Yes, there are smarter places to go swimming in metro Denver than Confluence Park. But is there anywhere that's more fun? People will warn you that the water's not safe and that syringes and broken glass cover the ground — and they're probably right. Still, on a blistering summer day, cooling off where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek collide is just what the doctor ordered. Keep your shoes on, don't drink the water, and plan on showering after your dip. But when you do take the plunge, know that swimming at that spot is a tradition that long pre-dates Denver's founding, and it's one that won't go away any time soon.
denver.org