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Westminster 10-17-2013

October 17, 2013

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A Colorado Community Media Publication Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 52

Election: Federal Heights Candidates respond to questions. See Page 18

ourwestminsternews.com

NAMS on NW rail

Turn, turn, turn

Study reveals potential costs, ridership for Northwest Rail By Ashley Reimers

areimers@ourcoloradonews.com

The trees along the shoreline along Standley Lake in Westminster are beginning to change colors as the fall season continues. The park is open year-round to the public and is open from sunset to sundown to shoreline fishing, hiking or just viewing the fall colors and wildlife. Photo by Ashley Reimers

The Northwest Area Mobility Study team released higher than expected preliminary numbers for estimated cost and ridership for the FasTracks transit options between Denver and Longmont. The 13-month study began in March and is an effort to develop a consensus between RTD, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the northwest area stakeholders in terms of prioritizing the mobility needs in the northwest area. The results were presented to the Regional Transportation District board of directors on Oct. 8. Chris Quinn, RTD project manager for the Northwest Area Mobility study, said the reason the numbers are so much higher for the first segment — 71st Avenue and Lowell Boulevard to Broomfield — is because of the necessary construction of a maintenance facility for the corridor and during the first segment RTD would have to pay a fee to BNSF Railway NAM continues on Page 27

Stadium name changes, brings in revenue By Ashley Reimers

areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Built in 2007, North Stadium is now 1STBANK Field. On Oct. 7, the Adams 12 Five Star School District signed a naming rights agreement with FirstBank Colorado for the field at 12500 Delaware St. in Westminster. “We’re fortunate to have strong partners who support student success in the Five Star District, from our parents to our staff and local businesses like FirstBank,” said Mark Clark, President of the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education. “This partnership further illustrates FirstBank’s commitment to investing in the local community.” The agreement with FirstBank, Colorado’s largest locally owned bank, will generate $1.2 million over the next 10 years to be reinvested into other athletic fields in the district, including Five Star Stadium and the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center, both in Thornton, as well as continued improvement at 1STBANK Field. Superintendent Chris Gdowski said because of the many budget cuts needed over the years, one place the district struggles the most to invest in, is facilities and capital improvements. “We try to preserve as many assets as we can in the classroom, like keeping class size as low as possible, so that means making choices to not invest in other areas like athletic fields,” he said. “So this agreement is a great way to invest and make improve-

Wide receiver J.J. Pita breaks through a tackle during a game against Pinnacle Sept. 28 at the formerly-named North Stadium. Photo by Kate Ferraro ments at our athletic fields.” The district began their search for a partnership with a local or national company in June of 2012. Joe Ferdani, communications director for the district, said because of the location of the stadium, right off of I-25, the district felt some type of sponsorship would be feasible. “We heard from our community about the importance of looking at various fund-

ing opportunities,” Ferdani said. “We’ve already done some advertising on buses, so this sponsorship is also a piece of the puzzle, helping with our funding challenges.”

Soon the district will purchase and install a digital LED sign which will be used to display school-related information, district operations information, FirstBank advertisements and information about upcoming events at 1STBANK Field. Bob Deuschle, Executive Vice President of FirstBank and Market President for the North, said he’s excited to sponsor the district and provide support to the activities and programs for students and families. “We’ve always been dedicated to improving local communities and public schools and school districts have been a key area of focus for our community investments and volunteering efforts,” Deuschle said. “We’re proud we can support the organizations and initiatives that make Colorado a vibrant place to live.” The stadium, which includes an allweather track and a field made of synthetic turf, seats about 2,500 people and is used to host football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse, track, graduations and band competitions as well as the youth football league’s Carnation Bowl. After the purchase of the LED sign and other costs, the net revenue from the agreement will be about $821,000. Adams 12 Five Star Schools will continue to own, operate and manage the stadium.

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The Adams 12 Five Star School District signed a rights agreement with FirstBank changing the name of North Stadium in Westminster to 1STBANK Field. The agreement will generate $1.2 million over the next 10 years to be reinvested into other athletic fields in the district. The stadium was built in 2007 and can seat 2,500 people, not including the overflow seating in the grass area. Photo by Ashley Reimers


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