Summer Fun in NOCO!
Hello Friends-
This summer has looked a bit different for all of us this year. With just about a month left this summer we wanted to provide you with a list of summer activities you can check out! According to an article published June 23rd by the Coloradoan, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released a pandemic-friendly activity guide, ranking everyday acts by the risks they present. We picked some low- to medium-risk activities for some summer fun you can (safely) have to finish out this season!
Get outside
Outdoor exercise and recreation were listed as some of the most low-risk options in the CDPHE’s activity guide. The risk gets even lower with less people, so consider staking out less crowded areas to explore and recreate. Camping — one of the best outdoor options — has some of the lowest risk if you plan on going with members of your household. When out and about, the CDPHE encourages people to practice social distancing, wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer. Need more options? You can try …
… Going on a garden tour
The city-run Gardens on Spring Creek reopened its outdoor gardens and gift shop to the public, meaning summer garden strolls are back on. Check out the new Butterfly Pavilion! Because of new capacity restrictions and timed entry, you’ll need to purchase a ticket ahead of time or — if you’re a Gardens member — reserve a time slot online before your visit. Tickets won’t be sold on site. You can come to the gardens at the time of your ticket or any time within the following 30 minutes, according to the Gardens on Spring Creek newsletter. Masks and social distancing will be required. Access to buildings will only be for visitor check-in, gift shop purchases and to use the restrooms or drinking fountains. Do not visit the Gardens on Spring Creek if you are feeling sick.
… Going on a bike ride
What better way to get outdoors and explore than going for a ride on one of the many bike trails in Northern Colorado. The City of Fort Collins has made planning easy with its Bike Trail Map.
… Getting in some yoga
With Gardens on Spring Creek reopened, that means its yoga classes are back on this summer, offering up the beautiful backdrop of its botanical gardens. Participants are asked to wear a mask to the class, though it is not necessary to wear one during your practice. You must provide your own mats, water bottles, sunscreen and necessary props. Classes are for those of all skill levels who are 18 and older. They will be held from 9:15-10 a.m. every second and fourth Saturday in July and August, as well as another class held 9:15-10 a.m. Aug. 29. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online.
… Hitting the water
Fort Collins public City Park Pool is closed, but there are other ways to get on the water this summer. Horsetooth Reservoir reopened its two swim beaches, and the swim beach at Carter Lake also open. Swimmers are asked to abide by all posted regulations and safety protocols.
The Poudre River Whitewater Park located just north of Old Town at 202 East Vine Drive, kayakers, tubers and kids of all ages can enjoy the Poudre River and all it has to offer. This park brought the river back to a more natural state, helps connect the river to downtown, provides safe access to the river. Poudre Heritage provides tips for how to “Play it Safe on the Poudre” with tips for safe tubing and fun!
The Town of Windsor reopened Windsor Lake for boat rentals and beachgoers. To enjoy Windsor Lake, visitors must respect its new rules — which limit gatherings, reduce facility capacities and enforce social distancing guidelines. Everyone is also asked to wear a mask. You can register for boat rentals online. Coast Guard-approved life jackets must be brought from home, according to the town’s website.
FOR THE FOODIES….
Dining out is listed as a medium-risk activity, per the CDPHE. To reduce that risk, dining outside is encouraged. And you are in luck — dozens of Fort Collins restaurants have applied for increased outdoor space for extra al fresco dining. If you are dining out, be sure to wear your mask when walking around the restaurant and, once seated, remain with your party. If you’re looking for safer, foodie-friendly options, try …
… Grilling out
Is any summer ever complete without at least one cookout? In the interest of staying home more, try grilling up some goods for your family one of these weekends. To stay extra safe, Banner Health experts sent along some grilling tips. They include:
- Never grill inside, on a balcony or in a garage. Stick to grilling in the great outdoors (i.e. your backyard).
- Make sure your grill is a safe distance from your house, deck rails and out from under eaves or hanging tree branches.
- Keep kids and pets away from grilling areas and never leave a grill unattended.
- Don’t overload your grill. Excessive fat and grease can ignite large flare ups.
- Don’t pour accelerant on a fire that is already lit.
- Clean your grill and grease pan regularly to eliminate fire hazards.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it. For small flare ups, keep a spray bottle or bucket of water handy.
… Hitting up the farmers market
Need some fresh produce for your next summer picnic? Head to one of Northern Colorado’s farmers markets, which have instituted new rules and guidelines to keep customers and vendors safe and healthy.
… A night at the drive-in
Drive-In movie theaters have seen a new surge of interest as moviegoers flock to the nostalgic stops for some socially-distant fun, and Fort Collins’ Holiday Twin Drive-In is no exception. The Holiday Twin has started its season with spaced-out cars and a new online ordering and delivery system for its concessions stand, cutting down on person-to-person contact. It’s also upped its offerings. Launching the FoCoMX Drive & Jive concert series, which will bring live local music acts to the drive-in’s big screen Tuesday nights through August.
Wishing you a wonderful end of Summer 2020′