Highlands Ranch fireworks rescheduled to December

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After concerns over weather led o cials to cancel a Fourth of July reworks show in Highlands Ranch, the display is now rescheduled for Dec. 16, according to Douglas County.

Fireworks are planned to launch at Highland Heritage Regional Park, but o cials are asking the public to watch the show at other locations.

“ ese are going to be so high and so bright that you’re going to be able to see them from your house in Highlands Ranch,” said Wendy Holmes, spokesperson for Douglas County.

Fireworks shows also took place in Douglas County in mid-December in 2021, when the reworks sites at Rueter-Hess Reservoir and Griggs Road in the Highlands Ranch area both resulted in brush res, according to a post on Twitter from South Metro Fire Rescue at the time.

“(South Metro Fire) was on site … when they occurred and additional resources were called to help,” the post says. “No injuries occurred and no structures were threatened.”

O cials put on reworks shows in December 2021 because of delays in the preceding months due to concerns about dryness, Holmes said. Asked about reworks and re risk, the county pointed to its approval process for professional rework displays in unincorporated Douglas County.

Unincorporated areas, like Highlands Ranch, are parts of the county that sit outside of corporated cities and towns.

“ e following, sequential process is shared to ensure you are aware of all that must occur to ensure the highest level of safety by anyone producing a professional reworks display in Douglas County,” the county’s website says.

Among other steps, that process includes:

• A professional “condition analysis” and a meeting a week before the display to determine whether it’s safe to proceed as planned. County commissioners will have a discussion with re protection agencies and law enforcement to gather input on current launch conditions. Based on this meeting, a decision will be made to proceed or cancel.

• A “site inspection” prior to the day of the event, along with approval from the re protection agency. e process can involve “site improvements” to mitigate risk based on recommendations and conditions — that can include mowing and trenching.

• A re protection personnel inspection on the day of the event.

The RidgeGate calendar of fun starts here.

e process takes into account re restrictions and a “site security” review.

• And a nal decision, a “go / no go” for the event.

Information about current re restrictions in Douglas County, as determined by the sheri ’s o ce, is available at the county O ce of

Emergency Management’s webpage at tinyurl.com/DouglasFireRestriction.

In the interest of public safety, Douglas County law enforcement asks the public to plan ahead and honor road closures as well as the “No Parking” signs near the launch site, the county’s website says.

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

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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

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

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

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