"Beat the Heat" with Denver Swimming Pools

There is no question that this has been one HOT summer in Denver! While cold drinks, going to the movies and sitting in the air conditioning are easy remedies we all still want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Colorado sunshine!

In late June, Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced the city's new "Beat the Heat" initiative. Effective as of July 1st, admission to the 16 Denver public outdoor pools is now FREE admission on Saturdays and Sundays for youth 18 years & under and just $1 for adults.

To help in this city’s effort to “beat the heat” here is a quick pool guide for you to use to stay cool and active for the rest of the summer.

Denver Public Pools

• For a full list of the 16 Denver public pools click HERE.
• To find the swimming pool closest to use the city's handy "Find a Swimming Pool" tool.
• Most Denver pool hours are 12-5pm daily
• Weekday rates are: $1/kids 2-17, $3/seniors and $5/adult 
• Denver residents can purchase seasonal pool passes for $45/person or $90/family
• Swimming lessons are also available at some of Denver's public pools for additional fees
• The pools close on August 12, 2012

Denver Swim & Tennis Clubs 

If you are new to Denver or looking to join a local swim & tennis club you may want to call and learn more about membership and potential waiting lists. Here is a list of just some of the local swim clubs and organizations:

DU Recreation Health & Fitness Center 303-871-3845

Skyline Acres 720-515-7591

Eastmoor Swim & Tennis Club 303-758-2636

Virginia Vale Swim Club 303-377-2300

Crestmoor Community Association 303-399-2528

Stay active and cool this summer!

-Courtney Ranson Licensed in the State of Colorado

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A Look at 5280's Real Estate Guide 2012

 As highlighted in some of my recent blogs, the Denver real estate market has gained national attention for its success during these tough economic times, the current high demand for homes and being popular destination for homeowners across the country. 

5280’s “Real Estate Guide for 2012” by Luc Hatlestad delves into some interesting trends in the Denver real estate industry, explores the great neighborhoods that make up the city (including Wash Park and Cherry Creek!) and some insightful interviews with some of the industry’s most in-tune professionals. This is a great resource for all Denver residents.

Five smart takeaways:

1. Four great factors to consider in picking your home and neighborhood:Location, mixing commercial & residential, walkability and spreading the wealth. As highlighted in this guide, there is great diversity in the Denver neighborhoods in utilizing these different factors. 


2. Location outweighs size. Consider what the neighborhood contributes to your home and your experience, even if it means that you don’t get the size you might in the suburbs.


3. Denver is third in the country for top migration rates...and FIRST for those ages 25-44 years old. People are moving here for the lifestyle but are also potential homeowners. Surveys show that millenials desire to be homeowners just as much as any other generation.


4. Denver ranks third in the Case-Shiller Index- the leading measures for the US residential housing market, which measures the value of residential real estate nationally and in 20 metropolitan regions across the country.


5. Don’t let the upcoming election scare you. Industry professionals recommend that homeowners continue to focus on the market realities rather than the upcoming November election as an indicator on when is a smart time to buy.

 As for how the Cherry Creek and Wash Park neighborhoods ranked in the guide:

• Cherry Creek is a neighborhood to watch for both in top mix of residential and retail and walkability.

• Wash Park (specifically listed at Wash Park East) is number 1 in “spreading the wealth”- areas whose attractiveness is helping surrounding neighborhoods grow and thrive. 

Be sure to read the complete Denver Real Estate Guide 2012.

-Courtney Ranson Licensed in the State of Colorado

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Summer Watering 101- Rules, Tips and Resources

This weekend you may have plans to spend some time outside enjoying some yard work, gardening and picking up any damage caused by that massive storm this week! High temperatures and a dry climate make watering vitally important to keeping your lawn and landscaping in great shape. However, with the current “Stage 1 drought” in Denver, watering now needs to not only be effective for keeping yards beautiful but also efficient for conservation.

As a refresher, here are the 2012 outdoor watering regulations as given by Denver Water:

• Water during cooler times of the day — lawn watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Water no more than three days per week.
• Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.
• Do not allow water to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.
• Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.
• Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days
• Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.

All of the rules listed above are in effect until October 1 of this year.

In addition to these regulations, which carry a fine ranging from $50-$100 if violated, the city is asking that everyone simply be conscientious of their water use and only use what is needed. 55% of residential water use in Denver is for outdoor use.

With warm temperatures and such little snowpack from this past winter, the state’s goal for 2013 is to preserve reservoir storage in case next winter follows the same pattern. However, there are some exceptions to the city’s watering rules, most commonly if new sod or seed has been laid.

The city provides some GREAT resources for Denver residents. Take advantage and visit some of my favorites:

Local water usage information- interesting facts and statistics! 

Tips and tools for effectively AND efficiently watering your lawn.

The best times to water your flower and vegetable gardens and important things to keep in mind.

Stage 1 droughts- what they are and why it matters.

Happy watering!

-Courtney Ranson Licensed in the State of Colorado

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Celebrate Summer with the Old S. Gaylord Street Memorial Day Festival

Memorial Day weekend means a three-day weekend, the opening of pools and the unofficial start of summer! Denver has lots great ways to spend the holiday weekend but for many in the Wash Park neighborhood, the Old South Gaylord Street Annual Memorial Day Weekend Festival is a tradition.

The second oldest district in the city, Gaylord Street has hosted the annual holiday weekend festival for 33 years! With old favorites as well as some new events set to debut this year, the festival offers a great way spend the holiday weekend with something for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday, May 26^th

First ever Saturday Movie Night!

• Movie starts at 9:00pm (Plan to arrive around 8:30pm)
• Original Footloose will be shown
• Bring a blanket to sit on or rent a chair in the limited seating area for $2/per chair
• Deschutes Brewery will be present their newest summer selections!

Sunday 10am- 8pm & Monday 10am-4pm

Event Highlights:

70 amazing vendors will line all of Gaylord Street showcasing a wide variety of unique jewelry, clothing, art and much more! Don’t forget to also stop into the great local businesses of Old South Gaylord Street.

As always there will be numerous food stands with lots of tasty options to fill your appetite, including the always popular shaved ice and turkey legs. Deschutes Brewery, 1800 Margarita and Coke are the official drink sponsors of the festival.

Live music will again play a big part of the weekend festivities. Kicking off the two-day line up will be the winners of the Young Songwriters competition from Swallow Hill.  The festival’s musical performances range from the “funky and jiving” music of The Last Riot to the sounds and style of New Orleans with Blue Sky Carnival. You can see the full music line up HERE.

A new addition to the festival this year is the Colorado Art Pavilion. Sponsored by Arts of Denver, demonstrations and features of local Colorado artists will be available for festival guests to browse.

Fun for kids this year will be in full swing! Popular attractions include the giant slide, climbing wall, bungee trampoline and bounce house. Carnival games with the chance to win prizes also will be available.

I hope you enjoy your holiday weekend! 

-Courtney Ranson Licensed in the State of Colorado

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"Let's Move Together" at the Denver Arthritis Walk this Sunday

The month of May is National Arthritis Month. Movement is part of our lives every day- getting into the car, playing at the park, taking a walk; but for more than 50 million Americans suffering from Arthritis tasks such as these can often be painful and debilitating. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the US today and is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems that exist.  

Arthritis knows no boundaries. It is not something that only affects those as they age. One of the most common types of arthritis is Juvenile Arthritis, which affects over 300,000 children under the age of 18. Madison Morgan (pictured above), the daughter of a good friend of mine, was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was just a baby. What began as extremely high and long-lasting fevers when she was 11 months old turned out to be a signal of JRA in Madison’s right knee.

While Madison’s parents were grateful that they were able to identify the source of her fevers, Madison’s mobility and daily activities were still often greatly affected and even painful. Madison’s JRA remains a part of her life today but does not define who she is. A driven, happy, and thriving 6 year-old Kindergartner, Madison exemplifies determination and strength.

Join Madison, her family and many of your neighbors at the Denver Arthritis Walk at Wash Park this Sunday! The Arthritis Foundation’s signature event, The Arthritis Walk is held in communities nationwide in order to raise both awareness and funds to help those living with arthritis. Participate in honor of a friend or family member or come and show your support for arthritis research, health education and government advocacy policies.

Here is what you need to know about the event this Sunday:

When: Saturday, May 20^th 9:00am-2:00 pm

Registration: There is no fee to register for this event. Registration will take place from 9:00-11:00am on the day of the event.

Schedule of Events:

10:45-11:00 am- Opening Ceremonies

11:00-11:30am- Fun Run

11:10am-12:30pm- Walk Begins

11:30am-2:00pm- Expo area opens with kids zone and entertainment

Parking: Parking is available at South High School and around the park. Be sure to plan ahead though as spaces are often limited and fill up quickly!

Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation mission Let’s Move Together by clicking here.

If you would like to support Team Madison visit her Fundraising Page here. 

Let's all move together this Sunday!

-Courtney Ranson Licensed in the State of Colorado

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