Outlook Magazine - Winter 2021 by Town of Castle Rock

Outlook Town of Castle Rock

VOL. 16 | ISSUE 3 | WINTER 2021

SAFE & SECURE A high level of service is a cornerstone for the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department. Chief Croom looks to the future of the Town

Flip over to see the police chief's cover

WIDE OPEN SPACES Natural beauty on display at Gateway Mesa

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CONTENTS

INSIDE WINTER 2021

You talk, we listen

Councilmember open houses engage community

Parks & Recreation 14

COVER PHOTOS Police Chief Jack Cauley and Fire Chief Norris Croom have each other's back. These two leaders work closely together to keep our Town safe and secure. Learn more about their vision and leadership starting on Pages 8 and 10.

MAGAZINE TEAM Assistant Town Manager Kristin Read kread@CRgov.com | 720-733-3552 Community Relations Manager Melissa Hoelting mhoelting@CRgov.com | 303-660-1365 Sr. Community Relations Specialist KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay kmukhopadhyay@CRgov.com | 303-660-1381 Community Relations Specialist Joelle Beckett jbeckett@CRgov.com | 303-660-1387

space vs. vacant land 16 Open 00 The Town development process explained is coming 18 Winter 00 Public Works keeps us moving during the snow season resource 20 Underground Water, one of our precious assets, is right under your feet of 22 Season the Star

Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Castle Rock! From shopping local to the annual Starlighting, we tell you what you need to know about this special time

Community Relations Specialist Lauren Vaccaro lvaccaro@CRgov.com | 303-660-1382 Photos by: John Leyba, Nick Lucey, Mark Sims, various staff and volunteers Graphic designer: Joelle Beckett

STAY INFORMED Follow us on social media @CRgov This magazine is printed with soybean oil inks on post-consumer paper. Please recycle.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 3

WELCOME

Retaining Town character remains high priority

hen we met in August with participants in this year’s session of Your Town Academy (CRgov.com/YTA), we were heartened to hear the group’s introductory remarks. The 2021 cohort appears to have the newest residents among the program’s six classes, with the roughly 30 “students” having lived in Town an average of just over three years. As these residents went around the room to talk about what had drawn them to join the program – and to move to Castle Rock – a clear theme emerged: Castle Rock has something special. Many spoke of visiting communities throughout the Front Range in seeking a new place to call home and, upon coming to Castle Rock, knowing it was “the one.” We are likely biased, given our roles in the community, but we couldn’t agree more with the sentiments of these residents: Castle Rock is an amazing place to call home. Even as the Town continues to grow, the intangible – but critically important – character of our community remains strong. We see this play out every day in so many ways: We see it when our police officers take their time helping Town Manager David L. Corliss and Mayor Jason Gray a resident who was a victim of a crime so they can see that things will be OK. We see it when our firefighters go the extra mile, YOU CAME, returning to homes they have responded to for medical emergencies to WE LISTENED assist with the family’s needs. We see it in the smiles of children enjoying Great oneour parks, in the awards and accreditations that stack up for our staff, and on-one in the magnificent natural beauty of our community. conversations Yes, Castle Rock has grown and is highly likely to continue doing so. But, the heart of our community remains strong, in part because your Town Council and Town staff continue insisting on quality growth. In this issue of Outlook, we examine some of the challenges involved with this – particularly for our Police and Fire departments. See Pages 8-11 for Q&As with our chiefs. On Pages 16-17, learn how you can get involved with insisting on a quality community. Given this is our last edition of the year, we would be remiss if we didn’t close this message by wishing everyone reading a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy start to 2022. Sincerely,

Mayor Jason Gray Mayor@CRgov.com

Town Manager David L. Corliss TownManager@CRgov.com

at Council open houses/4-5 STATE OF THE TOWN Where the Town has been this year and hopes to go in the year ahead/6-7

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TOWN COUNCIL

We l ove our p arks!

WE'RE LISTENING Open houses provide insight to Town needs

hat a pleasure it was to connect with hundreds of Castle Rock residents in September and October at each Council district open house! It was a privilege to listen to your experiences, stories and concerns. We enjoyed I appreciate answering questions and providing updates n the updates o and information. Residents also were encouraged to leave sticky notes around the room on thought bubble boards. Here is some of what you said:

pen the o o t e I cam with many e house I had thos . s ed ion quest nswer in a s n o i quest rned a lot lea . and I ocess the pr

Police and Fire staff lead story times for children during the open houses.

development in Town

My kids love story tim d e... and the snacks!

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 5

I still h ave s question ome s after att but ending I know w here to go fo r more informat ion.

Our water tastes good!

r Thanks fo keeping us safe!

Town Council works for you We're still listening! Email us with questions or concerns at: towncouncil@CRgov.com and follow the Town on social media @CRgov

Mayor Jason Gray Mayor@CRgov.com 303-660-4401

Great opportu nity to meet my Coun c represen il tative!

District 3 | Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Bracken kbracken@CRgov.com 303-663-4402

District 1 Ryan Hollingshead rhollingshead@CRgov.com 720-733-3585

District 2 Laura Cavey lcavey@CRgov.com 303-663-4406

District 4 Desiree LaFleur dlafleur@CRgov.com 303-660-1384

District 5 Caryn Johnson cjohnson@CRgov.com 303-663-4403

District 6 Tim Dietz tdietz@CRgov.com 303-663-4405

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STATE OF THE TOWN

1 2 20

A view of the 60-acre land donation from the Estate of Robert F. Metzler.

2021 IN REVIEW - 2022 LOOK AHEAD

Securing resources, our future

fter an unexpected 2020, the Town of Castle Rock came back even stronger in 2021 and has continued to move forward with important projects. This year, great progress has been made on improving roads, securing additional water resources and planning for the future.

drive-in movie series, to community favorites like First Fridays concerts at Festival Park and the Summer Concert Series at The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, the community was out and about this year enjoying the many great events for which Castle Rock has become known.

After extensive evaluation of opportunities to develop long-term funding options, Town Council on Aug. 17 approved placing four questions on the ballot for Castle Rock voters this November:

Focused primarily on the roads in central Castle Rock, annual Pavement Maintenance Program projects progressed according to plan, and 137 lane miles were repaired and refreshed this year. The Wilcox roundabout was completed, and the Meadows Boulevard road improvements came full circle, with restoration now complete. Work to widen Plum Creek Parkway from Gilbert to Eaton streets also wrapped up.

• Two ballot measures provide additional funding for police and fire – a new housing construction tax paid by builders and a TABOR revenue cap time out • A 0.1% sales tax increase – 1 cent on a $10 purchase – to provide additional funding for open space acquisition • A lodging tax on visitors' overnight stays to provide funding for parks and recreation purposes Castle Rock voters haven’t approved a tax increase since 1994. A full slate of community events returned in 2021. From new offerings such as the Parking Lights & Movie Nights

Securing the community’s future drop by drop is the motto of Castle Rock Water. With the addition of purified reuse water earlier this year, the department is living up to those expectations. The purified reuse process involves producing safe, high-quality drinking water from the water that has been used in homes and businesses. Reuse water is one of the most economical, sustainable and environmentally friendly water supply sources for Castle Rock. Ultimately, it will constitute one-third of the

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 7

STATE OF THE TOWN community’s water supply and is vital in providing sustainable water. Castle Rock Water also continues securing storage for water supply. Additional space is being purchased in Chatfield Reservoir, and a new joint project involves building a small capacity reservoir near Franktown. Work on the Town’s next neighborhood park kicked off in June. The first phase of Cobblestone Ranch Park in northeast Castle Rock is expected to be complete in 2022. The project will include a picnic area, a large playground, a pump track for biking, a half-court for basketball, pickleball courts and a plumbed restroom.

election outcomes. If the new housing construction tax is approved, eight Fire and Rescue positions and six Police Department positions will be added in 2022. The Pavement Maintenance Program to rehab and extend the life of our roads will focus on the southern portion of Castle Rock. Several road improvement projects will also kick off: •W idening Plum Creek Parkway between Eaton Street and Ridge Road •W idening Crowfoot Valley Road between Knobcone Drive and Macanta Boulevard

• I mproving the "Four Corners" Licensed therapy dog Buttercup A new 60-acre land donation cuddles with a student. Castle Rock intersection of State Highway 86 is helping the Town keep its Police Department is the first in and Fifth Street commitment to preserving open the state to pair a School Resource •W idening Ridge Road between space. Town Council recently accepted Officer with a therapy dog. Plum Creek Parkway and the “Four the donation from the Estate of Corners” intersection Robert F. Metzler. Metzler’s family was among the first settlers in Castle Rock. The Town has committed to The 2022 Budget includes $13.6 million toward the improvements that include 2.5 miles of soft-surface trails construction of the Crystal Valley interchange, but the and parking spaces. The Metzler family helped shape our timing is still to be determined pending full funding, community. Their legacy will live on with their generous including the outcome of the fall TABOR election. donation that residents will enjoy for generations to come. Castle Rock Water will continue its focus on maintaining a high level of service with a strong As part of the Encore project, there’s more infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement parking Downtown. The garage at Perry and program in 2022. Infrastructure projects are South streets contains more than 300 public focused on some older sections of Town such parking spaces. Once complete, the Encore project as Glovers and Craig & Gould North. In these will include new options for living, shopping and neighborhoods, flooding and drainage issues will dining in Downtown Castle Rock. The design of be resolved with new stormwater infrastructure. the railroad quiet zone that’s also a part of this Water lines and sewer mains will be replaced as project is awaiting a construction agreement from needed, and sidewalks and streets will be rebuilt Union Pacific – we hope to get that underway next year. as necessary. The Castle Rock Police Department and Douglas County Next year, the construction of three segments of the School District became the first in Colorado to pair a Colorado Front Range Trail will be completed. Park School Resource Officer with a licensed therapy dog. improvements will also get underway at the Butterfield As sweet as she sounds, Buttercup demonstrated her Crossing, Mitchell Gulch and Plum Creek South parks. capabilities as soon as she walked through the doors at If the lodging tax is approved, substantial additional Castle View High School, providing a calming presence resources will be used for Parks and Recreation and support to many students. maintenance and service enhancements. And, we look forward to celebrating the opening of Cobblestone Ranch Look ahead to 2022 Park next year. ome of the direction our Police and Fire departments take in 2022 and beyond is dependent on November Stay up to date on these projects and more at CRgov.com.

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CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

Police chief's mission to treat everyone as family One-By-One Policing is the heart of Jack Cauley's leadership style

ack Cauley has been chief of the Castle Rock Police Department for nearly 10 years. Before joining the department, Cauley was with the Overland Park Police Department in Kansas for more than 20 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Cauley has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Central Missouri State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. He's also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

One Policing is our department’s vision, and it’s the foundation for everything we do. By definition, OneBy-One Policing is: “Serving people one-by-one so together, we can create environments that are safe and secure, and where people can thrive.” Leaders within the Police Department focus on serving our team members as individuals, one person at a time. We work to build circles of safety that create a place that is both physically and psychologically safe. Priority is placed on helping our teams thrive. When our individual team members thrive, our organization and communities are in a better position to thrive, as well.

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He was the 2018 recipient of New York Times What qualities do you look for when bestselling author and motivational speaker ING PEOP V hiring staff? One of the most important L Simon Sinek’s Igniter of the Year award. ER e-By-On decisions we make is who we hire. It is e Sinek presents the annual award to the On critical to hire the right people. For us, person who takes his vision and uses it that means employing people who have to transform the culture and the lives of a passion for serving others and who the people around them. Chapter seven of understand and embrace our vision of Sinek’s book "The Infinite Game" focuses on One-By-One Policing. We are looking for Policing ts creating trusting teams rather than teams of wh ,se e individuals who are hard-working, honest, f e a repe people who simply work together. Cauley is oplefeels compassionate and courageous, and those highlighted in the chapter for his effort to create individuals who understand the importance a culture shift in CRPD, where the pressure to meet of treating every person they encounter like a family numbers has been replaced with a drive to take care of member or friend. one another and better serve the community. What is your department’s greatest opportunity How long have you been in policing and what over the next five years? The Castle Rock Police initially attracted you to it? I have been in the Department has a national and international reputation profession for 37 years. I started my career in 1984 as a of being forward-thinking, innovative and people-focused. police dispatcher with the Lenexa Police Department in Our department has an opportunity to influence the Kansas. I was attracted to policing because I enjoy serving future of policing by continuing to model the attributes people and having a positive impact on the lives of others. necessary for modern police agencies to thrive. Our What sets CRPD apart from other police progress in this area will be greatly influenced by our departments? Our One-By-One Policing philosophy ability to secure additional, needed funding. and our strong organizational culture are unique What’s the biggest challenge facing your to our department and set us apart from other department over the next five years? Attracting police departments. and retaining talent. While we are fortunate to be fully How is the One-By-One Policing philosophy staffed here in Castle Rock, there is a national trend of reflected within your organization? Why is officers leaving the profession altogether, so we have to this a philosophy you’ve embraced? One-Byfind a way to continue to create a safe and secure

" Without more officers and staff, it will be a challenge to maintain our high levels of service for a much larger and rapidly growing population.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 9

CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT

- CHIEF JACK CAULEY

environment for our officers where they feel psychologically and physically safe at work. Additionally, we serve one of the fastest-growing communities in the State. Without more officers and staff, it will be a challenge to maintain our high levels of service for a much larger and rapidly growing population. Do you have any plans for further strengthening relationships with community members? I believe building relationships with the community and earning the community’s trust is critical. This is something that is woven into our organizational culture. We work on this every single day, with every interaction we have with our community members. This may take place at our Dirt Jump and Donuts events, our Splash Mob water fights, visiting folks at senior centers, or simply talking to people at the local coffee shop. Every day, we get an opportunity to make or build upon a relationship with someone in Castle Rock, and we never take those moments for granted. What accomplishment as chief are you most proud of? I am most proud of our people and the way they serve others. When we receive feedback about the public’s interactions with our officers and staff, they use

words like kind, compassionate, patient, understanding and professional. Their interactions – no matter how big or small – are powerful, and we’re seeing how they’re creating safe and secure environments for people. By treating everyone like family, we help these members of our community thrive. What would you like the community to know about CRPD? The last year and a half has been a very challenging time for everyone, and this has been especially true for the police profession. A toxic national narrative toward police and the "defund the police" movement has had a negative impact on policing and the great men and women who dedicate their lives to this noble profession of serving and protecting others. On behalf of the men and women of the Castle Rock Police Department, I want to thank the entire Castle Rock community for supporting us during this difficult time. The community has continued to demonstrate nothing but unwavering support for us, and we are so grateful for your encouragement, compassion and empathy. You have made us feel valued and appreciated, and it’s truly a great example of why Castle Rock is such a special community!

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CASTLE ROCK FIRE & RESCUE

Excellent service from the inside out

Fire chief intent on exceeding expectations

astle Rock Fire & Rescue Chief Norris Croom III has been with the department for more than 35 years. He was appointed chief in 2018. He has experience working for private emergency medical services agencies as an emergency medical technician, paramedic and communications technician. He also has served as an instructor at local, state and national conferences. Croom is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and holds Chief Fire Officer and Chief EMS Officer designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Professional Credentialing. He received the Center for Public Safety Excellence Ronny Jack Coleman Legacy Leadership Award in 2021, the American Legion Post 1187 Commendation for Public Safety Service, the Pinnacle Emerging Leader Award from Fitch and Associates and the Terrorism Liaison Officer Plank Owner Award from the Colorado Information Analysis Center. Croom serves on numerous boards, committees and teams and holds memberships with multiple professional organizations. How long have you been in the profession, and what initially attracted you to it? I joined the Castle Rock Volunteer Fire Department in 1986, and I have spent my entire career here. I had never considered being a firefighter or paramedic, but after a large apartment fire in Downtown, there was an article in the Castle Rock News-Press about the fire and a call for volunteers. I thought that maybe I could help. I applied, was accepted, and then spent the next 6.5 years as a volunteer before being fortunate enough to be hired as a career firefighter in 1993. As is often said, the rest is history. What has been the biggest change within the profession since you began your career? Technology has driven change in fire and emergency medical services. From cardiac monitors, to thermal imaging cameras, to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, to

better awareness through testing for the health hazards our members face, technology has, and continues to, make the greatest impact. There have been so many advancements that have directly improved our ability to provide excellent service while also better protecting our members and our community. What is your department’s greatest opportunity over the next five years? Our greatest opportunity, if funded, will be the ability to add additional staffing and resources to serve our community. The department’s Master Plan, adopted by Town Council earlier this year, identifies a variety of items – from people to facilities and apparatus – that will allow us to maintain our current levels of service to our community. If we are successful in securing these, this will be the biggest investment into the department since the late 1990s/early 2000s, and it will establish a solid base that will set us up for future success. What’s the biggest challenge facing your department over the next five years? The biggest challenge is to secure the staffing and physical resources needed to ensure that we can continue to meet our vision, “To be the best at providing emergency and prevention services,” and mission, “High customer satisfaction through quality preparation and excellent service.” Daily, we strive to meet our vision and mission in everything we do. However, our current resources have only so much capacity, so as the Town continues to grow, those resources will get stretched thin. What qualities do you look for when hiring staff? Our department values of “SHIELDS” – Strength, Honor, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, Dedication and Service – coupled with our vision and mission guide our hiring process. We have worked hard to instill a culture that is valued by every member of the department, and we want to make sure that any new staff are a good “fit” into the department. That means they are willing to go the extra mile to deliver excellent customer service. Do you have any plans for further strengthening relationships with community members? While we believe we have a great relationship with our

" The biggest challenge is to secure the staffing and physical resources needed to ensure that we can continue to meet our vision 'To be the best at providing emergency and prevention services.'

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 11

CASTLE ROCK FIRE & RESCUE

- CHIEF NORRIS CROOM

community, there is always room for improvement. As our community and department grow, we will continue to look for opportunities to capitalize on our strengths to meet increased needs and expectations. Whether it is in public education, responding to emergency and nonemergency calls, working with other Town and County departments on potential partnerships, or just visiting with local groups, we want to make sure our community is proud of the services they receive from our department. We greatly value our relationship with our community, and we are proud to serve them 24/7/365. What sets CRFD apart from other fire and rescue departments? Castle Rock Fire and Rescue is an internationally accredited agency, one of only 293 worldwide, and has been since 2012. This accreditation requires us to critically evaluate everything we do and how we do it, a process known as continuous quality improvement. We are re-evaluated every five years to ensure we are meeting or exceeding the established standards. By engaging with our community, as well as our internal stakeholders, regularly as part of this process,

we can address both concerns and opportunities. This information serves as the foundation for the development of our strategic and master plans. All of this is done with the intent to ensure we are providing the highest level of service possible to meet and, hopefully, exceed our community’s expectations. What accomplishment as chief are you most proud of? While we’ve had some significant accomplishments, I am most proud of the actions of our personnel over the last 18 months. The pandemic put all of us in a situation that we had never seen before, and we certainly didn’t have a plan in place to address the specifics of this pandemic. However, every one of our members stepped up and adapted to the situation at hand. As a result, we were able to continue to provide a high level of service to our community without interruption. Quite simply, we were able to improvise, adapt and overcome these challenges, and it is all because of the professionalism and dedication of each of our members to the department, the Town, and our community as a whole. I could not ask for a better group of people. I am honored to serve alongside them.

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OPEN SPACE & TRAILS

<<WIDE OPEN Gateway Mesa Open Space The 276-acre property offers expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, including Pikes and Longs peaks. The unpaved 1.8-mile Chuck's Loop Trail travels across flat, open grassland and connects to the Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail system. The unpaved .98-mile Legacy Trail provides access to the northern, forested portion of the property and highlights unique terrain that's unlike anywhere else in Castle Rock.

Learn more about the Town's 95 miles of trails and 6,000 acres of open space at CRgov.com/OpenSpace.

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OPEN SPACE & TRAILS

E N S PAC E S > > Abundant open space and well-planned trails are a few of the things that make Castle Rock a great place to call home. Currently, 28% of Castle Rock’s land area is preserved open space. The Town’s goal is to preserve at least 30% of land as open space.

From hiking to biking and snowshoeing to cross-country skiing, open space and trails throughout Castle Rock can be enjoyed year-round. View trail highlights, conditions, maps and more at CRgov.com/ParksAndRecMap.

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PARKS & RECREATION

RIDGELINE OPEN SPACE: Our award-winning trails provide a place for hikers and bikers to explore.

Love your Town Building our community through Parks and Recreation

54 developed parks (23 of those are Town managed)

105

miles of paved and unpaved trails

6,000 acres of open space

mutual love between residents and their community can have a powerful influence. Is a walk in the park simply a walk, or does it provide stress relief and mental rejuvenation? Is soccer practice just about winning a trophy, or is it about developing fine motor skills and building teamwork? Is it merely attending a concert or special event, or is it connecting neighbors, invigorating Downtown and attracting visitors and new businesses? Studies show a community’s residents are more satisfied with where they live if there is plenty of outdoor space and recreation. That’s certainly the case in Castle Rock. We love the opportunity to take senior photos in Festival Park, enjoy a sunset walk on a beautiful trail, or let the kids burn off energy in a neighborhood park. And, that’s all

FESTIVAL PARK: Children enjoy the cool stream in Sellars Gulch. There are 54 developed parks in Town.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 15

PARKS & RECREATION

Our award-winning services, healthy lifestyle and community culture all play a part. Whether it’s taking a hike on a local trail or enjoying an evening at a local park, these amenities will be here for generations to come. - Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer thanks to community support for Parks and Recreation. “Instead of merely livable, I think we need to start thinking about how to make our cities more lovable,” wrote Peter Kageyama in his book “For the Love of Cities.” “When we love something, we cherish it; protect it; we do extraordinary things for it.”

services are an important factor. “These are not just basic programs and services,” said Brauer. “They build people, enhance relationships and provide the social capital that makes Castle Rock a wonderful place to call home.”

The Parks and Recreation Department wants residents to love their Town. Through the pandemic, the Town’s And, staff knows the amenities and Parks and Recreation Department services the department offers help took its role to heart and showed its turn a community into a home. In importance to the community. Staff fact, at build out, an estimated 30% provided increased maintenance of Castle Rock will be preserved open at trails and parks to keep up with space. To help continue providing additional use. Fitness classes were these amenities, two questions that offered virtually and outdoors. would benefit the Town’s Parks and Recreation facilities were reopened Recreation Department will be on as soon as possible. And, events the November ballot. One ballot and programming adapted for evermeasure, a 0.1% sales tax increase, changing public health guidelines. would provide additional funding for open space and trails. A second “Over the past year, residents PHILIP S. MILLER PARK: From concerts measure, a lodging tax, would to trail runs to outdoor movie nights, have really come to realize the provide funding for Parks and the Town hosts hundreds of events each impact Parks and Recreation has Recreation purposes. year. Climb4Change raises money for on their daily lives,” said Parks and the Adaptive Recreation program. Recreation Director Jeff Brauer. “We’re excited to build new trails at “Events are where friendships are the Metzler Family Open Space and nurtured. Parks are where memories are made. the next neighborhood park in Cobblestone Ranch,” said Recreation programming is where life skills are learned. Brauer. “These features are part of what make Castle Rock We take that responsibility very seriously as we strive to a loveable place to live.” meet the needs and desires of a healthy community with Loving our Town is not just one building, amenity or diverse interests.” park. It’s a combination of factors that weave together The Town manages five Parks and Recreation facilities: to form the fabric of our community. The Town is the Recreation Center and Miller Activity Complex; inviting residents to share some of the reasons why two outdoor pools; and an award-winning golf course. they love Castle Rock on social media. Use the hashtag Plus, Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs, #CRLocalLove in posts about Town amenities on encompassing everything from free community events, to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. therapeutic recreation opportunities and fitness classes "Our focus is to provide opportunities for people to designed for seniors. experience beautiful spaces and inspirational places In the 2021 community survey, nine out of 10 residents making Castle Rock a meaningful place to live, work and said the quality of life in Castle Rock exceeds or greatly play," said Brauer. "That energy contributes to the healthy exceeds their expectations. Most residents would agree, lifestyle and positive community culture that set Castle our community’s outstanding Parks and Recreation Rock apart."

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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Your Voice, Your Town

Have a say in the development process

DEVELOPMENT STEPS 1. Annexation, if not in Town boundaries. Requires five public hearings. 2. Zoning/planned development plan (PDP). Requires preapplication meeting; three neighborhood meetings; submittals and staff review, including resubmittals; and up to three public hearings. 3.*Site development plan (SDP)/or amendment. Major projects have the same requirements as Step 2. Minor projects may only require staff approval. 4. Construction drawings for infrastructure (streets, parking areas, utilities, lighting, landscaping, etc.). Staff reviews for conformance with codes/ design criteria. 5. Platting. Staff reviews for the same items as Step 4. 6. Construction, including permits/inspections. Developer constructs infrastructure; Town takes ownership if public. 7. Building permit. For residential, comes after the Town accepts infrastructure. For commercial, building and infrastructure can be constructed simultaneously. Includes: • Building plan review • Building construction and inspection • Certificate of occupancy *Most projects are at this step. Visit CRgov.com /DevelopmentSteps for additional details.

ou saw a yellow “Public Hearing” sign, made note of a #YourVoiceYourTown Facebook post or perhaps received a mailed notice: a development is proposed in your area. You get frustrated – you thought the land in question was going to remain open space. You dig into the issue and learn the land has actually been zoned and planned for this project for decades. So, what can you do?

There are actually more chances than that, as numerous hearings are also required when a project is annexed and zoned. In Castle Rock, those steps have already occurred for much of the community’s vacant land – often having happened in the 1980s and 1990s. “Every piece of land in Town is zoned for certain allowable uses,” said Development Services Director Tara Vargish. “That might include open space, a school, or residential or commercial development.”

While Town Council decides on the Even once a piece of property has been allowed uses when a property is annexed annexed and zoned – most typically via a and zoned, it does not determine the planned development plan – opportunities timing of land’s development, which is for public input remain. In driven by market conditions. fact, the Town requires three Also, the Town doesn’t actively t an neighborhood meetings for each We wear seek to bring new land into the major site development plan. to h you! community. The Town does accept from applications for annexation, which That’s the step in the development it rigorously evaluates. process subsequent to zoning that focuses on the look and feel of a project, Some properties that were annexed including how streets and lots are laid out, and zoned decades ago may request how the land gets buffered from adjacent rezoning – or a planned development plan properties and the buildings’ architectural amendment – as development proceeds. elevations, to name a few aspects. In those instances, the allowed uses All of this gets discussed at the neighborhood meetings, which developers host to collect feedback. Recent transformations mean some of these meetings are currently fully virtual, while some are hybrid, with both electronic and in-person attendance options available.

Town staff members observe these meetings and prepare a summary of the happenings, typically to provide to the Town’s Planning Commission – which makes recommendations regarding projects – as well as to the deciding body, generally Town Council. Public hearings are held before those groups also, meaning there generally are at least five opportunities for the public to provide input on a site plan before it is decided on.

for the land are up for discussion. It’s particularly important for the community to get involved in such cases, to ensure what’s allowed aligns with today’s desires. Anyone with property within 500 feet of a project going through public hearings will receive a mailed notice, inviting their involvement in the neighborhood meetings. Additionally, large yellow signs are posted on the subject properties, and notices are posted to the Town’s Facebook page (#YourVoiceYourTown) and at CRgov.com/Notices. “Your Town works every day to insist on quality as the community grows,” Vargish said. “We invite and encourage all residents to provide input as projects progress.”

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 17

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEFINITIONS PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PLAN: The zoning plan for a property. Contains information on the layout of general use areas, open space (20% required), dedicated public land, trails, major streets and other significant improvements. Specifies permitted uses, densities and other requirements. Evaluated for compliance with the Town’s vision, appropriate relationships (uses, access, etc.) with the surrounding area, Town service impacts and preservation of natural features. Generally requires infrastructure improvements and water rights conveyance. Entitles the property owner to construct a development with the specified uses and densities. SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Depicts the layout of a development, including site improvements and building architecture. Intended to ensure a development is consistent and compatible with Town plans, land-use approvals and surrounding areas. Establishes a vested property right for the landowner to construct what is approved.

Explore development on updated website A popular feature on the Town’s website — the Development Activity Map — has received some recent improvements to help residents remain in the know about current and potential development.

Town Projects tab features initiatives underway with Castle Rock Water, Parks and Recreation and Public Works/roads.

Undeveloped Properties tab provides information on land in Town that’s not yet developed. In other words, it highlights areas where land is vacant and could appear to be open space but really is not. (See Pages 12 and 13 for information about the Town’s dedicated open space.) Details provided include information on the approved general uses, or zoning, of the sites.

How to find the map CRgov.com/DevelopmentActivityMap, can be used in three easy steps:

1. Type in an address 2. Zoom in and out 3. Click on the map for additional information

(The Undeveloped Properties tab is the third one in the row along the top.)

Those who prefer to speak with Town staff to learn about building, planning and zoning can call 303-660-1393. Input on any proposed development project can be emailed to planning@CRgov.com.

18 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021

PUBLIC WORKS

You can count on us snow matter what Keeping the Town safe during snow season

hat marks the start of snow season? In Colorado, you never truly know. Snow is unpredictable – which is why we prepare all year long. Public Works strives to minimize the amount of downtime you experience during the winter while maximizing safety. So, let’s break down Public Works’ method to managing snow. Our crews manage over 710 lane miles of roadway. When it comes to plowing snow, that would be like driving up and down the Challenge Hill at Philip S. Miller Park over 10,000 times.

Luckily, we have 13 dump trucks, 10 4x4 trucks and three front-end loaders that deploy when weather calls. Plow trucks require a lot of maintenance throughout the season. A team of four mechanics keeps the vehicles in shape and on the road. Even in the summer months, the team is prepping for duty by storing 2,800 tons of salt and sand to de-ice and create traction on the road. We also store 13,000 gallons of Torch – a deicer used to treat roads ahead of a storm. The average snowstorm requires just under 80 tons of salt and sand mixture.

THERE'S SNOW PLACE LIKE HOME

58.3" Average annual snowfall in Town. Most snow falls between November and April

.7"

4.2"

7.9"

average snowfall in September

average snowfall in October

average snowfall in November

8.7"

6.5"

7.1"

average snowfall in December

average snowfall in January

average snowfall in February

12.4"

9.8"

average snowfall in March

average snowfall in April

average snowfall in May

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 19

PUBLIC WORKS

PLOW PRIORITIES

With several months of snow ahead, we want you to feel prepared, too. Here’s what you need to know to tackle winter: We have four priorities when it comes to clearing snow:

Priority 1 High-volume, primary streets that connect major sections of Town. Think Plum Creek Parkway, Wolfensberger Road or Mikelson Boulevard, for example

Priority 2

Priority 4

Smaller, primary streets, school bus routes and roads that provide access to schools

Cul-de-sacs and alleyways of residential streets

Priority 3 Residential streets

When we plow

Residential streets are plowed after primary roadways when snow accumulation reaches a specified amount. From March 15 to Nov. 15, snow accumulation on residential streets must total 8 inches before being cleared by plows, due to warmer temperatures. From Nov. 15 to March 15, snow accumulation must total 4 inches on residential streets before being cleared by plows. When it’s actively snowing, plow drivers will make a single pass to ensure one lane for emergency access. After the plow comes through, residents should make an effort to clear a path from their driveways to the cleared lane.

PRO TIP

It’s a good idea to shovel snow into the yard, and away from the road, to help prevent ice buildup. This is also a water wise way to care for your lawn.

Snow is never intentionally dumped onto cleared driveways and sidewalks; however, it will happen, as plows move quickly. To help with the issue, pile snow onto the grass rather than the street, and continue to clear driveways as plows visit your neighborhood. Snow that is piled on the street will likely be pushed back into your driveway by a plow.

High-tech plan

After snow stops, plow drivers strive to open all lanes within 10 hours. Technology allows the drivers to view a real-time map of roads that have been plowed using a tablet. This technology increases efficiency and helps with the overall goal, which is to return roads to normal operations as quickly as possible. You can see what streets have been plowed and are up next for a visit at CRgov.com/PlowTracker.

Snow and ice management takes the whole Town working together. Thank you for doing your part. Follow us on Facebook.com/CRgov for “snow-tifications” throughout the season, or visit CRgov.com/Snow for more information and FAQs.

Sidewalk savvy When it comes to shoveling sidewalks, Town Code requires all businesses and residential property owners and/or tenants to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours after the snow stops falling if 2 inches or more has accumulated. If you live on a corner, snow removal is required on both sidewalks – in the front and on the side of your property. Residents should also keep curbs and gutters free of ice, to allow drainage and prevent buildup.

Ice, ice baby The Town has invested in two ice-breaking attachments to address major ice buildup issues on roadways. Residents can request ice breaking in a specified area by reaching out to Roads@CRgov.com or 720-733-2462. Public Works will evaluate icy areas of Town and prioritize treatment in the same manner as plowing, starting with Priority 1 streets, and by looking at the severity of the buildup and traffic volume. With the amount of sunny days in Colorado, some icy areas will be left to melt on their own.

20 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021

CASTLE ROCK WATER

The infrastructure under our feet Castle Rock Water’s hidden responsibilities JUST ADD WATER 25,000

customer connection taps

481 miles of drinking water lines

water tanks

groundwater wells

pump stations

315 miles of sewer mains

408

detention ponds

10,143

manholes

227 stormwater channels

5,702 stormwater inlets

4,566 fire hydrants

ater is an essential part of keeping our communities healthy, our cities running and our economies growing. It offers a glass of refreshment to keep us hydrated, helps our families and homes stay clean and beautiful, and provides a quality of life for many products and services. When water so readily comes from the tap, it’s hard to imagine what it takes to get that gallon of water to the shower, cooking pot or lawn. For the Town of Castle Rock, it means managing $703 million worth of water lines, treatment plants and pump stations.

Water infrastructure – the pipes, plants and equipment needed to support a safe and reliable supply of water – is rarely seen. With a few exceptions, it lies mostly underground.

“We all know water is important to maintaining a quality community,” said Castle Rock Water Director Mark Marlowe. “But, residents might not know what all that entails. We’re impacting their daily lives, but we’re also involved in other community priorities like fire protection, recreation and more.” Ensuring safe and reliable water every day means ensuring the infrastructure is in good working order. With an estimated $4.8 trillion needed to bring water infrastructure up to standard nationally, Castle Rock Water works hard to make sure our community’s share stays in top shape. Having a good rehabilitation and replacement plan also ensures more stable rates and fees.

Keeping infrastructure in good working order is a balance. Age, wear and tear, and consequence of disruption all factor into rehabilitation and replacement prioritization. For instance, high-traffic areas like Downtown and medical Workers update the pressure-regulating valves in the distribution pipeline to help maintain pressure, improve water distribution processes and ensure effective fire protection.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 21

CASTLE ROCK WATER

The Castle Rock Water portion of the imported WISE water pipeline is laid out before being buried.

facilities like the hospital may see more regular maintenance. Neighborhoods with frequent leaks, regardless of age, may take priority in repairs. And, areas where the surface improvements covering the subsurface water systems costs more to replace, like along the Town’s large thoroughfares, often make it the top of the replacement list.

can disrupt our local lands, a focus was recently placed on reducing the impacts of flooding and erosion from stormwater damage. Stormwater channels, detention ponds and storm drains reduce flooding, minimize erosion damage and create better water quality as runoff travels into creeks and gulches. Several stormwater projects are currently under construction.

Plans for the future are also part of the balance for infrastructure management. One of the biggest recent expenditures for new infrastructure was the $28 million addition of Advanced Treatment at Plum Creek Water Purification Facility. Built in 2020, this expansion allows Castle Rock Water to treat all sources of water, including reuse water.

Some specific neighborhoods will be benefiting from new infrastructure. A few older neighborhoods, Craig & Gould, Village North and Glovers, are currently getting new or upgraded water lines, sewer mains and/or stormwater infrastructure. Due to increased demand, a newer development, Liberty Village, is scheduled to get a new storage tank in the next two years to help manage water pressure and fire protection due to increased demand.

“While this was initially an investment, the expansion at the water treatment plant opened a lot of doors,” said Marlowe. “Now that the investment has been made, purified reuse water is extremely costeffective for our community.” To help manage how Mother Nature

Water isn’t just a faucet filling a glass. It is miles of lines, tons of equipment, and a crew of people ensuring it gets to each resident and business, to provide a safe and reliable quality of life.

DID YOU KNOW? Developers pay for and install their own infrastructure including water lines, sewer mains and stormwater infrastructure. Castle Rock Water inspects plans and the completed projects before they tie into the Town’s water system. System development fees are charged to new construction to help pay for systemwide projects needed to address increased demands, including long-term water supply needs.

22 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021

SEASON OF THE STAR

10 things to know Top10 this season In the hustle and bustle of the season, sometimes it can be hard to know where to get the information you need. Here's what we think you should know:

2 3

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, where should you go after the holidays? Go green, and take advantage of our annual Christmas tree recycling at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and several parks around Town from Sunday, Dec. 26, through Monday, Jan. 31. Get details on what’s accepted and park locations at CRgov.com/TreeRecycle. There’s no better time to cozy up by the fire than the holidays. Did you know Castle Rock has outdoor fire pits at Festival and Philip S. Miller parks? They are activated by the touch of a button. So, grab your friends and a cup of cocoa and head to the park for some wintertime fun. Looking for a fun holiday event to attend? CRgov.com/Events is a great place to look! Castle Rock is a beautiful community, with events and activities hosted by a variety of organizations. Many of them are listed here.

Our beloved Starlighting is hosted by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce. It is always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving – this is also when all the Town’s holiday lights turn on for the season. The Star and holiday lights stay lit through the end of the National Western Stock Show in mid-January. Learn more at CastleRockStarlighting.com. Ready, set, snow! Snowfall is a part of Colorado life, but we’re here to help. Learn how the Town manages snow, and even follow along with our plow tracker during a storm, at CRgov.com/Snow.

Don't let the Grinch ruin your holidays – protect your packages from porch pirates: Require a signature for delivery, have packages delivered to your workplace or a neighbor’s house if you aren’t home, install a video doorbell, or decorate your porch to hide deliveries. Have a home camera? Register it online at CRgov.com/RockWatch to help CRPD catch the bad guys.

Local business is the heart of our community's character and charm. And, every day is a good day to support and shop local. Search for a local business by category at CRgov.com/411.

9 10

Giving is a beautiful part of the holiday season. Need help finding a good cause to donate your time or resources to? Visit CRgov.com/Volunteer.

When golf greens are covered in snow, the hills at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course turn into the perfect sledding destination. Sledding is open to the public after a good snow.

Our award-winning Parks and Recreation Department offers classes for all ages, children's camps, personalized wellness programs and more. If you need help finding an activity or class this winter, visit CRgov.com/RecGuide.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / WINTER 2021 23

SEASON OF THE STAR

Lights up your holidays

he holidays in Castle Rock start with Starlighting and continue through the new year. The Season of the Star helps celebrate the warmth of our community. Start a new tradition, take in the holiday lights Downtown and enjoy everything the season has to offer with these family-friendly events. For additional events, details and updates, visit CRgov.com/StarSeason.

STARLIGHTING • 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, Downtown. Starlighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m. • Enjoy food/beverage trucks, live entertainment and more. Visit CastleRockStarlighting.com for details. CARRIAGE RIDES • Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 10. Visit DowntownCastleRock.com for ticket sales information. FESTIVAL PARK STARLIGHT MARKET • 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 • Kick off your holiday shopping with Castle Rock’s premier craft and food market. Shop from more than 30 vendors offering unique crafts, specialty items, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and more. SANTA DRIVE-BY • Santa Claus is coming to Town Saturday, Dec. 11! Castle Rock Fire and Rescue and Castle Rock Police Department will be escorting Santa again this year for a tour around Town. • Learn more at CRgov.com/SantaDriveBy.

STORYTELLERS AND S’MORES • 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Festival Park • Join us as Santa, Buddy the Elf, the Grinch and some friends from Castle Rock Fire and Rescue and Castle Rock Police read holiday favorites from our giant storytellers chair. Enjoy roasting marshmallows, s’mores and hot chocolate. HOLIDAY DRIVE-IN MOVIES AT PHILIP S. MILLER PARK • Friday, Dec. 17 – “Christmas Vacation” • Saturday, Dec. 18 – “Elf” • Spend a much-needed fun night out and enjoy the nostalgia of a drive-in movie. Watch the hilarious Griswold family’s antics in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Friday, Dec. 17. Or, get to know the beloved Buddy the Elf on a 30-foot screen in “Elf” Saturday, Dec. 18. Be sure to bundle up! A few food trucks will be on site for tasty treats. Registration is required and available at CRgov.com/MovieNights.

ECRWSS Postal Customer Castle Rock, CO

Town of Castle Rock 100 N. Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104

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Outlook Town of Castle Rock

SAFE & SECURE

Castle Rock Police Department treats residents like family. Learn about Chief Cauley's One-By-One philosophy

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