South Platte Park is an 878-acre natural open space with 2 mi of river, 4 mi of natural surface trails, 2.5 miles of the regional paved Greenway trail, 300+ species of wildlife, fishing in 5 lakes, and the Carson Nature Center which runs school field trips, adult and family programs, and has exhibits and live animals. Managed by S. Suburban Pk and Rec, owned by Littleton. Park is open sunrise (gates by 6:30 am) to sunset daily, the nature center hours are 12 - 4:30 Tues - Fri and 9:30 - 4:30 on weekends. An alternative access point and parking is available of South Platte Canyon Road, 5198 S. Platte Reservoir Access, Rd. www.ssprd.org/nature