" THE RED STONE PARK "

" The Red Stone Park in Highlands Ranch "

Last Sunday by 10.00 a.m., we all had a drive to Red Stone Park in Denver, which is situated at a short distance from High Lands Ranch where we stay. The Park is one of the Highlands Ranch outdoors and the development of such outdoors is a part of the community involvement.The High lands Ranch boasts 17 parks, more than 50 miles of trials and 2000 acres of open space. In fact Chat field State Park is said to be a jewel featuring water recreation opportunity and unique Rock formations and wild life.

" ONE TOUCH OF NATURE MAKES THE WHOLE WORLD KIN " - so says Shakespeare. We go to Nature to be soothed and healed and have our senses put in order. The strength of recreation facility in America stems from a deep feeling of community responsibilities.

The Red Stone Park is a vast outdoor of 22, 000 Sq.foot skate area. Parks are great social gathering places that help give neighborhoods a common bond. The green field spreads through out where we saw four foot ball matches were being played simultaneously. The players were young boys and girls only. They were representing different Schools and to our delight we saw the matches in thick of competition but in a true sporting spirit. A girl, may be 11 year old, was anticipating a pass from the sides and the moment the ball reached near, she swung at it and carried it in a serpentine route, overtaking the hurdlers and went near the goal post and without making any mistake , gently pushed into the goal, a perfect winner !!. . We joined the crowd and gave a hearty round of applause. The parents rushed to the girl for a hug and gave her a sweet drink.

There was a fishing pond in the park where the habitual fishing men and women were seen in action. The walking way was around the park and I started walking. A round makes it to almost half a k.m. which I derived by experience from the time consumed for making the round. There were other sports going on in groups. The School children were wearing colorful jackets with red, yellow or blue stripes.

There were enough shelters in the park where the visitors were spreading. Some were seen taking sun-bath. Dog-walking was also a common feature and varieties include Dalmatian, Rottle, Dingo, Daisy, Australian Bull dog and Shepherd, Silky Jack, Husky, Mountain Dog, Japillon. The walkers while crossing others greet each other with a smile. I was cautious while crossing a dog-walker. There were rest rooms also for answering nature's calls.

Well laid Tennis Courts which I counted as five are added facility in the park arena.. The small baby , Karthik , was under care of Parvathy , while the elder boy Vignesh was with his father. Vignesh brought his cycle (RPT> bicycle), a new one, and was seen cycling without any fear in a swift way. His father was taking care of his needs. It was also nice to see other parents giving coaching to their off-springs in different sports. Rugby, soccer to soft ball were all in play.

The outdoor amenities reduce stress, improve personal fitness and health and heralds an active life style. What a way to live !

" LOOK DEEP INTO THE NATURE AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING BETTER " . These are the words of THE GREAT ALBERT EINSTEIN which come in my mind at this opportune moment.

I came to know that Highlands Ranch, has been named a " TREE CITY USA ". In addition, the Metro city received a Sterling Tree City USA Award in 2001. They celebrate this day in every April with volunteer tree planting event.

There are two new colonies coming up in Highlands ranch in Denver County and I learn that with this expansion, the number of total houses will amount to one lakh and the county has decided not to allow any further expansion.

We returned home from the park by 1 p.m. and sat for a sumptuous lunch.