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Denver Animal Shelter Adjusts Weekend Hours to Expand Adoption Opportunities  

With record increases in surrendered and lost animals arriving at Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) year after year, changes are coming to the shelter’s weekend schedule to give more time for folks to find new furry friends.

Beginning tomorrow, July 1, low-cost vaccine clinics move to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The change allows DAS to add adoption-only services on weekends.

From 9-11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, DAS will focus only on pet adoptions, providing four additional hours of adoption time each weekend. All other services, including surrendering pets, picking up lost animals, owner euthanasia requests, permitting, licensing, and more, will operate from 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

So far in 2025, DAS has taken in 4,392 animals as strays, owner surrenders and transfers, compared to 4,107 at the same time last year. Intakes have risen significantly since 2019. In 2024, DAS took in nearly 10,000 animals, representing a 13% increase from the previous year and a 45% increase from the pre-pandemic benchmark of 2019. 

“The number of lost, unwanted, injured and mistreated animals arriving at DAS continues to grow each year, and we are finding there just aren’t enough hours in the day to adopt out these wonderful pets to people who want them. Clients would come to the shelter later in the day, register, and then find that there wasn’t enough time for them to visit with an adoptable pet because of the large number of people we serve day in and day out. These additional adoption hours each weekend will give our staff extra precious time to find even more forever homes for our deserving furry friends,” said DAS Director Melanie Sobel. 

If you’d like to make a loving home for a deserving animal, check out our adoptable pets. You can also view our lost and found animals, who may soon become available for adoption. In July, dogs over 1 year old and over 50 pounds are $50, while cats over 1 year old are $40. Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, vaccines, a microchip and a one-year pet license.

New Business Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – All services

Tuesday/Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.- Vaccine clinic only. 12:30 – 6:30 p.m. – All services.

Saturday/ Sunday:  9-11 a.m. – Adoptions only. 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – All services.

For more information about DDPHE, visit denvergov.org/dphe or follow us on social media @DDPHE.

Support Veterans with PTSD during the Fourth of July

VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System encourages everyone to be mindful of Veterans living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as we celebrate Independence Day.

Fireworks are a special part of the Fourth of July, but the loud, sudden noises and bright flashes can be difficult for Veterans living with PTSD. The sights and sounds can bring back memories of trauma and trigger symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks or trouble sleeping.

“We often have veterans who describe, regretfully, dreading this time of year,” Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst Bell, VA ECHCS PTSD program manager, said. “People who’ve experienced trauma might have diverse reactions to things like fireworks displays and unpredictable loud noises. It is important that communities and individuals consider the impact these triggers may have on their veteran neighbors. We must also remember that individuals who have PTSD have an incredible amount of resilience and strength.”

If you plan to light fireworks outside of the Fourth of July, please talk with your neighbors ahead of time. Fireworks are expected on the Fourth but are not anticipated at random times before or after the holiday.

Tips and resources for Veterans with PTSD:

  • Reach out to loved ones and support systems. Let them know you may need extra support around fireworks.
  • If you receive care from VA Eastern Colorado, you can call 720-723-7310 (Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center) or 719-327-5660 option 4 (PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Outpatient Clinic) to talk with our mental health team.
  • Veterans in crisis or those concerned about them can call 911, the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and select 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website.
  • Download the free PTSD Coach app for coping tools and resources.
  • Use earplugs, headphones, or white noise machines to help block fireworks noise.
  • Consider spending time in quieter locations or areas where fireworks are not allowed.
  • Learn more about PTSD at the VA National Center for PTSD.

Manage your health care with the VA: Health and Benefits app or My HealtheVet. For updates and events, visit VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

For more information, please contact Nick Sanchez, Acting Public Affairs Officer, VHAECHPAO@va.gov.

Source: Department of Veteran Affairs

Our Government

White House

Over 60 organizations are the first signers of the White House’s Pledge to America’s Youth: Investing in AI Education, which promises to support the goals and mission of President Trump’s executive order Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for America’s Youth.

Colorado Governor

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced $1.6 million in Geothermal Energy Grant Program (GEGP) funding today to support geothermal heating initiatives and studies across Colorado. “By better using the heat beneath our feet to help us, we are leading the nation in innovative clean energy technologies that save Coloradans money, and protect our air quality. Investing in Geothermal heating technology increases energy reliability and serves as a low-cost energy source,” said Governor Polis. 

Denver Mayor

The Mayors Migration Council (MMC) proudly announces the addition of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to its Leadership Board.  “In Denver, we’re focused not on where you were born but on what you bring to the table,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.  “I’m proud to join mayors around the world proving that practical, values-driven city leadership can turn migration into shared opportunity.”

A Week In Review

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Africa 

Kenyan street vendor killed by police 

Boniface Kariuki, a Kenyan street vendor, was shot and killed by police in the country during protests. The incident occurred around two weeks ago, and Kariuki was recently declared brain dead. Kariuki was shot when police were cracking down on a protest against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. 

DR Congo/Rwanda reach peace deal 

Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to a ceasefire. However, non-state armed groups active in the eastern DR Congo region said it’s not clear whether all will follow the ceasefire. The conflict between the nations grew earlier this year when rebels seized control of eastern DR Congo. Thousands of people and hundreds of thousands of others have been displaced. 

Asia 

Protests against Thailand prime minister continue 

Over this past week, protests continued against Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a call she had with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call was regarding a recent incident on their border. A rally over the weekend was the largest of its kind since the ruling Pheu Thai party came into power in 2023. 

Soldiers killed by car bomb in Pakistan 

At least 13 soldiers were killed in Pakistan when a suicide bomber drove a vehicle packed with explosions into a military convoy. Pakistan alleged the bomber behind the attack was backed by India, but the country denied the allegation. The attack was claimed by a suicide bomber wing of a faction of the Pakistan Taliban. 

Europe 

Ukraine wildlife park looks to rescue lions 

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Ukraine is creating a fund to help rescue three lions impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The lions are living in captivity in Ukraine, and the park is aiming to bring the animals to the wildlife park in the UK. Last year, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park rescued a lioness and her three cubs after they were abandoned in Ukraine when the conflict started. 

Serbian police/protesters clash 

A group of 140,000 protesters gathered in Serbia over the weekend calling for elections and end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. Riot police were seen firing tear gas and stun grenades while Vucic accused the demonstrators of being part of a foreign plot. Protests in Serbia have lasted for months and have involved university shutdowns. Vucic’s second term is scheduled to end in 2027. 

Latin America 

Ecuador drug lord captured 

Ecuador police have recaptured Adolfo Macias Villamar, the leader of the criminal gang Los Choneros. He is the country’s most wanted fugitive, and his gang is blamed for the country’s high murder rates. Villamar is also suspected of ordering the assassination of a presidential candidate in 2023. He was detained in an underground bunker. 

Hot air balloon accident in Brazil 

At least eight people were killed in Brazil from a hot air balloon accident. Officials said a fire started inside the basket. Among those who were killed include two couples, a mother and daughter, a figure skater, and an ophthalmologist. The incident occurred in southern Santa Catarina, a popular tourist destination. 

North America 

Trump budget bill could cut health insurance for millions 

New estimates show that a budget bill in the US Senate could cut health insurance coverage for around 12 million Americans. The bill recently passed a preliminary vote in the Senate. Trump has called for the bill to pass Congress before July 4 while the Whtie House said failure to pass it would be the ultimate betrayal. 

Brad Pitt’s home targeted by thieves 

Actor Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was targeted by thieves last week. The suspects fled with stolen items, but it is unknown what exactly was taken. Pitt was in the UK when the incident occurred, promoting his new film F1. Recently, thieves have targeted other celebrity homes, including the home of Jennifer Aniston. 

Operation Midnight Hammer launched against Iran 

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It was one of the rare times President Trump’s ‘two-week’ tell came through and this time with a bang—a bunker busting bang. Historically, when the president promises something in two weeks, very often nothing happens. This time was different.

Last Thursday Trump had promised to “wait two weeks” before deciding on whether to join Israel in its military conflict with Iran. This past weekend, seventeen hours after takeoff from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and flying more than 7,000 miles non-stop, B-2 bombers crossed into Iranian territory hitting Iran’s three main nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

The aerial attack was joined by submarines stationed in the Persian Gulf that launched more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles. The Pentagon also said that 125 total aircraft took part in the operation but only the B-2 dropped ordinance.

The mission, Operation Midnight Hammer, launched Saturday at 4:40 p.m. (MDT) and was conducted with extraordinary precision. Each of the $2 billion B-2s was manned by a two-man crew for the long distance mission. It was the longest mission undertaken by the stealth bombers since 2001. 

The Iranian targets were hit with between 14 and 16 GBU-57 bombs, often called ‘Bunker Busters,’ for their lethality and enormity. Each of the bombs dropped on the three nuclear enrichment sites weighs approximately 30,000 pounds and is capable of penetrating the ground to a depth of 200 feet.

The Pentagon reported that once the first ordinance was dropped, the entire mission was over in 25 minutes. It also said that the mission was not met by a single Iranian aircraft or missile.

Early Saturday evening, the President went on television to announce the secret mission. “The strikes were a spectacular military success,” he said. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in a morning after media briefing, called the mission ‘brilliant’ and concurred that Iran’s nuclear program had been “devastated.” He also said that no civilian or other military sites were targeted.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the American airstrikes calling them proof of U.S. complicity in the current Israeli drone and missile attacks on his country. Washington has denied any connection to Israel’s military operations in Iran. 

While Trump and the Pentagon were hailing Operation Midnight Hammer and the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites, there is a deep and surprising bi-partisan division over the decision. 

Colorado congresswoman Diana DeGette called the strikes “unauthorized” and “an act of war that requires Congressional approval.” The long-serving Denver Democrat said the president’s actions risk the lives of American servicemembers and American citizens, as well.

Jason Crow, who represents the state’s 6th Congressional District, echoed DeGette. “Trump has, once again, exceeded his authority…Congress must act now and reclaim constitutional power.” 

The state’s Republican House members fell in line with the President. Lauren Boebert cheered the mission’s success and Jeff Hurd, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, gave full endorsement to Trump. “I fully support actions taken to prevent an evil regime from being able to harm us.”

While our state’s congressional delegation’s reactions were unsurprising, some Republicans were critical of the decision to carry out the mission. One ordinarily staunch and ever camera-ready Trump ally, Marjorie Taylor Greene, did not hold back on her opposition to the attack.

“For decades, we’ve watched our men and women in uniform go all over the world and fight,” she said. “Americans are very tired of that.”

Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie joined Taylor Greene in condemning Trump’s decision to carry out the mission. Massie called the President’s actions unconstitutional. The Constitution, he said, “does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war.”

Massie’s criticism of Operation Midnight Hammer caught Trump’s attention and in a very bad way. By Sunday evening Trump launched his own mission to ground Massie. Trump called on the party to wage a primary against the MIT grad and condemned him for not being MAGA enough.  

The weekend attack on the Iranian nuclear enrichment sites has created a heightened level of security at home. The Department of Homeland Security has ordered the posting of guards at federal buildings in a number of U.S. cities. The department has also warned of potential rogue attacks at locations where people gather including churches, theaters and public venues. 

Meanwhile, though Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have said the weekend’s attack on Iran should not indicate a desire for regime change, statements by the president seem not to rule it out. 

On Truth Social Trump more than hinted he’s open to it. “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

While Operation Midnight Hammer has been completed and the B-2 bombers have all returned to base, military exchanges between Israel and Iran continue and Iran is now threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait is the world’s most critical passageway for oil tankers. Not only could a blockade create a military flashpoint igniting an escalation of conflict, but it would also have an almost immediate impact on worldwide oil prices. 

It is estimated that the 21-mile aquatic artery is where more than 17 million barrels of oil—20 percent of daily global demand—pass each day. Tankers carrying crude from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran pass through each day. 

The Strait also has a round-the-clock presence of American, British and French naval vessels. The threat of a blockade could set off an unintended domino effect, impacting gas prices, shipping costs and the price for ensuring the vessels that deliver the cargos that pass through the Strait.  With U.S. forces spread across a wide swath of the region, Iran has its choice of where, when and how to retaliate. Under darkness on Monday, it chose an American base in Qatar as its first target firing multiple short and medium range missiles at Al Udeid Air Base. In response, Kuwait and Iraq have closed their airspace as a result of the attack.

2025 Student of the Week Scholarship Winner – Zia Esquibel

Photo courtesy: Zia Esquibel

Zia Esquibel has been selected as LaVozColorado’s 2024-2025 Scholarship winner. For Esquibel and her classmates from the graduating Student of the Week Class of 2025, Denver North High School is a memory. Graduates have many paths to consider and decisions to make after high school. For some, the path will be college or university, some will join the military, others will select a trade or directly begin working. Whatever the choice, all begin a new life’s journey.

Zia Esquibel, featured on March 5, 2025, as LaVozColorado Student of the Week, is now enrolled at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Esquibel begins her studies in Electrical Engineering and is in the Engineering Honors Program.  Esquibel is a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar and an Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Scholar.

Esquibel is a determined well-rounded student whose actions serve to motivate, inspire and help others. Esquibel’s academic achievements included National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Student Voice & Leadership, National Hispanic Recognition Award, and many other academic awards. Esquibel was also an athlete who participated in Varsity Tennis and Varsity Volleyball (served as captain), belonged to the Juggernaut Volleyball Club, and competed in Regional and National levels. Esquibel volunteered through her high school, for Denver Feed-a-Family in honor of Daddy Bruce Randolph, and Electrical Workers Minority Caucus.  For more – Zia Esquibel profile online at Lavozcolorado.com.

We congratulate Zia Esquibel, our 2024-2025 Student of the Week Scholarship Winner!

The NBA has a new champion after a Finals game 7

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The Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder wrapped up the 2025 NBA Finals in game seven at Paycom Center in Oklahoma. 

The series was tied up 3-3 heading into game seven with the Thunder being the favorites. Many weren’t expecting the Pacers to make it to game seven with many critics taking Indiana for the upset if they were able to push the series to game seven. 

Unfortunately for the Pacers they fell short after having a terrible third quarter where they were outscored 34-20 which turned out the be the difference in the game. The Oklahoma City Thunder added their second championship to their trophy case, their first since 1979.  

In other sports, the Colorado Rockies won game three of a three game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks to prevent a three-game sweep giving the Rockies their 18th win of the season with 60 losses.

This week the Rockies host the division leading L.A. Dodgers in a three-game series before heading to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in a three game series. 

The Rockies are 29.5 games behind the division leading L.A. Dodgers and 22 games behind the second to last place Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite the Rockies terrible season, Coors Field still seems to fill up with fans who have accepted them as the worst in the league. 

The Colorado Rapids faced Orlando City last weekend losing 0-1. The Rapids are in L.A. this week to face the L.A. Galaxy before heading to New England on Saturday to face the New England Revolution and then head to Kansas City for the Fourth of July to face Sporting KC at 7:30 p.m.  

The Rapids are sitting at number 10 in the Western Conference about 13 pints behind the conference leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 

The spark that is lighting Latino political engagement

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David Conde, Senior Consultant for International Programs

The Latino community, especially the Mexican descendants in the United States, have been rather quiet in the political arena in the last 30 years. During that time, they appear to have concentrated more on building their education, business and community infrastructure that has allowed them to lead in these categories.

It is this system of work and values, driven largely by immigrant families and their offspring, that has under-gird their drive toward success. The work ethic largely associated with the history of immigration in America has dominated the focus of the group.

But something happened in Los Angeles that has sparked an awakening of Latino youth who are coming to realize that the savagery of masked immigration policemen actions in conducting the raids on their immigrant families was an affront to the dignity of this unique working class. The distant words of utter contempt expressed by President Trump on the campaign trails in 2016, 2020 and 2024 were made real in the neighborhoods of a majority Latino city that is the capital of Mexican American national pride.

The anti-immigrant raids in Los Angeles seem to spark the outpouring of frustrated energy held in for so many years. On the authorities’ side, the deliberate federalization of the California national guard and the illegal use of an active Marines regiment deployed in LA. expresses in action the hatred of Latino immigrants the President stated in so many words.

The potential imminent war engagement in Iran is a distraction and side show to the on-going conflict at home. Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel is just trying to keep himself in power and stay out of jail by making war on Iran and for good reasons, Trump is figuring to help him out.

The Latino community is set to receive more abuse from the Trump administration but will not take it lying down. Also, like the civil rights protesters during the war in Vietnam, Latinos are finding that they are not alone.

The civil rights movements that go back to the 1950s found themselves out on a limb until the general community, especially the youth in America, joined the common fight against the Vietnam War. The perfect storm against injustice that came to involve most of the Boomer generation, eventually threatened such a revolution of institutional disobedience at home that it propelled the country to make peace.

This time the awakening Latino political activity is being joined by another movement that constitutes the strongest reaction yet against what is perceived Trump’s fantasies and actions on being an undemocratic authoritarian. The “No Kings” Movement is a nationwide direct response on the streets of America against the excesses of an unbridled President.

On top of that, Trump’s agenda regarding Latino immigrants is becoming clearer to the country as it is not a question of deporting criminal aliens. Rather, as his racist open arms to White immigrants from South Africa states, it is a question of not losing the demographic majority of Whites over Browns in America.

Because he will not run for reelection, the movements may not affect President Trump and his agenda as much, but they will certainly affect the fortunes and direction of the Republican Party in the mid-term elections and beyond. The full engagement of the Latino community promises to change the country’s political landscape and the economic well-being of the country. Given the America First psychology of the moment, the priority is in growing the production of things at home. Anti-immigrant worker posture does just the opposite. 

The Lanes, a diverse American Graffiti

If you know Pueblo, you probably know ‘The Lanes,’ Blende and Vineland, too. The ‘green-thumb sisters,’ of Pueblo County.

The Lanes begin at 20th Lane and stretch sequentially for miles with farms, ranches and homes on either side. These sister communities are the heart of Pueblo County agriculture.

Each community is home to many of Pueblo’s legacy farming and merchant families; the DeLucas, Mauros, Giordanos and more. They were new immigrants who settled her early last century. Frank DeLuca was one of the first.

He first found work at a zinc smelter around 1905. The smelter, owned by the steel mill, needed immigrant labor. But around 1915, DeLuca opened DeLuca Grocery, a community mainstay until closing in 2007.

The DeLuca brothers, said granddaughter Diana DeLuca Armstrong, also ran a fruit stand, farm and The Silver Moon nightclub. The DeLuca sisters, Concetta, Jennie and Ursala also lived nearby. “It was a village,” said Armstrong DeLuca. “We knew most of the people.” 

But as the 20th century moved on, the pattern of the weave was adding new hues and names, including the Gonzales family. 

Photo courtesy: Gonzales Family

In 1960, Ralph and Angelina Gonzales moved their family from nearby Salt Creek to their ‘forever’ home. Matriarch Angelina, now 96, still lives there. 

“We were living in a three-room house,” said Lawrence Gonzales, of their Salt Creek home. Gonzales was one of seven siblings who would soon be calling the new place home.

As Gonzales recalls, moving into a home with four bedrooms, including one he would share with brother, Kenny, was like a ‘Jefferson’ moment. That is, they were ‘moving on up.’  

The Gonzales’ settled in and became threads in the fabric of The Lanes. The siblings all attended nearby St. Joseph’s Catholic School and later high school at Roncalli Catholic and Pueblo Catholic High, which would later become Seton High School, the city’s Catholic school for girls.

Because the era was the heartbeat of the ‘Baby Boom,’ there were plenty of kids all around. “You made friends with all nationalities,” he said. “There was a public swimming pool, and I got to meet a lot of people out there. It was a great time…like ‘American Graffiti.’”

Father, Ralph, was a steelworker who moonlighted as a local and well known, in demand regional musician. The Gonzales Trio played everything, rancheras to rock. If you needed a band, you called Ralph, or ‘Blackie,’ as he was known locally. Mother, Angelina, became a Head Start aide and later teacher, a job she held for 32 years.

The Gonzales children all took a musical path, with Lawrence and Kenny performing regularly with their father. Later, the brothers worked with a number of well-known recording artists while also doing time as studio musicians. All attended college with some earning graduate degrees. 

Gonzales, now retired from a 30-year career as a state vocational rehabilitation counselor, limits his playing and usually it’s at The Lanes with family.  

The Lanes, he said, despite its isolation from the city—or perhaps because of the isolation—made for an almost idyllic childhood.

“There was always plenty to do,” Gonzales said, though it was not always play. His dad would assign the boys jobs. “There were four boys, and he would give us assignments,” including taking care of the lawn and helping with their father’s garden. 

While it’s not the same ‘Lanes’ of long ago—a lot of the roads have been paved and widened—it’s still holds on to what made it special. 

“I would call it the most peaceful, secure environment,” said sister Patricia Gonzales, who still calls it home. The retired librarian, teacher and school administrator says the place and its people make it the most diverse melting pot around. “Our neighbors on both sides are Italian, Bojons (a uniquely Pueblo term for Slavic ancestry) and Hispanic families.” There were also “the Nippers and Waddells,” both nearby neighbors. 

One thing that ties many of ‘The Lanes’ families together is a healthy respect for diversity. While so many families living here crossed an ocean before landing in Pueblo, others crossed a river or a desert. “My grandparents on both sides,” she said, “were from Mexico,” one side from Guanajuato, the other from Zacatecas.

Included in the Gonzales bloodline, she said, is great, great grandmother, Dona Bernarda Mejia Velasquez, a noted curandera, or healer. She is said to have delivered hundreds of babies and, using her healing skills and knowledge of traditional remedies, treated scores of friends, neighbors and strangers. She is featured prominently at El Pueblo Museum in mural form and in the award-winning documentary, ‘The Borderlands.’The Lanes are easy to find. Once off the interstate, just follow Santa Fe Drive south and in minutes, you’re there. 

Theme days and FREE admission in July from Lakewood Parks and Rec

The City of Lakewood is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Recreation and Park Association’s Park and Recreation Month in July with discounts, theme days and more to fill your summer calendar! The celebration recognizes how park and recreation professionals improve the lives of tens of millions of people, making a lasting impact in communities across the country. Our teams are building parks, communities and programs so we can build together and play together. 

Did you know Lakewood offers 114 parks with over 240 miles of trails, four recreation centers, two golf courses, three outdoor pools, two spray parks and a community center? That’s a lot of everyday fun, and in July, there is even more to celebrate.

The month starts with an offer of five free visits when you purchase a 20-punch pass to Lakewood recreation centers between July 1 – 5. If you buy an annual recreation center pass July 20-22, you get one extra month FREE. Each center is also hosting theme days, from pirates to jersey days in July. Throughout the month, take advantage of the discounts on the Trail Running Series registration, personal training sessions and climbing wall passes. Looking to get away on the weekend? Stop into the FREE Campfire Programs at Bear Creek Lake Park on Saturday nights. View the full calendar of Parks and Recreation Month activities at Lakewood.org/JulyDeals.

We wrap up the month with Lifeguard Appreciation Day on July 31, recognizing the skilled employees who keep swimmers safe. Please offer a quick message of thanks to these team members before you dive in. Beyond our guards, the month is a chance to thank our nearly 500 dedicated park and recreation employees who ensure your outdoor spaces and recreation centers are safe and accessible for everyone. From maintaining beautiful parks to organizing engaging recreational activities, their work and commitment to our vibrant community make Lakewood full of possibilities.

Explore Lakewood in July and throughout the year by browsing activities and programs in the Community Connection guide, then register for fall offerings beginning July 15 for Lakewood residents and July 17 for nonresidents at Lakewood.org/Register.