Messenger Magazine Fall 2020

Highlands Ranch Metro District Highlands Ranch Metro District

Messenger

F a l l 2020

A Publication Providing Information About: Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Inside This Issue C-470 Public Input Sought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Reducing Wildfire Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Recreation Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-21 Upcoming Active Adult Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Nature EdVentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Project Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Drive-Thru 2013 Summer T-Ball, Baseball, Adult Health & Softball Registration Information Fair See Page 5See Page 14

Free Wildlife Audits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A Publication Providing Information About

highlandsranch.org

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

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Gather AND celebrate

LIFE, HISTORY & COMMUNITY

Photos: Highway4Photography, Connie Whitlock, Elevate Photography

Located in central Highlands Ranch, the Mansion is open to the public for community and private events, business meetings, historic tours and cultural programs.

Please call 303-791-0177 for information about renting the Mansion for your special occasion.

The Mansion offers open hours and free historic tours throughout each month. Please visit the calendar at highlandsranchmansion.com to view the schedule.

H I G H L A N DS R AN CH M AN S I O N.CO M

Leadership Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Community Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Good News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Highlands Ranch Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Recognizing accomplishments during Terry Nolan’s leadership

Leadership Outlook

Table of Contents

For the last 24 years that Terry Nolan has led the Highlands Ranch Metro District as General Manager, our community and our organization have seen incredible growth and changes. He established a vision for the organization and set high standards for customer service, while supporting staff at all levels. As Terry prepares for his next chapter, retirement later this year, I’d like to share highlights of the district’s accomplishments since 1996.

• The Highlands Ranch Mansion was renovated and opened to the public in 2012. It provides a glimpse into our community’s history.

• The original metro districts consolidated into one district in 2006, streamlining the organization and saving money.

• The major repair fund was established as a way to provide funding to maintain Metro District-owned infrastructure such as arterial fencing, playgrounds, and buildings without increasing the property tax rate.

Meet Your Local Government The Highlands Ranch Metro District is responsible for:

• For more than five years, Terry helped guide the district through an evaluation of changes to our fire and emergency services provider. The community is now served by South Metro Fire Rescue.

• Water and sanitation services through an agreement with Centennial Water and Sanitation District

• During Terry’s tenure as general manager, Redstone Park, Civic Green Park, Central Park and Fly’n B Park were all built, among other recreation facilities.

• Recreation programs and services • Developing and caring for parks, trails and natural open space areas • Building community infrastructure, including major roads, traffic signals, and storm drainage and stormwater management • Managing and maintaining landscaping, fence and community entries along major roads • Street lighting through Xcel Energy

• Terry also established the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation, whose fundraising efforts paid for the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument, a project which Terry also led.

In addition, outdoor recreation programs were founded under his leadership and the organization’s finances continue to be strong thanks to careful planning and limiting growth of the organization. Another key to the success of the organization has been the many partnerships that help us efficiently provide facilities and services.

On behalf of the Metro District Board of Directors, I thank Terry for his leadership during an important time for the Metro District and our community. I wish him the best in retirement.

• Community events and volunteer activities • Managing the Highlands Ranch Mansion Metro District Board of Directors Mark Dickerson, Chair Allen Dreher, Vice Chair Carolyn Schierholz, Treasurer Renee Anderson, Director Andy Jones, Director Nancy Smith, Director Jim Worley, Director

Mark Dickerson Chair, Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors

2021 budget planning underway The Metro District staff is in the process of preparing the 2021 budget. At least every other year the board of directors conducts a visioning retreat to determine long-term projects. Then each year, a strategic process guides us as we plan for the upcoming year.

Fall ‘20

Here are the steps involved in that process: • • • • • •

Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

To learn more, please visit highlandsranch.org.

Terry Nolan General Manager, Highlands Ranch Metro District 3

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Front Cover: Changing leaves frame the basketball court at Marcy Park . Fall is a great time to practice hoops at the Metro District’s outdoor basketball courts.

A board visioning workshop is held to review priorities and understand financial condition.

Staff prepares budgets consistent with the board’s short and long-term goals.

The proposed budget, mill levy and fees are available on the Metro District’s website by Oct. 15.

A board workshop is held in early November to review the budget and fees in detail.

The public is invited to comment on the budget at a public hearing at the November board meeting.

The board will consider the proposed budget, mill levy and fees for adoption at the December board meeting.

Community Updates

It’s all on the web

highlandsranch.org When you visit highlandsranch.org, you will find valuable information about the programs, services and activities of the Highlands Ranch Metro District.

You’ll also find links to fellow service providers in the community. New features continue to be added, so stay tuned and visit often.

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Nextdoor

Metro District Contacts: Highlands Ranch Metro District 62 Plaza Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-791-0430 Visit us at highlandsranch.org Email: info@highlandsranch.org Metro District Parks, Recreation & Open Space Service Center 3280 Redstone Park Circle Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-791-2710 Fax: 303-791-3047 Email: parksinfo@highlandsranch.org Recreation Contact: Metro District Recreation Services Phone: 303-791-2710 Fax: 303-470-9516 Email: recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org The Metro District Messenger is published four times annually.

Visit highlandsranch.org or send an email message to info@highlandsranch.org.

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Fall ‘20

Editor: Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager Contributing Writers: Courtney Kuhlen, Community Relations Specialist Kari Larese, Community Relations Coordinator ©2020 Highlands Ranch Metro District

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Watering tips for fall The warm, dry conditions in Colorado have continued from summer into the fall. Maintaining a healthy landscape around your home while trying to conserve water can be challenging during these conditions. Our water provider, Centennial Water & Sanitation District has some tips for watering in the fall: • Water budgets are decreasing and outdoor water use should be dialed back accordingly.

• If you have dry spots, hand water those areas and you’ll use less water.

• Deep, infrequent watering promotes a deeper, healthier root system.

• Your outdoor water budget ends Oct. 15.

• Information about your individual budget can be found on your water bill.

For more information, visit centennialwater.org or send an email to info@highlandsranch.org.

Simple ways to reduce wildfire risk Guest Column by Einar Jensen, South Metro Fire Rescue Risk Reduction Specialist Wildfire season in our area includes any day without snow on the ground. The summer drought has increased wildfire risk by stressing vegetation in our yards and open space.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District reduces wildfire risk in its open space areas. Here are three things homeowners can do on their properties to leverage the impact of the open space work.

• Remove pine needles and leaves from gutters and roofing.

• Remove junipers within 30 feet of your home.

• Remove pine needles and dead leaves from below and on decking.

Additionally, homeowners adjacent to the Metro District’s open space areas are allowed to maintain the mow strip along the fence.

As you mow, trim, rake and bag, keep track of your expenses and your hours. Your expenses related to equipment or hiring contractors for mitigation can result in a small savings for your state income tax.

Homeowners are encouraged to contact South Metro Fire Rescue for guidance on what to cut or remove in advance of performing mitigation in order to maximize the benefits without compromising their quality of life. Schedule an appointment by emailing Einar.Jensen@southmetro.org.

Citizens Academy to begin in January Plans are underway for the second class of the Highlands Ranch Citizens Academy, to be held in January and February 2021. This seven-session course exposes participants to key topics and issues in Highlands Ranch and introduces opportunities for civic involvement. Modifications will be made due to COVID-19.

Visit highlandsranch.org/ government/citizensacademy.

Good News

Programs for Active Adults The Metro District’s Active Adult Programs & Services (AAPS) staff aren’t letting COVID-19 slow them down much. They became flexible and creative when gathering this summer -- ensuring social distancing guidelines are followed, masks are worn, and participants are learning to utilize technology to keep in touch. AAPS Coordinator Jodie McCann recognized early on staying connected was vital, and she initiated weekly check-in emails to keep the AAPS community connected.

“I want to give a shout out to AAPS, along with Jodie McCann, for the encouraging messages sent during the COVID-19 pandemic onset,” said Mary Beth V. “It was comforting to know the community cared about seniors and reached out to us. It definitely made me feel connected!

It was helpful to have virtual opportunities provided as well. Thanks for all your efforts!”

Check out these upcoming AAPS activities:

Oct. 27 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 14 Dec. 10

Be Active & Stay Safe Aging in Place with Dignity Morning Brew Crew – via Zoom Drive-Thru Adult Health & Information Fair Morning Brew Crew – via Zoom

For more information or to register, visit highlandsranch.org/aaps.

Drive-Thru Adult Health & Information Fair Saturday, Nov. 14 | 10 a.m. – noon Metro District Office Building Parking Lot, 62 Plaza Dr.

• Staying healthy, active and connected • Home care and transportation options • Medicare benefits • Handyman services • Legal and financial planning • Fun giveaways and more!

Open Budget offers transparent access to Metro District finances The public can view current financial information about the Metro District’s operations through the Open Budget section of the website. The online tool uses colorful graphs, charts and tables to present information in a manner that is easy to digest and interpret. Information is offered at a 30,000-foot view, or you can dive down to street level for details about individual projects.

Visit Open Budget, at openbudget.highlandsranch.org.

Rotary volunteers plant trees Dedicated Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch volunteers helped plant six new trees during the Metro District observance of Arbor Day this August. The group added Emerald Sunshine Elm, Kentucky Coffeetree and Western Hackberry trees to Northridge Park.

The Metro District cares for more than 15,000 trees in Highlands Ranch and has been designated as a Tree City USA community for the 32nd straight year.

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The event is free to participate. For more information contact Jodie McCann at jmccann@ highlandsranch.org or 720-240-4922.

New Metro District website offers better functionality

We launched a new, more dynamic website at highlandsranch.org in September. The new website features better functionality, improved search functions, a mobile responsive design and enhanced user friendly features.

Visit the site to learn about project updates, apply for a job, pay your water bill, and to learn about the many Metro District services, programs, events and activities.

Fall ‘20

Join the Metro District’s Active Adult Programs & Services for its new look Drive-Thru Adult Health & Information Fair. Older adults, family members and care providers are invited to drive through the Metro District’s parking lot to pick up a tote bag.

Local aging service professionals and community organizations have come together to fill the tote bags with a variety of resource information.

Information at your fingertips

Highlands Ranch Outdoors

Stay up to date on current projects Learn more about these projects at highlandsranch.org.

Parkway landscaping conversion demonstration sites During the late summer, new landscaping designed to be drought tolerant and lower maintenance was installed at three locations along our community’s major roads. These three locations will serve as demonstration sites as the Metro District explores options for converting some areas of bluegrass along our parkways. Once the landscaping has had time to establish and grow, feedback about the sites will be gathered from the community.

University Boulevard landscape improvements Areas of declining grass on either side of University Boulevard between Dad Clark Drive and Green Meadows Drive are being replaced with new landscaping. Large boulders, new trees, grasses and perennials have been added to new wood mulch and cobblestone rock planting beds.

Highlands Ranch Mansion lighting improvements The current landscape lighting at the Mansion is undergoing enhancements to improve sidewalk illumination and pedestrian safety.

New energy-efficient LED lights are replacing the older incandescent lights along the sidewalks and entrance ramp. Construction is expected to be completed this month.

C-470 community monument signs Work is continuing on two new community monument signs, which will replace ones in existing locations along C-470. One location is south of C-470 and east of S. Broadway, and the other is south of C-470 and west of Colorado Boulevard. Construction is expected to be completed this winter. This project is a continuation of enhancements to the community entry signs along the borders of Highlands Ranch in 2016. The new signs will help better represent our vibrant community.

Restroom at Big Dry Creek Park Late this fall, a new concrete restroom will replace the old, cedar vault restroom at Big Dry Creek Park. The new restroom will be more maintenance friendly and will comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act access guidelines. Big Dry Creek Park is located at 9898 Atherton Way.

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Metro District Service Center renovation Renovations have begun at the Metro District Service Center, 3280 Redstone Park Circle. More space and functionality will be added to the building, which was originally built in 1999 and which the park, recreation and open space staff has since outgrown. The project includes remodeling of the existing building and construction of a new fleet maintenance shop, which will provide a larger and safer workspace along with new storage workshops for maintenance materials and equipment.

Construction is expected to be completed late next year. During construction, the front office will be relocated to a construction trailer in front of the building, so residents are encouraged to take advantage of services offered online or by phone before visiting in person. The Park, Recreation and Open Space department will remain in full operation during the project.

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Try a new sport: disc golf Since the West Fork Disc Golf Course opened this July, scores of visitors of all ages have enjoyed the new opportunity to get outside and be active.

Longtime disc golfer and Highlands Ranch resident Scott Holter said he has seen more families and more people 50+ picking up disc golf for the first time. “The exposure is huge for the sport. Here in Highlands Ranch, we are kind of starved for non-traditional sports,” he said.

The object of disc golf is similar to golf — to make it from the tee to the hole in as few attempts as possible. Instead of swinging a club at a ball, participants throw a flying disc towards an elevated metal basket. West Fork is free for drop-in use from 6 a.m. to dusk each day.

Holter started playing disc golf in 1979 and estimates he has played more than 1,000 different courses over the years. He loves the camaraderie of the disc golf community and said each course offers a different challenge. His favorite part of the West Fork course are holes 8-15, because of the way they take advantage of the terrain. On average, he plays a round at West Fork once or twice each week.

He encourages beginners to take baby steps as they are learning to play to avoid getting frustrated. Playing catch with someone is a good way to learn how the disc responds to you throwing it back and forth. Practicing putting early on is also a great way to improve. Holter’s other tips include using lighter discs when starting out and not being afraid to ask for help from someone with more experience.

“With any sport, you are going to have peaks and valleys in your play,” he said. He emphasized the importance of having fun and enjoying yourself.

Look for introductory disc golf programs next spring, and learn more about the course at highlandsranch.org/discgolf.

Help to keep leaves out of our stormwater Our healthy suburban forest is one of the many things that makes Highlands Ranch a great place to live. As fall has arrived, it’s time to realize the impact fallen leaves have on stormwater quality. Leaves contain nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients are critical for plant growth. However, if they are not picked up from hard surfaces such as driveways and streets after they fall, leaves can add nutrient loading in our stormwater runoff. The result contributes to an increase in algae growth in our streams, lakes and reservoirs.

It’s especially important to pick up leaves when they fall from trees before rain or snowfall events. Leaves can be mulched and used around plants and trees, returning nutrients to the soil and not adding them into the stormwater.

Fall fertilization is important for the health of our lawns, but it’s also critical to keep the fertilizers off sidewalks and driveways for the same reason we need to keep leaves out of our stormwater.

Any spilled fertilizer should be picked up immediately and put back on the lawn or disposed of properly.

By picking up the leaves and keeping fertilizer only on our lawns, we are doing our part to help keep our creeks and lakes clean.

Decked out with pink eye-black stickers, pink unicorn knee socks and a variety of hair bows, the Metro District’s only all-girl flag football team stepped up to the line of scrimmage on a recent Saturday morning at Redstone Park.

Their favorite thing about playing?

“When I kick boys’ butts,” joked 7-year-old Harper Flaherty.

On this Saturday, everyone on both sides of the field was all smiles.

Most of the girls on the Billies kindergarten/1st grade team have been playing together for three years in the fall flag football league. They said they love pulling flags and running with the ball.

But for head coach Keith Kaminski and assistant coach Shawn Flaherty, one of the most important things the girls are learning is teamwork.

“The girls have really improved this year,” said Kaminski. “They learn how to work together and overcome adversity. Each athlete is different, and as a coach, you appreciate every athlete’s journey they are on.”

Kaminski’s 6-year-old daughter Cora started playing flag football after her three older brothers, Cooper, 9, Carter, 13, and Cade, 14, all played on teams coached by their dad. Kaminski has been a volunteer coach with the Metro District for the past nine years, oftentimes coaching multiple teams in one season. His advice is to start kids in sports as early as you can.

“We’ve kept our kids in recreation level sports up until middle school, and they’ve been able to play something different year to year and have fun,” Kaminski said.

Flag football is offered during the spring and fall for ages 4-14. Learn more and see other youth and adult sports offered by the Metro District at highlandsranch.org/signmeup.

Ice safety is simple: Stay off It’s a chilly winter morning and you are walking your dog, Annie, around the neighborhood. Suddenly the dog sees a goose on an icy pond, begins barking and pulls away from you. Midway to the goose, the ice breaks and Annie splashes into the water.

Your role, as a resident or bystander is simple. Stay off the ice and call 911. South Metro Fire Rescue’s firefighters are trained and equipped to rescue people and pets from icy lakes and ponds. You are not. You don’t have the training or the special equipment.

If your dog runs onto the ice and falls in, stay on shore and call 911. If you see a person after they fell through the ice, call 911.

• Self-Rescue: If you fall through the ice, find the ice edge where you fell in because it is the strongest. Put your elbows on the ice surface, kick your legs so they float behind you, kick harder to push yourself forward and climb onto ice. Once on the ice, roll on your side to safety. If you can’t kick hard enough to get onto the ice, your

“Our parks and trails have been used more this year than ever before. Our park rangers have been instrumental in educating residents about park and trail etiquette,” said Scott Nelson, open space and park ranger supervisor. “We want people to enjoy the outdoor amenities we have.”

Even with the increase in both visitors and health guidelines, the number of citations issued has not increased significantly during the past year. That’s because the priority of the park rangers is to educate residents first. Their goal is to help everyone feel comfortable and safe using public spaces in Highlands Ranch.

To learn more about the park ranger program or Metro District Rules and Regulations, please visit highlandsranch.org.

Free wildlife audits available for homeowners Do you have concerns about unwanted wildlife in your yard?

Metro District park rangers can give helpful tips and advise you of wildlife attractants in your yard. Wildlife home audits are available throughout the year and may be scheduled by calling 720-240-5919 or emailing info@highlandsranch.org.

Metro District park ranger Tyler Woodhull rescues a fox from a resident’s window well this spring. The fox was relocated to open space and unharmed.

arms will freeze on the ice, which will keep your head above the water if you pass out from hypothermia or exhaustion. If someone else has fallen through the ice, coach them through a self-rescue while reminding them that help is on the way.

• Reach: When they arrive, firefighters will attempt to reach the person or animal with a branch, pole or ladder.

• Throw: If reaching doesn’t work, firefighters will throw a life ring, life vest or rope to the person.

• Go: If needed, firefighters trained for ice rescue crawl onto the ice to rescue the person or animal. They have special protective suits and equipment, including a rope that connects them to rescuers who remain on shore.

Although a sheet of ice may appear strong, it often hides cracks, air pockets and weaker layers that can surprise even the most prepared among us.

The best advice: stay off the ice. If a person or pet falls in, call 911.

Thank you to SMFR Risk Reduction Specialist Einar Jensen, for sharing this information.

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An ice rescue has four deliberate stages:

Whether assisting with wildlife calls, answering resident questions, monitoring shelter and field reservations, providing nature education programs, or patrolling parks, trails and open space – Metro District park rangers are busy. And with the challenges of 2020, their commitment to responding to community needs is as important as ever.

Fall ‘20

Sound familiar?

Park rangers ready to lend a hand

Highlands Ranch Outdoors

Sports offer fun for players

FA L L 2020

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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

Highlands Ranch Metro District

Paid

HIGHLANDS

RANCH

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ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating our history, building our future

A Publication Providing Information About: Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

A Publication Providing Information for:

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Highlands Ranch, Colorado Permit No. 93 CRRT WSS

Highlands Ranch Metro District 62 Plaza Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

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Metro District Residential Customer

See Active Adult program information on Page 5.

A Publication Providing Information for: Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Local Government Parks & Open Space Recreation Public Works Water & Sanitation Fire & Safety Get Involved Employment

30/100/100/30 61/0/100/3 0/35/100/0 100/100/20/20 100/30/0/0 0/100/100/10 0/60/100/0 100/90/0/0

The West Fork Disc Golf Course opened in July and has been a popular destination for disc golfers of all experience levels.

Attend a board meeting Metro District board meetings are held at 6 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month (with rare exceptions due to holiday schedules) at the John D. Hendrick Office Building, 62 Plaza Drive. Board study sessions are held the Wednesday prior to board meetings at 6 p.m. at the same location.

Visit highlandsranch.org and click on the Government link for a meeting schedule and COVID-19 related details. Meetings are currently being held via Zoom and the public is encouraged to attend virtually.

Centennial Water and Sanitation District board meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the last Monday of each month (with rare exceptions due to holiday schedules) at the John D. Hendrick Office Building, 62 Plaza Drive.

Board study sessions are held the Wednesday prior to board meetings, also at 6 p.m. Visit centennialwater.org to view a meeting schedule. Meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

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Events canceled due to COVID-19

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Tree Limb Recycling Drop-Off

The Metro District’s 2020 fall and winter events, including Veterans Day, Holiday Celebration at the Mansion and Santa Visits have been canceled due to COVID-19. We’re planning a way to honor veterans on Nov. 11, so be sure to visit our social media channels to help honor those who have served our nation.

Flushing or dumping medicine down a drain or toilet is not a good way to dispose of it. Instead, drive through this event and turn in your unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medication for safe disposal.

Saturday, Oct. 24 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch Substation 9250 Zotos Dr., Highlands Ranch

Are you cleaning up your yard from fall storms or just getting your landscaping ready for winter? Don’t throw away your shrub and tree trimmings – recycle them into mulch during the Metro District’s free recycling event. This nocontact, drop-off event is for Highlands Ranch residents only, and does not include contractors. Free mulch will be available on a self-serve basis.

Sunday, Nov. 8

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In the parking lot at Redstone Park near Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle.