Cottonwood Creek

Buena Vista

This is Cottonwood Creek -- it runs right through town! Quite a few houses back onto the creek, or even have it run in front. I imagine being that close to the creek adds quite a bit to property values. We have not heard of it ever flooding; this year it is running fast due to the big mountain snowfall that is now melting. I'd love to have that burbling water in my backyard. "Burbling" does not really describe it right now -- it is more like whitewater.
The Cottonwood is a tributary that runs into the Arkansas River.
As the creek approaches McPhelmy Park in Buena Vista, it widens and becomes the Town Lake which is a fishing spot for kids.
At the end of the lake, there is a pretty man-made waterfall. In the evenings, lights are turned on under the waterfall. After the waterfall, the water goes in a culvert under the street, then continues rushing on through town.

You can see part of a railroad depot that is being restored on the park grounds.
I couldn't resist taking a picture of this huge old tree in the park. I think some trees have character -- this one certainly does! At first I thought it was a cottonwood, but the leaves look like willow. If only trees could talk, this one might have some interesting stories to tell.