November 26, 2021
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ParkerChronicle.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 15 | SPORTS: PAGE 16
VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 52
School district poised to acquire former Wildlife Experience Benefits touted, but some complain the deal feels rushed BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The most recent roundtable, held virtually Nov. 16, continued discussions about the growing crisis, and this time, the Aurora-based hospital system -- with campuses in Highlands Ranch and Broomfield and facilities across metro Denver -- came equipped with solutions, as it unveiled its “Children and Youth Mental Health Playbook.”
The Douglas County School District is taking steps to acquire a complex along Lincoln Boulevard that was formerly The Wildlife Experience museum, and later a University of Colorado campus, with hopes of using the property for a long list of district programming and uses. District staff have touted the proposal as a can’t-miss opportunity to forge new partnerships with higher education institutions, provide significantly more career and technical education to students and help students gain access to major industries in the area. The 175,000-square-foot space could also be used for central administration office space, event space, professional development for teachers and other uses, staff said. If the deal goes through, the facility could be up and running with DCSD programs by 2023. The Wildlife Experience, between Lone Tree and Parker, was established in 2002 as a natural-history museum, theater complex and events venue by David and Gail Liniger, who founded the real estate company Re/ Max. In 2014 the complex was donated by the Liniger family to CU for use as
SEE CRISIS, P2
SEE WILDLIFE, P4
Toyland will be on Mainstreet in Parker throughout the holiday season.
PHOTO BY JOHN OTT PHOTOGRAPHY
Parker holiday events in full swing Ice skating, Santa visits and tree lighting on tap BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The arrival of a chill in the air and the twinkle of lights on Parker
homes can mean only one thing: The holiday season has arrived, and this year, community events are back in full swing. Whether it’s ice skating in Discovery Park, taking a stroll in the festive downtown area or bringing the kids to see Santa, Parker residents have an abundance of options for getting out of the house
for something fun this season. “After another challenging year, our hope is that Parker’s holiday activities will offer a sense of normalcy and allow our community to joyfully kick off the holiday season here in Parker,” said town spokesperson Elise Penington. SEE HOLIDAY, P11
Panel pushes solutions to youth mental health crisis Children’s Hospital Colorado, partners unveil playbook BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Not letting up on federal and state lawmakers, Children’s Hospital
Colorado held another roundtable discussion to push the message that action needs to be taken immediately to address growing mental health crisis for young patients. In June, Children’s held similar discussions, officially declaring a state of emergency due to a rise in youth suicide attempts and emergency rooms filling up with young psychiatric patients awaiting proper treatment.
TAPPING TALENT
Artists help to define local beer scene
P12
WINTER SPORTS AHEAD
Practices underway as seasons loom
P16