HRCA September 2023 Newsletter

HRCA NEWS

HIGHLANDS RANCH PIONEER DAYS

September 2023

Come and be a part of the lively Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days at the Highlands Ranch Mansion! Experience the Old West as it comes to life in this exciting event that offers an array of hands-on educational opportunities, designed to captivate children and immerse them in local history. Discover the fascinating world of fur trapping and explore the pelts that early settlers used for trade. Engage in the thrilling activity of gold panning, where you will have the chance to try your hand at finding real gold! This event is not only entertaining but also an excellent opportunity to delve into Colorado's rich historical heritage. Mark your calendars and be ready for two days filled with fun, learning, and adventure!

• Friday, September 8 - Saturday, September 9

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Adult $7, Child $5 (Children 2 and under are free), Tickets sold at the gate.

• Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 Gateway Dr.

OKTOBERFEST

Celebrate German Culture with family and friends at the annual Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest event! The festivities will include an array of delectable German food, live music, and, of course, the finest biers from Paulaner.

This family-friendly affair guarantees fun will be had by all. We have lined up live music and non-stop entertainment and plenty of bounce houses to keep the kids thrilled and engaged throughout the day. But the excitement does not end there! Brace yourselves for the thrilling annual Dachshund Races, where adorable wiener dogs dash to victory, and the legendary Stein Hoisting Contest that promises to test strength and endurance.

Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends along to partake in this joyous celebration of German traditions. It is an event not to be missed!

• Saturday, September 16

• 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

• Town Center Square - 9288 Dorchester St.

EASTRIDGE LOCKROOM RENOVATION UPDATE

The Eastridge locker room renovation was completed late August, and we are excited for you to see it. The three month renovation included a complete remodel and reconfiguration of the exiting locker rooms including new lighting, fixtures, tile, partitions, and much more. Make sure to stop by Eastridge to see the completed look!

A C T I V I T Y

NEW ACTIVITY GUIDE

The September – December 2023 Activity Guide will be in homes and Recreation Centers by early September. Classes, camps, and activities fill up quickly, so make sure to sign-up today!

HRCA | EVENT/WEATHER LINE

303-471-8888

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

303-471-8958

Jim Allen, Dan DeBacco

Kurt Huffman, Melissa Park, Monica Wasden

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AT EASTRIDGE

303-471-8958

9568 University Blvd.

M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTERS

303-791-2500

RECREATION CENTER AT NORTHRIDGE

8800 Broadway

M-F: 5:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTER AT EASTRIDGE

9568 University Blvd.

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTER AT WESTRIDGE

9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION

CENTER AT SOUTHRIDGE

4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

GENERAL MANAGER

MIKE BAILEY

Dear Highlands Ranch Residents,

As the summer comes to an end, it is my pleasure to share one of the most critical processes we go through every year as an organization – our annual Facility Closures. Our facilities close for a week each year, beginning as early as April and finishing at the end of August. When these closures happen, it gives us plenty of time to clean, make upgrades, and complete any planned capital improvements. All Recreation Centers undergo an annual fire inspection with South Metro Fire Department, an annual fire and security system check, sanding and recoating gymnasium and fitness studio wood floors, painting throughout the facility, deep cleaning of fitness areas, equipment, and locker rooms, carpet extraction, drain and acid wash all indoor pools, strip and wax classroom floors, parking lot concrete repairs/maintenance (repairing cracks filling, sealing, coating, and striping), and contucted our annual emergency preparedness training for staff.

Below is a list highlighting a few of the specific projects that were finished during our closure weeks:

Northridge: Installed new diving board, pool area ductwork inspection and cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, installed large circulating fan, and performed preventative maintenance for the Golf and Multi Sport Simulator.

Southridge: Resurfaced the Great Hall, replastered the Kiddie Pool, installed the new A/V system in Wildcat Auditorium, installed three large circulating fans, new cardio and weight equipment, replumbed the Boiler Room, and performed preventative maintenance for the Golf simulator.

Eastridge: Finalized the locker room renovation, installed new cardio and weight equipment, roof repairs, mill and overlay of the back parking lot, new holds installed to the climbing wall, and added a new stretching area. We will also be replacing the hot tub in AugustSeptember.

Westridge: Large circulating fan installation, installed new cardio and weight equipment, installed new TV, raceways and communications on the cardio floor and in the upstairs lounge, new TV transmitters, fitness area redesign, pitching wheel replacement in batting cages, new pickleball court lighting installation, boiler room repairs, replaced sand in pool filters, replaced copper piping, and mill and overlay of parking lot.

As we approach the fall season at HRCA, final preparations and adjustments are being made to the 2024 budget. Upon receiving the initial directive from the Board of Directors, staff develop a working budget that adheres to the mandates set in the Community Declaration while also employing a visionary, need-based approach in programming and event planning. This collaboration continues with input from a volunteer Financial Advisory Committee, with final adoption by the Delegate body and Board of Directors.

My best, Mike

Bailey

DO YOU KNOW YOUR FENCING GUIDELINES?

The residents of Highlands Ranch lost many fences and gates with the arrival of the infamous tornado. If you find yourself being one of the unlucky owners who now needs to replace your fence/gate, it is important that you are aware of the requirements.

All replacement fencing must be submitted for approval to the Architecture Committee, even if you are replacing your fence like for like. You can easily submit for your improvement by visiting our website at HRCAonline.org. There is a purple quick click button right on the home page of the website that states, “Submit a Home Improvement”. There is a form specific for fencing (Fences - Installation or Repair) along with a list of the information needed for review. There is also an attachment link that will allow you to upload all the required information. There is no submittal fee for fencing. There is also an agreement box that will need to be checked stating: "I confirm that I have submitted all required information as specified on the project submittal requirements. I understand that the failure to do so will result in the submittal being denied."

What are the requirements for fencing?

1. Site plan highlighting the location of the requested fence.

2. Photos of the area for the requested fence.

3. Include the height of the proposed fence and materials.

4. Identify any gates and their width at a maximum of 4’.

5. Homeowners should review the drawings provided in the Residential Improvement Guidelines, see page 40 - 44, for drawings of the fence requirements. Sub-Association rules may vary.

All fencing must be built according to the Residential Improvement Guidelines unless otherwise approved by the Architecture Committee or Sub-Association. This includes design, specifications, and materials (rough sawn cedar). There is a chance that the fence you previously had was not compliant, so please review the Guidelines carefully.

If you lost an exterior portion of your fence/gate that faces the public, such as a right- and left-wing fence, it will be required to be stained in Highlands Ranch Fence Brown unless otherwise specified by a Sub Association if applicable.

Lastly, be sure to hire a reputable contractor who is familiar with the Guidelines and requirements of the Highlands Ranch Community Association. If your fence is not built in accordance with the Guidelines, it can result in a costly repair, and you may find yourself on the receiving end of a Notice from the Community Improvement Services Department.

For further information, you can contact the Community Improvement Services Department Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at 303-471-8821, or email us at covenant@hrcaonline.org.

TWELVE TREE FUN FACTS

Did you know?

• Trees are the longest living organisms on Earth and never die of old age.

• Tree rings can predict climate change.

• Planting trees can help reduce your energy costs.

• Trees are able to communicate and defend themselves against attacking insects.

• Trees block noise by reducing sound waves.

• Trees can help reduce stress.

• Trees help reduce the effects of climate change.

• Trees improve air quality.

• Trees improve water quality.

• If a birdhouse is hung on a tree branch, it won’t move up the tree as the tree grows.

• Different parts of a tree grow at different times throughout the year.

Trees need to be maintained by removing dead branches and tree shoots. Dead trees must be removed from resident's landscaping.

Trees do many wonderful things for the Earth, and it’s important that we treat them with love and care. Please make sure to look at your landscaping and take care of any maintenance on your trees and bushes. They will thank you for it!

UPCOMING EVENTS

FALL CRAFT SHOW

YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTHBACK PAIN MANAGEMENT

Join us for an informative virtual event that delves into the world of chronic pain management, presented by UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. This health webinar is designed to provide participants with valuable insights, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to tackle back pain effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and find effective solutions for managing chronic pain.

• Wednesday, September 6

• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

(Registration required)

• Zoom

DOGGIE SPLASH

Man’s Best Friend deserve a day of leisure too? Join us for the end-ofsummer pool season as we open the outdoor pool at Westridge to our four-legged friends ONLY! Your social dog can enjoy a day of fun, swimming away the summer heat. Reservations are required! Each dog needs a ticket.

• Saturday, September 9

• 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• $10 per dog

(two dog limit per person)

• Westridge Pool9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

This show features a variety of homemade crafts including jewelry, bath and body products, pottery, wooden crafts, floral arrangements, seasonal items, children’s clothing/toys, glass creations, and much more. Come join us for a day of shopping! We can't wait to see you there!

• Saturday, September 23 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Sunday, September 24 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

• Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 University Blvd.

CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES

We are proud to present this exciting three-part Classical Music Series. Each unique performance will feature a selection of members from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. To add to the charm of each evening, we have arranged an hour-long open house for self-guided tours of the Mansion before each concert. It is an experience designed to leave you with cherished memories.

• Tuesday, October 10

• Tuesday, November 7

• Tuesday, December 5

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25

• Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 Gateway Dr.

HALLOWEEN HOUSE DECORATING

Does your house stand out as the spookiest one in the neighborhood or the most inviting for the ghost and goblins who will be trick-or-treating this month? Well, now you can share your spirit by letting others see your home’s exterior decorating efforts by listing your address on the Halloween House Decorating Map!

• Submit your address and photos by October 12

• Free

VETERANS' FUNDRAISER: COMEDY NIGHT

Come enjoy an evening of comedy to honor your Highlands Ranch veterans! Tickets will raise funds for USO, Fischer House Foundation, Project Sanctuary and HUD-VASH. Must be 21+ to attend. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Must have ID to purchase and consume alcohol.

• Wednesday, October 13

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25 (All proceeds will be donated to Veteran's organizations)

• Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

UPCOMING EVENTS

COOKIES WITH A COP

Come meet your local Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies! The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with the Highlands Ranch Community Association to bring great events to the Highlands Ranch Recreation Centers. These informal conversations give residents and business owners a chance to connect with the police in a relaxed atmosphere. Stop by, have a cookie, and get to know your local law enforcement. Each of these events are free and great for all ages!

• Wednesday, October 18

• 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

• Northridge Recreation Center - 8800 Broadway.

PARANORMAL PARTY

Experience a night of spine-chilling excitement with Spirit Paranormal Investigations inside a genuine Haunted Mansion! Get ready to join our expert ghost hunters for a thrilling ghost hunt IN THE DARK! Alongside this eerie escapade, you'll also have the opportunity to attend an enlightening information presentation and connect with mediums. Remember to bring your flashlights, ghost hunting gear, cameras, and apps to capture your own paranormal evidence within this historic building. Don't worry if you don't have equipment; you can borrow some from our investigative team. See if you can spot a ghost during this unforgettable adventure!

• Thursday, October 19

• 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• $39

• Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 Gateway Dr.

DUELING PIANOS

Experience the one-of-a-kind live entertainment of Dueling Pianos! Get ready to do more than just listen – you'll interact with singing, dancing, and song requests! Our talented pianists from Howl2Go will bring your favorite tunes to life, from Elton John to Journey and everything in-between. Join us for this unforgettable event filled with song, fun, and excitement. Ages 16+ recommended (contains some adult humor), 21+ for alcohol purchase and consumption. IDs will be checked.

• Friday, October 20

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

• $25

• Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

COLD CASES AND COCKTAILS

Experience the next level of true crime fascination! After immersing yourself in gripping documentaries, captivating podcasts, and riveting true crime books, it's time to take your knowledge to new depths. Join us for an extraordinary event where we unravel the intricate motivations behind crimes. Grab a cocktail, sit back, and get ready to explore a haunting case. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening!

• Thursday, October 26

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25

• Southridge Recreation Center

- 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

FLU SHOT CLINIC

Flu shots (free with most insurances) will be administered by Safeway Pharmacists.

• Thursday, October 12

• 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Flu shot price with no insurance - $42

• Southridge Recreation Center, Wildcat Auditorium4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

SCHOOL OF ART

Art has the power to exercise both sides of the brain and support creative and focused outcomes.

This month, get your little ones enrolled!

Drawing and Painting: (Ages 6-11)

Mondays, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Teen Drawing and Painting:

Mondays, from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.

If you’re looking for something for yourself, we offer these classes at Southridge:

Beginning Drawing

Beginning Painting

Watercolor

Drawing from Life

Art Journaling

Zen Doodle

Our cooking classes for youth include:

Chef in Training (Ages 2-5)

Kids Rule the Kitchen (Ages 5-7)

Young Chefs (Ages 7-9)

Creative Cooks (Ages 9-12)

Teen Cuisine (Ages 12-18)

Cooking with your Kids (Ages 7+)

Our popular and fun music program ramps up again this fall (Ages 5-6)

Young Voices

Music Together

Fun Keys

Crocodile Rock

We are offering pottery classes for all ages too!

Kids-N-Clay (Ages 5-9)

Hand Building for kids (Ages 8-12)

For more information, please email Alecia Hindman at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

PINT SIZE PROGRAMS!

As your older children head back to school, be sure to get your toddler involved in some fun classes too! This month we are offering Toddler and Me: All About Family as well as School Buses in the Sibling Rivalry class. Kreative Kids themes are Back to School, 2 Times the Fun's, September theme is Football, and our Stepping Stones class will be focused on The Yellow School Bus!

These great programs give you a bit of a break and give your child a chance to practice important social skills! Classes run throughout the week between 9:00 a.m and noon. These classes are held in the Westridge Osprey room. This is a wonderful, bright, and beautiful room with direct access to the bathroom and the playground! Classes are for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Join us! For more information, please email Heather Goetz-Zettl at hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.

ALL THAT JAZZ!

Our fall session of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Adult Dance are getting ready to kick off for the season! We offer classes for all ages and abilities and our instructors are very seasoned and offer a variety of instruction styles to suit any learner.

We offer seasonal recitals and classes that help children and adults develop and hone their skills. The Winter Recital is “Gingerbread Dream,” so be sure to join us! For more information, please email Alecia Hindman at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

BUGLING HIKES RETURN

The sound of fall returns to the Backcountry Wilderness Area this month! Head out into the reserved areas with our seasoned naturalists to observe and listen to elk in their natural habitat. Bring your binoculars and take a hike in for a better look. For details and information, visit HRCAonline.org/backcountry.

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY: SADDLE CLUB

Do you have a child who loves horses and is looking for their fall, after-school activity? Try Saddle Club at the Backcountry Horse Corrals. For four weeks, we'll work through groundwork (safety, grooming, breeds, anatomy), Western riding, English riding, and health care. This small-group class will evolve as the participants master their new equine know-how. For details and information, visit HRCAonline.org/backcountry.

OKTOBERFEST 5K

Put on your lederhosen and sneakers as we kickstart the annual HRCA Oktoberfest event in Town Center. This course is a mixture of sidewalk and gravel trails and is well-suited for all ability levels. Come back later in the afternoon to get your polka on, enjoy German food, and other traditional Oktoberfest activities.

• Saturday, September 16

• 9:00 a.m.

• $45+ (adults), $30+ (12 and under)

• Town Center South - 9315 Dorchester St.

BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS HALF MARATHON

2023 marks the 15th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon in Highlands Ranch! This 13.1-mile scenic trail run utilizes the Douglas County East/West trail and the beautiful HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area trails.

Athletes will receive a long-sleeve technical race shirt, custom finisher medal, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and more!

• Saturday, November 4

• 9:00 a.m.

• $65+

• Rocky Heights Middle School - 11033 Monarch Blvd.

INDOOR CYCLE

Are you looking to gain lower body strength with cardiovascular endurance? Indoor cycle is the perfect workout for you. Westridge Recreation Center is fully equipped with state of the art Stages Indoor Cycle bikes and interactive displays to help you train smarter. Come try out our indoor cycle bikes and classes today!

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOWLING

90-minutes of bowling fun with friends.

• Saturdays, September 9November 11

• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• $140/$161

• AMF Bowlero - 2530 County Line Rd.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION INDOOR BASKETBALL

Learn the skills to play basketball, the rules of the game, and good sportsmanship.

• Saturdays, September 6 - 27

• 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• $90/$104

• Southridge Recreation Center4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

FACILITY CLOSURES

September 4 All Recreation Centers close at 5:00 p.m. for Labor Day. Administration Offices are closed all day

September 5 All Recreation Centers' outdoor pools close for the season.

September 16

September 22

September 23

September 24

Northridge & Eastridge Recreation Centers close at 12:00 p.m for Oktober fest staffing.

The Eastridge basketball courts and track will be closed for event set-up.

The Eastridge basketball cour ts and track will be closed for the Fall Craft Show

The Eastridge basketball cour ts and track will be closed for the Fall Craft Show.

Check the website for the most up-to-date closure information.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 8/31/23

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org/Events.

Sundays Highlands Ranch Far mers' Market

September 6 Your Health with UCHealthBack Pain Management

September 8 - 9 Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days

September 9 Doggie Splash & Pet Expo

September 16 Oktober fest 5K Oktober fest Celebration

September 11 Board Working Session*

September 19 Delegate & Board Meeting*

September 23 -24 Fall Craft Show

September 30 Wildcat Mountain Trail Races

The HRCA’s ability to bring events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).