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Dude! The largest, most expensive public skate park in the country, right here in Denver? Awesome! It's still under construction: Phase I is scheduled to open in July, but when it's done, it will be 1.5 acres of radical concrete, with a seating structure and a promenade where the wheel-impaired can hang and watch the moves. Bowls, ramps, curbs, blocks, a half-pipe, plazas and a fishladder: It's all here, and nobody can hassle us, because in the Skate Park, skateboarding really is not a crime.

Dude! The largest, most expensive public skate park in the country, right here in Denver? Awesome! It's still under construction: Phase I is scheduled to open in July, but when it's done, it will be 1.5 acres of radical concrete, with a seating structure and a promenade where the wheel-impaired can hang and watch the moves. Bowls, ramps, curbs, blocks, a half-pipe, plazas and a fishladder: It's all here, and nobody can hassle us, because in the Skate Park, skateboarding really is not a crime.

Last summer's Hi Meadow fire in southwest Jefferson County came within feet of the historic Pine Valley Lodge, constructed in 1927 by Chicago businessman William Baehr. The Bavarian-style mansion -- which became known as the "Baehr-den of the Rockies" -- was built out of local granite and white pine timbers in just ninety days. But the speed of its construction wasn't the only remarkable aspect of the project; Baehr also ordered up a pagoda, ice shed, water wheel, tea house and observatory -- complete with a six-inch telescope, one of the largest of its day. Today that telescope is still in use, with star-gazing programs scheduled through the Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
Last summer's Hi Meadow fire in southwest Jefferson County came within feet of the historic Pine Valley Lodge, constructed in 1927 by Chicago businessman William Baehr. The Bavarian-style mansion -- which became known as the "Baehr-den of the Rockies" -- was built out of local granite and white pine timbers in just ninety days. But the speed of its construction wasn't the only remarkable aspect of the project; Baehr also ordered up a pagoda, ice shed, water wheel, tea house and observatory -- complete with a six-inch telescope, one of the largest of its day. Today that telescope is still in use, with star-gazing programs scheduled through the Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
No contest: All year, the Colorado Avalanche has been a juggernaut, leading the National Hockey League in wins, goals scored and points. Bob Hartley's playoffs-bound club is a brilliant collection of All-Star experience (Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Raymond Bourke, Patrick Roy) and talented youth (Milan Hejduk, Chris Drury, Martin Skoula) with all the tools to bring Denver its second Stanley Cup. Old nemeses like the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars may stand in the way, but this is likely the best Avs team of all -- which was even better before the injury to star defenseman Rob Blake. No wonder they hosted the NHL All-Star game this year: it just made sense, since so many Avs played in that game, too.
No contest: All year, the Colorado Avalanche has been a juggernaut, leading the National Hockey League in wins, goals scored and points. Bob Hartley's playoffs-bound club is a brilliant collection of All-Star experience (Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Raymond Bourke, Patrick Roy) and talented youth (Milan Hejduk, Chris Drury, Martin Skoula) with all the tools to bring Denver its second Stanley Cup. Old nemeses like the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars may stand in the way, but this is likely the best Avs team of all -- which was even better before the injury to star defenseman Rob Blake. No wonder they hosted the NHL All-Star game this year: it just made sense, since so many Avs played in that game, too.
Scholars have been debating the strength of various dynasties since King Tut lined up his Egyptians for a scrimmage against other chariot riders. Contemporary Denver is no different, and one of the best debates involves the MVP of the Avs. Forsberg? Roy? Borque? At age 31, Avalanche captain and perennial All-Star Joe Sakic just goes on and on. This year, his thirteenth in the NHL, the future Hall of Famer ranks at or near the top of the league in every offensive category -- goal scoring, assists, game-winning goals and shots. Along with his prowess on the ice, his leadership in the locker room is immeasurable. If the best team in the NHL is to win its second Stanley Cup this year, its left-handed gun and spiritual centerpiece will be at the heart of the action.
Scholars have been debating the strength of various dynasties since King Tut lined up his Egyptians for a scrimmage against other chariot riders. Contemporary Denver is no different, and one of the best debates involves the MVP of the Avs. Forsberg? Roy? Borque? At age 31, Avalanche captain and perennial All-Star Joe Sakic just goes on and on. This year, his thirteenth in the NHL, the future Hall of Famer ranks at or near the top of the league in every offensive category -- goal scoring, assists, game-winning goals and shots. Along with his prowess on the ice, his leadership in the locker room is immeasurable. If the best team in the NHL is to win its second Stanley Cup this year, its left-handed gun and spiritual centerpiece will be at the heart of the action.
With the Avs' dominance, it may seem like a no-brainer, but some may start grumbling if former Hershey, Pennsylvania, farm-club coach Bob Hartley doesn't lead his team to the Stanley Cup promised land again. Still, it's hard to fault Hartley's handling of the team. And based on what's happened so far this season, it's entirely possible that he could overshadow perennial fan fave Mike Shanahan as the most popular coach around.
With the Avs' dominance, it may seem like a no-brainer, but some may start grumbling if former Hershey, Pennsylvania, farm-club coach Bob Hartley doesn't lead his team to the Stanley Cup promised land again. Still, it's hard to fault Hartley's handling of the team. And based on what's happened so far this season, it's entirely possible that he could overshadow perennial fan fave Mike Shanahan as the most popular coach around.

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