HRCA NEWS
December 2023
“There’s no place like home for the holidays!” Celebrate the holidays in your backyard. HRCA HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS HRCA has events, classes, and activities to keep your family entertained throughout the season. Santa is busy making his list of good girls and boys! If your child can't meet with the Jolly Old Elf in person this year, be sure to drop-off their Christmas wish list from now until December 16, at Eastridge Recreation Center. Please make sure to include your address. All letters received by that date will get a response from the North Pole! Kick-off the season with Holiday in the Ranch on Saturday, December 2, at Town Center South. This free, family, fun-filled evening includes caroling, crafts, a Winter Market, Santa's reindeer, and even pictures with Santa-all free of charge! For many, a favorite holiday tradition is viewing homes decorated in festive lights. Submit your house to our Holiday House Decorating map. Entries should include a photo and can be submitted online at HRCAonline.org/HolidayHouse. The addresses and photos will be posted at HRCAonline.org/Happenings with a map showing the locations on Friday, December 8. Use the map to guide your holiday light adventure. Join us for one of our many classes, camps, or activities. Stay inside and create memories by making holiday-themed art, crafts, and treats. Adults will enjoy art and pottery projects. Little ones will learn to make Christmas and winter crafts, snacks, and more with holiday art, crafts, and cooking classes. Help your kids stay active over the Winter Break at our Backcountry, Art, STEM, Sports, and Special Needs Winter Break Sports Camps. Find a complete list of camps offered at HRCAonline.org/Camps. Visit HRCAonline.org/Happenings for details on these activities and more!
BUDGET UPDATE: The 2024 HRCA budget was approved by the Delegates and Board on October 17. You can find all the details of the budget on our website. HRCAonline.org/Budget.
ASSESSMENT UPDATE: Beginning January 1, 2024, association dues will increase in total from $165.00 to $168.00, quarterly for all Highlands Ranch residents. Administrative Assessments will decreased from $73.44 to $63.00 annually. If you have signed up for fixed auto payments, you will need to adjust the payment to account for the increase. You can do this directly through your Zego account or your personal bank account. Please find more information on our assessment pages on HRCAonline.org/assessments.
SUPPORT THE ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY - COLORADO GIVES DAY Colorado's largest day of giving, Colorado Gives Day, is on Tuesday, December 5. When you make your donations this year, please support the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA). The CAA produces and presents nearly 40 cultural, historic, and educational programs and events annually, including Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days, Oktoberfest, the Summer Concert Series, Culture on the Green, and many others. The CAA also funds the annual Art Encounters outdoor sculpture program in Highlands Ranch. If you support the arts, live music, and theatre in Highlands Ranch, please donate to the CAA by visiting www.ColoradoGives.org/CAA. You can also go online to schedule your donation in advance. We appreciate your support!
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 Residents, I want to take a moment to celebrate our wonderful Highlands Ranch community. This year has been monumental, and the HRCA is thriving because of the amazing partnership we have with our members. As we wrap up 2023 and prepare for next year, I am reminded of my favorite highlights from the last year. Partnering with the Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD) on some of our most esteemed events, the July 4th festivities, Highlands Ranch Days, and the upcoming Holiday in the Ranch, are all on that list. Working with the HRMD to serve our community has certainly enhanced our offerings. The success of our new pickleball courts and multisport simulator has shown that we are continuously working to provide quality amenities for our members. Our Haunted Forest in the Backcountry far exceeded expectations, and we were impressed by the turnout. Our Therapeutic Recreation program continues to be a gift to so many families, and our Arts, Education, Sports, and Fitness programs are all filled with so many great participants. As we continue to enhance the quality of life for our members, I want to remind you that the HRCA offers community events, recreation facilities and programming, architectural control, and covenant enforcement in Highlands Ranch. Members of the HRCA have access to four state-of-the-art recreation centers, with over 329,000 square feet of workout facilities, meeting rooms, events, classroom space, running tracks, basketball/sports courts, use of archery ranges, and over 25 miles of singletrack trails in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. The HRCA continues to keep Highlands Ranch among the top places to live in the United States. Our hope to continue offering the same great services and more in 2024 is supported by working within a balanced budget, which was passed by the Delegate Body and Board of Directors in October. Beginning January 1, 2024, association dues will increase 1.8% totaling $168.00 quarterly for all Highlands Ranch residents. Please ensure to check your statements to better understand the benefits of both fees and how to ensure you are staying current on your association dues. Whether you are new to Highlands Ranch or have been a long-time resident, we welcome you. As you begin planning for 2024, we hope you will try a new fitness class, attend the next community event, or even hit the trails in our Backcountry Wilderness Area. Thank you for helping make our community great! For more information, please visit HRCAonline.org or call 303-471-8958. I am thinking of our entire community and wishing you and your family an extra measure of comfort, joy, and hope this holiday season.
HRCA NEWS
My best,
is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
Mike Bailey
Copyright ©2023 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc., in print or electronically.
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COMMUNITY NEWS WORK COMPLETION NOTICE The Community Improvement Services Department has received a lot of inquiries about where to find Work Completion Notices forms once a home improvement project has been completed. You can access this form by: • visiting our Home Improvements page and clicking on the direct Home Improvements form link. • going to HRCAonline.org and click on the purple “Submit a Home Improvement" box. Why is this important? • It allows the HRCA to track the account within the one-year approval period and ensures a property is in compliance after the improvement is complete. • This helps our department and residents in the long run with future ownership, rental properties, and property managers. The Community Improvement Services Department (CIS) is willing to help you with any questions you might have regarding a home improvement. If you need help, please reach out to CIS at covenant@hrcaonline.org or call us at 303-471-8821 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
HOME SECURITY SUGGESTIONS Security can come in many forms. Please follow these suggestions to keep your home and loved ones safe: • Park in your driveway, not on the street. • Ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are out of sight. • Turn on installed garage lighting and front door/back door lighting to deter crime. • Utilize approved motion detectors in areas as needed. (Security doorbells and cameras are also a great option, with approval).
DARK SKIES VS SECURITY Highlands Ranch supports Douglas County in their Dark Skies campaign. Douglas County provides these guidelines to help citizens minimize light pollution, glare, and trespass. Lighting at entries and decks should be placed below an eave or shielded so that emitted light is downcast with no direct light radiated towards the sky or adjacent properties. Please take a moment to make sure your outside lighting is in accordance with these guidelines. First and foremost, keep in mind all exterior lighting should be submitted for approval. This includes security lighting, a security camera, a video doorbell, a motion light with camera, or a change in garage door lighting. You can submit on the HRCA main website, HRCAonline.org. Click "Submit for home improvement" on the main page. When you submit, remember to include: • Photos of the exterior of the home along with the location of the improved lighting. • All information, brochures, pictures of the box, and photos of the actual product. • Wattage of the bulbs. Failure to submit could result in a notice from our CIS department. Please note that perimeter, under soff-it, track, Jellyfish, and similar types of lighting will not be approved.
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UPCOMING EVENTS HOLIDAY CHAMBER MUSIC
HOLIDAY IN THE RANCH Introducing something brand new this year, in collaboration with the Highlands Ranch Metro District, we invite you to immerse yourself in a festive holiday celebration. Join us in savoring the heartwarming essence of our community at this special holiday gathering. Our Winter Market offers you an opportunity to enjoy a variety of oneof-a-kind culinary delights and gift items, all while soaking in the joyful atmosphere of the holiday season. Stroll through this enchanting winter wonderland and be serenaded by the melodious notes of Christmas carols. Satisfy your taste buds with delectable food offerings and witness the magical illumination of the Town Center Christmas tree at 4:45 p.m. And, of course, the highlight of the event will be none other than Santa Claus himself, ready to bring a twinkle to the eyes of children and adults alike. Join us in creating cherished memories and embracing the warmth of the holidays with friends and neighbors at this extraordinary hometown-feeling holiday celebration! • Saturday, December 2 • 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Free to attend • Town Center South 9288 Dorchester St.
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Experience the enchantment of holiday melodies with The Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver. Immerse yourself in a captivating musical journey as we present cherished holiday classics that are sure to ignite the festive spirit. Join us for a truly magical musical event! • Wednesday, December 6 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. • $20 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTH NAVIGATING PALLIATIVE CARE Join UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital for an informative virtual event as we dive into the world of palliative care. Discover how to navigate this crucial phase in the lives of your loved ones or even in your own journey. Don't miss this opportunity for individuals of all ages to gain valuable insights! • Wednesday, December 6 • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. • Registration is free, but required • Zoom
HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING Do you give Clark Griswold a run for his money? Showcase your home by entering it for the Highlands Ranch Community Association's House Decorating Map! Once your house is decorated, take a picture of your brightly lit home and submit the photo and address using the Holiday House Decorating Application by Thursday, December 7. On Friday, December 8, every house submitted will be added to our virtual map and posted on our Holiday House Decorating website. Highlands Ranch residents can use the map to visit their favorite holiday houses through Monday, January 1, 2024. • Deadline to submit: Thursday, December 7 • As a courtesy to your Highlands Ranch neighbors, please plan your visit before 8:00 p.m. • Free • Highlands Ranch Community
UPCOMING EVENTS HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING 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 put on another event at Eastridge Recreation Center. We invite you to get into the holiday spirit by decorating cookies with the deputies! These informal gatherings give residents and business owners a chance to connect with the police in a relaxed atmosphere. • Wednesday, December 13 • 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. • Free to attend • Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 University Blvd.
BLOOD DRIVE HRCA and Vitalant are joining forces during this crucial period. The unique demands of blood collection at this time make your contribution even more vital during this season. • Thursday, January 18 • 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. • Pre-registration encouraged • Northridge Recreation Center 8800 Broadway
FIREWORKS IN DECEMBER Experience a magnificent 30-minute fireworks display for you, your family, and friends to enjoy. As this show reaches new heights, Highland Heritage Regional Park will be closed entirely, but you can still relish in the show from your home, workplace, or with your loved ones. This show is weather and fire restriction dependent. • Saturday, December 16 • 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. • Free • Watch from home
YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTH - MASTERING STRESS
WINTER CULTURAL SERIES The Winter Cultural Series highlights three unique, talented, and highcaliber performance ensembles from the Denver metro area. Rather than making the trip downtown, we’re bringing them to Highlands Ranch at an affordable price that’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Cloud 9 Strings - Wednesday, January 24
Stress has become an unavoidable part of our lives, but it doesn't have to control us! Join us for a transformative webinar on stress management presented by UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. In this session we'll equip you with the knowledge and tools to manage and reduce stress. Secure your spot today and invest in your future well-being.
René Heredia: Flamenco Guitar and Dance - Thursday, March 28
• Wednesday, January 10 • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. • Registration is free, but required • Zoom
• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Child/Senior/Military $10, Adult $12 • Southridge Recreation Center 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
Purchase tickets online at HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
International Youth Ballet - Thursday, February 29
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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES THE GIFT OF FITNESS! HOLIDAY TIME! Now that it is time to Deck the Halls, please consider all the fun things to do at HRCA this month! Enroll your child in one of our Creative Kids classes at Westridge that are sure to have your kids ready for the holidays. Try enrolling them in Snowy, A Stepping Stone class for ages 2 ½-3 ½, Frosty, a Toddler and Me class for ages 18 mos-4 years, or try a oneday class so you can finish up some shopping. Classes are on different days of the week and at different times, so you can find a class that meets your family’s schedule. We will be doing fun crafts, projects and activities related to our themes: Hot Cocoa, Snowboarding, Snow and more. Find these classes on page 24 of the current Activity Guide or for more information, please call 303-471-8818.
NEW 2024 ACTIVITY GUIDE Watch your mailbox this month for the new January - April 2024 Activity Guide. For classes and registration, go to the website at HRCAonline.org/ Register. AQUATICS
There is no better gift than the gift of movement! Purchase a gift card for that special someone to use towards fitness classes or personal training at any of our HRCA Recreation Centers. With over 100 classes per week, including Yoga, Zumba, Aqua, Cycle, Strength Training, and more, there is something for everyone. Maybe they prefer an individualized approached. Try our Personal Training. We have 19 nationally accredited trainers ready to help with all your fitness goals. Purchase an HRCA gift card at any of our four Recreation Centers today and put it under the tree! If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Yeager at hannah.yeager@hrcaonline.org.
CREATIVE CHEER FOR ADULTS! This month we are featuring our adult art program. We are offering Watercolor, Drawing from Life, Knitting, and Hand Building and Wheel Pottery classes. These are wonderful opportunities to spark a creative and cheerful side to your holiday activities! Join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
SPECIAL NEEDS WINTER BREAK SPORTS CAMP Join us for this holiday winter break sports camp. Learn the skills necessary to play a variety of sports, with a focus on teamwork and good sportsmanship. • Wednesday, December 27 and Friday, December 29 • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Member $65/ Non-member $75 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!
ART
EDUCATION
FITNESS EVENTS
THERA PEUTI C RECRE
ATION
ACTIVITY
BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA
GUIDE
JANUARY - APRIL SPORTS
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2024
December is a wonderful month to get your kids involved in something new and festive! Try our Holiday Gift Workshop on Saturday, December 9 and Saturday, December 16 for ages 5-12, Drawing and Painting class for children ages 6-11, or our Teen Drawing class, both on Monday evenings in December. Our Cooking class Young Chefs - Holiday Favorites for ages 7-9 years old and Creative Cooks for ages 9-12 years old, are on Wednesday evenings in December. We will also be offering our popular STEM camps that include: Snapology - Amusement Park Adventures, and Snapology - Wonderful Wizards, among others. Get your kids involved in fun holiday projects and activities that inspire and engage them! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES WHY WILDCAT MOUNTAIN CLOSES JANUARY 1 - MARCH 31 Enjoy the final month of 2023, celebrate the holidays, and take time to hike, run, or ride through the Wildcat Mountain trail system. Each year from January 1 through March 31, our eastern-most trails close to allow wildlife to rest through the winter without being impacted by humans. Wildcat Mountain is an important winter area for multiple species, but especially elk and our nesting golden eagles. For more information about our Wildcat Mountain trail closures for wintering wildlife, visit HRCAbackcountryblog.org/post/ why-wildcat-mountain-closes.
GET READY FOR CAMP BACKCOUNTRY SUMMER 2024 REGISTRATION The best gifts in childhood are days spent exploring the woods, meeting new friends (two-and four-legged), and soaking up sunshine, fresh air, and dirt! Camp Backcountry is this present wrapped up with a bow… and registration opens on Wednesday, January 17. Stop by Southridge Recreation Center to pick-up a new Camp Backcountry Nalgene to wrap up as a placeholder for a summer week spent at Nature, Horse, or Art camp in the Backcountry Wilderness Area! For more information, visit www.campbackcountry.org.
HIGHLANDS RANCH TAEKWONDO HRCA offers Taekwondo classes in partnership with J.W. Kim Taekwondo for all levels and ages. Taekwondo helps students develop a disciplined character, improve their overall fitness, and improve their confidence and focus. For more information please contact Patrick Gojan at patrick.gojan@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.
2024 TENNIS REGISTRATION OPENING! Is learning a new sport on your list of New Year's resolutions? HRCA has you covered! Tennis registration opens on Sunday, December 24, for the first three sessions of 2024. Our pickleball pro is available for lessons to teach you the fundamentals or sharpen your game. Call the Tennis/Pickleball desk for more information on how to get started at 303-471-8996.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY 5K! Kick off St. Patrick's Day weekend with the St. Patrick's Day 5K on Saturday, March 16. This family-friendly event begins and ends in the heart of Highlands Ranch Town Center. Run a picturesque 5K course through familiar neighborhoods. Once you cross the finish line, savor a delicious pancake breakfast and celebrate with a post-race beer, making it a memorable start to your weekend festivities. Hurry, registration opens Friday, December 1. • Saturday, March 16 • 9:00 a.m. • Child (12 & under) $25+ / Adults $35+ • Town Center - 9315 Dorchester St.
SPORTS AWARD The Highlands Ranch Community Association is pleased to be the recipient of the Macaroni KID Douglas County Family Spotlight Award for Best Youth Sports Program. Macaroni KID asked readers to pick the family-friendly businesses that improved your lives as parents - and you chose us! We are honored to be recognized as a favorite business in Highlands Ranch. HRCA offers a great variety of yearround youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics for children ages 2-15. Thank you to everyone who voted! We appreciate your community engagement and love partnering with your family through our many youth programs.
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
FACILITY CLOSURES December 22:
Administrative Offices are closed
December 24:
All Recreation Centers close early at 5:00 p.m.
December 25:
All Recreation Centers are closed
December 31:
All Recreation Centers close early at 5:00 p.m.
January 1:
All Recreation Centers are closed
January 1:
Administrative Offices are closed
Check the website for the most up-to-date closure information. Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 11/30/23
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).
DECEMBER EVENTS For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org/Events.
December 2
Holiday in the Ranch
December 5
Classical Music Series: Holidays with Harp and Flute
December 6
Your Health with UCHealth Navigating Palliative Care
December 6
Holiday Chamber Music
December 7
Holiday House Decorating
December 9
Princess Tea Party
December 12
Delegate & Board Meeting*
December 13
Cookie Decorating with a Cop
December 16
Fireworks in December
* These meetings are open to our members.