A walk down memory lane in Stapleton, Denver
Reminiscing on a New Rooftop in Stapleton, Denver
Earlier this summer a group of friends gathered at newly opened Los Chingones at Eastbridge Town Center in the Stapleton Neighborhood. The occasion was a birthday and catching up with dear friends was a real treat. The group – moms who have been essential lifelines as we navigated some of the craziest, most rewarding years together. And it all started in Stapleton, Denver about 14 years ago.
In 2003, the conditions were perfect for making friends – with all the toddlers and babies, we were out in force with our strollers looking for action. We travelled to Park Hill Library in mass to hear sweet Mary read to our kids; debating on benefits of shopping at Albertson’s in Lowry or Walmart. We stressed about getting into PDO at Park Hill, then our lottery numbers to get into Montview or Temple Preschools or swim lessons at Montclair.
We reminisced about the high-jinx and fun at the “Sand Park” when it opened and the hours we spent there (the water feature worked!) and how funny that the playground was too advanced for our toddlers. How about the graduation from the steps at Aviator Pool to the water lily pads with the ankle breaking water channels to cheering the kids off the diving board for the first time and now, our kids lifeguard, at 6 different pools. Wasn’t it great when MLK Jr. was paved and we could run on it before it opened to traffic for about 6 months.
With three teachers in the group, we remembered the ‘trauma’ of splitting WCE and Bill Roberts back into two schools instead of one school with two campuses. The discussions! My first lesson with my kiddos and school… things just work out despite all the stress and change.
The most anticipated and most dreadful wait on record in Stapleton however goes to The Eastbridge Town Center!
The rumors, the speculation, the heated debates, the parking, the delays and now happily, not only is the wait over, but it appears to all worked out swimmingly. I have been an enthusiastic pioneer in this great Stapleton development and I am thrilled by all the risk takers out there. None in our group thought we would have something so hip in our neighborhood. To enjoy a haven of fine dining where the dirt sat empty for what seemed forever. We aren’t in Lodo, this is down the street where we can savor roof-top ambiance overlooking pretty tree-lined streets, lush yards, and rooftops with the Stapleton Tower and the mountains in the background.
Again, this special little evening took place at Los Chigones in Stapleton, Denver. A colorful spot with rich graffiti that serves enticing drinks and delicious food. The staff was generous and playful with our leisurely pace and for the much rowdier shenanigans taking place around us. It feels like a perfect fit for our neighborhood. As for this group of moms, adapting to this ‘new normal’ will be especially easy.