McIlvoy Park: Arvada’s First Park Gets A New Look!
The new playground at McIlvoy Park in Arvada is the latest renovation thanks to the Taking Lasting Care program. At first glance, it has a more traditional look with slides, swings, and ladders, but there are elements that set it apart that your kids will love! Some of these unique features include a scavenger hunt, Arvada-themed panels and a separate play structure for ages 6 to 23 months!
Arvada History: In 1916, Clemency McIlvoy gave land and money to establish Arvada’s first park. There are panels around the walking path sharing facts about this area and McIlvoy Park.
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McIlvoy Park Logistics
Address: 5750 Upham St, Arvada, CO 80002 The playground is across from a school so it can be quite difficult to park nearby at certain times of day. There are a few parking spaces along the street, but likely you may need to walk a bit if it is a busy day in Old Town Arvada.
Bathroom: No restroom is available.
Shade: It opened in November so there are no leaves on the trees to provide shade, but during the summer, the trees should help a lot!
Surface: Wood chips.
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Age Recommendations: A large range of kids’ ages will enjoy the new playground at McIlvoy Park! Pictured above is a play area designed for ages 6 to 23 months and then the large structure is designed for ages up to 12! Be aware that the tall tower is by way of a rope maze to climb up through so young ones that make their way toward it, may not be able to get to the top.
Inclusive Features: There are not a lot of features for wheelchair accessibility, with no accessible swings or ramps, unfortunately. There is, however, a “cozy cocoon”, a spherical spinner, that provides a place for kids to have time to themselves if overstimulated. There are sensory panels shown below as well.
Swings: Yes, there are two traditional belt swings and one baby swing.
Water Features: None.
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Unique Features at McIlvoy Park
You knew we’d say it first…it has a scavenger hunt! This is one of our favorite features at playgrounds because it gives you reason to explore every inch of the playground AND you can create games or races to find them in order, during tag, by color, etc.
The new playground at McIlvoy Park in Arvada consists mainly of a giant structure containing a bit of everything! It has unique steps to climb, wavy ladders, bridges, slides, and all in bright purple and turquoise colors. It has parts that are good for ages 2 to 5 connected to the tower for ages 5+ so keep an eye on your littles or you may need to perform a tower rescue!
The sensory panels at McIlvoy Park are quite unique! The first shows a map of items in Olde Town Arvada with the back illustrating Arvada’s farming and ranching history. The second “Nature Sounds” panel has a dial to turn and, as you go faster, you hear a variety of animal sounds. Both provide a great spot for some individual time and you can use either one as learning activities (find the color, name the animal, look up Arvada history).
Surrounding Area Highlights
There is a circular basketball court near the playground with some amazing shade!
The McIlvoy House is just south of the playground. Today, the home provides patrons with a first-floor exhibit area and a reading room for historical research. The building also houses the Arvada Historical Society’s entire archival collection and hosts half-day history programs for kids organized by the Arvada Center.
Looking for more amazing Arvada playgrounds? Check out https://slidesandsunshine.com/10-outstanding-playgrounds-in-arvada/!
Thanks for joining us at Slides & Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!
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