Spring 2023 Messenger

Metro District

National Prescription Drug Take Back Event

Saturday, April 22 — 10 a m . to 2 p .m

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, HR

Rockies Skills Challenge

Wednesday, May 17

Check-in at 5:30 p .m ., begins at 6 p .m . Northridge Park

Renew the Ranch

Saturday, May 20 — 9 to 11 a .m .

Designated parks & open space areas

Memorial Day Service

Monday, May 29 — 11:45 a m

Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument

KidFest

Saturday, June 10 — 9 a m . to noon

Civic Green Park

VOTE IN THE MAY 2 LOCAL DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, Centennial Water & Sanitation District and South Metro Fire Rescue are holding local director elections on May 2 . Each ballot will be separate, and election information is featured in the graphic below .

In the past, the Metro District held director elections in May of even-numbered years, however 2023 marks the first year special district elections change to odd-numbered years Registered voters who live in or own property in each district may vote in each election They may vote for Metro District candidates in any region regardless of the region in which they live or own property To be eligible to run for an open seat, a candidate must reside within the region open for election

Additional election-related information, including absentee ballot applications, are available on our website highlandsranch.org/elections For more information about the Metro District director election, please send an email to info@highlandsranch org The Metro District has served the community since 1981, providing municipal services to Highlands Ranch .

3

DIRECTOR SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

3

DIRECTOR SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

1

SEAT IN HIGHLANDS RANCH

TYPE OF ELECTION: TYPE OF ELECTION: TYPE OF ELECTION:

highlandsranch.org/elections

centennialwater.org/vote

southmetro.org

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

• Community events and volunteer activities

• Managing the Highlands Ranch Mansion

• Street lighting through Xcel Energy

We appreciate the value of volunteers

Volunteers are among our best partners in the community. They are critical in our delivery of high-quality, cost-effective programs.

In a typical year, we have more than 500 volunteer coaches who provide guidance and support for our youth sports programs. These volunteers give more than 15,000 hours of their time to benefit the children in our community.

The Highlands Ranch Mansion has a team of more than 30 dedicated volunteer docents committed to preserving the history and passing on stories of the Mansion and the families who have called the property home.

Volunteer docents provide historic tours to small groups and support open hours as well as community events throughout the year.

Volunteers of all ages give their time to support many community events including KidFest, Ice Cream Social, Holiday Celebration, Arbor Day and Renew the Ranch.

The Metro District Board members are incredibly grateful for the service of our volunteers. Learn more about volunteering with the Metro District by scanning the QR code in the volunteer article on Page 4.

If you have questions about the Metro District Board of Directors, please contact me at randerson@highlandsranch.org.

Renee Anderson Chair, Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors

Director election important to our local community

There are a variety of ways to get involved in your community, but one of the most valuable things you can do is vote in a local election. In our last election in 2022, approximately 2.8% of registered voters cast a ballot.

Why should you make the time to vote for your local elected officials? Local elected officials:

• Set priorities for programs and services in your community

• Set policy

• Approve expenditures

• Establish fees and property tax rates

Mark Dickerson, Vice Chair David Simonson, Treasurer

Andy Jones, Director Eric T. Rysner, Director Carolyn Schierholz, Director Nancy Smith, Director FRONT COVER: Learn about the Metro District’s T-ball, baseball, and softball leagues on Pages 8 and 9.

Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

Voting for elected officials that support your ideas can help ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely.

Beginning in 2023, the election for the Metro District Board of Directors will be held in odd years on the first Tuesday in May.

Our 2023 director election is a polling place election. The polling place is located at 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch, 80129. The polling place will be open Tuesday, May 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you prefer, you can request an absentee ballot be sent to you. To receive an absentee ballot, an application must be submitted by April 25, 2023. The absentee ballot application and more information about the 2023 election can be found at highlandsranch.org/elections

Stephanie Stanley General Manager, Highlands Ranch Metro District

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.

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Instagram Nextdoor

LinkedIn

Metro District Contacts:

Highlands Ranch Metro District

62 Plaza Drive

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Phone: 303-791-0430

Email: info@highlandsranch.org

Metro District Parks, Recreation & Open Space Service Center

3280 Redstone Park Circle

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Phone: 303-791-2710

Email: info@highlandsranch.org

Recreation Contact: Metro District Recreation Services

Phone: 303-791-2710

Fax: 303-470-9516

Email: recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org

2023 Citizens Academy graduates local residents

Earlier this year, 18 Highlands Ranch residents graduated from the seven-week Highlands Ranch Citizens Academy. The group learned about what makes Highlands Ranch tick – and had the opportunity to ask questions of local leaders and elected officials. Citizen engagement – Participants are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback on projects, and share their thoughts about the community’s services.

Education and awareness – Through this seven-week program, participants learn how Highlands Ranch operates, who provides the various services in our unincorporated community, and how the organizations leverage resources and collaborate.

Opportunities for involvement – New and ongoing volunteer and leadership opportunities are shared with program participants. Many graduates of past Citizens Academy programs have become involved by running for elected office, serving as election judges, volunteering and serving on committees in the community.

To learn more about the Citizens Academy, please visit highlandsranch.org/government/citizen-engagement

Volunteer in your local community

Editor: Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager

Contributing Writers:

Beau Bressler, Recreation Coordinator

Emily Johnson, Community Relations Coordinator

Courtney Kuhlen, Community Relations Specialist

Kari Larese, Communications Manager, Centennial Water & Sanitation District

Jodie McCann, AAPS Coordinator

Pam Moisey, Reservations Coordinator

Dave Parks, CPRP, Recreation Supervisor

Carolyn Peters, CPRP, Recreation Manager

Luke Ruter, CYSA, Recreation Coordinator

Brenda Willcutt, Recreation Assistant

©2023 Highlands Ranch Metro District

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? Volunteer at a Highlands Ranch Metro District community event! Whether it’s cleaning up your local park at Renew the Ranch, serving up treats at the Ice Cream Social, or helping kids write letters to Santa at the Holiday Celebration, the Metro District has plenty of fun volunteer opportunities available year round

Register for our volunteer portal to view opportunities and sign up at https:// app.helperhelper.com/ signup/1034 or by scanning the QR code

Officials watch for broader spread of avian flu in area wildlife

As news of avian influenza and bird mortality across the country is on the rise, Metro District staff remains alert to any instances in Highlands Ranch and will report any suspected cases to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There have been a handful of reports in Douglas County since last year’s earliest Colorado cases, and the majority have been in captive wild birds.

What should you do if you find sick or dead birds? If you find three or more dead wild birds in a specific area within a two-week period, or if you see live birds showing clinical signs of disease, please contact our local Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) office. CPW will not be able to respond to all calls and is focusing responses based on surveillance and management priorities.

Learn more at cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/Avian-Influenza.aspx

Senior center construction underway

Residents driving on Highlands Ranch Parkway may have noticed activity taking place east of Broadway. Waner Construction, the general contractor for the Highlands Ranch Senior Center, has mobilized on site. Earthwork was delayed due to weather conditions, but is anticipated to begin in March. Grading operations and site development will be ongoing through the month, with utility installations to follow. Once this work is completed, building construction can begin this spring.

Due to construction, the trail from Broadway to the Foothills Trail connection east of the construction site was closed beginning Feb. 1. The trail will remain closed during the utility phase of development. Staff will evaluate the opportunity to reopen the trail during building construction.

The senior center is expected to be completed in early 2024. Follow project updates at highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter

Not all heroes wear capes

At the January Metro District Board meeting, two members of the Metro District facilities team, Tim Doan and Steve Albert, were recognized for their heroic ice rescue earlier this year

When a park visitor fell through the ice and into the water at Redstone Pond, the two men jumped into action immediately calling 911, throwing a hose out and pulling the woman from the water and across the ice to shore The woman and her dog were unharmed and needed no further medical attention thanks to Tim and Steve’s quick action and decisive thinking The two men were presented with plaques and South Metro Fire Rescue challenge coins for their heroic efforts that saved a life .

Make fun family memories this Mother’s Day

Enjoy a special outing this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, by visiting the Highlands Ranch Mansion during free open hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pack your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the front lawn, take a self-guided tour through the 27,000-square-foot Mansion and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

Tickets or reservations are not required. As a reminder, glass bottles or containers, bringing your own alcohol and dogs are all prohibited on the grounds of the Mansion. The Mansion is located at 9950 E. Gateway Drive. For questions, call 303-791-0177 or visit highlandsranchmansion.com

It’s vital to always stay away from frozen ponds in our community, as even seemingly solid ice can fracture quickly Hypothermia and serious injury can happen within minutes of falling into cold water For more ice safety tips, visit highlandsranch.org/osic.

Forestry team supports our thriving suburban forest

Did you know trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer and more connected communities? The Metro District’s forestry crew of six maintains more than 15,000 trees on our property. This huge task requires knowledge, skill and hard work. Team members have recently incorporated a new tool in their toolbox to keep our suburban forest healthy by earning International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications. This credential requires specialized knowledge in tree risk assessment.

Our forestry technicians evaluate the health, aesthetics and safety concerns for each tree in our system to update our digital inventory. They assign risk ratings to help prioritize maintenance, pruning, plant health care and any necessary removals and replacements.

This winter, the tree risk assessment focus has been within the corridor of the High Line Canal trail that the Metro District maintains. In partnership with the High Line Canal Conservancy, the priority is safety for recreational users and the long-term health of the aging tree canopy. Learn more about trees in Highlands Ranch at highlandsranch.org/forestry

Project updates around the Ranch

Visit highlandsranch.org/projectupdates for information on these and other upcoming projects. For questions, please contact info@highlandsranch.org.

Playground replacement

This year, the 23-year-old playground equipment at Big Dry Creek Park, 9898 Atherton Way, is scheduled to be replaced. Construction is anticipated during late summer. To help renew aging equipment, the Metro District schedules one playground replacement each year. Staff considers the condition of existing equipment and available budget when planning replacements. Join Metro District staff for a neighborhood meeting at the playground on April 6 from 5-7 p.m. to learn more and share your feedback.

Batting cage equipment replacement

The batting cages at Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle, will be getting an upgrade this spring as brand-new equipment is installed. The Batter Up! Batting Cages originally opened in 2001, and the aging equipment required almost daily repairs last season. All core components will be replaced, including the elevator, motors, pitching arms and hopper. The work is expected to be completed before opening day on Saturday, April 8. The facility sells more than 5,600 baseball, fast-pitch softball, and slow-pitch softball rounds annually, not including season passes and special rentals.

Pickleball courts

The Metro District and South Suburban Parks & Recreation are pursuing a partnership opportunity to build and operate a new outdoor pickleball facility near the southwest corner of S. Broadway and County Line Road. The boards of both districts have agreed to hire a consultant to complete design and construction plans with a cost projection to help determine if it is possible to proceed with construction at this site.

Plum Valley Park basketball court renovation

This spring, the basketball court at Plum Valley Park, 10230 Westridge Village Parkway, will undergo renovation. It will be relocated away from tree roots that have caused damage, converted from asphalt to concrete and expanded to regulation size. Construction is anticipated during April and May, and parking may be affected during weekdays in this timeframe.

Dog park shade structures replacement

Eight new permanent shade structures have been designed to replace the current shade sails at the Metro District’s four dog parks. Installation is planned to begin during late spring with completion anticipated in July. The dog parks are located near Dad Clark, Foothills, Highland Heritage and Redstone parks.

Mansion bowling alley rehabilitation

Clean-up of the Highlands Ranch Mansion’s bowling alley is anticipated this spring. The bowling alley is in the low, stone building to the east of the Mansion’s primary structure. It is believed to have been built by former Mansion owner John Springer sometime prior to 1910, and over the years has fallen into disrepair.

While it wasn’t exactly common to have your own residential bowling alley, it also wasn’t unusual for a high class, wealthy, turn-of-the-century family to build one for entertainment purposes. The bowler would stand on the south side of the building, where there was a small fireplace for warmth, and bowl toward the north end. At the end of the lane, someone else would be situated to manually reset any fallen pins and push the ball back down the ball return track. The purpose of the rehabilitation project is not to restore the single lane alley to a condition suitable for bowling, but rather to make the entry to the building safe for historic tour visitors to get a peek into the past. The Metro District is partnering on this project with the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation, which enhances community projects and supports historic preservation at the Mansion. More information will be shared at highlandsranchmansion.com

Channel stabilization

The Metro District, in partnership with Mile High Flood District, has begun construction to restore a portion of West Fork Big Dry Creek downstream of Cresthill Lane. This project will stabilize a section of the channel experiencing bank erosion and degradation due to storm runoff and base flows from homes and development. The increased flows have widened the channel, resulting in vertical banks and degraded riparian habitat. Construction began in January 2023 and the project is scheduled to be completed this June. The adjacent Links Golf Course will remain open during construction, but individuals should stay out of all work zones.

Fence maintenance planned along parkways

Preparation and power washing for this year’s parkway fence staining project is expected to begin in March, followed by staining during mid-April. It is expected to take about two months to complete, weather dependent.

Almost five miles of Metro District-owned fence along Foothills Canyon, Gateway Drive, and Poston Parkway will be stained this year. Letters have been sent to adjacent homeowners informing them of the staining schedule. As a reminder, the Metro District only stains the street side of the fence. Homeowners with adjacent property can also help improve the longevity of parkway fences.

• Landscape materials such as mulch, rocks, etc., are not allowed within one foot of parkway fence. These materials will damage the fence and shorten its lifespan.

• Property owners are not allowed to attach anything to parkway fence. This includes holiday lights, holiday décor, satellite dishes, birdhouses, etc.

More than 42 miles of parkway fence winds through Highlands Ranch, and ongoing maintenance is part of the Metro District’s commitment to keep the community wellmaintained and attractive. The fence program only applies to Metro District-owned fence along the parkways and does not have any affect on individual homeowner’s fences. If you have any questions about the Metro District’s fence program, please visit highlandsranch.org/fence

We’re hiring - Join our amazing seasonal crew

All of our seasonal positions offer you the opportunity to work outdoors with a dedicated and experienced group of park and recreation professionals who maintain the beautiful parks, facilities and landscape along major streets In addition, our seasonals help to support a multitude of outdoor recreation programs

More than 100 seasonal positions are available now through November with varying skill levels, responsibilities and schedule flexibility To view our exciting and rewarding seasonal opportunities, please visit our online Career Center at highlandsranch.org/apply

Advance registration is required at least one week prior to program at highlandsranch.org/signmeup.

Fee: Highlands Ranch Resident: $10 Nonresident: $12 (Discounted group rates available )

Wildlife Detectives Ages 7-10

Highlands Ranch Metro District Nature Camp Ages 7-10 June 19-23 or July 17-21

p.m.

Cops and Bobbers

Ages 6-14

Friday, May 19

8-11 a.m.

Saturday, July 15 8-11 a.m.

Sunday, May 28 12:30-2 p.m.

Introduction to Geocaching Ages 11-14

Sunday, June 11 Noon-2 p.m.

Does your child like to fish, explore the outdoors and learn about wildlife? Then this is the camp for them! Two sessions of week-long Nature Camp are offered each summer from 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Fly’n B Park.

Fee: Resident: $130 Nonresident: $150

Don’t miss out on free Pop-Up Nature Centers in our parks! Follow our Facebook page for future dates and locations.

@HighlandsRanchMetroDistrict

Visit highlandsranch.org/signmeup to learn more details and register

The Metro District continuously evaluates programs to provide quality activities for our participants For more information about program specifics, please call 303-791-2710 or email recreationinfo@highlandsranch org

Scholarships are available for youth recreation programs, thanks to support from the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation For information, visit highlandsranch.org/scholarships

YOUTH SPORTS

Rugby

Ages 5-17

Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays beginning May 1; games are Saturdays

Fee: $190 Flag $220 Tackle $220 Middle school girls tackle

Some age groups have weight limitations Please visit highlandsranch.org or ranchrugby.org for details

Registration deadline: Monday, April 24

Lacrosse

Introductory Lacrosse Programs

Ages 6-14

All games held at Marcy Park lower field

Fee: Resident: $75 Nonresident: $86

Spring – April 8, 15, 22, 29 10-11 a .m

Registration deadline: Friday, March 31

Summer – July 8, 15, 22, 29 10-11 a .m

Registration deadline: Friday, June 30

Youth Learn to Play

Learn to Play Disc Golf – Ages 8-12

Fee: Resident: $15 Nonresident: $18

Thursday, June 8 4-5 p m West Fork Disc Golf Course

Registration deadline: Friday before class begins

Skyhawks Sports Camps

Ages 4-14

For descriptions, activity numbers, and to register for a Skyhawks Sports Camp, visit highlandsranch.org .

Registration for Skyhawks programs will be accepted until camp is full or seven days before the camp starts

Start Smart Sports – NEW

Ages 3-5

Kids and parents will learn the fundamental skills of the sport, while having fun and making new friends .

Fee: Resident: $85 Nonresident: $97

Thursdays, June 1-29

Soccer 8:15-9 a m Redstone Park Baseball 9:15-10 a m Redstone Park

Registration deadline: Thursday, May 25

T-ball, Baseball & Softball

Youth T-ball, Baseball, & Girls Softball – Summer

Last chance to register for the 2023 season

Ages 4-14 (Age as of July 31, 2023)

Fee: Ranges from $96 – $165 depending on age and league division League runs from May 22-Aug 5

View all league details and full descriptions at highlandsranch.org/ baseballsoftball or call the recreation staff at 303-791-2710 .

Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 18 or until leagues are full

Weekday T-ball League – Ages 4-6 (Age as of July 31, 2023)

This T-ball league has no Saturday games

Fee: Resident: $86 Nonresident: $99

Registration deadline: Friday, May 5 or until leagues are full Choose either a Monday/Wednesday league or a Tuesday/Thursday league May 31-July 13

Baseball & Softball Clinics

The Metro District is proud to offer clinics in association with Diamond Club Training

Skills Clinic – Ages 6-14

Fee: Resident: $60 Nonresident: $69

Sunday, April 23 9 a m -noon Redstone Park

Pitching Clinic – Ages 7-14

Fee: Resident: $50 Nonresident: $57

Sunday, April 23 1-3 p m Redstone Park

Registration deadline: Monday, April 19

Summer Baseball Camp – Ages 7-12

Fee: Resident: $135 Nonresident: $155

May 30-June 1 9 a m -noon Northridge Park

July 17-19 9 a m -noon Redstone Park

Registration deadline: Monday before camp starts

Fall Competitive Youth Baseball – Ages 7-14, Team Registration Only

Season runs from Aug 7 to Oct 29

Team Fee:* Ages 7-8: $1,650 per team

Ages 9-10: $1,850 per team

Ages 11-14: $2,000 per team

*Age as of May 1, 2024

To register a team, contact Luke Ruter at 720-240-5912 .

Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 25

Draft Day for individual players will be held Sunday, July 30 at Redstone Park

Youth

Baseball & Softball Umpires Needed

A great summer job! Please visit highlandsranch.org/jobs to learn more and to apply

Horseback Riding Lessons

– Youth & Adult

All lessons will be held at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables, 7479 W Titan Road

For descriptions and program dates, visit highlandsranch.org

Saturday Intro to Horses - Ages 8-Adult

Kiddie Corral - Ages 5-7

Beginning & Intermediate Horsemanship - Ages 8-15

for our programs

Shop Day Coming

May 12-15 at all Denver

Metro area locations

Save 20% on all your baseball or softball needs and items throughout the store.

Flag Football

Fall Youth Flag Football Leagues

Kindergarten-eighth grade

Fee: Resident: $142 Nonresident: $163

*An end-of-season tournament is included for 3rd-8th grade leagues

Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 7

Preseason Fall Flag Football Camp

Ages 5-14

Fee: Resident: $30 Nonresident: $35

Saturday, Aug 5 9 a .m -noon

Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 3

Spirit Team

Ages 4-14

The Metro District partners with Dance Athletics-Denver to provide spirit team to complement our youth flag football league .

Team Fee: $75 Uniform Fee: $110 (Team & uniform fees payable to Dance Athletics)

Fee: Resident: $145 Nonresident: $167

Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 14

Skateboarding

SkateStart Level 1

Ages 5-12

Fee: Resident: $60 Nonresident: $69

June 24 9-10:30 a m Tanks Park

July 8 9-10:30 a m Tanks Park

SkateStart Skatecamp

Ages 6-14

Fee: Resident: $80 Nonresident: $92

June 26-28 9 a m -noon Redstone Park

July 31- Aug . 2 9 a .m -noon Redstone Park

Registration deadlines: Friday before class begins

Track & Field

CARA Youth Track & Field

Ages 5-16

Fee: Resident: $120 Nonresident: $138

Practices are held Mon /Wed or Tues /Thurs beginning June 5

Meets are held on Saturdays

Registration deadline: Monday, May 22

ADULT SPORTS

Golf Golf Lessons - Get Out and Play

Classes will be held at The Links Golf Course, 5815 E Gleneagles Village Parkway

Fee: Resident: $175 Nonresident: $200

Space is limited to six per class.

Wednesdays, June 7-28 7-8:15 p m

Thursdays, July 20-Aug . 10 6:45-8 p m

Bocce Ball

Programs will be held at Northridge Park, 8800 S Broadway

Learn to Play

Fee: Resident: $20 Nonresident: $23

Wednesday, June 14 6-7 p m

Registration deadline: Friday, June 9

Wednesday Mixed Leagues

Fee: Resident: $40 Nonresident: $46

(The fee is per person and includes six weeks, plus tournament )

Spring league begins Wednesday, April 12

Summer league begins Wednesday, June 21

Registration deadline: Friday before the league begins

Pickleball

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

Learn to Play

Fee: Resident: $20 Nonresident: $23

Thursday, June 8 9-10:30 a m

Doubleheader Leagues

Fee: Resident: $50 Nonresident: $57 (fee is per person)

Registration opens at noon on May 3

Beginner League (0-1.5) League begins Tuesday, June 13

Intermediate League (2.0-3.0) League begins Wednesday, June 14

Advanced League (3.5+) League begins Thursday, June 15

Registration deadlines: Friday, June 2

Adult Softball

Summer & Fall Adult Softball

Leagues are offered for both the summer and fall season

Please visit our league website at quickscores.com/hrmd for detailed information . To register, contact Beau Bressler at 720-240-5934 or bbressler@highlandsranch .org or visit highlandsranch.org

Summer leagues start the week of May 14 Fall leagues start the week of Aug 20

Registration deadline: Summer: Thursday, May 4 Fall: Thursday, Aug. 10

Free Agent Sign-Up

Visit the Metro District’s league website at quickscores.com/hrmd or contact Beau Bressler at 720-240-5934 or bbressler@highlandsranch org

Kickball

WASA Coed Adult Kickball Leagues

Games will be played Thursday nights beginning April 20 Register for leagues at wasasports.com.

In partnership with

Park shelter reservations

Celebrate at a Highlands Ranch park

Easily request a park shelter reservation online

Visit highlandsranch.org/reservations to submit an online request. If you need assistance, please contact our reservation coordinator at pmoisey@highlandsranch.org or 720-240-5932.

• 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 requires special permitting.

• Please review park rules prior to submitting your request.

Picnic Packs

Bring a bag of fun to your party

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.

Welcome to your Lebsack tennis community!

Courts are open year-round for regular play (weather permitting) .

9325 Foothills Canyon Blvd Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 720-261-3503 or 303.791.2348

psparer tennis@gmail com lebsacktennis.com

Lebsack Tennis Center is a public tennis facility owned by the Metro District All programs are administered by Mile High Performance Tennis

2023 fee schedule

Juniors and adult programs are staffed by USTPA-certified instructors and offered March - November, including:

• Adult USTA/CTA leagues

• USTA Junior Team Tennis

• Small group instructional classes

• Weekly adult drop-in drills

• Juniors’ high performance drills

• Private and semi-private lessons

• Adult “Top Dog” doubles leagues

• Monthly socials

For program information and registration, or to reserve a court, please visit lebsacktennis.com, or download the Playbypoint smartphone app Follow us on Instagram @lebsacktennis for information and updates

2023 USTA/CTA adult league team tennis registration now open

Leaks are one of the top water wasters in your home

Think your kids use too much water? They’ve got nothing on a leaky toilet. Even small toilet leaks can waste more than 100 gallons of water per day.

To check for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank, wait 15 minutes, then check if the toilet bowl changes color. If it does, you’ve got a leak.

Get rewarded for making water smart investments in your landscape

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to put a game plan together for your summer landscape. By taking steps to conserve water, you can get rewarded through Centennial Water’s rebate and incentive programs. In addition, Centennial Water partners with Resource Central to offer customers the opportunity to purchase low-water garden kits, or sign up for a free irrigation audit.

Rebate and incentive programs:

Turf replacement – convert water-thirsty plant materials, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, into a water wise landscape. A rebate for up to 1,000 square feet is available, exact dollar amount is dependent on replacement material.

• $1.50/sq. ft. for ColoradoScape

• $1.00/sq. ft. for low-water use turf: Dog Tuff, Tahoma 31, etc.

• $.75/sq. ft. for hardscape or artificial turf

High-efficiency nozzle retrofit – replace less efficient, traditional fixed spray nozzles with more efficient rotary nozzles. A rebate of $3 per nozzle is available.

Smart controller – upgrade to a smart irrigation controller, any brand is acceptable. A rebate up to $75 is available.

Rain sensor – install a rain sensor to interrupt the normal watering schedule when it rains. Residential customers may be eligible for a rebate up to $25.

Visit centennialwater.org/rebates for more information about the programs above.

Don’t forget to vote this May

Centennial Water & Sanitation District is governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors. On May 2, three at-large seats are up for election. Elected board members will serve a four-year term, expiring in 2027.

Registered voters who live in or own property in the district boundary may vote in the election. The election is a polling place and absentee ballot election. To vote by mail, complete a request for absentee ballot form and submit it to Centennial Water by close of business April 25. The form is available on the Centennial Water website at centennialwater.org/vote

Polling place: Hendrick Office Building

62 Plaza Drive

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Ballot box: Douglas County ballot drop boxes, Highlands Ranch locations

• Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch Substation

• Highlands Ranch Metro District Service Center

• Highlands Ranch motor vehicle office

• Douglas County Park and Trails Division, at Highland Heritage Regional Park

To learn more about the election, including candidate information, visit centennialwater.org/vote

Resource Central programs:

Garden In A Box – plant a beautiful, low-water Garden In A Box. The gardens are an easy, professionally designed, do-it-yourself garden kit. Each kit includes 14-30 starter plants accompanied by a plant by number map that makes it easy install in your landscape. Visit resourcecentral.org/gardens to shop gardens.

Slow the Flow – get a free irrigation audit that will reveal the efficiency of your irrigation system. When complete, you will receive a summary report within 24 hours of your appointment detailing the findings and recommended new watering schedule. Visit resourcecentral.org/sprinklers to schedule an appointment.

2023

SPRING Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects Local Government Updates Messenger HIGHLANDS RANCH 25 TH ANNIVERSARY Celebrating our history, building our future

Highlands Ranch Metro District

62 Plaza Drive

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

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 Highlands Ranch Metro District A Publication Providing Information About:

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

Douglas Has Heart Info just a click away

We understand that residents and businesses of Highlands Ranch and Douglas County are compassionate and want to help people experiencing homelessness. We also realize that handouts don’t help. Douglas County’s goal is to redirect kindness and generosity to countywide resources in support of the unsheltered.

Give safely through DouglasHasHeart.org. For help, call your compassionate law enforcement at 303-660-7301. Find more information at douglas.co.us/homeless-initiative/heart/

Report a Concern

Examples of issues that we encourage residents to share with us include broken sprinklers, graffiti, tree damage, wildlife issues and more. Visit highlandsranch.org/report to submit information to our staff, so that we can respond and get the problem addressed quickly.