During the summer, many teens find themselves stuck in a cycle of scrolling on their phones, sleeping late, and searching for something exciting to do. In Englewood, however, city leaders hope to change that by offering a wide variety of activities, programs, and events designed to bring the community together and give teens opportunities to stay active, connected, and involved.
From splashing through the pools at Pirates Cove Water Park to watching movies under the stars at local parks, summer in Englewood is filled with opportunities for teens and families alike. Basketballs echo through open gyms, food trucks line community festivals, and neighbors gather for concerts and events throughout the city. Behind these activities is the City of Englewood’s Parks, Recreation, Library, and Golf Department, which works year-round to create welcoming spaces and memorable experiences for residents. City officials say community feedback plays a major role in shaping Englewood’s programs. By listening to residents, the department can offer recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and summer jobs that appeal to a wide range of interests.“We’re always eager to hear from the teens in our community,” said Christina Underhill. “If there’s anything we can do to make it more exciting for you to visit our facilities, parks, or Pirates Cove, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to listen.”Underhill’s connection to parks and recreation began long before she became the department’s director. While still in high school, she coached T-ball and taught young children the basics of baseball and softball.
“That was my very first job when I was 15 years old,” Underhill said. “From T-ball to director, I’ve worked my way through just about every role in this field.”After earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in parks and recreation, Underhill worked in Arizona before eventually joining the City of Englewood. Today, she oversees the city’s parks, recreation center, library system, golf programs, and seasonal attractions like Pirates Cove. For many local teens, Pirates Cove remains one of the highlights of summer. The water park offers slides, pools, and family-friendly attractions, along with occasional adults-only nights for visitors ages 18 and older. Beyond the water park, Englewood offers a variety of recreational opportunities for teens. Residents can participate in golf programs, fitness classes, swimming activities, and indoor gym programs at the recreation center. The Englewood Public Library also hosts special teen-centered events, including murder mystery nights, art activities, and after-hours programs.
“We host over 80 events throughout the year,” Underhill said. “There’s truly something for everyone.”Many of the city’s summer activities are designed to encourage community connection. Outdoor movie nights give families and friends a chance to gather in local parks, while larger festivals bring live music, food vendors, and interactive activities into Englewood neighborhoods.
The city also emphasizes accessibility and inclusion. Underhill said Englewood provides Spanish-speaking staff members and translation services for residents who speak other languages, helping ensure that community members can participate in city programs and events. In addition to recreation, the city offers employment and volunteer opportunities for teens during the summer months.
Jobs are available at Pirates Cove and the golf course, including positions such as lifeguards and park staff members. Volunteer opportunities are also offered through city events and library programs.“It’s a job that gets you outside,” Underhill said. Residents can also reserve park pavilions, recreation spaces, and sections of Pirates Cove for gatherings and celebrations.
Through Englewood’s neighborhood resources program, residents may even check out a free “Block Party Trailer” complete with games, tables, chairs, and street barriers for neighborhood events. Another popular option is the city’s backyard movie kit, which includes a projector and an outdoor movie screen.
While Underhill focuses on recreation and community programs, Chris Harguth works behind the scenes to help residents stay informed about everything happening throughout the city, including summer activities.
“There’s one thing I really like about my job,” Harguth said. “No two days are the same.”
Harguth began his career after college with a copywriting internship. Over time, he taught himself graphic design and later worked in communications roles for Littleton and South Suburban Parks and Recreation before joining Englewood. As communications director, Harguth and his team help explain city projects, share important information with residents, and coordinate communication during emergencies.“We really like to take complicated information and make it easy for everybody to understand,” he said. “I always tell my team I want a sixth grader to be able to understand what we’re talking about.”
Harguth’s department also helps promote community programs and city improvement projects. Recently, Englewood voters approved a $40 million parks bond designed to improve parks and recreation facilities throughout the city. Harguth said it was important that residents had clear and accurate information before voting.
“If people are going to vote yes or no, they need to have all the information they possibly can,” he said.
One of the most memorable experiences of Harguth’s career came while working for the City of Littleton in 2007. He helped organize the unveiling ceremony for a memorial statue honoring Danny Dietz, who was killed in Afghanistan. More than 3,000 people attended the ceremony at Berry Park, including military personnel and national media organizations.“It was just a really rewarding thing that we did to make his family feel great,” Harguth said.
As summer approaches, both Underhill and Harguth say Englewood’s programs are designed to help residents feel connected to their community.
Whether teens are swimming at Pirates Cove, volunteering at an event, attending a concert, or simply spending time outdoors with friends, city leaders hope those experiences create lasting memories. The Englewood Recreation Center offers programs and activities throughout the summer, with schedules listed in the city’s activity guide and summer brochure. Admission prices vary depending on age and residency status.
Residents can find more information about summer events and programs in the Summer 2026 edition of the Englewood City Magazine and Activity Guide or through the city’s parks and recreation social media pages. In Englewood, summer is more than just a season. It is a community project built one event, one park, and one gathering at a time.
