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The Gates Family Foundation Interactive Fountain, a refurbished, space-age amusement, popped up a couple of summers ago behind the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Since then, it's become Denver's best imitation of Water World -- except

admission is free. Here's what you'll find by the fountain when it's 95 degrees and rising in the middle of August: kids in swimsuits or cutoffs, toddlers in droopy diapers and even some pretty big kids, the kind old enough to buy booze and cigarettes (that puts them at about twelve). Each at their own pace, they'll race in and out of the spray, trying to outwit the thing, which pulsates interactively, spouting sudden jets of water in response to the tread of little feet. Of course, the revelers may have opposing goals: While some want only to jump in and out without being soaked, others hope to whip the manmade geysers into a frenzy rarely seen this far south of Yellowstone.

The Gates Family Foundation Interactive Fountain, a refurbished, space-age amusement, popped up a couple of summers ago behind the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Since then, it's become Denver's best imitation of Water World -- except

admission is free. Here's what you'll find by the fountain when it's 95 degrees and rising in the middle of August: kids in swimsuits or cutoffs, toddlers in droopy diapers and even some pretty big kids, the kind old enough to buy booze and cigarettes (that puts them at about twelve). Each at their own pace, they'll race in and out of the spray, trying to outwit the thing, which pulsates interactively, spouting sudden jets of water in response to the tread of little feet. Of course, the revelers may have opposing goals: While some want only to jump in and out without being soaked, others hope to whip the manmade geysers into a frenzy rarely seen this far south of Yellowstone.

While they can't build a new stadium, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Buddy Bell hope to win a division title and entertain World Series dreams. So they imported two expensive free-agent pitchers to carry the pennant freight. Mike Hampton is a cream-of-the-crop left- hander who won fifteen games last year for the Series-bound New York Mets, while fellow southpaw Denny Neagle won fifteen for Cincinnati and the Series-winning New York Yankees. Together, these two arms cost the Rockies $172 million on the overheated free-agent market, and if they can't overcome the terrors of pitching at hit-happy Coors Field, there's probably no one who can.

While they can't build a new stadium, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd and manager Buddy Bell hope to win a division title and entertain World Series dreams. So they imported two expensive free-agent pitchers to carry the pennant freight. Mike Hampton is a cream-of-the-crop left- hander who won fifteen games last year for the Series-bound New York Mets, while fellow southpaw Denny Neagle won fifteen for Cincinnati and the Series-winning New York Yankees. Together, these two arms cost the Rockies $172 million on the overheated free-agent market, and if they can't overcome the terrors of pitching at hit-happy Coors Field, there's probably no one who can.

Forget hanging on the phone to reserve your favorite campsite this year. At 7 a.m. Monday, April 2, the online campsite reservation center opens, giving you full access to information on all the Colorado State Parks -- as well as the ability to book a site. ReserveAmerica also handles reservations for federal campgrounds and state parks in Oregon, California, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, Wisconsin and New York.
Forget hanging on the phone to reserve your favorite campsite this year. At 7 a.m. Monday, April 2, the online campsite reservation center opens, giving you full access to information on all the Colorado State Parks -- as well as the ability to book a site. ReserveAmerica also handles reservations for federal campgrounds and state parks in Oregon, California, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, Wisconsin and New York.

Best Place to Snag a Foul Ball at Coors Field

First baseline

When you're sitting in sections 151-156 in left field, the combination of batting practice and Rox bombs can make it seem like a target range. But those who know the meaning of "some lucky fan just got dinged" sit in sections 119-116 and those nearby, where Larry Walker's liners often land. And while other parts of the stadium may get peppered from time to time, the patient Walker is known to foul off, oh, about eight in a row when he's feeling picky. And that makes for free horsehides -- although some of those scorchers can make a fan think twice about shooting up a hand for a grab.

Best Place to Snag a Foul Ball at Coors Field

First baseline

When you're sitting in sections 151-156 in left field, the combination of batting practice and Rox bombs can make it seem like a target range. But those who know the meaning of "some lucky fan just got dinged" sit in sections 119-116 and those nearby, where Larry Walker's liners often land. And while other parts of the stadium may get peppered from time to time, the patient Walker is known to foul off, oh, about eight in a row when he's feeling picky. And that makes for free horsehides -- although some of those scorchers can make a fan think twice about shooting up a hand for a grab.

Under the watchful direction of coaches Tim Frye and Cheri Steffes, Gymnastics Plus offers a full array of instruction for all levels of Olympic wannabes. They also believe in starting 'em young, whether it's just for fun or in anticipation of a future in the gymnastics spotlight. Beginning with a parent-tot program for kids ages eighteen months to three years, tiny tumblers at GP learn to limber up on mats, trampolines and tiny balance beams, running through child-friendly routines with help from an adult, and using equipment both in the main gym facility and in the specially sized Little Gym. Those showing an affinity can forge ahead to more advanced preschool programs as they grow more independent, but no matter what the level, the little gymnasts leave each week with a good workout, rosy cheeks and a feeling of accomplishment.
Under the watchful direction of coaches Tim Frye and Cheri Steffes, Gymnastics Plus offers a full array of instruction for all levels of Olympic wannabes. They also believe in starting 'em young, whether it's just for fun or in anticipation of a future in the gymnastics spotlight. Beginning with a parent-tot program for kids ages eighteen months to three years, tiny tumblers at GP learn to limber up on mats, trampolines and tiny balance beams, running through child-friendly routines with help from an adult, and using equipment both in the main gym facility and in the specially sized Little Gym. Those showing an affinity can forge ahead to more advanced preschool programs as they grow more independent, but no matter what the level, the little gymnasts leave each week with a good workout, rosy cheeks and a feeling of accomplishment.

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