Parks, Parks and More Parks

Maybe I really could have a future writing for the Yuma Visitor's Bureau. It really isn't that hot here :)
The weather has been gorgeous since we arrived; refreshing mornings, warm afternoons with a cool breeze, and cool evenings. Despite the gross overuse of the color brown the landscape is beautiful. Ok, so the dirt that is used instead of grass isn't that great, but the mountains that border the town are gorgeous. The varied hues that paint the sky at sunset and wrap themselves around the mountains are fantastic. But the best part, at least for anyone with a toddler, is the parks!
This city has spent a large amount of money creating and maintaing its parks. While we have only visited a few so far, they have not disappointed.
The Gateway Park is located on the Colorado River. Granted, this portion of the river doesn't look like anything special, but it's still the Colorado River. There is a swimming area, multiple picnic areas, plenty of room to run,

and a covered playground. Now, this is the most genious idea ever. Every town that gets hit with scorching heat and blistering rays needs these. The canopy not only shades the children while they play, but more importantly, shades the equipment. This way it's not hot to the touch. Did I mention I think this is genious!

To top it all off the Gateway Park is home to a Southern Pacific Railroad engine. Collin loved this! He thought the train itself was much more fascinating than my history lesson. He could climb, and sit, and pull levers, and run, and could even fit underneath. He's pretty sure this train is Thomas (even though it's not blue), and that Yuma is the coolest town ever.

The next park we found is the West Wetlands Park, or the Castle Park (as Collin has now named it). This was unbelievable. I have never seen anything like this that wasn't in some sort of an amusement park. Built for children from tots to teens (ok, so the teens might be a stretch unless they got a good game of hide n seek going with their friends) this park is great. The castle and fortress behind are built like mazes on the inside that lead to slides, monkey bars, swings, bridges and jumping boards.

One of the slides even opens up as a dragon's mouth.

There are trails that lead to "nature" sites in the surrounding wetlands. Plenty of places to go on a nature walk and other, less interesting equipment configurations.

So, next week we are off to a local park which was memorialized in a children's book. We'll be reading the book together then off on our adventure to see it in person. We'll also be scoping on the exotic animal park, the territorial prison and a wild west show. Stay tuned.