It was a fin-tastic morning along the South Platte River as 58 anglers joined us for Family Fishing Day at Overland Pond Park! Hosted in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), this free, family-friendly event brought together kids, parents, and SPREE staff for a day full of outdoor fun, fishing, and discovery.
With fishing rods and gear provided by CPW, families cast their lines into the pond and caught a few exciting species — including bluegill, smallmouth bass, suckers and two rainbow trout! Whether it was a first-time catch or just a peaceful morning by the water, smiles were as plentiful as the fish.
After a great morning of fishing, participants got to explore what lives in the water during our in-water critter crawl! Kids waded in to find crawdads, aquatic insects, and other tiny pond dwellers — discovering just how alive the South Platte’s ecosystem really is.
The fun didn’t stop there! Families enjoyed crafts inspired by nature, creating leaf critters, crafting mini witches’ brooms, and decorating their own “beaver tails.” Our nature touch table offered a hands-on chance for kids to explore bones, furs, and other fascinating natural finds.
Events like Family Fishing Day are what The Greenway Foundation is all about — helping families connect with nature, learn about local wildlife, and build lifelong memories along the river.
A huge thank-you to CPW and DOTI for making this event possible, and to everyone who joined us for a morning of fun, fishing, and exploration!
Until next time — keep exploring, keep learning, and keep loving your river.
Families Caring for Our River!