Messenger - Summer 2022

Highlands Ranch Metro District Highlands Ranch Metro District

Messenger

S U M M E R 2022

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 Senior Center Planning Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Recreation Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-21 Project Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Nature EdVentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Youth & Adult Outdoor Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 Water Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 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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Metro District West Fork Disc Golf Course Celebration

Friday, July 15, 3 – 5 p.m.

West Fork Disc Golf Course, 9950 S. Broadway

UPCOMING EVENTS The Last Stop

Monday, Oct. 31 – 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Highlands Ranch Mansion (outdoors)

Adult Health & Information Fair

Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, Aug. 3 – 5-8 p.m.

Civic Green Park

Saturday, Nov. 5 – 9 a.m. – noon Recreation Center at Eastridge

Summer Sunset Concert

Veterans Day Celebration

Friday, Aug. 26 – 6:30 p.m.

Civic Green Park

Friday, Nov. 11 – 6:30 p.m.

Douglas County Libraries at Highlands Ranch

Annual Benefit Golf Tournament

Holiday Celebration at the Mansion

Monday, Sept. 26 – 12:30 p.m. shotgun start University of Denver Golf Club

National Prescription Drug Take Back

Saturday, Oct. 22 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

DCSO Highlands Ranch Substation

Gather AND celebrate

LIFE, HISTORY & COMMUNITY

Saturday, Dec. 3 – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Highlands Ranch Mansion & Historic Park

Santa Visits

Saturday, Dec. 10 – 9 a.m. – noon Santa’s Little Red House at the Hendrick Office Building

Highlands Ranch Metro District Annual Benefit Golf Tournament Monday, Sept. 26 12:30 p.m. shotgun start University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch Cost is $105 per player Learn more and register at highlandsranch.org/tournament

Planning a private event?

The Mansion is the perfect place to host weddings, receptions, holiday parties, anniversaries and other life celebrations. Please call 303-791-0177 or visit our website to learn more.

HI GHLAN D SRANCHMANSION.COM

Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation. Foundation projects include youth sports scholarships and enhancing recreation programs and amenities.

Registration deadlines: Sponsors – Friday, Sept. 16 Players – Thursday, Sept. 22

Leadership Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Local Government Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Good News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Highlands Ranch Outdoors. . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Recreation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Tennis Center & Park Services . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Water Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Wildfire mitigation & emergency preparedness

Leadership Outlook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Wildfire mitigation and emergency preparedness is front of mind for many residents. According to Mike Morgan, director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the average number of wildfires over the past 10 years was 5,507 per year, but last year alone, 6,709 fires were reported. Most of those were small, and were extinguished before they even had a name. While many smaller fires burn across the state each year, many that break out require more than one agency’s response.

With more than 4,700 homes in Highlands Ranch backing to open space, the need to be aware and take steps to prevent wildfires is critical. There are many actions homeowners can implement to protect their homes, and critical steps we as a community can take to minimize risk.

Top priorities for defensible space near your home:

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 Andy Jones, Vice Chair David Simonson, Treasurer Renee Anderson, Director Eric T. Rysner, Director Carolyn Schierholz, Director Nancy Smith, Director

• Mow grass and weeds to a height of four inches or less.

• Rake and remove all pine needles and other flammable debris from a five-foot radius around the foundation of your home and deck.

• Treat or mow shrubs that resprout aggressively (such as Gambel oak) every three to five years or more, depending on growth rates.

• Remove branches that hang over the roof and chimney of your home.

• Keep firewood stacked uphill from (or at the same elevation as) any structures, and keep the woodpile at least 30 feet away from the home.

The Metro District partners with South Metro Fire Rescue to educate the community on wildfire mitigation and emergency preparedness. Highlands Ranch residents, can email ReducingRisk@ southmetro.org to schedule time for a free, 30-minute home assessment. Additional resources and documentation can be found on our website at highlandsranch.org/OSIC.

Mark Dickerson Chair, Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors

Collaborating with Douglas County on community infrastructure During the past 40 years, the Metro District and Douglas County have engaged in a very successful partnership to construct and maintain the necessary infrastructure to serve a rapidly growing community that now totals more than 100,000. From the earliest master planning stages to the operations and maintenance of our roads and traffic signals, storm drain and flood control systems, both organizations have shared responsibilities to ensure that Highlands Ranch citizens receive a high standard of municipal services at a low cost.

With the major components of infrastructure completed for this planned community, this relationship has continued by evaluating infrastructure maintenance needs and implementing projects for pavement management, transportation improvements, storm drain replacement and channel stabilization.

The West Fork Disc Golf Course, located at 9095 S. Broadway, is a popular destination throughout the year for disc golf players. Since opening in July 2020, more than 64,000 rounds have been played at the course.

Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

If you have questions on public works or infrastructure projects, please contact me at 720-2404930 or jcase@highlandsranch.org.

Jeff Case Public Works Director 3

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FRONT COVER:

Summer ‘22

This collaborative model for local governance of one of the largest unincorporated communities in the nation reflects the Metro District’s mission statement of being “Committed to providing innovative and quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for the community of Highlands Ranch.” Our partner, Douglas County, has demonstrated their support for this model with open communication between staff and sharing resources. This joint effort provides the local connection in order to identify areas of need and consider how best to prioritize renovation projects as well as infrastructure improvements.

Local Government Update

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 visit often.

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Nextdoor

Metro District directors elected May 3 The Metro District director election was held Tuesday, May 3. David Simonson was elected to represent the Southeast Region and Eric T. Rysner was elected as director from the Northwest Region. Incumbents Mark Dickerson, representing the West Central Region, and Carolyn Schierholz, representing the South Central Region, were re-elected. These seats are all three-year terms and the directors serve at large, representing all residents throughout Highlands Ranch.

The board re-elected Mark Dickerson as Chair, Andy Jones as Vice Chair, and David Simonson as Treasurer.

The next director election, for three seats, will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Learn more about the Metro District Board of Directors at highlandsranch.org/ government/board-of-directors.

LinkedIn Metro District Contacts: Highlands Ranch Metro District 62 Plaza Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-791-0430 Fax: 303-791-3290 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: 303-470-9516 Email: info@highlandsranch.org Recreation Contact: Metro District Recreation Services Phone: 303-791-2710 Fax: 303-470-9516 Email: recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org Visit us at highlandsranch.org.

Mark Dickerson was Carolyn Schierholz re-appointed board was re-elected chair after being from the South re-elected as director Central Region. from the West Central Region.

David Simonson Eric T. Rysner was was appointed elected from the treasurer after being Northwest Region. elected from the Southeast Region.

Property taxes stay comparatively low The graph below compares 2021 property taxes paid in 2022 by Highlands Ranch residents to taxes paid by residents in other metro districts in our area. Our lower taxes and high quality of life continue to make Highlands Ranch a great place to call home. Learn more about the Metro District’s finances and 2022 budget at openbudget.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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Summer ‘22

Editor: Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager Contributing Writers: Beau Bressler, Recreation Coordinator Emily Johnson, Community Relations Coordinator Courtney Kuhlen, Community Relations Specialist Kari Larese, Community Relations Manager, Centennial Water & Sanitation District Jodie McCann, AAPS Outreach Coordinator Pam Moisey, Reservations Coordinator Dave Parks, CPRP, Recreation Supervisor Carolyn Peters, CPRP, Recreation Manager Luke Ruter, Recreation Coordinator Brenda Willcutt, Recreation Assistant ©2022 Highlands Ranch Metro District 4

Search for general manager underway The Metro District Board of Directors is conducting a national search for a new general manager to lead the organization. Updates on the search process will be provided at highlandsranch.org.

Good News

Volunteer opportunities offer fun experiences for all ages Are you a high school student who needs volunteer hours, a Scout troop looking to serve, or a local resident interested in giving back to your community? From picking up trash at local parks and open space areas, to serving up treats at the Ice Cream Social, to manning the candy cane toss at the Holiday Celebration, we have plenty of fun volunteer opportunities available.

Rendering of the Senior Center building exterior.

Register for our volunteer portal to view opportunities and sign up at app.helperhelper.com/signup/1034.

Senior Center design continues to progress The planning and development of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center is moving forward, and the Metro District is excited to break ground later this year. The facility, which will be located on the south side of Highlands Ranch Parkway, east of the Broadway intersection, will expand services and programs and serve the needs and interests of the community’s growing older adult population.

Metro District staff is in the process of reviewing the design development drawings, which will allow the architect to proceed to final construction drawings and the contractor to begin developing pricing.

The site design, outdoor improvements and landscaping plans are well underway. The project is planned to be presented to the HRCA Development Review Committee in July and to the Douglas County Planning Commission by early August.

For additional Senior Center planning information, frequently asked questions and monthly project updates, visit highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter.

Mansion tours offer first-hand look at historic property The agricultural history of Highlands Ranch can be overlooked in favor of its cultural and social story. However, the recent donation of a “Diamond K” branding iron to the Highlands Ranch Mansion highlights a major chapter in the ranch’s agricultural past. The property was known as the Diamond K Ranch from 1926-1937 with Frank Kistler as its owner. Kistler ran an extensive breeding operation that specialized in dairy cattle, Angus cattle, sheep, chickens and hogs.

Site plan for the Senior Center building.

Summer ‘22

Interested in touring the Mansion?

Venue tours: The Mansion is the perfect place to host weddings, receptions, holiday parties, anniversaries and other life celebrations.

Individual venue tours are scheduled with the Mansion’s sales and event coordinator. Please contact HRMansionEvents@highlandsranch. org or 303-791-0177 to set up an appointment.

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Historic tours: The Mansion offers free self-guided and guided historic tours during daytime and evening open hours throughout the month. Learn about past owners of the Mansion, architectural details of the house and our community’s history. Reservations are recommended for guided tours. Without a reservation, guided tours are subject to docent availability. View the open hours schedule and request a historic tour at highlandsranchmansion.com/calendar, or contact 303-791-0177.

Highlands Ranch Outdoors

Project updates around the Ranch We’re excited to share updates coming to our parks, parkways and community infrastructure.

Playground replacement at Spring Gulch Park Brand-new playground equipment is coming to Spring Gulch Park this fall. Demolition and construction are anticipated to begin in late August to replace the current 23-year-old equipment. Metro District staff sought user input on the new design during an on-site meeting in April.

The new equipment will provide a physically challenging and mentally stimulating inclusive play space that promotes social interaction.

Parkway landscape conversion The Parkway Landscape Conversion Program is moving forward with additional conversions this summer. The projects will be located in the vicinity of University Boulevard and Cresthill Lane, on the south-facing slope near Highlands Ranch High School, and at the intersection of Lucent Boulevard and C-470, on the southeast and southwest corners near the business park entries. Bluegrass in these areas will be removed and they will be reseeded with alternative or native grasses that will require less water and maintenance once established. The goals of the conversion program are to reduce overall water and maintenance, maintain and enhance the existing look of the parkways, educate the community about the value of landscape conversions and create a realistic phasing plan that prioritizes areas for conversion.

Channel stabilization The Metro District, in partnership with Mile High Flood District, has completed work to stabilize and restore a portion of stream on the East Fork of Marcy Gulch. The channel has experienced bank erosion and channel degradation due to stormwater flows. Construction began in February 2022 and was completed in June 2022.

Outdoor Fitness Park at Central Park The Metro District plans to partner with UCHealth to install an outdoor fitness park at Central Park, 1367 Park Central Dr. Fitness parks provide equipment to stay fit and enjoy a full-body workout while outdoors. It will be designed for adults of all ages and abilities. The Metro District and UCHealth look forward to providing a long-lasting health and wellness tool for our community. A public input meeting will be held Tuesday, July 12 from 4–6 p.m. at Central Park.

Lebsack Tennis Center Courts 1 and 2 at Lebsack Tennis Center, 9325 Foothills Canyon Blvd., will be closed Aug. 28 through Sept. 4 for resurfacing, weather dependent.

The tennis center is located on the northeast corner of Redstone Park and features eight outdoor courts with lights. It is open for online court reservations, drills, instructional classes, private lessons and USTA league play. Learn more at lebsacktennis.com.

Pickleball court expansion The Metro District is pursuing partnership opportunities to build a new outdoor pickleball court facility at a few possible sites. This follows a thorough examination of many sites throughout the community. The Metro District Board of Directors has identified funding in the Capital Improvement Plan for a new, outdoor 10- to 12-court facility. More details and public input opportunities will be available after the site selection process concludes.

Marcy Gulch Trail Design is currently underway for an extension to the Marcy Gulch Trail that would connect from Wildcat Reserve Parkway, near Mountain Vista High School, south to the East/West Regional Trail. The proposed trail is natural surface and less than a mile long. It would provide more connectivity to the HRCA’s Backcountry trails and the popular Douglas County East/West Regional Trail that winds through Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines, Lone Tree and Parker.

Want to know more? Visit our website at highlandsranch.org/ projectupdates.

New signs added to High Line Canal

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Summer ‘22

Wayfinding signs continue to be installed across the High Line Canal Trail to build awareness, improve access and connect users to new parts of the trail. These new additions from the High Line Canal Conservancy will include signs that identify street crossings, wayfinding signs to help connect to destinations along the trail and kiosks with maps to help orient users and inform them about rules of the trail.

Discover the High Line Canal Free trail maps from the conservancy are available at both Metro District office buildings: • 62 Plaza Drive, 80129 • 3280 Redstone Park Circle, 80129 6

Installation of the Canal-wide sign package began in Highlands Ranch in 2021 and is finishing up this year.

Matching funds from the Metro District and Conservancy made this project possible.

The Metro District is proud to support the Conservancy and its efforts to preserve and enhance the 71-mile greenway that stretches from Waterton Canyon in Douglas County to Green Valley Ranch in Northeast Denver. Learn more about the High Line Canal at highlinecanal.org.

Whether you’re enjoying a summer trip to the mountains or a visit to your neighborhood park, following the principles of Leave No Trace can help minimize impacts on our natural spaces.

Minimize your fire risk

Highlands Ranch Outdoors

Enjoy the outdoors and Leave No Trace

Neighbors of natural open space areas have a unique responsibility to manage landscape and property in a way that minimizes the risk of fire danger. Does your property follow these guidelines from South Metro Fire Rescue? A larger version is available at highlandsranch.org/OSIC.

Leave No Trace is a national program that promotes the protection of our nation’s wildlands through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace teaches minimum impact hiking and camping skills. It’s important that we all pitch in to minimize our impact.

You can incorporate many of the principles locally, even if you aren’t traveling that far from home.

Respect wildlife – Never feed wildlife and make sure to view animals from a safe distance. It’s also important to follow leash laws to protect your pet from a wildlife encounter, and to protect wildlife from being harassed or chased by your pet.

Dispose of waste properly – Trash receptacles and dog waste bags are readily available along our trails and in our parks. Aside from being unattractive, pet waste that isn’t properly disposed of can be harmful to people and to our drinking water. Bagging it isn’t enough – make sure it ends up in a trash can. If you are in an area without an available trash can, be prepared to pack it out with you.

Travel on durable surfaces – Stick to trails to avoid damaging vegetation and increasing erosion. When you do walk off path, vary your route to avoid repeated steps on any one area.

Leave what you find – Make sure wildflowers, rocks, plants and everything else that makes our open spaces and parks beautiful stays where you found it for others to enjoy.

Be considerate of others – Be mindful of other people enjoying the outdoors and try to minimize noise, share the trail and keep your pets under control at all times.

Responsible actions can help protect the outdoors.

Learn more about Leave No Trace at lnt.org.

The Metro District is working to eradicate all Russian olive trees from Metro District owned and managed properties over the next few years. In conjunction with this ongoing removal program, a monetary incentive is available for homeowners to remove any Russian olives from their own yards.

Reducing the number of these invasive trees in our community is a collective effort. Russian olive trees tax water reserves, can spread easily and can out-compete native species for nutrients and space.

Homeowners can apply for the incentive program and receive $150 towards the removal of Russian olive trees on their property. The incentive will be distributed per household, not per tree. Interested homeowners should visit highlandsranch.org/forestry to apply.

Check out the construction projects happening throughout the community by scanning the QR code at right.

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“We are four months into this incentive program, and we’ve enjoyed working with homeowners,” Natural Resources Manager Nick Adamson said. “We still have availability for more households to participate.”

The Metro District collaborates with Douglas County on identifying infrastructure projects in Highlands Ranch.

Summer ‘22

Homeowner incentive available to remove Russian olive trees

Youth Sports

Visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup to learn more details and register We will continue to evaluate and determine the best measures to continue providing programs that emphasize safety guidelines for our participants. Please be sure to contact the 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* ( as of May 1, 2023)

Team Fee: 7-8 year olds – $1,650 per team 9-10 year olds – $1,850 per team 11-14 year olds – $2,000 per team $175 deposit due at time of registration and the remainder of the balance is due by Aug. 12.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 19 Draft Day for individual players looking to join a fall baseball team is Sunday, July 24 at Redstone Park.

Sponsored by

Flag Football Fall Youth Flag Football Leagues K – 8th grade

Practices begin the week of Aug. 8 and games start Aug. 20 Fee: Resident: $142 Nonresident: $163 Registration deadline: Monday, July 25

Preseason Flag Football Clinic

Fee: Resident: $75 Nonresident: $86 Sept. 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Marcy Park lower field Registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 2

Skateboarding

Required equipment: Helmet and closed-toed shoes

SkateStart Level 1 Ages 5 – 12

Fee: Resident: $50 Nonresident: $58 Saturday, July 16 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Registration deadline: Friday, July 8

Tanks Park

No School Skatecamps Ages 6 – 14

Fee: Resident: $60 Nonresident: $69 Tuesday, Oct. 18 9 a.m. – noon Redstone Park Registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 14

Ages 4 – 14

Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. – noon at Halftime Help Stadium Fee: Resident: $30 Nonresident: $35 Registration Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 4

Rugby Ages 8 – 12

Fee: New player: $185 Returning TRY player: $125 Season runs September through October.

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 19 In partnership with

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Summer ‘22

Cheerleading Spirit Team Ages 4 – 14

The Metro District has partnered with Dance Athletics-Denver to provide a spirit team to complement our youth flag football league. Practice at the gym during the week and perform at games on Saturdays.

Fee: Resident: $130 Nonresident: $150 Team Fee: $75 paid directly to Dance Athletics; includes cheer bow, a T-shirt, game day goodies and other extras.

Uniform Fee: $85 paid directly to Dance Athletics (*new athletes or those needing a new uniform only); includes cheer uniform and poms.

Practices: Fridays, Aug. 12-Oct. 21, 5-6 p.m.

Dance Athletics, 333 Dad Clark Drive *Uniform sizing date is Friday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. at Dance Athletics.

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Cross Country CARA Youth Cross Country Ages 7 – 14

Fee: Resident: $72 Nonresident: $83 Practices held Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Aug. 16.

Meets (Saturdays or Sundays) Sept. 10 through Oct. 8.

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 12

Summer Sports Camps Skyhawks/Super Tots Ages 2 – 14

Please visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup for a listing of available Skyhawks camps and SuperTots programs.

Shop Day Coming

Youth & Adult Sports

A D U LT S P O R T S

for any of these programs.

Bocce Ball

Aug. 5-8 at the Park Meadows location

Programs will be held at Northridge Park, 8800 S. Broadway.

Save 20% on all your sporting goods needs and items throughout the store.

Learn to Play

Fee: $18 Wednesday, Aug. 17

6 – 7 p.m.

Wednesday League Play (Six weeks plus tournament) Fee: $40 per person Fall league begins Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 19

Disc Golf

West Fork Disc Golf Course, 9095 S. Broadway

Ages 8 – 14

Fee: Resident: $15 Nonresident: $18 Thursday, July 28 10 a.m. – noon Registration deadline: Friday, July 22

Nature EdVentures Unless otherwise noted, all classes will have the following fee: Resident: $10 Nonresident: $12

Cops and Bobbers Ages 6-14

Activity #105306 8 – 11 a.m.

Fee: Resident: $115 Activity #105317-B 8:15 a.m – 12:15 p.m.

Friday, July 15 Fly’n B Park

Nonresident: $132 July 18-22 Fly’n B Park

Fall Photo Contest – Free

Age Groups – up to 10, 10-18, 18+

Fall is the perfect season to capture a great photo. Use a camera or smartphone and take your best shot of something in nature in Highlands Ranch. There will be prizes!

Begins Sept. 1. Please send your photo to info@highlandsranch.org by Sept. 19.

Activity #205321 Sept. 1 – 19

Full-Moon Nature Walk – Bats!

All Ages/Families

Activity #205104 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10 Fly’n B Park

Activity # 205211 10-11:30 a.m.

Pop-up Nature Center

Pickleball Learn to Play

Fee: $18 Thursday, Aug. 11 9-10:30 a.m.

Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 4

Doubleheader Leagues

Fee: $45 (five weeks, ten matches plus tournament) Beginner League (0 – 1.5) – Tuesdays Intermediate League (2.0 – 3.0) – Wednesdays Advanced League (3.5+) – Thursdays Fall league begins week of Aug. 15 Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 4

Golf Annual Benefit Golf Tournament Proceeds support the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation Sept. 26 12:30 p.m. shotgun start University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch

Wednesday, Oct. 19 Metro District Service Center

Thursday, Oct. 20 Toepfer Park

Don’t miss out on our free Pop-up Nature Centers.

Join park rangers in your local parks for games, crafts, and to learn about wildlife, native plants and habitat.

Follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/ HighlandsRanchMetroDistrict for details.

ALL AGES

Horseback Riding All lessons are held at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables, 7479 W. Titan Road.

Programs are available through Aug. 20.

Saturday Intro. to Horses (Ages 8+), Kiddie Corral I & II (Ages 5 – 7), Beginning & Intermediate Horsemanship (Ages 8 – 15)

Registration deadline is Friday before class start date.

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Activity #205102-A 2-4 p.m.

Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 11

Registration deadlines: Sponsors – Friday, Sept. 16; Players – Thursday, Sept. 22

Introduction to Geocaching All Ages/Families

To register a team, visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup or contact Beau Bressler at 720-240-5934 or bbressler@highlandsranch.org.

Summer ‘22

The Buzzzz about Honey All Ages/Families

Please visit quickscores.com/hrmd for detailed fall league information.

Programs will be held at Tanks Park, 10371 S. Broadway.

Highlands Ranch Metro District Nature Camp Ages 7-10

Adult Softball

R E C R E AT I O N G U I D E

Learn to Play Clinic

Tennis Programs & Park Services

Lebsack Tennis Center is hosting all your favorite programs

9325 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

303-791-2348

classes & high aJuniors’ performance drills aAdult classes & drop-in drills aCardio Tennis & monthly socials lessons & league aPrivate team practices aFall Top Dog doubles leagues

Aug. 22 – Oct. 1 Registration opens July 11 on the Playbypoint smartphone app.

Check lebsacktennis.com for program information & registration

Summer Session 2 July 18 – Aug. 27 Fall Session 1 Sept. 5 – Oct. 1 Fall Session 2 Oct. 3 – Oct. 29 For program details visit LebsackTennis.com.

Reserve courts and register for programs in the Playbypoint smartphone app.

R E C R E AT I O N G U I D E

lebsacktennis

Reserve a park shelter 3 easy ways • Online: Visit highlandsranch.org/reservations to submit a request.

• Email: Contact pmoisey@highlandsranch.org and provide your name, address, event date and time, requested location and expected attendance.

• Phone: Call our Reservations Coordinator Pam Moisey at 720-240-5932.

You can check availability calendars at highlandsranch.org/reservations.

Make sure the shelter you would like to reserve will accommodate your group. An event with more than 100 people requires special permitting.

Please review park rules prior to making your reservation.

Picnic Packs

Bring a bag of fun to your party

Summer ‘22

The Metro District’s Picnic Packs are a fun and convenient addition to enhance special occasions. We offer daily rentals of fun-filled packages. Please contact pmoisey@highlandsranch.org to review picnic pack options.

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Fall Junior Team Tennis returns

Free Yoga in the Park Civic Green Park Saturdays through July 30 8 – 9 a.m.

Presented by Wendy C Yoga.

Donations will be accepted to benefit the WillStrong Cancer Foundation.

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2022 fee schedule Shelters

Neighborhood park Community park Civic Green stage Central Park patio

Resident Nonresident $18/hr. $30/hr. $50/hr. $50/hr.

$27/hr. $45/hr. $75/hr. $75/hr.

$25 $25 $25 $25 $42 $10 $35 $35

$29 $29 $29 $29 $49 $15 $40 $40

Two-hour minimum

Picnic Packs Field Day Fun Lawn Games Happy Kids Lawn Tennis Volleyball Bocce/Horseshoe Croquet Cornhole Toss

Damage deposit required.

$18/hr.

Sports Fields Bocce/Horseshoe Court $6/hr.

Pickleball Court $6/hr.

$24/hr. $9/hr. $9/hr.

(includes use of net/paddles)

Civic Green Park fountains The popular water features are a fun activity for all ages.

The overlook stream and fountain, which run 24 hours a day, will be on through mid-October, weather dependent.

The interactive plaza fountain in front of the pavilion will flow until mid-September. The plaza fountain operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless turned off for a special event.

All fountain operations are all dependent on our current drought conditions and restrictions.

How to Be Water Wise 1. Sign up for a free Slow the Flow sprinkler audit. It is one of the best things you can do to make our community more resilient against drought.

The free Slow the Flow irrigation inspection includes a visit by a sprinkler pro to make sure you’re giving your landscape what it needs, but not more. Slow the Flow is operated by Centennial Water’s partner, Resource Central.

Visit resourcecentral.org/slowtheflow to sign up.

2. Keep an eye on your water budget. Centennial Water sets individual water budgets for customers based on their yard size and provides enough water for healthy landscapes. If you went over your budget last summer, consider adjusting your irrigation system.

3. Reduce water waste. Adjust your sprinklers so they’re watering your lawn and garden, and not the street or sidewalk.

4. Adjust with the seasons. The water needs for your landscape changes with the weather. Refer to the irrigation run times chart to help guide you as you adjust your sprinklers.

5. Take advantage of discounts and rebates. Centennial Water has several Water Wise incentive programs in place.

Visit CentennialWater.org/rebates to find out what’s available.

6. Adjust your mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.

7. Inspect your irrigation system. Check for leaks, broken lines or blockage in the lines. A well-maintained system will save you money, water and time.

Whether you’ve lived in Colorado six months or 20 years, you have become intimately familiar with how quickly weather fluctuates in our awesome state. As a result, it’s important to pay regular attention to the frequency of your sprinkler system. Sprinkler run times should not be automatic; don’t set it and forget it.

Regularly checking your irrigation controller is what should become automatic.

Centennial Water recommends watering no more than three days per week. Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. You should also read your meter regularly to monitor your water use. Doing so will help you identify possible leaks or indicate if you are using too much water.

Water Resources

Setting sprinkler run times should not be automatic

When running your sprinklers, use the cycle and soak method. This means you water your lawn in multiple, short cycles allowing water to soak into the soil and prevent runoff. This promotes deeper roots and healthier lawns.

Centennial Water welcomes new leadership Two new board members were elected to the Centennial Water Board of Directors following its May 3 election. Highlands Ranch residents Tammy Essmeier and Frank McNulty join the five member board. They took the oath of office at the May 23 Board of Directors meeting. Essmeier and McNulty were elected to seats vacated by board members Tim Roberts and Jeff Donelson.

In addition to changes on its board, Centennial Water welcomed Sam Calkins as its new General Manager in May. Calkins joined Centennial Water in March 2020 as Superintendent of Field Operations and Maintenance and was soon promoted to Director of Water and Wastewater Operations.

Summer ‘22

Calkins is a Certified Water Professional, and Project Management Professional. He has more than 26 years of experience as a United States Army officer, including six years of project management and infrastructure work with the Army Corps of Engineers. Calkins, who lives in Highlands Ranch, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and has earned master’s degrees in Engineering Management, National Security Strategy, and Economics.

Sam Calkins was named Centennial Water General Manager in May.

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S U M M E R 2022

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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 tennis information on Page 10.

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

One of our newest pieces of equipment gets a lot of double-takes and questions from park users passing by. Our robot line painter arrived last spring and is making the work of our sports fields crew more efficient. It’s controlled by GPS and can be programmed to paint any combination of layouts in our parks. As you can imagine, this streamlines the process of painting lines on the 41 football, soccer and lacrosse fields we care for throughout Highlands Ranch.

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/agendas for a meeting schedule. Meetings are currently being held both via Zoom and in person.

The public is encouraged to attend.

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. Monthly board study sessions are held the Tuesday prior to the board meeting at 7:30 a.m. in the same location. Visit centennialwater.org to view a meeting schedule. Meetings are currently being held both via Zoom and in person.

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DCSO’s House Watch program is a great resource

DougCo’s new online wildfire tool

Highlands Ranch = Tree City USA

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

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Are you planning a vacation and looking for someone to help keep an eye on your home? Volunteers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are available, through the House Watch program, to drive by your home and check in to make sure your home looks secure while you’re traveling.

Learn more at bit.ly/39XrXWP.

Know your wildfire risk. Douglas County’s new interactive wildfire map gives you information to prepare for fire mitigation.

Enter your address for a detailed look at the risk where you live and work. Learn more at bit.ly/3sKFGqu.

For the 34th consecutive year, Highlands Ranch has been named a Tree City USA by The Arbor Day Foundation. The national designation honors the community’s commitment to effective urban forest management. The Metro District achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements. Tree City USA communities must maintain a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

For more information about tree care in Highlands Ranch, visit highlandsranch.org/forestry. For information about The National Arbor Day Foundation, visit arborday.org.