As a child, one of my favorite places on Earth was Belmar Park. My Nana and I would pack an old-fashioned picnic complete with ginger beer and cucumber and butter sandwiches and head off for a day of adventures and exploration. I was fascinated by the wildlife, the greenery, the beautiful bridges and the wooden docks surrounding the lake in the heart of the park. As an eight year old little girl, the park seemed to hold an almost mystical and mahical quality to me; it was a place where all of my wildest dreams could come true, everything was teeming with life, and anything was possible. I recently traveled back to Belmar Park, and was amazed by how little this gorgeous Colorado park has changed over the years.
Belmar Park
Belmar park is home to a variety of walking and horseback riding trails, as well Kountze Lake and the Lakewood Heritage center. The park is conveniently located at 802 South Wadsworth Boulevard, directly across the street from the outdoor Belmar shopping center.
Lakewood Heritage Center
The Lakewood Heritage Center is a unique family fun history museum that showcases the 20th century in an unexpected way. The center consists of 10 different historical buildings, including a 1920’s school house and a 1950’s diner among others. Guided tours are available daily, allowing you to go inside of the buildings and experience what was like in each decade. Every Halloween, the center hosts a historical Halloween party, complete with apple bobbing and hay wagon rides. There is also a retro inspired gift shop on site where you can purchase a number of vintage replica gifts and souvenirs from your day at the center.
Trails
Belmar park hosts both dirt and paved walking trails, as well as horseback riding trails. The trails wind all the way through the park, allowing you to take in all of the beautiful scenery and wildlife the park has to offer. There are a number of wooden bridges and docks surrounding Kountze lake that are the perfect place for a romantic or family fun picnic during the summer.
Scenery
The scenery at the park is unlike most Colorado parks, and offers you the very best the state has to offer. There are stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, pine trees, willow trees and many other plants and flowers. My Nana’s favorite part of the park was the large number of bright purple thistles that grow along the water’s edge because they reminded her of Scotland and were one of her favorite flowers.
Wildlife
Belmar Park is home to a very diverse selection of wildlife including ducks, geese, avocets, swallows, turtles, bass and more. Large blue dragonflies are common to see hovering above the water while beautiful orange and yellow butterflies make thier way from flower to flower. Large bass and algea eating fish often come up to the waters surface, and are easy to spot from the tiered bride lookout on the South side of the park.
Memorials
The park is also home to several memorial statues, including the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial. There are a number of memorial benches throughout the park, including the Colorado Women in Law Enforcement bench among others.
Whether you are six or sixty, Belmar Park is an idyllic place to spend a day reading, walking or exploring. The trails are an easy walk, and the wildlife and scenery are some of the best in the state outside of the Rocky Mountains. For photography enthusiasts, the park is a great place for engagement pictures and landscape portraits.
Belmar Park
801 South Wadsworth Boulevard
Lakewood, Colorado
303-987-7800
Lakewood Heritage Center
801 South Yarrow Street
Lakewood, Colorado
303-987-7850
