HRCA August 2023 Newsletter

TORNADO RENEWAL IN THE RANCH

An unprecedented tornado and devastating storm hit Highlands Ranch on June 22. This fast moving storm surprised us all and damaged homes, vehicles, fences and toppled over 16,000 trees in the community.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association, in partnership with the Highlands Ranch Metro District and Douglas County, came together to create and provide homeowners with answers and resources for cleaning up our neighborhoods. While volunteer groups, churches and homeowners joined together in mass efforts to help support each other in the clean-up effort.

We remain grateful for our amazing community that has come together during this time of need. We met our neighbors for the first time, helped those we didn't know, and all without a second thought. Highlands Ranch became stronger and better, we took care and supported each other.

Our residents remain a top priority and the Highlands Ranch Community Association is dedicated to working with individuals as we continue to clean-up and rebuild. We will continue to provide you with resources that may be helpful in the coming days.

REBUILDING YOUR YARD AFTER THE STORM

As we continue our clean-up, we are creating new programs to help you rebuild your landscaping. So where that tree stump was, or where the tree landed and damaged the grass, might become a beautiful new Xeriscape (ColoradoScape) garden. The HRCA is partnering with Centennial Water to help provide information on creating your new garden and yard. We will have a seminar on August 15 to provide you information on how to start your new landscaping. A live workshop will also be held with staff from Centennial Water and the HRCA on Thursday, August 24, to work one-on-one with you to help you throught the process.

FREE MULCH - COME AND GET IT!

As a result of the storm, Eastridge Recreation Center alone lost over 80 trees on our property, so we have several large piles of shredded mulch in the back parking lot of Eastridge. Please grab your bags, buckets, and wheelbarrels, and help yourself.

METRO DISTRICT RECOVERY

The Highlands Ranch Metro District staff continues to clean-up from the June 22 tornado that damaged more than 1,000 trees on public lands and impacted fences adjacent to 350 homes. The collaboration among local agencies, organizations, volunteers, and residents has been gratifying. We appreciate the partnerships and support from local governments around the Denver Metro area that jumped in to assist in the community clean-up. You can see a list of the agencies and organizations who contributed to the tornado response, as well as storm information, at highlandsranch.org/stormdamage.

Your patience is appreciated as work proceeds to replace Metro District owned fence and trees on our public lands in the coming months. While the new trees will not initially stand as tall as the trees taken out by the tornado, be assured that Highlands Ranch will live up to the Tree City USA recognition we have received over the past 35 years. If you have questions about this work, please contact the Metro District at info@highlandsranch.org.

STAY CONNECTED

We want to connect with you. Go to HRCAonline.org to sign-up for our mailing lists to learn the latest.

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.

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

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

GENERAL MANAGER

MIKE BAILEY

Dear Highlands Ranch Residence,

In a time of crisis, our community came together to support one another like never before. Like many of my neighbors, I enjoy and appreciate the benefits of the shared recreational facilities, beautiful parks, open space, plethora of community events and all of the other benefits in living in a master planned community. But it wasn’t until the past month that I truly understood the benefit of the unique level and forms of communication that come with living in an established and clearly defined association.

Last month, Highlands Ranch experienced a devasting tornado. Miraculously, while we did not experience any loss of life, the community was, and still is, devastated beyond our imagination. Throughout the process of learning about, reacting to, and managing this tragedy, our community revealed to me an amazing power through its connectivity and activism. Social media platforms were constantly updated with information advising residents of how they could obtain support and services to address the damage to their homes. Neighbors became friends, churches re-kindled their parishioners, civic groups united, public entities collaborated extensively. Highlands Ranch came together to help one another.

Overall, this experience has shown me the power of community. While we may not always agree or even get along with our neighbors, in a time of crisis, communities will come together to provide support and make positive changes. Associations and their various representatives need to do very little to encourage this coming together which is a natural human instinct, but they can be instrumental in channeling this positive energy in the right direction to help those in need and make the biggest impact.

As I have noted on many occasions before, there is no place like home!

My best,

Mike Bailey

EASTRIDGE LOCKER ROOM UPDATE!

Exciting updates on the progress of the locker room renovation at Eastridge. Both rooms are starting to look like locker rooms again!

• Men’s Locker Room (top image): Ceiling has been installed. Dry wall installation is nearing completion.Tile installation is currently underway.

• Women’s Locker Room (bottom image): Framework is up, plumbing and in-wall pipe insulation is nearing completion. Ceiling, dry wall and tile installation is next on the list!

We are still on time for a late August completion date and are excited to see the finished look! Once again, thank you for your patience and understanding during construction.

CONSIDER XERISCAPING!

Highlands Ranch has seen a lot of damage to landscaping due to the recent inclement weather. This is a perfect opportunity to consider rebuilding with Xeriscaping.

The HRCA is partnering with Centennial Water on a new Xeriscape (ColoradoScape) program for residents as we rebuild and renew our yards from the storm.

What is Xeriscaping? It is defined as the process of landscaping, or gardening, that reduces the need for irrigation.

Step One: Review the Highlands Ranch Residential Improvement Guidelines (for basic requirements) when building your plan. Located in the rear of the Guidelines is a list of recommended, and NOT recommended plantings, shrubs and trees. Scan the QR code for more information.

Step Two: Build your plan. Ensure there is a variety of ground covers, year round green foliage, interesting focal points, and spaced plantings.

Step Three: All Xeriscaping is required to be submitted for approval to the HRCA. There is a ‘quick click’ button located on the home page that will take you directly to our Home Improvement Forms.

There is no fee attached to Xeriscaping and the form lists the requirements needed for review to ensure you have all applicable information needed for approval. Scan the QR code for more.

Step Four: All correspondence from the HRCA will be via email. We are working hard to move the improvement plans out as soon as possible. Any approval is good for one year from the approval date.

The HRCA and Centennial Water are working together to bring you Xeriscape introductory and planning programs and workshops to work directly with staff to help you create your new yard.

A seminar will be held on August 15 to help give you information on how to start your new landscaping, and a live workshop will be held with staff from Centennial Water and the HRCA on Thursday, August 24, to work one-on-one with and guide you throught the process. Please continue to visit our website for more information.

We are here to assist Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at 303-471-8821 or improvements@hrcaonoline.org.

CIS STORM RECOVERY

The HRCA's Community Improvement Services (CIS) department acknowledges that numerous homeowners have pets that need to be contained within property lines after the storm. Therefore, temporary fences will be allowed until permanent structures are submitted and approved by the HRCA.

All the information needed for submittal approval is on the Home Improvement Fencing must be built according to the Residential Improvement Guidelines

1. If you live along a main arterial roadway, your fence may be the responsibility of the Highlands Ranch Metro District. Please call highlandsranvh.org/storm damage.

2. Who is responsible for replacing fences on homeowner-shared property lines? The HRCA does not survey property lines to establish the ownership of a fence. Please work with your neighbors to replace fencing as needed. Contact your insurance company directly with questions pertaining to this process.

3. The HRCA cannot mediate disputes between neighbors. If a tree fell onto your property, you must still bring your property into compliance.

4. Talk to your insurance company. Find out what your insurance covers and what they can do to take care of damages.

For your roof, deck, windows and paint, talk to your insurance company. Follow all permitting requirements by the County and submit your home inprovement to HRCAonline.org/covenants.

CURTAIN CALL AT THE MANSION - PRESENTS "OL'BLUEEYES"A NIGHTWITHFRANKSINATRA

Get ready for an unforgettable evening brought to you by the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association. Put on your dancing shoes for a night with Ol' Blue Eyes performing Frank Sinatra's greatest hits from the 30’s and 40’s big band era. This is the show for you that does not stop from the moment the band hits the stage until the crowd leaves! Cash bar available, must be 21 to purchase alcohol. ID's will be checked.

• Thursday, August 3

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25

• Highlands Ranch Mansion9950 Gateway Dr

UPCOMING EVENTS

TEQUILA AND TACOS

Make the most of your Saturday under the warm sun by indulging in an afternoon filled with tequila and taco sampling!

Come together with the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine, and Spirits to partake in one of our beloved community gatherings that showcases an array of tantalizing tacos, tequila, and an assortment of delightful tequila-based cocktails.

• Saturday, August 12

• 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• $50

• Eastridge Recreation Center (Back Patio) - 9568 University Blvd.

SUMMER SUNSET CONCERT

The Highlands Ranch Community Association and Highlands Ranch Metro District are partnering once again for our final outdoor concert of the summer.

Our featured band, Soul School, will be there getting their groove on and bringing the house down. Check out our food trucks, invite your loved ones, and we'll see you there!

• Friday, August 25

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• Free

• Civic Green Park - 9370 Ridgeline Blvd.

POTTERY SALE

Come find a unique gift or a special piece for yourself at this tri-annual pottery sale. All of the artwork on display is created on-site by HRCA's own pottery students! Items are on display in the lobby at the Southridge Recreation Center.

• Monday, August 7

• 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

• Southridge Recreation Center 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

BLOOD DRIVE

Blood donations needed! Donate blood to save lives with the help of medical professionals from Vitalant. To register, call Vitalant at 303-363-2300 or visit the Vitalant website and use the event code 10002. All donors who donate with Vitalant July 24 - August 31, are automatically entered into a drawing to win one of five $2,000 prepaid giftcards.

• Thursday, August 31

• Pre-registration encouraged

• 9:00 - 1:30 p.m.

• Northridge Recreation Center - 8800 Broadway.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HIGHLANDS RANCH PIONEER DAYS

Experience the magic of the Old West at Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days, taking place on September 8 - 9 at the enchanting Highlands Ranch Mansion! This captivating event presents a multitude of interactive educational activities designed to captivate young minds and immerse them in local history.

Delve into the world of fur trapping, discovering the types of pelts settlers relied on for trade. Engage in the thrilling art of gold panning, as you personally try your luck at uncovering precious gold nuggets. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time!

• Friday, September 8 - Saturday, September 9

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

• Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 Gateway Dr.

DOGGIE SPLASH

Doesn’t Man’s Best Friend deserve a day of leisure too? Join us for the end-of-summer 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!

• Saturday, September 9

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

• $10 per dog

• Westridge Recreation Center - 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

OKTOBERFEST

Gather your family and friends for this cultural event with German food, music, and, of course, great Biers from Paulaner. We will have live music and non-stop entertainment for the whole family. And don't forget the annual Dachshund Races and Stein Hoisting Contest! This event is sure to make you smile as you dive into the festive spirit of Oktoberfest!

• Saturday, September 16

• 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

• Town Center Square - 9288 Dorchester St.

FALL CRAFT SHOW

This two-day show features handcrafted items that have been carefully created by local artists. Items exhibited include jewelry, bath products, pottery, wooden crafts, floral arrangements, wreaths, precious baby and children's articles, fused glass, seaonal items, hand-knit scarves, shawls, and a multitude of other objects of art and apparel.

The Fall Craft Show is the perfect place to find that unique, one-of-akind, handcrafted gift.

• 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 (Gymnasium) - 9568 University Blvd.

LOOKING AHEAD…

September 8 & 9:

Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days

September 9:

Doggie Splash & Pet Expo

September 16:

Oktoberfest 5K

Oktoberfest Celebration

September 23 & 24:

Fall Craft Show

September 30:

Wildcat Mountain Trail Races

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

SAT/ACT TEST-PREP

FALL DANCE

With school starting back up and fall around the corner, now is the time to consider enrolling your 3-12 year-old in Dance. Our deeply committed and wonderfully qualified teachers, are excited to welcome your family back to the dance studio for the fall session. Ballet, Tap and Jazz are a wonderful way to build muscle strength, balance, coordination, agility, and it strengthens cognitive abilities like concentration and pattern recognition. There are a variety of classes at various times and days, to meet any family’s schedule. Join us! For more information, please email alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

END OF SUMMER CAMPS

Before your kids head back to school, give them one more unforgettable experience! For the budding artist, get your child enrolled in the Drawing and Painting class for children (Ages 6-11). For the aspiring chef, try our Kids Rule the Kitchen (Ages 5 - 7), and Young Chef’s (Ages 7 - 9) – Hometown Favorites or Creative Cooks (Ages 9 - 12) with American Classics. For the little ones, get them soaking up the last of the summer sun in Wacky and Wonderful Wednesday, 2 Times the Fun – New Adventures, or Stepping Stones (Ages 3-6). For the ambitious Engineer or scientist in your family, try Escape Room Creator or Chessmates. For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

July 31 – August 3, from 9:00 a.m. - noon, we will be hosting our ever-popular SAT/ACT test-prep class. Students will learn strategies that will help them raise their overall composite score from a National Board-Certified Teacher. This class has been recommended by a number of high school teachers from all four of the Highlands Ranch High Schools, so be sure to register now. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.

ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR WILD ROOTS NATURE PRESCHOOL

Wild Roots Nature Preschool is officially enrolling for the 20232024 school year!

Backcountry Wild Roots Nature Preschool is an outdoor-based early childhood education program for children ages 3-5. Our program offers an immersive experience in nature with a play-based approach to learning. Our flexible outdoor learning environment allows for an emergent curriculum, with teachers acting as guides, noticing each child’s observations and interests. Classes are offered in 3-week or 4-week (monthly) sessions, and the typical school day run 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

For details and enrollment information, visit HRCAonline.org/backcountrypreschool.

INTERNATIONAL BAT NIGHT IS AUGUST 26

Bats are a mostly unseen species in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Bring the family to Base Camp to connect and learn from a team of bat experts from around the nation to celebrate International Bat Night on August 26, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Stay for the Creatures of the Night live animal presentation from 6:007:00 p.m. Tickets available for $10 per vehicle. For information and tickets, visit HRCAonline.org/backcountry.

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN TRAIL RACES

Challenge yourself! The Wildcat Mountain Trail Races run on 100% dirt trails and feature significant elevation changes that test strength and stamina!

With 10-mile, 10-kilometer, and age-appropriate kids distances, there is something for everyone.

• Saturday, September 30

• 9:00 a.m.

• $50+ 10M, $40+ 10K, $10 kids races

• Rocky Heights Middle School - 11033 Monarch Blvd.

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

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.

HRCA GIRLS BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Join in on the fun at the HRCA Girls Basketball league, featuring a 7-game season (October - December) followed by a seasonending jamboree or playoffs. Teams practice for one hour per week, with games held on Saturdays at various HRCA Rec Centers. Volunteer coaches are needed! Get your friends together and come out and play. Registration deadline is Friday, September 8, or until full. For more information, please contact Patrick Gojan at patrick.gojan@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.

GET YOUR ROUTINE BACK IN FITNESS!

As kids start to go back to school, it's time to settle back into a routine, which includes a fitness routine! HRCA offers over 100 group fitness classes each week at an unbeatable price. From Heated Yoga, Zumba, Aqua, Strength Training, Cycling, and more, there is truly something for everyone. Purchase a punch pass or annual fitness pass to get each class down to $8 or less. We hope to see you in class soon! Email Hannah Yeager at hannah.yeager@ hrcaonline.org with any questions.

YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS

HRCA’s Youth Tennis Lessons focus on the basics of tennis while introducing kids to the fun of the sport! Geared to kids age nine and ten, HRCA’s tennis pros share their love of the sport while presenting the fundamentals of tennis. Level 1 players are in the “I Can HIT” mode with the red, orange, green or yellow ball. Level 2 players are in the “I Can RALLY” with friends’ mode and Level 3 players are in the “I Can COMPETE” mode. Why not check out all the great tennis programs HRCA offers to kids at all stages of learning? Call the Tennis Monitor Desk at 303-471-8996 with questions and for more information on how to get started!

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION INDOOR SOCCER

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

• Wednesday, August 2 - 30

• 5:15 - 6:00 p.m.

• $69/$79

• Southridge Recreation Center48000 McArthur Ranch Rd.

THREE PROGRAMS TO TRY IN THE BWA THIS MONTH

August 12: Discover Your Nature

(All ages) - Walk the Base Camp Interpretative Trail starting at 5:00 p.m. before settling in for a one-hour live animal presentation with Nature's Educators at 6:00 p.m. Brought to you by the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

August 24: Adult Horsemanship

(Ages 18+)- Adult Horsemanship is a great way to learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and interact with new friends.

August 30: Full Moon Hike (Age 7+) - Put your senses on full alert as you take in the sights and sounds of the night. A naturalist will share how humans and animals see in the darkness versus the daylight.

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

FACILITY CLOSURES

July 31 - August 5 Northridge Recreation Center closed from July 31 - August 5 for annual maintenance.

August 5

The Eastridge Outdoor Pool will be closed Saturday, from 9:00 -10:30 a.m. for the Kids Splash Mash Dash Kids Triathlon.

August 12 Eastridge Basketball Courts close at 10:00 a.m. for Tequila and Tacos.

August 21 - 26 Eastridge Recreation Center closed, and Administration Offices are closed to walk-in traffic for annual maintenance.

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

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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).

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 7/31/23

AUGUST EVENTS

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

Sundays Highlands Ranch Far mers' Market

August 2 Mountain Bike Race Series

August 3 Cur tain Call at the MansionOl' Blue Eyes Presents a Night with Frank Sinatra

August 4 Splash Mash Dash Kids Triathlon

August 7 Potter y Sale

August 12 Tequila & Tacos

August 14 Board Working Session*

August 22 Delegate & Board Meeting*

August 25 Summer Sunset Series - Soul School

August 31 Vitalant Blood Drive