks and owls in the area.

The park itself has an acre of open space ideal for football or soccer. There is a covered area (first come-first serve) for picnics, with a BBQ grill. There is a small playground for the kids and restroom facilities.

The park closes at 10 PM. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited, but as long as no one is getting out of hand, the alcohol part is not likely to be enforced.