Police department open house aims to build community connection

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fostering connections and building trust were goals for law enforcement representatives and community members alike at the Lone Tree Police Department Open House.

Held at the Lone Tree Arts Center July 22, the open house featured a variety of booths and attractions for families to enjoy, such as a Ninja Nation obstacle course and tours of a police mobile command vehicle.

As Lone Tree resident Amy Dodds stood in line for face painting with her four children, she re ected on why she thinks law enforcement open houses are important.

“Having kids, I just think they’re important so that they get to talk to them and know that they’re there to keep them safe. ey’re not scary,” Dodds said. “I want them all to feel safe going to them if they ever need anything.”

A variety of agencies who serve the Lone Tree community were at the event, including members of the Lone Tree Police Department, South Metro Fire Rescue and the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce. Lucero Cuevas, a volunteer with the Lone Tree Police Department, stood at one of the many booths attendees could visit. For her, the highlight of the day was connecting with kids, getting to see their curiosity and hear their laughter. e county’s new ordinance, approved at the July 11 county commissioners meeting, requires property owners to apply for licenses to operate homes as short-term rental properties. e ordinance de nes a short-term rental as lasting less than 30 consecutive days. It applies to unincorporated parts of Douglas County — areas outside of municipalities.

“I think it’s just a good way to connect with the community,” she said about the open house.

Under the new law, the moderately populated unincorporated areas where short-term rentals are allowed include Franktown, Louviers, Sedalia, areas west of Larkspur, areas generally east of Parker and some others, aside from areas known as planned developments.

Short-term rentals are also allowed in other small residential pockets of the county, such as Westcreek in far southwest Douglas County.

It all adds up to a patchwork of areas where the rentals can operate, especially with municipalities taken into account. Cities and towns in Douglas County have their own di ering rules.

SEE RENTALS, P10