July 8, 2021
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
HighlandsRanchHerald.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11 | SPORTS: PAGE 16
VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 31
Highlands Ranch celebrates 40 years Historical society continues year-long educational program BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Hundreds of decorated bicycles kicked off the July 4 festivities in the HRCA Family Bike and Pet Parade just before the HRCA Community Parade. The cyclists made a loop down Highlands Ranch Parkway between Town Center and Broadway. PHOTOS BY PAUL DISALVO
FABULOUS FESTIVE FOURTH
As the clocktower ticks off at 8 a.m., the “fun” runners leave the starting gate in the HRCA Independence Day 5K. A group of about 500, made up of serious distance runners, families, strollers and pets, hit the streets of Town Center to log their best times.
SPOKES FOR FOLKS
Rounding up some great Front Range trails for cyclists P14
Michael Vargas of Highlands Ranch catches some air as he crosses the finish line ahead of all participants in the HRCA Independence Day 5K on July 4.
PREP SPORTS Girls golf teams do well at state P16
The unincorporated community of Highlands Ranch is celebrating 40 years of history in 2021. Nancy Linsenbigler, of the Highlands Ranch Historical Society, said 40 years is an important milestone because Highlands Ranch has come a long way since the property was sold by Mission Viejo to Shea Homes in 1981. Over the last four decades, modern-day Highlands Ranch has grown to nearly 40,000 homes and 100,000 residents. “People want to say there is no history here,” she said. “They say it’s too new to celebrate history. But there is a lot to be proud of here. At the historical society, we looked at the big picture and then created a program to focus on smaller key points.” To celebrate the 40th year, Linsenbigler said the historical society spent a lot of time to develop a yearlong educational program aimed and at informing residents on how Highlands Ranch stays successful and operates. SEE 40 YEARS, P13