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 .

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DIRECTOR SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

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DIRECTOR SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

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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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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