WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION
ProCal SV
For over 20 years, pool and spa operators have been locked into outdated chlorine delivery systems, forced to buy overpriced chemicals from a single supplier offering poor customer service and high maintenance costs. Those companies may even give away the feeders just to lock you into future chemical sales. Today, ProMinent Fluid Controls and Aquatic Chemical Solutions are REVOLUTIONIZING THE INDUSTRY.
Our Innovative Chlorine Delivery System Offers a Better Way:
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• The ProCal SV has an adjustable feed rate that can accomodate any sized pool, from your smallest spa to your largest wave pool. ONE UNIT CAN TRULY DO IT ALL.
• Reliable Service from Us: While chlorine can be purchased from any supplier, our system and its support come exclusively from Aquatic Chemical Solutions, ensuring you receive the exceptional service you deserve.
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With Aquatic Chemical Solutions, you’re no longer stuck with expensive, high-maintenance systems or sub-par customer service. It’s time to experience the FREEDOM OF CHOICE and the confidence of working with a partner who puts you first.
•NO proprietary briquettes or tablets needed
•Use ANY brand of Calcium Hypochlorite granule
•Works with any automated chemical controller
•Big performance with a small footprint
• Automatic self cleaning
•NSF 50 Certified
CONTENTS
6-7
8-9
Kellie Flowers
DeCicco
UPCOMING BYLINE DEADLINES
Fall 2025 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: September 28, 2025 | Mails: Nov. 2024
Winter 2026 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: January 22, 2026 | Mails: March 2026
Spring 2026 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: March 19, 2026 | Mails: May 2026
Summer 2026 Issue
Content/Ad Deadline: June 12, 2026 | Mails: Aug. 2026
Learn more about advertising at www.bit.ly/CPRA2025.
COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 1037
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034
[P] 303-231-0943
[F] 303-237-9750 cpra@cpra-web.org www.cpra-web.org
Rachel Hungerbuhler Interim Executive Director / Professional Development Program Manager rachelh@cpra-web.org
Jillian Galoci (Strogis) Membership & Communications Coordinator jilliang@cpra-web.org
Aleigh Scott Administrative Coordinator aleighs@cpra-web.org
Colorado Byline is the official member magazine of CPRA, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association. CPRA is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.
2024-25 CPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Clay Shuck City and County of Broomfield cshuck@broomfield.org
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Ali Rhodes City of Boulder rhodesa@bouldercolorado.gov
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Adam Hamm
South Suburban Parkas and Recreation District ahamm@ssprd.org
AT-LARGE
Luke Bolinger Town of Erie lbolinger@erieco.gov
Jaclynn Alvarez South Suburban Parks and Recreation JAlvarez@ssprd.org
Mari Steinbach Montrose Recreation District mari@montroserec.com
Nicole Reeves Widefield Parks & Recreation reevesn@wsd3.org
2025-26 CPRA ADVISORY COUNCIL
AAPS
Amy Hodge Town of Windsor ahodge@windsorgov.com
AQUATICS
Steve Hanson Town of Parker shanson@parkerco.gov
CARA- Board Co-Reps
Beau Bressler Highlands Ranch Metro District dbressler@highlandsranch.org
Amanda Aburto City of Brighton alaburto@brightonco.gov
DIRECTORS
Travis Haines City of Brighton thaines@brightonco.gov
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
Courtney Wallace Town of Erie cwallace@erieco.gov
FITNESS
Katie Richards City & County of Broomfield krichards@broomfield.org
PARKS
John Weaver City of Colorado Springs john.weaver@coloradosprings.gov
PLAaY - Chair & Board Rep
Kelly Dubois City of Fort Collins kdubois@fcgov.com
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (TRSC) Becky Post City of Thornton becky.post@thorntonco.gov
BYLINE, ONLINE & EMAIL
ADVERTISING: Todd Pernsteiner Pernsteiner Creative Group 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.com
GO DIGITAL
View this issue online at cpra-web.org/page/byline. Keep up on all things CPRA via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
A Legacy of Leadership: Honoring Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Director Karen
O’Donnell
By Brian Kates, MA, CPRP, Parks Operations Administrator, Meadows Park Community Center
Long before receiving national recognition, Karen O’Donnell was already a legend in our community. Not because she sought the spotlight, but because she constantly lifted others into it.
That’s why we are thrilled to share some incredible news: Karen O’Donnell, Wheat Ridge’s remarkable Parks and Recreation Director, has been named the 2025 national recipient of the Dirk Richwine Professional Mentoring Award by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)!
This prestigious award doesn’t just recognize career success, rather it honors those rare individuals who make it their mission to help others grow. Karen was chosen from a deep and competitive pool of nominees from across the country: leaders, innovators, and changemakers in parks and recreation. And still, her impact stood out.
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
For decades, Karen has quietly built something extraordinary, not just beautiful parks and vibrant programs, but strong leaders. From Wheat Ridge to Apex in Arvada, to Commerce City and beyond, professionals across Colorado have felt the ripple effects of her mentorship. At the state level, she served as President on the Board of the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, further shaping the future of the profession. Nationally,
Rec Technologies: Software that actually gets parks & rec
her influence extends through her role on the Board of Regents for the Supervisors’ Management School, a respected leadership program supported by the NRPA, North Carolina State University, and the Oglebay National Training Center.
When peers and protégés rallied behind her nomination, their message was clear: Karen doesn’t just manage parks and recreation services, she cultivates people. She listens, teaches, challenges, and champions others. And she does it with humility, humor, and heart.
Please join us in congratulating Karen on this incredible, welldeserved honor. Her leadership and unwavering dedication have shaped not only our community, but the future of the entire profession. The City of Wheat Ridge couldn’t be prouder.
At Rec Technologies, we build software for the real MVPs: parks and rec teams. You’re the ones juggling summer camps, swim lessons, field rentals, and a whole lot more—and we’re here to make your job easier. Rec is the all-in-one platform designed just for parks and recreation. No clunky workarounds, no duct-taped legacy tech. Just modern, intuitive tools to help you and your team do what you do best: bring people together.
We’re not just “government software,” (thank goodness!)
Rec is fast (like, really fast). It works on phones, it looks modern, and it makes things like program setup, resident communication, and reporting… dare we say…delightful?!
We’ve streamlined the boring stuff so you can stay focused on the fun parts of the job. And the best part?
We’re here to be your partners through it all, from system setup to ongoing check-ins and consistent product improvements.
Say goodbye to zip-ties
Departments using Rec have cut down on phone calls, increased
rental revenue and bookings, and made their programs way more accessible to residents. It’s software people actually want to use. Residents can register and book from their phones in seconds, and staff can finally stop playing IT support. The result: less time on screens, more time in the field (literally).
Less paperwork, more connecting
We’re lucky to work with some of the most creative, communitydriven teams in recreation. If your parks team is ready for a platform built for the way you actually work, let’s chat! Find us at partner.rec.us
From Radio to Reels: How Hyland Hills Connects with Today’s Audience
Article by Kellie Flowers, Community Relations Manager, Hyland Hills Parks & Recreation District,
Social media images by Jenny Kramer, Director of Marketing & Communications, Hyland Hills Parks & Recreaction District
The Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District is celebrating its 70 th anniversary this year. Over the decades, we’ve built a strong reputation for our regional entertainment facility, Water World, through traditional media such as radio, broadcast television, print newspapers, and magazines.
But the media landscape is rapidly changing. Recent studies indicate that more than 50% of Gen Z get their news from social media and streaming viewership surpassed both broadcast and cable television earlier this year.
While traditional methods still have their role, Hyland Hills has been experimenting with new technologies to reach our young, diverse audience and connect them to Water World on the statewide level as well as Hyland Hills on the local level.
We’ve seen great success so far, with Water World’s and Hyland Hills’ social media followers increasing by 39% and 56%,
respectively, since January 2024. Through our experimentation, we’ve learned three key lessons: don’t be afraid to try something new; leverage brands that are bigger than yours; and keep it local.
On Water World’s social media, for example, we worked with CGI designers to create shareworthy, larger-than-life promotional videos and utilized comments automation on Instagram to drive engagement (“comment SUMMER to receive your discount code!”).
We’ve also reallocated some of our traditional advertising budget to paid advertising on social and partnerships with influencers. Our recent promotion with @DenverFoodScene allowed us to reach their 660,000+ Instagram followers and received over 8,000 likes and 5,000 comments,
Our recent promotion with @DenverFoodScene allowed us to reach their 660,000+ Instagram followers and received over 8,000 likes and 5,000 comments.
ultimately increasing Water World’s Instagram following by nearly 6% in one weekend.
But bigger isn’t always better when it comes to working with influencers. We worked with mom influencer @SlidesandSunshine to promote everything the Hyland Hills District has to offer. While this account is comparatively small with 22,000+ followers, we were able to
The pace of technology can be daunting, but you don’t have to go viral to be successful. Establish measurable goals, start small, and experiment with purpose.
target a niche, hyper-local audience that a larger account may miss. These tactics apply offline, too. In 2024, we decided to try something new by hosting a drone show at Water World. As a publicly owned park, it was important to us that the show included a community component and was as costeffective as possible. We offset costs by hosting a ticketed preshow party inside Water World and selling sponsorships for companies to feature their logo in lights. Meanwhile, we invited District
residents to watch the show for free from our parking lot or from miles around the park. Both the ticketed party and the free parking lot passes sold out in 2024 and are on track to sell out again this year.
The pace of technology can be daunting, but you don’t have to go viral to be successful. Establish measurable goals, start small, and experiment with purpose. By staying authentic to your brand and your audience, you’ll be able to evolve and connect with residents in modern and meaningful ways.
DRONES LIGHT UP THE BIG BELMAR BASH IN LAKEWOOD
By Kimberly Montague, Marketing and Business Development Coordinator, City of Lakewood
Drone light shows are redefining the future of entertainment and for the third year, the City of Lakewood partnered with Belmar, Downtown Lakewood and Sky Elements to put together Lakewood’s biggest bash of the season, the Big Belmar Bash, on July 3.
Sky Elements is the nation’s largest drone show provider and brings cuttingedge aerial artistry to Lakewood to produce a custom drone show as the dazzling grand finale of the Lakewood community Independence Day celebration. Their in-house animation and design team oversee every detail, from concept to final execution, delivering a seamless and awe-inspiring visual experience.
Each year, a fleet of 250 state-ofthe-art drones, each equipped with vibrant LED lights, light up the sky in a coordinated, breathtaking display. Flown by two FAA-certified pilots, the drones perform within a virtual barrier system, an advanced technology that prevents unintended flight paths and enhances audience safety.
To amplify the experience, MIX 100 curates a custom soundtrack for the show which is simulcast live over the radio so spectators can listen from the stage area, tune in from their cars, the nearby park, or their phone- anywhere they wish to watch the show.
But the drone show is just the grand finale. The Big Belmar Bash offers something for everyone— live bands, family-friendly activities, a vibrant mix of local vendors, and a wide variety of food and drinks. Accessibility is a priority too, with the City of Lakewood providing ramps and infrastructure to ensure that all attendees and vendors can fully enjoy the event.
This beloved community celebration is made possible by the generous support of local sponsors, including: Credit Union of Denver, Google Fiber, Foothills Credit Union, MIX 100, Alpine Vision Center, Mountain Safe Exteriors, Muller Engineering, and SCFD (Scientific & Cultural Facilities District) a unique funding source that supports hundreds of arts, culture, and science organizations across the Denver metro area.
With innovation, creativity, and community pride on full display, the Big Belmar Bash draws over 20,000 attendees each year, making July 3 a night to remember!
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From recreation centers to premier sports complexes, Sport Court of the Rockies Colorado’s trusted leader in commercial court installation. We offer a wide range of high-performance surfaces— including wood, synthetics, modular, and acrylic—tailored to meet the demands of any facility. Whether it’s a cutting-edge indoor gymnasium or a durable outdoor multi-sport court built to withstand the elements, we deliver innovation, safety, and long-lasting quality in every project.
Our low-maintenance, high-performance courts provide exceptional shock absorption, traction, and durability, ensuring athletes stay safe, comfortable, and at the top of their game—every time they step onto the court.
Learn more at sportcourtoftherockies.com.
Joinus!
2025 CPRA Annual Conference
October 15-17
Grand Hyatt
Vail
Saddle Up for the 2025 CPRA Conference: Best in the West!
Get ready to ride into the heart of the Rockies for the 2025 Colorado Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference, where we’re celebrating all things western with this year’s theme: Best in the West. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vail, this year’s conference will bring together professionals from across the state for three days of learning, networking, inspiration—and a little bit of western flair.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned trailblazer, this is your chance to connect with fellow professionals, wrangle up fresh ideas, and blaze new trails in parks and recreation. So dust off your boots, mark your calendars, and join us in Vail for a rootin’tootin’ good time that’s sure to be the Best in the West!
Lodging
Grand Hyatt Vail
1300 Westhaven Dr. Vail, Colorado 81657 800-831-3306
Room block reservation deadline is Sunday, September 14, 2025 OR until the block is filled.
Group code: G-CPRA
www.hyatt.com/ en-US/groupbooking/EGEGH/ G-CPRA
Registration
Registration for the 2025 CPRA Conference is OPEN to attendees! Learn more & register by visiting the 2025 CPRA Conference Registration page at www.bit.ly/2025CPRAConference, cpra-web.org, or scan QR code at right.
Conference 2025
*Subject to change
Tuesday, 10/14
1 PM - 5 PM
Exhibitor Setup & Registration Open
Wednesday, 10/15
7 AM - 5 PM
7 AM - 8 AM
8 AM - 2 PM
8 AM - 9:45 AM 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 7 PM
7:30 PM - 8 PM
8 PM - 11 PM
Attendee Registration Desk Open
Morning Snacks & Refreshments
Exhibitor Setup
Welcome & Opening Keynote
Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Lunch (On Your Own)
Optional, Ticketed Lunch
Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Snack Break Social with Exhibitors - Exhibit Hall Opens!
Breakout Sessions - Round 3
Schmoozapalooza
Line Dancing Lesson
Evening CPRA Social
Thursday, 10/16
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
10 AM - 11:15 AM 11:15 AM - 1:45 PM 11:30 AM - 1 PM
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Morning Snacks & Refreshments
Attendee Registration Desk Open
Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Lunch (On Your Own)
Directors Section Lunch (Ticket Required - All Welcome!)
Breakout Sessions - Round 3
Breakout Sessions - Round 4
Awards Reception (Ticket Required) + Agency Photos
Friday, 10/17
8 AM - 9 AM
9 AM - 10:15 AM
Breakfast Closing Keynote
MeettheKeynotes
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
OPENING Keynote
Brad Montgomery
For business speaker Brad Montgomery, a funny thing happened on the way to law school. After graduating from Brown, his college “side hustle” of professional drumming, street magic and comedy clubs led him to performing on cruise ships and even the prestigious Hollywood Magic Castle. Brad turned his love for the stage into his life work of becoming a successful keynote speaker who helps people feel valued, appreciated, respected and recognized. He never made it to Law School!
Brad is an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster. As a business keynote speaker, his expertise is increasing performance by focusing on the people side of business. He speaks about the Undeniable, Jaw-Dropping Power of Encouragement (And How It Might Be the Business Strategy You Can’t Afford to Ignore.). Brad is a member of the National Speakers Association Speakers Hall of Fame, an elite group of 150 inductees worldwide.
Brad’s diverse client list ranges from Fortune 500 companies to smaller leadership groups in rural health care and groups of educators across the USA. He even spoke to the IRS where he withheld 30% of his best ideas. His background in entertainment is still very present in all his business presentations. Whether he’s telling funny stories, sharing his innate and impromptu wit, or blowing
audiences minds as a mentalist –he’s definitely not your standard “talking head” speaker. He’s fresh. He’s funny. He’s unique. He has three awesome kids and an amazing wife of over 30 years. Brad’s a life-long drummer and
loves playing jazz and funk and then heading out for roller hockey. And in an emergency, Brad can ride a unicycle while juggling. Learn more about Brad at www.bradmontgomery.com.
Photos: bradmontgomery.com
SHAWN NEER
Shawn Neer is a professional mountain bike racer and entrepreneur whose journey has been defined by passion, risk, and a relentless pursuit of young child’s dreams.
Raised in a small town on the Oregon coast, his early years were spent outdoors racing BMX because traditional team sports didn’t move fast enough. He often jokes that he had a “quarter-life crisis” as a child sitting in a baseball dugout, frustrated by the lack of action. Biking, on the other hand, offered the freedom to try
something new with every ride—whether it meant broken bones or high fives, each one was a lesson learned.
In 2000, Shawn’s family moved to Colorado in the search of a better economy. It was there he fell in love with the mountains and transitioned from BMX to mountain bike racing—a shift that would shape everything that followed. But the path wasn’t linear. He was an overweight kid who didn’t take training seriously and watched his dream of becoming a pro racer slip away as a teenager.
Without the factory sponsorship he needed to keep going, he found himself working long shifts in the oilfields as an electrician, far from the life he had imagined.
Eventually, at a breaking point, Shawn sold everything he owned, moved into a van, and relocated to Whistler, BC, in pursuit of the dream he thought he’d lost. That decision reshaped everything.
In 2019, Shawn earned a gold medal for the USA in Finale Ligure, Italy, alongside cycling legends Richie Rude and Cody Kelley. After a successful racing career, he retired from professional competition in early 2023—an exciting yet disorienting moment that challenged his sense of identity.
Photos: Shawn Neer
Along the way, he discovered a love for coffee while traveling the country in his van. In 2018, he co-founded Traction Coffee and later acquired a manual espresso machine company, bringing manufacturing to Boulder, Colorado. Though he’s grateful for everything he learned, Shawn realized his true passion lay elsewhere. His newest venture—a beverage company launching this year—grew from a decade of solving his own health and fitness challenges. Once overweight, Shawn made it his mission to turn his greatest weakness into a lifelong strength.
From these experiences—the highs of goldmedal wins and the lows of lost sponsorships and starting over—Shawn developed a few core ideas that he now shares in his keynote:
A black-and-white mindset
The responsibility to simplify your life to remove excuses and clarify what really matters. Ask: “Is this moving the needle or not?” It really leads to a very useful “yes-no” decision tree.
Reframing hard work
He believes the only reason he made it in racing was because the brutal training pushed others away. The difficulty itself created the opportunity and something he is eternally grateful for.
Overestimating risk, underestimating reward
From racing to entrepreneurship, he learned the real risk was almost always in not doing it.
Learn more about Shawn at yeticycles.com/en-us/ambassadors/shawn-neer.
Denver | 303.294.9244 | www.olcdesigns.com
How to Get the Most Out of Your CPRA Conference Experience
Whether you’re a new member or a longtime supporter of the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, the benefits of CPRA go far beyond membership dues.
Attending the 2025 CPRA Annual Conference in beautiful Vail is a powerful way to stay engaged, grow professionally, and deepen your connection to the parks and recreation community. Here’s how to make the most of your time at this can’t-miss event.
Network with Your Peers
One of the biggest advantages of attending the conference is the opportunity to connect with fellow parks and recreation professionals from across the state. Whether you’re looking for ideas for new programs, feedback on a challenge you’re facing, or even exploring new job opportunities, having a network of peers is invaluable. Be sure to introduce yourself during sessions, at social events, and between activities. These relationships often turn into long-term professional support systems. After the conference, stay connected through CPRA regional meetings and events.
Attend Engaging and Relevant Sessions
The CPRA Conference features a wide range of educational sessions tailored to parks and recreation professionals at every level. Topics include aquatics, athletic management, park maintenance, leadership development, programming, playground design, and more. These sessions are led by experts in the field and provide
both practical knowledge and inspiration to bring back to your agency. Full session descriptions will be available on the CPRA website.
Attend the Awards RECEPTION
Celebrate the outstanding achievements of your colleagues by attending the Awards Reception. This ticketed event offers a relaxed setting to network while recognizing the individuals and agencies making a lasting impact on Colorado communities. It’s a great reminder of the
important and meaningful work being done throughout the state.
Share Your Knowledge
If you’ve been in the field for a while, the conference is a great place to give back. Reach out to newer professionals or firsttime attendees and share your experiences. You may not realize how much insight you have to offer until you’re helping someone navigate their own professional development. A simple conversation at the conference could turn into a valuable mentorship down the road.
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Explore New Trends in the Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall is a hands-on resource hub filled with the latest products, technologies, and services that support parks and recreation. Whether you’re looking to update your playground equipment, try a new recreation software, or discover unique programming ideas, the exhibit hall is a great place to explore what’s next in the industry and speak with vendors.
Recharge Your Passion
Sometimes the greatest benefit of attending a conference is simply getting re-energized about the work you do. Being surrounded by professionals who share your values, hearing success stories, and learning new approaches can reignite your enthusiasm and help you return to your job with fresh energy and ideas. The CPRA Conference is more than just learning — it’s about feeling inspired.
Enjoy the Beauty of Vail
Let’s not forget the incredible location. Vail’s natural beauty, mountain air, and walkable village atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for learning and connection. Take time to enjoy a hike, explore the local shops, or simply unwind in a scenic setting that celebrates the very essence of parks and recreation.
Attending the CPRA Annual Conference is an investment in your professional growth and the future of your agency. Come to Vail ready to learn, connect, and be inspired!
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Article by John Workman, Recreation Manager, City of Brighton
When people talk about community in parks and recreation, they’re usually talking about the folks who walk through our doors- the swimmers, the weightlifters, the pickleballers, the parents chasing toddlers around the lobby and our coworkers. Lately, I’ve been reminded that community doesn’t stop at our walls. Sometimes, it’s the people running the neighboring facility who truly show what community means.
Our center is currently in the middle of a major renovation and expansion. While this is very exciting, if you have been through it, you know it’s also messy. We’ve faced rolling closures, partial shutdowns, a full closure of our aquatics area to make way for a new slide, and most recently a full 3-week shutdown right as schools let out for the summer. The dust may be temporary, but the disruption to our patrons is real. Fortunately, we’re not in this alone. Fort Lupton and Trail Winds Recreation Center have stepped up in a big way. They’ve welcomed our members, opened their doors, and made sure our community still has places to swim, workout, and stay active. Fort Lupton, in particular, has been incredibly generous during our many closures. We will never forget their kindness. When they were
Exterior photos by Ryan Smith, Parks Planning, Development, and Grant Manager, City of Brighton Interior photos by Ricky Flores, Marketing Assistant Coordinator, City of Brighton,
undergoing similar work last year, we were happy to provide a place for their members to land. Trail Winds also accommodated our guests when we closed our pool area not too long ago.
This back-and-forth hasn’t just helped us stay afloat; it’s brought unexpected benefits. Our members, while temporarily visiting other facilities, have come back with honest feedback: what they missed about our facility and what they really liked about someone else’s. It’s been eye-opening in the best way. It’s helped us think differently about our space, our programming, and what really makes our facility feel like home.
The truth is, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking other municipalities are competition. But when we take a step back, we realize our goals are the same- stronger communities, healthier residents, and meaningful experiences for everyone we serve. We share borders, but more importantly, we share values. Sometimes we even share guests.
This experience has been a reminder that success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We reach our goals faster and perform better when we lean on each other. The help we’ve received from Fort Lupton and Trail Winds has been essential, and we’re proud to
be part of a network that truly believes in collaboration over competition.
To everyone who’s helped us along the way, thank you! We couldn’t do this without you. It really does take a village.
Happiness Gardens Expands in Wheat Ridge
By Logan DeCicco, Marketing Specialist, City of Wheat Ridge
Growing Food, Community, and Connection One Garden at a Time
With vital support from the Colorado Gives Foundation, the City of Wheat Ridge has taken a bold step forward in its commitment to food access and community health through the expansion of its beloved Happiness Gardens. This initiative, part of the city’s broader urban agriculture strategy, combines key partnerships, improved infrastructure, and dynamic educational programs to nurture a more resilient, connected, and wellfed community.
Key Partnerships Fuel Community Impact
The success of this project is rooted in strong collaboration with local organizations that are passionate about food justice and community empowerment. One such organization, Fresh Food Connect, plays a central role in ensuring that surplus produce grown in
Happiness Gardens reaches families in need. They work closely with the Kaizen Food Rescue to distribute fresh food grown at the Gardens. Kaizen Food Rescue, manages the food bank at the Vietnamese Central Baptist Church. Kaizen is instrumental in redistributing surplus produce from Happiness Gardens and the surrounding community, reducing food waste while enhancing access to healthy, fresh foods in underserved neighborhoods.
Garden Grows: Bigger, Better, and More Accessible
The recent expansion of Happiness Gardens has significantly boosted both the physical space and the capabilities of this community resource. The garden grew by 16%, adding more than 6,000 square feet of productive land, bringing the total area to approximately 43,000 square feet. This growth was made possible in part by targeted grant funding through the Colorado Gives Foundation.
Infrastructure improvements have also played a key role in enhancing the user experience. New perimeter fencing and additional gates have increased accessibility and safety, while an upgraded compost site and a newly installed produce wash station with potable water help streamline harvesting and food preparation processes. With greater visibility and increased outreach efforts, more residents are now signing up for garden plots, reflecting a rising community interest in gardening and food production.
Cultivating Curiosity: GardenBased Education Flourishes
Educational programming has become a dynamic and essential element of the Happiness Gardens initiative. Partnerships with local schools provide students with hands-on learning opportunities rooted in environmental science, sustainability, and nutrition. Wheat Ridge High School students engage in weekly gardening sessions that
teach practical skills and foster stewardship. Mountain Phoenix Community School integrates art and science classes into the garden environment, offering a creative, nature-based curriculum.
Meanwhile, seasonal programs like Sun Camp introduce children to gardening through interactive scavenger hunts and fun outdoor learning experiences. Additionally, the city’s Regenerate Wheat Ridge Workshops offer residents of all ages the chance to learn more about topics such as composting, food sovereignty, and sustainable gardening practices. These workshops play a critical role in building long-term community resilience and self-sufficiency.
Positive Impacts Are Blooming
The expansion of Happiness Gardens is already producing a wide range of positive outcomes across the Wheat Ridge
community. Strategic grant funding allowed the city to exceed its original goals, opening the door to even greater impact. There has been a noticeable increase in visitors, volunteers, and produce donations, strengthening the garden’s role as a community hub. As a result of these successes at Happiness, Fresh Food Connect is planning a citywide expansion of its food pickup services. There’s also a growing interest in microgardens, where residents convert small or underutilized spaces into productive food-growing areas. This renewed enthusiasm is breathing new life into previously overlooked places and deepening the community’s collective investment in sustainability, education, and wellness.
A Community Celebration
To commemorate the milestone, the city hosted an Open House
Strategic grant funding allowed the city to exceed its original goals, opening the door to even greater impact. There has been a noticeable increase in visitors, volunteers, and produce donations, strengthening the garden’s role as a community hub.
and Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Attendees toured the newly expanded gardens, met the passionate individuals behind the project, and experienced firsthand how the initiative is transforming lives through food and communitybuilding.
Special recognition was given to Garden Coordinator Krystyn (Yy) Dennis and Grant & Special Project Administrator Brandon Altenburg for their vision, dedication, and leadership. Their tireless work has been central to making the expansion a reality.
Happiness Gardens is not just about growing food—it’s about growing community, opportunity, and a healthier future for all. Through innovative partnerships, thoughtful design, and a shared sense of purpose, Wheat Ridge is cultivating a more connected and resilient tomorrow.
Expanding Inclusive Opportunities within Recreation Programming
By Katie
Participation in recreation programming can have many benefits, including social, physical, and emotional well-being. For participants with disabilities, access to programs that provide these benefits can be limited due to physical or societal barriers. At the City of Fort Collins, the inclusion program offers opportunities for participants of all abilities to engage in non-adaptive programming by overcoming barriers to engagement.
Inclusion services include a spectrum of services, from ADA accommodations to small group support for participants with similar support needs to 1:1 individual support. Inclusive recreation aides receive training on behavior management and sensory support strategies and are scheduled to attend nonadaptive programs alongside participants who would benefit from support. The adaptive recreation team assesses each participant to create individualized therapeutic recreation goals within programming, and the inclusive recreation aides support participants in those goal areas. After each session of a program, the aides document progress towards goals and work collaboratively with class instructors and caregivers to assure that the participant is being
included and receiving support to meet them at their level of functioning so that they may receive the most benefit from programming. Inclusive recreation aides can help support with physical tasks or with providing socioemotional/behavioral support so that the participant is able to engage in meaningful ways, both with the content of the program and with peers within the program.
Although not every recreation department has a dedicated inclusive recreation team, inclusive practices can be adopted across
various recreation programs through the following methods:
• adjust environmental factors to create a more sensory-friendly space (ie dimming lights, keeping sound at a lower volume, providing calm areas for quiet breaks)
• communicate with participants or their caregivers in advance to learn about any sensory sensitivities or support-related needs
• review program plans to limit downtime and to allow for a variety of activity types
Just, CPRP, Sr. Specialist-Youth & Early Learning Programming, City of Fort Collins
• allow opportunities for both active and passive engagement from participants
• plan for extra space in your program area, whether for participants with physical disabilities and their equipment or for neurodivergent participants who may need more room to move for self-regulation
• provide both verbal and written direction for activities, and break instructions down one step at a time for comprehension
• increase staff education in ability awareness and diverse practices
• create spaces for discussion with members of the community who live with disabilities to share about their experiences and how they would like to be supported.
Inclusive practices can be beneficial for all community members, with or without a disclosed disability. By creating spaces that are more inclusive, cities can offer all community members ways to experience meaningful engagement and maximum benefit from recreation programming.
By creating spaces that are more inclusive, cities can offer all community members ways to experience meaningful engagement and maximum benefit from recreation programming.
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