Water I Parks I Roadwork I Town Council I Fire I Police I Development I Events
Outlook Town of Castle Rock
VOL. 14 | ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2020
CONNECTING WITH CASTLE ROCK
Kids and Cops Making Connections PARKS AND RECREATION
Easier registration and reservations
VOICE VOLUNTEER AS A
for your Town
 2020 Census Everyone Counts! Get the scoop on
ROADWORK
2 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
INSIDE SPRING 2020
06 04 Keeping the vision while Castle Rock thrives
How the Town ensures new development is high quality and consistent with our community character.
Cover photo: Snow-capped mountains, cotton candy skies and golden sunrises are a sign of springtime in Castle Rock. Our beloved Town monument, The Rock, stands tall, encircled by a 1.4-mile trail. This season, as the days grow longer, get out to explore this popular park that boasts gorgeous views of Downtown and the surrounding community. On damp days, visit CRgov.com/TrailConditions for an interactive map of trail conditions throughout Town.
Photo: Nick Lucey Magazine team Assistant Town Manager: Kristin Read T. 720-733-3552 E. kread@CRgov.com Community Relations Manager: Melissa Hoelting T. 303-660-1365 E. mhoelting@CRgov.com
10 Focusing on quantity and quality
Learn how Castle Rock Water makes sure drinking water is of the highest quality.
12 Life and property protection through education
Community education programs are important for safety and prevention.
Sr. Community Relations Specialist: KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay T. 303-660-1381 E. kmukhopadhyay@CRgov.com Community Relations Specialist: Carrie Martin T. 303-660-1387 E. cmartin@CRgov.com Community Relations Specialist: Lauren Vaccaro T. 303-660-1382 E. lvaccaro@CRgov.com Photos by: Nick Lucey, Mark Sims, Liberty Pro Imaging, various staff and volunteers Design/illustration by: Carrie Martin
18 See something different in Castle Rock Enjoy a public art that can be found throughout Town.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 3
WELCOME
An update
from Town leadership It’s hard to believe we’re already three months into the new decade. The Town is making progress on several key projects, of which the community will enjoy the benefits during 2020 and far beyond. Work is underway to widen Plum Creek Parkway between Gilbert Street and Eaton Circle, including adding roundabouts at both those intersections. The construction will be inconvenient, but the end result should be well worth it. We’re also working to complete upgrades to the Plum Creek Water Purification Facility so the Town can provide the community with purified reuse water. This effort also includes construction of a pump station and reuse pipeline from the Town’s diversion and reservoir north of Sedalia to the facility. These improvements – and investment in projects at the Plum Creek Water Reclamation Authority, which treats the Town’s wastewater – are key to securing our water future. Later this year, construction is planned for a new neighborhood park in Cobblestone Ranch. We’ll also be replacing equipment at Butterfield Crossing, Mitchell Gulch and Plum Creek parks and constructing water, sewer, stormwater and street improvements in the Craig & Gould neighborhood. While adding additional amenities is always good, it’s also important to maintain those we already have. Equally vital is planning further into the future. We’re doing that in numerous ways this year, including by setting aside funds for the future Crystal Valley Parkway interchange on Interstate 25; by completing Recreation Facility and Transit feasibility studies; and by creating a master plan for the Town’s new park site in Plum Creek. We’ve also recently launched a Small Project Success Team – see more information on Page 7 – to help ensure our customers can continue to complete their initiatives efficiently. Stay up to date on all the Town has happening on our website, CRgov.com, or through our social media channels @CRgov. Or, join us at one of the many open houses and events throughout the year – visit CRgov.com/Events to learn more. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Mayor Jason Gray
Town Manager David L. Corliss
Town Manager David L. Corliss and Mayor Jason Gray
4 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
TOWN COUNCIL
board commission VOLU N T E E R
F O R
A
OR
AND BE A VOICE FOR THE COMMUNIT Y
Castle Rock Town Council invites residents to get involved in their local government by serving on one of the Town’s boards or commissions. Board and commission volunteers are a vital part of the Town of Castle Rock government. They study community issues, influence public policy and provide direction and recommendations to Town Council. Each April, the Town recruits for upcoming board and commission vacancies. This year, applications will be accepted April 12-26. Candidates will then be interviewed by a team that includes the Council liaison, Town staff and a current member of the board or commission. Recommendations for appointments are made to Council for formal approval, and terms begin June 1. Appointment terms are generally two years with a maximum of three terms. For board and commissions vacancies and information on how to apply to a board or commission, visit CRgov.com/Boards.
The Board of Building Appeals hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions and determinations made by the Chief Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of the Town-adopted building codes and regulations, as well as the Town’s contractor registration ordinance.
It takes a lot of planning to ensure a strong water future, and this is done with the help of the Castle Rock Water Commission. The Commission reviews issues related to the master plan for capital improvements, water rate and fee structures, and policies proposed to Town Council.
Meetings: First non-holiday Monday of March, June, September and December at 6 p.m.
DISTRICT 1 JESS LOBAN
M AY O R J A S O N G R AY
Meetings: First Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
Castle Rock Water Commission
Council liaison: Planning Commission
Council liaison: Public Safety Commission
Alternate:PublicWorksCommission
Meetings: Fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Design Review Board The Design Review Board reviews all development applications that require a Downtown site plan to achieve the goals and objectives of the Downtown Master Plan, the Downtown Overlay District and the Historic Preservation Plan. The seven-member board is comprised of two Downtown property owners, two representatives each from the Downtown Development
DISTRICT 3 K E VIN BR ACK EN
The Board of Adjustment hears and decides requests for variances from strict enforcement of the zoning and sign codes. The board is also responsible for hearing appeals to any decision or determination made by an administrative official. Decisions by the Board of Adjustment are final, subject to judicial review.
Board of Building Appeals
DISTRICT 2 J AMES TOW NSEN D
Board of Adjustment
Council liaison: Board of Adjustment
Alternate:castlerockwaterCommission Alternate:PLANNINGCommission
Council liaison:
Alternate:Parksand RecreationCommission
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 5
TOWN COUNCIL
Election Commission The Election Commission consists of five registered electors of the Town. Members are appointed for three-year staggered terms. This Commission is responsible for the adoption of reasonable rules and regulations consistent with the State statutes, the Town Charter and Town ordinances related to the conduct of elections. The Commission also reviews and determines adjustments to election district boundaries based on the number of registered electors. Meetings: As scheduled
Historic Preservation Board
DISTRICT 4 M AY O R P R O T E M J ASO N BOW ER
Protecting and preserving the history of Castle Rock by recommending historic structures for designation as historic landmarks is the role of the Historic Preservation
Council liaison: Historic Preservation Board Design Review Board
Meetings: First Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission The Parks and Recreation Commission makes recommendations to Town Council in regard to the master plan, three-year strategic plan, annual operating budget and fee schedules for the Recreation Center, Miller Activity Complex and Red Hawk Golf Course.
Planning Commission This Planning Commission reviews development requests, zoning change requests, and other related land proposals for future growth and development in the Town, as outlined in Municipal Code. The Commission holds public hearings, may request modifications to proposals and works to reach a consensus on advisory recommendations to Town Council. Meetings: Second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m.
Public Art Commission The Public Art Commission identifies priorities and goals concerning the acquisition of art for public buildings and parks within Town. Appointees are residents and/or artists in the community. Meetings: Second Thursday of each month at 4 p.m.
Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m.
Council liaison: Castle Rock Water Commission Public Works Commission Parks and Recreation Commission
Public Safety Commission The Public Safety Commission advises Council and Town staff on recommendations concerning levels of service, local public safety issues and funding for the Fire and Police departments. The Commission also assists with the review of annual operating and capital budgets, as well as strategic planning and identifying goals and objectives related to staffing, facilities and community needs. Meetings: First Thursday of each month at 3 p.m.
Public Works Commission From traffic engineering to roadwork, fleet maintenance and snow operations, Public Works provides fundamental Town services. The Public Works Commission is an influential part of the department and makes recommendations to Council related to a variety of transportation projects and services. Meetings: First Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
DISTRICT 6 GEO RGE T EA L
Meetings: Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m.
Board. The Board reviews and approves new construction and design renovation requests within the Craig & Gould neighborhood to maintain the historic and cultural heritage of this area. Three of the seven Board members must be residents or property owners within Craig & Gould. Additionally, three of the seven Board members are required to have background in education or experience in archaeology, architecture, history or planning.
DISTRICT 5 C ARYN JO HN SON
Authority and Historic Preservation Board, and one representative from the Planning Commission.
Council liaison: Board of Building Appeals
6 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Keeping the
vision as Castle Rock thrives
Castle Rock is a sought-after community, so it’s no surprise that growth is on the minds of many residents. While keeping up with the steady pace of growth has its challenges, the Town insists that new development be high quality and consistent with our community character.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 7
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Much of Castle Rock was zoned beginning in the 1980s, and landowners are legally entitled to develop the land according to previously approved zoning plans. While Town Council is obligated to honor the legal contracts of the past, plans are in place for responsible, quality growth. The Town gets a say in growth through the development process. The 2030 Vision and Comprehensive Master Plan is the Town’s overall guiding document. It defines the community’s broad and long-term direction and is used to guide the Town’s development, land use and planning efforts. Keeping the Vision and Master Plan in mind, the Town’s planners evaluate all aspects of a proposed development when a development plan is submitted. Engineers, community planners and designers evaluate everything from traffic and water impacts, to design and aesthetic standards. Their goal is to make sure every new development matches the community’s vision, makes technical sense and is safe. After staff evaluates a proposal, all planned developments go through a public process that includes open houses, a public hearing before the Town’s Planning Commission and
public hearings before Town Council. Town Council is required to objectively review each development proposal based upon 1) conformance with the 2030 Vision and Comprehensive Master Plan, 2) all development codes and 3) consideration of public input. Then, more detailed site and building plans are proposed to Town staff. Those are vetted and taken to the public, Planning Commission and Town Council. The Planning Commission reviews the proposal and makes a recommendation to Town Council, which makes the final determination. When Town Council approves the detailed set of plans, the developer submits site and building construction plans for staff review and approval. Upon approval, the developer can get a building permit and begin construction. Throughout the construction phase, the sites and buildings are inspected before opening to the public. You can view the Town’s Development Activity Map at CRgov.com/DevelopmentActivity to see where development is happening and get the most up-to-date information regarding development projects.
8 OUTLOOK STYLISH MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
PUBLIC WORKS
Meet the new Public Works Director In January of this year, the Town welcomed Dan Sailer as Public Works Director. Over the past 20 years, Sailer has worked in the Public Works Department supporting the Town’s transportation infrastructure and maintenance needs. With many years of experience as a transportation engineering manager, assistant director and, for a short period of time, interim director, Sailer proved an outstanding choice in a competitive nationwide search. “I am deeply connected to the community of Castle Rock and committed to improving transportation to meet the needs of residents,” said Sailer. “I’m very excited to begin this new role and further our commitment to provide excellent community service.” Sailer played a large role in leading the Public Works team to becoming internationally accredited by the American Public Works Association. He currently serves as a chair on the association’s National Asset Management Committee and has contributed several articles to the group’s magazine, along with presenting at their international exposition. Prior to working for the Town, Sailer served as an officer in the United States Air Force for six years, holding various civil engineering positions. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado. In his free time, Sailer enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Barb, and their two children, Noah and Zoe. He officiates ice hockey games during the winter season and likes to stay active through hiking, golf, tennis and other activities. You may also find him enjoying a good book or playing guitar. “We are confident that Dan will be an outstanding Public Works Director and member of the Town’s leadership team,” said Town Manager David L. Corliss.
Residents of Castle Rock depend on well-maintained streets and purposefully designed transportation projects that support a growing community. The map on Page 9 highlights some of the major roadwork projects that residents can expect to see this year. Every summer, Public Works focuses on an area of Town as part of its Pavement Maintenance Program. Annual maintenance extends the life of Town roads and helps get the most out of infrastructure investments. The focus of this year’s program is central Castle Rock, which includes neighborhoods such as The Woodlands, parts of The Meadows and Red Hawk and Craig & Gould. Visit CRgov.com/PMP to explore the interactive map, which highlights the five regions of Town and what year they will see roadwork. In 2019, the Founders Parkway and Crowfoot Valley Road intersection was under construction to improve safety and reduce congestion. With cold weather upon us, finishing touches for this project will be completed when temperatures rise. Although new lanes are open for use, final paving is not yet complete. To learn more about the overall goals of the project, visit CRgov.com/FoundersCrowfoot. As part of its Transportation Master Plan, the Town is investing in the widening of Plum Creek Parkway between Gilbert and Eaton Streets. The project will add two new lanes, one in each direction, and two roundabouts. The existing pavement between Gilbert and Eaton streets will also be reconstructed. To learn more about this project, visit CRgov.com/PlumCreekPkwy. Construction on the widely anticipated Crystal Valley interchange is still in the future, but currently, the Town is working on right of way acquisition and setting aside funds toward the interchange. Purchasing the property needed for such a large project will take most of 2020, followed by anticipated design in 2021.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 9
PUBLIC WORKS
Roadwork rundown
PU
B LI C W O R K
S
Founders and Crowfoot improvements
ea M
w do
ay kw ar P s
Foun
do ws
P
ders Parkway
y wa ark
a Me
Pavement Maintenance Program
ek Cre Plumr kway Pa
Future Crystal Valley interchange
eyParkw ay all al V t s y Cr
Plum Creek Parkway improvements
Town of Castle Rock Roadwork Projects
10 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
CASTLE ROCK WATER
Focusing on In a semi-arid desert it’s easy to focus on the obvious — how do we secure more water for the future? Many Colorado communities share the same concern. But, in Castle Rock, our long-term water plan lays out priorities for securing the community’s water future. So, instead of just focusing on quantity, in Castle Rock, we are also focused on quality. Residents will agree, it’s critical to make sure the community has enough water for the future. But, making sure that water is great tasting and the highest quality possible is equally as important. Whether it’s purified reuse water, underground well water or renewable water from Plum Creek, Castle Rock’s standards make sure the community’s drinking water is some of the highest quality in the country. In fact, Castle Rock Water thinks water quality is so important that it has a whole team dedicated to making sure customers are receiving the best of the best. Meet the team that helps make sure Castle Rock residents are getting the best quality coming from their taps.
Jonathan Cornwell I Senior Water Distribution Operator
What is your role with Castle Rock Water? I am a crew lead for the Water Distribution Team. On a daily basis, my team makes sure water is safely and constantly delivered to the Town of Castle Rock residents. What does a typical day look like? My day-to-day work can vary greatly due to unexpected emergencies, customer service calls or routine maintenance and inspections. A typical day consists of encouraging and communicating with my team, investigating potential leaks, taking snapshot water-quality samples, and routine maintenance of the water-distribution system. What are the basics of your job? The basics consist of ensuring water is safely and consistently delivered to our residents and that the water distribution system is operating at a high level. Our responsibilities change each season – sometimes we’re cleaning a water storage tank, completing waterline work and disinfecting new water mains; and other times we’re flushing and taking bacteriological samples for inspection and maintaining pressure-regulating valves. We also set lofty annual goals for valve and fire hydrant maintenance. What’s the most challenging thing about your job? Learning all the traits and skills of being a water distribution operator takes years of experience and tons of knowledge. We hold State licenses that require years to obtain. Plus, we respond to emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year. That requires us to work in the freezing cold and heat, but we care enough about our goals and the overall water system that we make it a priority to restore service as soon as possible. While this job requires us to leave our families at a moment’s notice, I’m fortunate to consider those I work with my extended family.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 11
CASTLE ROCK WATER
quantity AND quality
Kristen Reaves I Water Treatment Plant Operator II
Evan Bahn I Regulatory and Water Quality Compliance Analyst
When someone asks what you do for a living, what do you tell them? I tell people I’m a water treatment plant operator. They sometimes look at me confused. I think they forget water doesn’t clean itself.
How does your role focus on water quality? I would say that my role is 100% focused on water quality. From compliance sampling to customer inquiries, our team is always geared toward the quality of our water every moment of the day. One of our annual requirements is the Consumer Confidence Report. We post it on the website in June each year. The document itself is a snapshot of water quality for the previous year. It shows all the compliance sampling we did and what the results were. There is also information about our source waters and general information about water quality.
How did you get into the water industry? I moved to Castle Rock after college. I seriously picked a spot on a map and packed up and moved. No job, no family. Choosing a career with Castle Rock Water was the best choice I’ve made. I started as a seasonal in Field Services doing utility locating. Then, I was cross-trained in water distribution, collections and stormwater. I enjoy working with our customers and protecting and maintaining our water system. Now, I’ve been doing water treatment for several years. I love learning our system and providing safe drinking water to Castle Rock. What’s the most challenging thing about your job? Our water system is very complex. It takes years to learn everything. The biggest challenge for me is not being able to learn everything overnight. Our system is growing, and soon, our advanced treatment for reuse water will be online. I’m excited to be a water treatment plant operator to learn everything about our system. Why should residents be confident in Castle Rock’s water quality? Our residents should be confident in Castle Rock’s water quality because we are passionate about our purpose to serve them the best.
What is the most exciting thing about your job? As a Castle Rock resident, I get a real sense of joy and accomplishment in my job, because I feel I am providing a significant service to the community. A clean, safe and abundant supply of drinking water is something that is often taken for granted in the U.S., and few people understand all of the pieces and moving parts that go into such a life-sustaining service. When someone asks you what you do for a living, what do you tell them? I tell people that I conduct all of the water testing for Castle Rock Water and ensure that we are delivering clean and safe drinking water to our customers. Why should residents be confident in Castle Rock’s water quality? I am confident, and residents should be confident, about the water they are getting, because Castle Rock has made some incredible plans to not only obtain the water supply for a growing Town, but also to ensure that the water is of high quality and meets or exceeds current and future water regulations.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 1212OUTLOOK STYLISH MAGAZINE
CASTLE ROCK FIRE AND RESCUE
Life and property Protection THROUGH
EDUCATION
Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Education PROGRAM is a critical component of the Life Safety Division
Safety and prevention are the top priorities for Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Life Safety educators Jamie Duncan and Colleen Sanderlin. They spend many INSPECTION EDUCATION INVESTIGATION hours each week throughout the year educating Castle Rock residents about fire and safety best practices at various community educational and training Car seat safety events. Fire station tours are popular with residents, National statistics show that 73 percent of all child along with some Castle Rock favorites such as restraints are improperly used or installed. CPR classes, car seat safety checks, annual coloring The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department has contest and Fire Prevention Week. a car seat inspection program to teach parents the proper way to install a car seat in their vehicle. After CPR classes parents have installed the car seat according to “Of the half-million cardiac arrests each year, manufacturer’s instructions, they are encouraged to three-quarters of those happen outside of a hospital, have staff at the nearest fire station in Castle Rock where medical care may not be readily available,” inspect their efforts, especially given the national said Duncan. “If it happened at home, would you statistics. Inspection is important to ensure the car know what to do?” seat is appropriate for the child with regard to height, weight, age, and to ensure each car seat is properly Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department encourages installed and safe. all residents to take a CPR class. The program is available at all five CRFD stations, “Our classes teach students the basic skills of adult, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please keep child and infant CPR in accordance with the American in mind, if there is an emergency or the technicians are Heart Association,” said Duncan. unavailable, you may have to go to another station or revisit at another time. Call 303-660-1066 or CRFD offers community classes, as well as classes email FireEducator@CRgov.com with questions for private groups of six or more by request. regarding the car seat inspection program.
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
For more information, or to schedule a private or group CPR class, go to CRgov.com/CPR.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 13
CASTLE ROCK FIRE AND RESCUE
Coloring contest
Each year, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue hosts the Annual Fire Safety Poster Contest for third- through sixth-grade students in schools across Castle Rock. The winning entries, displayed on the side of a fire trucks, can be seen around Town throughout the entire year. The Department just completed the 20th-annual coloring contest and was impressed with the this year’s entries.
Fire Prevention Week
The National Fire Protection Association annually observes Fire Prevention Week during the week of Oct. 9, which is the anniversary of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. The fire killed over 250 people and left more than 100,000 residents homeless, so the International Fire Marshal Association started the commemorative week to prevent future fires.
Dinner at station 153 with the Johnson family.
The education program of the Life Safety Division highlights various aspects of fire safety during Fire Prevention Week. This year, the fire educators challenged residents to create a home escape plan and to practice the plan with family. As an incentive, a contest encouraging family participation by offering a chance to win dinner with firefighters for all immediate household members at the firehouse proved successful. Two Castle Rock families, the Johnson and the Sceili families, enjoyed dinner at the firehouse as a reward for their well-designed fire escape plans. “Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Education Program places a high priority on public education aimed at keeping residents of Castle Rock safe,” said Deputy Fire Chief Rich Martin. “The overall safety of the community is job No. 1, and educating residents is a critical responsibility of CRFD’s Life Safety Division Fire Educators.”
14 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Connecting with Castle Rock youth
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 15
CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Castle Rock Police Department embraces a unique philosophy called one-by-one policing. It’s a lifestyle the officers are committed to that promotes compassion and focuses on how every officer and staff member can serve each person individually. The philosophy is a driver behind the Department’s dedication to and active pursuit of opportunities to make positive connections with Castle Rock youth. “Relationships between youth and law enforcement are remarkably important,” said Police Chief Jack Cauley. “Our officers and staff are out there making connections and gaining trust, which will resonate throughout the community and lead to a healthier, safer environment.”
Connecting in schools
Creating safer, more secure schools is a very important priority for the Castle Rock Police Department. Through a partnership with the Douglas County School District, CRPD has two school marshal officers who are assigned to 16 schools within Castle Rock. There’s also a school resource officer assigned to each Town middle school and Castle View High School. (Douglas County High School is served by an SRO from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.) Officers in the schools do more than patrol hallways and keep an eye out, they engage with the students, exchange frequent high fives and fist bumps and are also in classrooms teaching students a variety of important topics. Through the Youth Education and Safety program, officers provide instruction on bullying, avoiding drug use and cyber safety. The school marshals and SROs are recognized by kids as protective partners in keeping them safe. The CRPD dispatchers are also involved in youth outreach and teach a free 911 For Kids class. The fun and educational presentation teaches children about the importance of 911 and how to properly use it. The program is designed for pre-kindergarten to elementary-age kids.
Connecting through camps
Over summer break, the school marshals and SROs continue connecting with youth through the Challenge, Overcome, Persevere, Succeed Camp, or COPS Camp. Boys and girls ages 13 to 17 participate in a four-day experience that challenges them both mentally and physically. Attendees partake in a range of outdoor adventure activities that focus on developing teamwork and leadership. Officers coach kids and create a positive learning environment using peer encouragement and graduated successes. New this year, CRPD will host two free, weeklong teen police academies during summer for boys and girls ages 13 to 17. The academies are designed to give participants an idea of what police officers experience on a day-to-day basis. Through classroom and hands-on activities, the academies will cover the basics of law enforcement, crime scene investigations and police tactics.
Connecting in the community
The Department’s youth outreach and partnerships continue into the community with a number of programs where kids have the opportunity to connect with officers through fun activities, such as Dirt Jumps and Donuts. On several Thursday nights throughout the summer, the Bike Unit teaches bike safety skills and demos tricks at Rhyolite Bike Park. “When an officer makes a lasting impression as being approachable, it can establish confidence in the police and change the perception of officers as public servants rather than simply law enforcers,” said CRPD Special Operations Division Commander Jason Lyons. Police officers and firefighters join together for the pop-up Splash Mobs held throughout the summer at various Town parks. The Splash Mobs give kids the opportunity to soak first responders with water blasters provided by the departments. Dates are promoted a day or two before each Splash Mob on the CRPD Facebook page. The Department also sponsors a Touch-a-Truck event in September. The free event gives kids the chance to sit in the driver’s seat and explore police cars, military vehicles, helicopters and more. They get to see the trucks that are usually plowing streets, working construction sites and saving lives. Plus, they have the opportunity to hear from the operators about how everything works and what role the vehicle plays in the community.
Connecting for career exploration
For young people ages 14 to 21 who are contemplating a career in the field of criminal justice, the Department sponsors Explorer Post No. 401. Through the year-round program, the Explorers learn every aspect of law enforcement including crime scene investigations, pedestrian conflicts, criminal law, firearms training and physical fitness. They also assist the Department by working Town events and community service projects.
CRPD’s Explorer Post No. 401
For details on the youth programs and events sponsored by the Castle Rock Police Department, visit the Community Programs page at CRgov.com/Police. And, follow CRPD’s Facebook page (@CRpoliceCO) for programs, events and Splash Mob pop-up dates.
16 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
PARKS AND RECREATION
Introducing RockREC! New registration and reservation system brings a customer-centered experience
It’s a busy morning. The kids are late to school, the dog needs to be fed and everyone is running late to work. But, before you head out for the day, you sit down to register the kids for their extracurricular activities. Sally wants to take a dance class, and Sam is headed to the next level of baseball.
But, what’s the password for the registration programs? Are both passwords different? Castle Rock Parks and Recreation understands that making things easy is key. That’s the goal of its new RockREC registration program.
Launching this spring, the new system will combine five different platforms into one. No longer will you need to remember different login information for athletic team sports, art classes and reservations. The one-stop shop will help make it easy to register for programs, pay membership dues and secure park pavilion and trolley reservations.
The new system is expected to go live in early March. Along with the new desktop dashboard, a mobile app will make accessing recreation services and information easier than ever before. Stay tuned for updates at CRgov.com/RockREC.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 17
PARKS AND RECREATION
RockREC gives users the power to take charge of their family’s activities and fitness.
New mobile app
Not into classes? PSM Park is the perfect place for self-directed fitness
• The free mobile app will be available for both iOS and Android devices.
• Enable push notifications to get real-time updates from Castle Rock Parks and Recreation.
• Register for classes, view
fitness schedules and more!
New membership perks
• Lost your ID card? No problem.
Easy, self check-in will be available at both the Miller Activity Complex and the Recreation Center.
• Plus, book the Rec Center’s racquetball courts online.
New online experiences • Helping family members stay
fit has never been easier. Purchase memberships, punch cards and daily admission passes online. Just present the unique barcode at check in.
• Save payment information on your profile for quick checkout.
• View facility calendars and
request reservations online.
New registration process
• All program registration will be on the same user-friendly site.
• Required forms will be part
of the online registration – surveys, waivers, etc. – making finalizing class details even more efficient.
• Pay outstanding invoices
online, in person or via the mobile app. In order to keep the most up-to-date information in the system, users will be required to set up a new member profile. This new profile will give you access to your entire family’s information in one location.
Whether it’s running on the soft-surface trails, climbing the Challenge Hill or completing body weight exercises on the synthetic turf, Philip S. Miller Park has something for everyone looking to stay fit outdoors.
Cue the new FitGround Adult Outdoor Fitness Park. Located between the synthetic-turf athletic field and the Challenge Hill, the adult-only course is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and get a full-body workout close to home.
Castle Rock residents know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. And, research shows that people who exercise outdoors are more likely to repeat the behavior. That’s why the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for ways to meet the community’s fitness needs.
“It’s exciting to see people get creative with how they use the park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer. “Sometimes there’s groups doing plyometrics at the Amphitheater and other times, people are running up the Challenge Hill in weighted
vests. The FitGround is just another opportunity for folks to use the park in an innovative way.” FitGround amenities include a fitness obstacle area with low-angle cardio climb, over and under bars, cargo net climber, battle rope station and more. Instructional use labels are included on each apparatus. Learn more at CRgov.com/FitGround.
18 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
PUBLIC ART
See something different in Castle Rock
French artist Edgar Degas said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Throughout Town, observers can see numerous new artworks, thanks to the Town’s Public Art Commission and other entities. The most significant of these pieces is “Tree of Wings,” a kinetic sculpture by artists Mary Williams and John King that was installed in The Plaza at Philip S. Miller Park over the winter. The colorful structure features leaf-like wings that gracefully glide through the air in both high and low wind. It’s a perfect complement to the park’s active atmosphere. Festival Park is also home to a new art piece, thanks to the Town, the Downtown Alliance and the Castle Rock Artist Cooperative – a network of local artists. CRAC chainsaw artist Billy LaFleur carved “Billy the Beaver” into a tree stump near the center of the park. Take a peek next time you’re out and about Downtown. Across Town at Castle Rock Adventist hospital hangs a painting created by more than 60 local volunteers. The painting of The Rock was completed paint-by-number style in an effort organized by the Public Art Commission during the 2019 Artfest. The goal was to raise awareness of public art. Public art in Castle Rock is funded through the Philip S. Miller trust fund. The Town has nearly 40 pieces in its collection. View pictures and locations for the pieces at CRgov.com/PublicArt.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE 19
2020 CENSUS
F U R T U U R O E Y 2 0 2 e 0 h t C o e t nsus d E n o p P
A H S
Res
Answers are kept confidential and used only to produce statistics.
Although it dates back to 1790, the decennial census is critical for our community’s future. Results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. They also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets. Homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census in mid-March. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone or by mail.
Wondering how you should account for special circumstances in your household, such as students, military personnel or those visiting other locations? Visit 2020census.gov and look under How To Respond, Who To Count for details. From May through July, Census takers will begin visiting homes that haven’t responded to help make sure everyone is counted. Pledge to complete the census to shape the future of our community.
Pledge to complete the census to shape the future of our community.
20 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE
Fact or Fiction Do you have questions about your Town? Heard a rumor that you want to fact check? The Town has a one-stop resource to get accurate information about topics important to you within the community. Visit CRgov.com/Facts, and put rumors to the test. Don’t see the answer to your question? Fill out the form on the webpage, or email your questions to CommunityRelations@CRgov.com.