Colorado Springs, CO

Every July 4th a large celebration takes place. Not for my dad or my friend Gary’s birthdays or for aunt Rosalyn and uncle Barry’s anniversary. The celebration takes place to mark the anniversary of the independence of the United States. This year marks year 231!

In Colorado Springs there are 4 or 5 different celebrations in different parts of the city but the largest party will take place at Memorial Park - 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. As always the event is free.

The official start time is 8pm but crowds will gather much earlier than that to claim preferred seating for the fireworks extravaganza. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture in tandem with 6 Howitzer cannons provided by the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado.

Bring a picnic basket but leave the BBQ grills and pets at home. Also, don’t overlook the fact that any type of firework is illegal to set off in the city limits. Yes, even sparklers!

According to www.springsgov.com Memorial Park offers all of the following:

Aquatics and Fitness Center (indoor pool), fitness room, social/play room; swimming lessons. (Best access off S. Union Blvd. just south of E. Pikes Peak Ave.)
# Prospect Lake and Bath House: swimming beach, boating (motorized and non-motorized), water-skiing, boat rental (paddle, row, sail and canoe), two fishing areas (one wheelchair accessible fishing dock).
# Mark “Pa” Sertich Ice Center: public ice skating, lessons.
# Velodrome: bicycle racing track, roller skate racing track.
# Sports Center: Parks and Recreation’s Sports Division Administrative Offices; three baseball/softball fields, 15 football/soccer fields, 12 tennis courts with Tennis Center.
# Other facilities: picnicking (shelters), large-group picnic area (by reservation), bicycle criterium, horseshoe courts, multi-play court, three playgrounds (including Phil Long/Denver Broncos Community Playground with ADA accessibility), 5.3 miles of trails, 1.6 miles of bikeways, Prospect Lake Fitness Trail (hiking, biking, jogging, fitness), restrooms, public telephones, vending machines, concessions. 196 acres.