Douglas County wants to hear about needs of older adults

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If you’re an older adult who feels like you don’t have a voice, now is your chance to tell your county government about your needs.

Douglas County’s elected leaders and other local o cials want to hear from you at “listening sessions” taking place around the county.

“Your feedback is vital to helping (the county commissioners) build policies and plan services around your needs so you can continue to live in Douglas County well into retirement,” Commissioner George Teal said in a news release. “We hope you’ll make time to join us at these listening sessions.” e county’s 2023 Older Adult Initiative includes the “listening” events and a resident survey and will culminate in a county commissioners town hall in late fall. e feedback “will help inform decision-making of programs and services to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of our residents,” a statement from county sta said. e remaining listening sessions take place at the following times and locations:

During a Douglas County town hall event in March about aging well, participants identi ed the following three issues as important: resource navigation, particularly regarding property taxes; the need for a ordable housing; and increased safety and security, according to the county’s website.

(“Resource navigation” is a term that means helping people connect with certain resources that are right for them. To that end, the county supports Douglas County First Call, an information and referral program with trained sta and volunteers to help people access resources throughout Douglas County. First Call can be reached at 303-660-7519.)

If you want to talk to county leaders about any issues, many opportunities to speak your mind are coming up.

• 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Aug. 10 at SECOR Cares, located at 17151 Pine Lane in Parker

• 9-10 a.m. on Aug. 16 at Parker Library, located at 20105 Mainstreet in Parker

• 1-2 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Castle Pines Library, located at 360 Village Square Lane in Castle Pines

• 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Oakwood Apartments, located at 559 Oakwood Drive in Castle Rock

• 2-3 p.m. on Aug. 31 at e Audrey Apartments, located at 9350 Dorchester St. in Highlands Ranch

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Roxborough Library, located at 8357 N. Rampart Range Road in the Roxborough area south of Chat eld State Park e Douglas County Older Adult

If you need help with directions, call the county at 303-660-7400.

The RidgeGate calendar of fun starts here.

Initiative kicked o with the county commissioners’ town hall on aging well in March. e program aims to identify the needs, challenges and opportunities faced by the county’s aging population and is supported by the county commissioners and led by Teal, according to county sta .

e executive committee consists of members from across county gov- ernment and includes the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce, the Douglas County Housing Partnership, community organizations and nonpro t committee members.

To get emails from the county relevant to older adults — or about resources for the aging population — you can sign up at tinyurl.com/ DouglasCountyOlderAdults.

Yoga in the Park

Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.

Tuesday, August 29th, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes

Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from the district, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Registration is required and available at RidgeGate.com

Thursday, August 24th, 6-7:30pm – Leave No Trace

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Blue Moon

Saturday, September 2nd, 7:30-9pm – Snacks Under the Stars

Friday, September 8th, 5:30-7pm – Reptiles in the Region

Friday, September 29th, 6:30-8pm – Harvest Moon

Sunday, October 8th, 4-5:30pm – Amazing Corvids

Friday, October 20th - 5-6:30pm – Stories from the Heart

Saturday, October 28th, 5:30-7pm – Hunter’s Moon

Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch

The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org

Saturday, August 19th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour

Saturday, August 19th, 6-7:30pm – Campfire Storytelling Series (Ranger Trey)

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Blue Moon & Bats)

Saturday, September 9th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour)

Saturday, September 23rd, 6-7:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Urban Coyotes)

A more natural approach to urbanism.