Westsider Westsider 7.12.13
North Jeffco
POSTAL PATRON
July 12,2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
North Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 27
PRSRT - STd ECRWSS US POSTAgE PAid BROOmfiELd CO PERmiT #101 Eddm
City highlights parks, recreation City’s amenities in the spotlight By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com A proclamation was passed declaring July “parks and recreation month” at the June 24 Westminster city council meeting. The city’s participation is part of the nationwide celebration focused on honoring the impacts of parks, recreation and libraries in communities across the United States. For Westminster residents, it’s clear parks and recreation are two very important aspects needed to the quality of life sought while living in Westminster. According to a recent survey conducted by the city, 87 percent of respondents believe that protecting the natural environment, creating a beautiful community, providing green natural spaces, trails and paths as well as providing opportunities to support physical wellness are all very important purposes of parks and recreation. “Parks and recreation are high priorities for people in Westminster, and I think that’s a big reason why people choose to live and raise their family here,” said Don Tripp, Westminster’s parks, recreation, and libraries director. “People are highly interested in the trail system and access to open space.” The survey was conducted by an outside agency and was sent to 3,000 residents in April with an overall response rate of 22 percent. Tripp said the survey is meant to help
the city prioritize for the future to ensure the city is providing what residents need and want in terms of parks, reaction and libraries. “Because residents rated parks and recreation high in the survey, it’s important for us to keep our trails, open space areas and parks up to par,” Tripp said. “For the next seven to 10 years we are really focusing on the properties we already have acquired and working to keep them fun and safe as well as meet people’s needs in terms of wellness.” Westminster residents are also served by the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, the first park and recreation district formed in Colorado in 1955. It serves more than 110,000 residents in the north metro. Hyland Hills communications director Joann Cortez said the mission of the district is to provide the best possible service to the community through a variety of programming, facilities, parks and open space areas. Home to Water World, Adventure Golf & Raceway, The Ice Centre at the Promenade, golf course and other community centers, Cortez said the money made from those facilities are the backbone for the funding for the rest of the district. “We have a strong philosophy to work closely with our foundation so that no child is turned away from a program because the child can’t afford to participate,” she said. “We are in the business of making memories, and we take pride in our facilities. We work hard to keep them affordable for families, so that families can get the most value out of their entertainment dollars and have a great time at the same time.”
A man walks his dog along the Big Dry Creek in Westminster. The trail is highly popular among residents. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Construction improvements happening at high school By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
Dancing in the
Streets
A couple dances to 1950s music during the debut concert of the Westminster Promenade Summer Concert series on June 12. All summer a variety of concerts will take place in the gazebo at the Westminster Promenade including music from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, as well as music from Firefall, a classic soft rock band. Courtesy photo
Standley Lake High School is in the process of some maintenance improvements this summer. The improvements include: ADA site access to the ball fields, elevator assessment and improvements, paving and concrete replacement, backflow and sprinkler drain improvements, HVAC upgrades, general renovation of the bleachers, electrical outlets and the public access system and repairs to the tennis courts. “The improvements will help ensure a safe learning and working environment for the school, department personnel and the general public, “said project director Mike Moonan. “The improvements address basic infrastructure that is in need of replacement. “ In 2012, Jeffco Public School voters approved a $99 million bond package for facilities. According to the Jeffco website, the majority of the projects for the entire district in the bond program is expected to be complete by 2015, with
Improvements are being done this summer to Standley Lake High School in Westminster. The projects are being funded by the bond program approved in 2012. Photo by Ashley Reimers only five expected for completion in 2016. Moonan said the Standley Lake projects and improvements will be completed by the end of the summer. But until then, residents living near the school can expect some inconvenient construction, he added. “Normal access to the school will be restricted to insure the public’s safety, but barricades and construction signage should be clearly posted to help
keep everyone safe,” he said. “There will more than likely be some additional noise and dust during the day.” The district is using water trucks to help keep the dust down, but is asking residents for their patience during the construction period.
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