New Chipeta Community Park playground opens

By NATHAN DEAL

Nathan.Deal@gjsentinel.com

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Chipeta Elementary School playground — the Chipeta Community Park — was held Monday evening.

The park was paid for by a $550,000 grant from the Colorado Health Foundation. Other contributions to the playground included $89,000 in-kind City of Grand Junction demolition and site prep work, Mesa County Valley School District 51 earthwork and site preparation, a $10,000 grant from the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) and a $3,500 art and mural grant from the city.

This playground is also a city park because of a long-term agreement between Mesa County Valley School District 51 and the city, meaning public access will be allowed outside of school hours.

Palisade-based Summit Recreation designed and installed playground equipment and new turf. The new playground also features more places for shade, more trees, picnic tables, a new basketball court and a “Blue River Path” to serve as a race track and a path for students with unfocused energy.

“The years-long community effort by Chipeta parents, grandparents, students, teachers and school leadership brought this project to life,” said Chipeta parent Kari Sholtes, a former member of the District 51 Board of Education.

“Parents and students envisioned a welcoming, collaborative, adventures and safe new space to serve students, families and the broader community. The Chipeta community welcomes everyone to come try out the new park during daylight hours during non-school and related activities.”

Chipeta Elementary School students cut the ribbon for the new Chipeta Community Park on Monday evening.

SUBMITTED BY ORIN ZYVAN

Chipeta Elementary School students play at the new Chipeta Community Park after its ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday evening.

SUBMITTED BY ORIN ZYVAN