June 3, 2016 VO LUM E 1 4 | IS S U E 31 | FREE
CHURCH CHUCKLES Congregation uses comedy to raise money for pair of causes on PAGE 14.
ParkerChronicle.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Community-center issue riles residents
Stonegate Village board’s decision to repurpose building stirs anger
By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com A dispute over a community center in the Stonegate Village Metropolitan District has created tensions between residents and their board of directors, and the tensions spilled over at a recent board meeting attended by more than 80 Stonegate residents. The board recently decided to convert one of the district’s two community activity centers into offices for a new property
management company, angering residents who say the space is an amenity they pay for and frequently use. Homeowners said the board made its decision behind closed doors and residents only became aware of the decision after some of them received telephone calls notifying them that their reservations for the center were canceled. “I just feel that it’s sad that we’re losing a community center and we’re going to have 3,400 homes with one room to rent,” said Debbie Tidler, a 22-year resident of the district. Stonegate Village is located in unincorporated Douglas County, west of Parker and east of I-25. Approximately 10,000 people re-
side in the 639-acre area in more than 3,400 homes. In 1982, the Stonegate Village Metropolitan District was formed to oversee services related to potable water, wastewater treatment and grounds and facility maintenance for the area. Residents posted more than 150 signs outside the center before the meeting on May 18. Signs bore messages from residents expressing disapproval of the board’s decision. Stonegate residents also presented a petition against the change with over 550 signatures. “The community center is an amenity for residents of Stonegate continues on Page 8
Stonegate Village board members Greg Sanford, left, Lisa Hyvonen, center left, Mary Sanner, center right, and residents Jeni Reilly, bottom right, and Kevin Reilly listen to a resident express concerns about the board’s recent decisions on May 18. More than 80 residents packed a community building to voice concerns over the board’s decision to change use of the building for office space. Photo by Tom Skelley
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Focus turns to Fagen’s legacy, her successor Community members speak out as controversial superintendent prepares to leave for Texas post By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Legend High School graduate Gracie Davis addresses her classmates at their graduation ceremony at Sports Authority Stadium in Parker on May 27. Davis spoke of “true heroism” in her speech, saying that changing the world in little ways means the most. Find more coverage on page 4. Photo by Tom Skelley
Orchard produces crops, knowledge Hidden Mesa facility is test site for Colorado’s climate
Douglas County School District Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s decision to leave Colorado to take the same position in Humble, Texas, a district of 39,000 students outside Houston, has sparked communitywide discussion about her legacy and who will replace her. Fagen, hired by the Fagen Douglas County school board in 2010, said in a May 24 email to district staff that she expects to leave by mid-July. There has been a mixed reaction to her Fagen continues on Page 13
PIPE DREAMS
By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Andy Hough walks through a greenhouse at the Hidden Mesa Research Orchard in Franktown on May 13. The orchard donates its bounty to local nonprofits, such as the Parker Task Force. Photo by Tom Skelley
Andy Hough may have the most beautiful laboratory in Colorado. Hough, the environmental resources coordinator for Douglas County’s Division of Open Space and Natural Resources, grew his first garden at 10 years old. Now he oversees the Hidden Mesa Research Orchard, using spades and clipboards the way other scientists use Bunsen burners and computers. Walking between rows of apple trees and vegetable beds, Hough describes the purpose of the orchard. Orchard continues on Page 27
For some, the South Metro Fire Pipes and Drums band is a true calling. Page 5