Guest article by Rick Fuller, Administrative Counsel, Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District
Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, located in southwest Adams County and organized in 1955, has the privilege of being the first park and recreation district in the State of Colorado. Its origin and long history reflect a close and mutually beneficial relationship with Adams County School District No. 50.
In the early 1950’s, local residents looked to provide a means of increasing recreational facilities in the Westminster area. School District 50 had the normal complement of gymnasiums and sports fields but lacked the ability to finance and build parks and offer recreation programs to the general public. Park and recreation district enabling legislation was passed, and District 50 Metropolitan Park and Recreation District (later changed to Hyland Hills) was organized in 1955, serving an initial population of 20,000. As the name suggests, the original boundaries of the District were those of School District 50. The first District offices were housed in the School District’s administration building.
From the beginning, the two entities made it a priority to make full use of existing facilities, avoid unnecessary duplication of services, and increase recreational facilities, for the benefit of all residents. In 1956, Hyland Hills built Splashland, the first metro outdoor pool outside of the City of Denver, and two tennis courts —both on property then owned by the School District. This was followed by the construction of Colorado’s first indoor/outdoor natatorium at Clear Lake Junior High. When schools were no longer able to afford a middle school sports program, Hyland Hills took the program over. Hyland Hills also provided before and after school based programs for elementary students as well as vacation camps and summer camps.
After 55 years, those priorities have not changed, and joint use agreements allow each District to make use of the other’s facilities. Unlike most park and recreation districts, Hyland Hills has no large recreation centers or indoor gymnasiums. Rather, Hyland Hills is able to use school gymnasiums for its winter youth and adult basketball programs during non-school hours. District 50 allows Hyland Hills to utilize school outdoor sports fields and tennis courts, and Hyland Hills returns the favor by assisting the school district in maintenance of many of these fields. Hyland Hills, in turn, allows District 50 use of its gymnastic center, sports fields and golf course for high school level sports teams and other facilities for student/teacher training.
While Hyland Hills provides a full range of adult sports and activities, it continues to focus on school-age children, and ongoing cooperation with District 50 remains a key element. District 50 provides funding for preschool students to attend the Hyland Hills Preschool as part of the Colorado Preschool Program through District 50’s Early Childhood Center. Hyland Hills also works with District 50 on the Gold Teaching Strategies educational assessment program for children ages 3-6. Although Hyland Hills no longer provides before and after school programs at specific schools, the Rec Club offers after school, supervised drop-in programs for elementary and middle school students.
Hyland Hills’ sports camps utilize District 50 coaches and encourage participation in high school sports. The Hyland Hills Foundation’s Putts for a Purpose program annually invites students and family members from one local elementary school to enjoy a free day at Adventure Golf and Raceway. Hyland Hills provides land for a tree farm operated by District 50 horticultural students. District 50 further provides venues for Hyland Hills special events, including its Halloween Spooktacular. Coming up, Hyland Hills and District 50 will be partnering in the Flat 14er Initiative—a program encouraging children to increase their level of physical activity by virtually climbing the majestic mountains of Colorado using Hyland Hills parks and trails. Colorado offers 58 mountains rising above 14,000 feet, and specific Hyland Hills trail segments will be measured, designated and nicknamed for a particular mountain climb for District 50 students.
Summer vacation provides additional and unique abilities for close cooperation. Knowing how difficult it can be to find safe and supervised activities for children during school breaks and vacations, Hyland Hills continues to offer vacation day camps and summer camps—often at local school sites. Through grants provided by the Hyland Hills Foundation, the very popular Be-A-Fish Learn to Swim Program has the goal of teaching every District 50 student how to swim for free. The Foundation also provides recreation program grants to students if they qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. As the largest job provider for youth in Adams County, Hyland Hills hires over 1,400 students for summer work—many of which attend District 50. Hyland Hills’ Water World staff requires each applicant bring in their latest report card—a reminder of the need for good attendance and hard work at school. In addition to providing a fair wage, these jobs teach the students responsibility, leadership and cooperation—both at work and in the classroom.
The educators and civic leaders who were instrumental in organizing Hyland Hills envisioned a true partnership with recreation and education working together for the betterment of all. That vision has, for 55 years, guided the relationship between Hyland Hills and District 50 and is still strong today. Through the ongoing efforts of dedicated Board members, staff and residents, this partnership has resulted in maximizing use of facilities, increased recreational programs and facilities for all, a reduction in costly duplication of services, and efficiencies in government not usually realized.
Education and recreation go hand-in-hand and are natural partners. These partnerships make the most efficient and targeted use of our scarce public funds. More importantly, they contribute immeasurably to the quality of life for our most precious resource—our children. The story of Hyland Hills and District 50 is worth honoring, but it is not unique. Joint programming and sharing of facilities are daily occurrences not only in Colorado but also across the United States. Every park and recreation district should have a similar story. Have you told yours?
