Cherry Creek State Park, State park in Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States
Cherry Creek State Park is a nature area near Aurora featuring meadows, wetlands, and a large reservoir at its center. The water sits surrounded by grassland that spans thousands of acres.
The site came into being in 1959 after a dam was built to control flooding and store water for the region. This infrastructure transformed the land into a public recreation area.
The park's name comes from Cherry Creek, the waterway its 880-acre reservoir impounds. In summer a boat house serves food and drinks and hosts concerts, and visitors can rent jet skis, paddle boards and kayaks for the day. A dock lets boat owners store their craft during the season.
The grounds are open and accessible from multiple entry points for different activities. Good footwear is helpful since weather can change quickly and terrain varies.
On August 15, 1993, the park hosted the papal mass of the 8th World Youth Day, celebrated by Pope John Paul II. An estimated 500,000 people came to the site, making it the largest gathering the park has recorded.
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