Highlands Ranch Metro District Highlands Ranch Metro District
Messenger
S U M M E R 2021
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 Metro District Finances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Recreation Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-21 Project Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Nature EdVentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Celebrating Highlands Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Youth & Adult Recreation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 A PUBLICATION PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT
2013 Summer T-Ball, Baseball, Register now for recreation Softball Registration programs.
See Page 14
See Pages 8-9
highlandsranch.org
Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates
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Summer’s Sunset Concert & 40th Anniversary Celebration That Eighties Band Aug. 27 • 6:30 p.m. Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd. Highlands Ranch Food trucks attending are Mac’N Noodles, Pig Rig & Lucky Mary’s
Free Fitness
AT C I V I C G R E E N PA R K
YOGA IN THE PARK 8-9 a.m. on Saturdays through Aug. 7 Presented by Wendy C Yoga All classes are weather permitting. Registration is not required, but donations are appreciated. Learn more at highlandsranch.org/fitnessinthepark
PIL ATES IN THE PARK 8-8:45 a.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 10 Presented by IM= X Pilates Studio
Leadership Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Metro District Finances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Project Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Celebrating Highlands Ranch. . . . . . . . . 6 Highlands Ranch Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Recreation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Lebsack Tennis Center & Park Services. . . 10 Green Highlands Ranch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Meet Your Local Government The Highlands Ranch Metro District is responsible for: • Water and sanitation services through an agreement with Centennial Water and Sanitation District • 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 • 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
Highlands Ranch outdoor amenities draw residents of all ages
Leadership Outlook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Each of us managed the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts in our own way. While some people worked from home and learned to navigate virtual meetings, others looked for opportunities to get outdoors and took to the parks and trails around our community and the state. During a time when there was limited interaction and travel, a walk or bike ride on a local trail was a welcome activity. Our staff worked hard to manage these popular areas as they became busier and busier during a time when restrictions were constantly changing. We saw the importance of our community’s outdoor recreation amenities during the challenging times when residents were striving to remain active, find respite to enjoy beautiful scenery and weather, and to maintain a balance in their lives. If you haven’t visited each of the parks in our community, I invite you to do so this summer. There are unique and high-quality amenities at each of the parks, including pickleball courts and new skate park ramps at Tanks Park, tennis courts at Redstone Park, dog parks and community gardens at several parks, and even slackline poles and cornhole games at Central Park. We’re also proud of the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument, located at Civic Green Park next to the Douglas County Library at Highlands Ranch. Visit our website at highlandsranch.org/explore to discover our diverse outdoor amenities and plan your next outing to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful weather and scenery.
Mark Dickerson Chair, Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors
Enhancing efficiency and transparency through technology Most of us have heard the phrase “work smarter, not harder.” I believe nowhere is this concept more important than in local government operations. As public servants, we should always be bound by the principle to provide the most efficient and cost-effective services as possible, while at the same time making the public’s access to information related to the Metro District’s business both seamless and convenient. Later this year, to that end, we will be launching a new automated board meeting agenda and minutes software developed by the firm PrimeGov. The platform will significantly reduce the number of staff hours required to prepare and distribute the monthly Metro District Board of Directors meeting agenda packets. Staff will be able to devote more time to the management and processing of customer service requests and program administration.
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Ensuring the public is able to easily find and access information related to the business of the Metro District is equally important. The new PrimeGov software solution will also enable the public to search board meeting minutes, both current and those archived from past meetings, by keyword or phrase, therefore improving transparency. If I can answer questions, please contact me at mrenshaw@highlandsranch.org or at 720-240-4910.
Mike Renshaw General Manager, Highlands Ranch Metro District
Photo by Sherry Eppers
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FRONT COVER: Four-year-old Isaac Asher rides his scooter on the new equipment at Tanks Skate Park.
Metro District Finances
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
Nextdoor
LinkedIn 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’s healthy financial condition built over 40 years The Metro District prides itself on a very strong financial position with a AA+ rating from Standard and Poor’s. Through long-term planning since its formation 40 years ago, the Metro District has met the needs of the community at a reasonable cost, as evidenced by the low property tax rate, which is lower than many neighboring communities. The Metro District strives to provide financial information in a transparent manner. Please visit highlandsranch.org/government/finance to view financial documents. Take a deeper dive into the Metro District’s revenue and expenses on its Open Budget website at openbudget.highlandsranch.org. Open Budget is an interactive site that guides you through complex financial information with charts, graphs and tables. If you have questions about the Metro District’s finances, please contact finance@highlandsranch.org.
Metro District funding sources While the primary source of funding for the operations of the Highlands Ranch Metro District is property taxes, there are other sources of revenue utilized by the Metro District to fund amenities and services.
Colorado Lottery proceeds (miscellaneous income) The Conservation Trust Fund receives 40% of Colorado Lottery proceeds. As a local parks and recreation provider, the Metro District receives money from the Conservation Trust Fund in proportion to our population. In 2020, the Metro District received $535,673 for a total of $9.1 million dollars since 2000. The Metro District uses these funds for capital improvements in parks and open space in Highlands Ranch. Some of the most notable projects include Central Park, Historic Park trails and Civic Green Park.
Cell site leases (miscellaneous income) Many cell providers have cell sites co-located on streetlights on land owned by the Metro District. Cell providers pay the Metro District an annual lease amount for each site. The revenue generated from these leases in 2020 was $985,064 with a similar amount anticipated in 2021. The Metro District uses these funds for repair and replacement of existing assets, including the replacement of fences along major arterial roads. DEVELOPMENT
Recreation program fees (program/rental fees)
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The Metro District Messenger is published four times annually. Visit highlandsranch.org or send an email message to info@highlandsranch.org. Editor: Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager Contributing Writers: Amber Garrett, CPRP, CYSA, Recreation Coordinator Courtney Kuhlen, Community Relations Specialist Kari Larese, Community Relations Coordinator Jodie McCann, AAPS Coordinator Pam Moisey, Reservations Specialist Dave Parks, Recreation Supervisor Carolyn Peters, CPRP, Recreation Manager Luke Ruter, Recreation Coordinator Brenda Willcutt, Recreation Assistant ©2021 Highlands Ranch Metro District
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Based on board directives, recreation program fees cover all the direct costs of providing programs including staff time, field use and program supplies.
Mansion rental fees (program/rental fees)
In 2010, the community’s developer, Shea Homes, donated the Highlands Ranch Mansion to the Metro District. The Metro District committed to renovate and operate the Mansion without use of property tax dollars. Since the Mansion opened in 2012, rental fees have funded operations of the Mansion including staff, cleaning, office supplies, insurance, utilities and facility maintenance.
FEES
6%
PROGRAM/ RENTAL FEES 9%
STREETLIGHT/ STORMWATER FEE
7%
MISC. 7% PROPERTY TAXES 70%
METRO DISTRICT REVENUE 2021 TOTAL
$29,243,701
Project Updates
Playground replacement scheduled at Plum Valley Park Brand new playground equipment is coming to Plum Valley Park this fall. Beginning Aug. 9, the playground will be closed for construction through mid-October, weather permitting. The project is part of the Metro District’s Capital Improvement Plan that aims to replace one playground each year, pending budget approval and availability of funds.
Fly’n B Park improvements currently in design stage Metro District staff is in the process of coordinating the design of improvements to Fly’n B Park. An architect has been hired to complete the structural analysis and design of improvements to the house, which was originally built in 1906. These improvements will allow public use for small events, along with recreation programs and activities offered by the Metro District. Site improvements for access and additional parking are also being designed. When the design of both house and site improvements is complete, landscape improvements will follow. The construction of these improvements is scheduled to start later this year.
Metro District staff sought user input on the new Plum Valley Park playground design and held an on-site meeting with residents in March. Based on feedback, some of the new features of the playground will include: • • • • • •
Zip Track playground zipline Swings, including an accessible swing Rubber surfacing around the main play structure Variety of slides Sensory panels Climbing elements
The previous playground equipment was installed when the park was built in 1993. Plum Valley Park is located at 10230 Westridge Village Parkway in Highlands Ranch. Project updates will be posted to highlandsranch.org.
Fly’n B Park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and is located at 2910 W. Plaza Dr. The park offers fishing, trails, a large shelter, picnic tables and restroom.
Senior Center conceptual planning underway The Metro District Board of Directors, at their March board meeting, approved funding to proceed with conceptual site planning for the future Highlands Ranch Senior Center. The Senior Center will be located on the south side of Highlands Ranch Parkway, east of the Broadway intersection. Preliminary conceptual plans for site development are underway, including access, grading, parking, building location and utility work. To learn more, visit highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter.
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Skating, scootering and riding in style
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New ramps were installed at Tanks Skate Park, 10371 S. Broadway, this spring. Since reopening to users in April, residents of all ages have enjoyed the new half pipe and other ramp features, including the improved flow between the elements. The equipment was designed primarily for beginning and intermediate skaters and riders.
Celebrating Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch . . . a unique community to be sure A planned community located on the former plains of what was once rural Douglas County has transformed, over the last 40 years, into a thriving community of nearly 100,000 people.
space. These amenities contribute to the high quality of life and the active lifestyles in Highlands Ranch.
In the span of those 40 years, the evolution of our community has been studied by suburban planners and modeled by others. The community’s infrastructure and development were funded by system development fees, which are fees paid by developers to the Metro District. These fees supported the development of roads, traffic signals, parks, trails and other community amenities. The benefit of this process is that development paid its own way as Highlands Ranch developed, rather than loading the debt of development on the taxpayers who moved to the community.
Our community’s local governments and homeowners association provide services that contribute to the excellent quality of life associated with Highlands Ranch. The vision of Highlands Ranch first seen in 1979 by Mission Viejo Company, the original developer, to Shea Homes, the community’s current developer, has remained that of a community multiple generations would call home. The fact that the community’s developer has remained involved in, and supportive of the community is rare, and Highlands Ranch residents benefit from that vision and involvement over four decades.
The result is that today our community is a highly desirable suburb home to 26 parks, more than 70 miles of trails and 2,650 acres of open
Learn more and view photos that show our community’s 40-year transformation by visiting highlandsranch.org/40thanniversary. Years ago, when Highlands Ranch was being built, construction was everywhere. Civic Green Park, seen here in development in 2005, is popular for its concerts, events, fountains, playgrounds and beautiful gardens. Join us at the park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd., on Friday, Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. for our Summer’s Sunset Concert and 40th Anniversary Celebration, in partnership with the Highlands Ranch Community Association.
130 years of Mansion history: Arapahoe Hunt Club During the Highland Ranch Mansion’s storied 130-year history, the Arapahoe Hunt Club consistently garnered press attention and graced the pages of newspaper society sections. On May 30, 1949, LIFE magazine even featured the hunt as its cover story. The article began:
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A few miles south of Denver, Colo. the cowboys, ponies, sage hens and cattle wag their heads in wonderment just about every Thursday and Sunday. What they hear is the halloo of an English hunting horn. What they see is a group of 30 or 40 horsemen all rigged up in pink coats, astride English saddles and bounding over the lone prairie at the foot of the Rockies as if it were a meadow in Merry England. Lawrence Phipps, Jr., brought the hunt to the ranch beginning in 1929 with the permission of owner Frank Kistler. Phipps would go on to purchase the ranch from Kistler in 1937 and would host the Arapahoe Hunt Club at the property until his death in 1976. The hunt club continued at the ranch for several more years after Phipps death before relocating to the eastern plains of Colorado. It remains one of the oldest active hunt clubs in the United States. Learn more about the Mansion and its history at highlandsranchmansion.com. 6
Photos courtesy of Marvin Beeman
Highlands Ranch Outdoors
Red Flag Warnings and wildfire conditions Guest column by Einar Jensen, Risk Reduction Specialist, South Metro Fire Rescue
Celebrating the best of parks and recreation this July July is national Park and Recreation Month and this year we’re highlighting how our community is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation. The Metro District manages 26 parks, more than 70 miles of trails and 2,650 acres of open space in Highlands Ranch. All of these have proven essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “The past year and a half have been filled with challenges for everyone. Our staff continued to work hard through the pandemic to serve the community and now, faced with shortages in staff, materials and delays in the supply chain, our staff keeps giving their best every day,” said Carrie Ward, director of parks, recreation and open space. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, 82 percent of U.S. adults agree visiting their local parks, trails and open spaces is essential for their mental and physical well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, 93 percent of adults say their mental health is improved by services offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies. “Our staff understands how important the services and amenities we provide are and how many people rely on them. They are a dedicated and talented team that can find a way around just about any challenge,” Ward said. Help share your stories about what parks and recreation mean to you on social media, tag us and use #highlandsranchoutdoors.
Park rangers serve & educate Metro District park rangers are commissioned as code enforcement officers by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). The rangers foster safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation experiences for residents and visitors alike.
When a heat source is applied to a solid fuel, the fuel absorbs heat. Initially that heat causes any remaining water content to evaporate as steam. In a process called pyrolysis, the dry fuel absorbs more heat that causes its molecules to vibrate rapidly enough to fragment into the fuel’s gaseous form. It’s this gaseous form that burns in a flame. There are three components of a Red Flag Warning: low humidity, hot air temperatures and strong winds. Each of these components contributes to fire danger; together they can supercharge wildfires into raging infernos capable of destroying neighborhoods and injuring or killing people. Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. When air moisture is higher than fuel moisture, solid fuels absorb moisture from the air. However, when humidity is lower than fuel moisture, the air absorbs moisture from solid fuels. Thus, weather conditions with low relative humidity steal moisture from solid fuels, increasing the speed at which they absorb heat for pyrolysis. Air holds more moisture as its temperature increases because the air expands. Hotter air temperatures also preheat fuels, create tougher working conditions for firefighters, and can drive winds. Wind results from temperature-induced air movement in the atmosphere. Wind can replace saturated air with dry air around fuels and fan flames with more oxygen. Strong wind can push wildfires into unburned fuels, push fire downslope, and carry embers—airborne chunks of burning fuel—downwind to create new wildfires. South Metro Fire Rescue and other agencies often increase staffing or adjust the positioning of resources during Red Flag Warnings because of the potential for wildfires to grow and spread more rapidly than usual. However, it’s critical residents and visitors also adjust their behavior when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning. Those are the wrong days for agricultural burns, campfires, fireworks, or careless actions with heat sources. Given the region’s anticipated weather patterns, we expect several Red Flag Warnings this summer and autumn. For information on wildfire preparedness and other safety issues, visit southmetro.org or contact us at ReducingRisk@southmetro.org.
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Park rangers support and train with other local agencies including the DCSO, Douglas County Animal Control, and Colorado Parks & Wildlife. They strive to preserve parks and the natural open space areas in Highlands Ranch.
Fire needs three ingredients: oxygen, heat and fuel. Before a solid fuel can burn, it must be dry and it must contain enough heat that its molecules break apart into the fuel’s gaseous form.
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“Our park rangers are out in the community every day, seven days a week talking with residents and fostering stewardship through education and information sharing,” said Scott Nelson, park ranger and open space supervisor. “They are a valuable resource to both the DCSO and our residents.”
As temperatures heat up in our region, there will be more Red Flag Warnings in weather forecasts. Red Flag Warnings describe conditions that make wildfires worse.
Youth Sports
Visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup to learn more details and register Metro District staff will continue to evaluate and determine the best measures to provide programs that emphasize safety guidelines for participants. Contact recreation staff at recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org with questions. Scholarships are available for youth recreation programs thanks to support from the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation.
R E C R E AT I O N G U I D E
YOUTH SPORTS
Baseball
Lacrosse
Fall Competitive Baseball
Intro to Lacrosse
Team registration only
Ages 6-14
Ages 7-14
Team Fee: 7-8 year olds – $1,600 per team 9-14 year olds – $1,800 per team $175 deposit due at time of registration and the remainder of the balance is due by Aug. 13. Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 20 Draft Day for individual players looking to join a fall baseball team is Sunday, July 25 at Redstone Park. Preregistration is required.
Fee: Resident: $75 Nonresident: $86 Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2 10-11:30 a.m. Marcy Park lower field Registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 3
Skateboarding
All lessons will be held at Redstone Skate Park. Required equipment: Helmet and closed-toe shoes
Flag Football
SkateStart
Fall Youth Flag Football Leagues
Fee: Resident: $50 Nonresident: $58 Saturday, Sept. 18 Level 1 Advanced Saturday, Sept. 18
Ages 5-12
Ages 4-14
Practices begin the week of Aug. 9 and games start Aug. 21. Fee: Resident: $112 Nonresident: $129 Registration deadline: Monday, July 26
Pre-Season Flag Football Clinic Ages 4-14
Saturday, Aug. 7 9 a.m.-noon Fee: Resident: $30 Nonresident: $35 Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 6
Shea Stadium
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No School Skatecamp Ages 6-14
Fee: Resident: $60 Nonresident: $69 Tuesday, Oct. 19 9 a.m.-noon Registration deadlines: Friday before class start date
Fall Youth Flag Football Tournament
Rugby
Saturday, Oct, 30 Fee: $200 per team Registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 11
Fee: $170, new player $115, returning 2021 TRY player Season runs August through October Registration deadline: Monday, July 26
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Grades 2-8
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9-10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Spirit Team Ages 4-14
Fee: Resident: $130 Nonresident: $150 Team Fee: $75, includes cheer bow, T-shirt, game day goodies and other extras; paid directly to Dance Athletics. Uniform Fee: $80, includes cheer uniform and poms; paid directly to Dance Athletics. Practices: Fridays, Aug. 13 - Oct. 1 5-6 p.m. Uniform sizing date: Friday, Aug. 6 5-6 p.m. Registration deadline: Friday, July 30
Ages 8-12
CARA Youth Cross Country Ages 7-14
Fee: Resident: $68 Nonresident: $78 Practices Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Aug. 17 Meets are Saturdays or Sundays Sept. 11-Oct. 10 Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 13
Summer Sports Camps Skyhawks/SuperTots Please visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup for a listing of available Skyhawks camps and SuperTots programs.
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for any of these programs. A D U LT S P O R T S
Bocce Ball
Programs will be held at Northridge Park, 8800 S. Broadway.
Learn to Play
Disc Golf Learn to Play Fee: Resident: $15 Nonresident: $18 Thursday, July 29 10-11:30 a.m. West Fork Disc Golf Course, 9095 S. Broadway Registration deadline: Friday, July 23
Wednesday League Play (six weeks plus tournament) Fee: $40 per person Fall league begins Wednesday, Aug. 25 Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 20
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Ages 10-14
Fee: $18 Wednesday, Aug. 18 6-7 p.m. Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 13
Adult Softball Please visit quickscores.com/hrmd for detailed fall league information. To register please go to highlandsranch.org/signmeup or contact Luke Ruter at 720-240-5912 or lruter@highlandsranch.org.
Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 12
Pickleball
Programs will be held at Tanks Park, 10371 S. Broadway.
Nature EdVentures Unless otherwise noted, all classes will have the following fee: Resident: $10 Nonresident: $12
Nature Camp Ages 7-10
Fee: Resident: $130 Nonresident: $150 July 19-23, 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Fly’n B Park
Cops & Bobbers
Learn to Play
Fee: $18 Thursday, Aug. 12 9-10:30 a.m. Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 6
Doubleheader Leagues
Fee: $45 (five weeks, 10 matches plus tournament) Beginner/Intermediate – Tuesdays Beginner/Intermediate – Wednesdays Advanced – Thursdays Fall league begins week of Aug. 23 Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 19
Ages 6-14
Golf
Harvest Full-Moon Hike
Get Out & Play Lessons
All Ages/Families
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. Fly’n B Park
Annual Benefit Golf Tournament
All Ages/Families
Horseback Riding
All lessons are held at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables, 7479 W. Titan Road. Programs are available through Nov. 20 Registration deadline: Friday before class start date
Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation Monday, Sept. 27 12:30 p.m. shotgun start University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch.
Registration deadlines: Sponsors – Friday, Sept. 10; Players – Friday, Sept. 24
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Hunter’s Full-Moon Hike
Classes will be held at The Links Golf Course, 5815 E. Gleneagles Village Parkway Fee: Resident: $175 Nonresident: $200 Wednesdays, Aug. 4-25 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6:30-8 p.m. Fly’n B Park
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Saturday, Aug. 14, 8-11 a.m. Fly’n B Park Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 6
Tennis Programs & Park Services
Lebsack Tennis Center is hosting all your favorite programs
9325 Foothills Canyon Blvd. Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
303-791-2348
Fall Junior Team Tennis returns Aug. 16 to Sept. 25 Register in the Kourts smartphone app
a Instructional classes for juniors (5-18) a Juniors high performance drills a Adult drop-in drills a Private lessons & team practices Summer Session 2 July 19 – Aug. 14
Fall Session 1 Aug. 16 – Sept, 25 Fall Session 2 Sept. 27 – Oct. 23 For program details visit LebsackTennis.com.
Reserve courts and register for programs in the Kourts smartphone app.
R E C R E AT I O N G U I D E
Instagram: lebsacktennis
Park shelter reservations
Celebrate at a Highlands Ranch park
Graduations Birthdays Family reunions Company picnics End of season parties How to reserve a park shelter To make the reservation process easier, customers may now request shelter reservations through one of three available methods:
2021 fee schedule Shelters
Resident $18/hr. $30/hr. $50/hr. $50/hr.
Nonresident
$16/hr.
$24/hr.
Bocce/Horseshoe Court $6/hr. Pickleball Court $6/hr.
$8/hr.
Neighborhood park Community park Civic Green stage The Patio at Central Park
$27/hr. $45/hr. $75/hr. $75/hr.
Two-hour minimum
Sports Fields
Disc Golf Course
$9/hr.
(includes use of net/paddles)
Call 720-240-5932 to inquire about applicable fees for tournaments and tag play.
1. Visit highlandsranch.org/reservations to submit an online request. 2. Email pmoisey@highlandsranch.org and provide your name, address, event date, event time, requested shelter location, type of event and expected attendance. 3. Call our reservation specialist, Pam Moisey at 720-240-5932.
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• You can check availability calendars at highlandsranch.org/ reservations. All reservations require at least a two-hour minimum. • Make sure the park shelter you would like to reserve will accommodate the size of your group. An event of more than 100 people requires special permitting. All reservations will be subject to current public health orders and maximum shelter capacities. • Prior to your park reservation, please review the park rules. Remember, glass of any kind is not allowed in any of our parks. 10
Civic Green Park fountains The popular water features are a fun activity for people of all ages. The overlook stream and fountain, which runs 24 hours a day, will remain operational through mid-October, weather dependent. The interactive plaza fountain in front of the pavilion will flow until September 12. The plaza fountain operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless turned off for a special event.
Landscape demo sites highlight possibilities While traveling past small sections of Highlands Ranch Parkway, Fairview Parkway or Plaza Drive, motorists and pedestrians might have noticed some changes during the past year. During 2020, three demonstration sites were converted from bluegrass to more drought tolerant, lower maintenance landscaping. These demonstration sites have grown through a wet spring and are continuing to mature this summer and fall. In the future, once the landscaping has had more time to establish, feedback from the community will be gathered to help determine next steps of the program. Q: How were the demonstration sites selected? A: These three sites were chosen because they are representative of challenging conditions: narrow strips of landscape, south-facing slopes and other areas of struggling bluegrass. Q: Does drought tolerant landscaping mean these areas won’t need to be watered? A: They will still be watered, but they require less water than areas with bluegrass. For example, the alternative grass used at the Fairview Parkway site will be watered an average of 15 inches per year, and the native grass used at the Plaza Drive site will be watered an average of 10 inches per year. This is in contrast to the 27 inches per year required by bluegrass. Learn more about this project and view maps of the demonstration sites at highlandsranch.org/project-updates.
Grass clippings and stormwater shouldn’t mix When mowing your lawn this summer, what should you do with your grass clippings? Do you: a) Bag them and toss them in the trash?
Green Highlands Ranch
The Green Page
b) Leave them on your lawn to use as natural fertilizer? c) Sweep or blow them into the gutter, which carries them into the stormwater channel? If you answered c, we need to talk. Grass clippings and stormwater shouldn’t mix. Stormwater is the water runoff from rain or snow that does not soak into the ground. It’s the water that runs off houses, down driveways and right into drains that lead to our stormwater system. There are many environmental issues that can occur from stormwater such as pollution, erosion and flooding. Grass clippings in the stormwater system can cause nutrient pollution. “Grass clippings and other organic yard waste can contribute to increased levels of phosphorous and nitrogen in stormwater runoff,” said Forrest Dykstra, manager of engineering for the Metro District. “These increases in nutrients will contribute to increased algae growth in the receiving waters. This affects treatment costs for the potable water system serving Highlands Ranch. “The easy solution is to pick up your grass clippings in the summer and leaves in the fall. Don’t let them get into the storm drains,” added Dykstra. Stormwater management is an important component of the Metro District’s public works department. It is collected through pipe systems from streets and conveyed through open space drainage ways. These open space corridors are home to wildlife and are the backbone of the Highlands Ranch open space trail system. And it is in these natural areas we are seeing the harmful effects of nutrient pollution from stormwater. The Metro District staff asks you to please, pick up your yard waste and help keep pollutants out of our stormwater. To learn more about the stormwater program, visit highlandsranch.org.
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Tune up your sprinkler system Check for leaks 1 broken sprinkler head could waste up to 25,000 gallons of water over the irrigation season Check for broken sprinklers or nozzles spraying in the wrong direction – we don’t want to water the sidewalk or driveway
Check the control valve box for dripping or pooling water. After running the sprinklers, walk your yard and look for soggy areas
Program your controller for 3 days a week following the cycle and soak method
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centennialwater.org
S U M M E R 2021
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
Highlands Ranch Metro District
PAID
HIGHLANDS
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TH
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
Messenger
Metro District Residential Customer
See tennis information on Page 10
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 Agave Havardiana plant, pictured above with Parks Maintenance Supervisor Steve Patrilla, bloomed this summer at Redstone Park. The flower stalk, which looks much like a huge asparagus spear, grew to well over 12 feet tall. The plant only blooms every 8-10 years. Seeds from this plant will be used to start new plants in other local parks.
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. The public is encouraged to attend. Visit highlandsranch.org and click on the Local Government link for a meeting schedule and COVID-19 related details. 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. The public is encouraged to attend. Visit centennialwater.org to view a meeting schedule. 12
Haz Mat Roundup Event Aug. 7
Register today for the Highlands Ranch Household Chemical Roundup on Aug. 14. This event helps to properly dispose of chemical waste, prevent pollution and protect the people handling your garbage. The Household Chemical Roundup event is by reservation only. No drive-up vehicles will be accepted. The event is open to the first 200 people to sign-up. Visit tchd.org/hcroundup for more information. Scan the QR code to register today.
Citizens Academy Application Deadline
Visit the Highlands Ranch Mansion
The Highlands Ranch Citizens Academy program will resume in January and February 2022. The program aims to build the civic capacity of Highlands Ranch residents. This seven-session course exposes participants to key topics and issues in Highlands Ranch and introduces opportunities for civic involvement. Open to Highlands Ranch residents, the program covers a variety of topics. Applications and program details are available at highlandsranch.org/citizensacademy.
Open hours and free historic tours are offered each week at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Drive. Step back in Colorado’s history and see the home of some of Denver’s notable families including cattle barons, oil tycoons, prominent socialites and influential political and business leaders. View the schedule of upcoming open hours and historic tours at highlandsranchmansion.com/calendar.