Summer 2023 Messenger

Searching for the perfect venue?

The Highlands Ranch Mansion is now booking weddings, private events and celebrations through 2024.

Please call 303-791-0177 for information about renting the Mansion for your once in a lifetime occasion.

Laura Murray Photography

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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

• Street lighting through Xcel Energy

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Highlands Ranch is Where Community Grows

Since the tornado hit Highlands Ranch on June 22, causing destruction to property across more than a six-mile swath, I have been fortunate to see thousands of people come together across the community. Residents who experienced damage have jumped in to help neighbors. First responders were there when we needed them, serving us at the most critical time.

Volunteers from across the region have given their time and talents to saw large trees that were lost to the tornado and high winds. Our staff has worked as a cohesive team to address damage on our public lands, including parks, open space and parkways, and to share information about expanded services and vital resources. Metro District employees have partnered with fellow service providers here in Douglas County and across the Front Range – and we appreciate the generous support and collaboration of each and every organization. Douglas County and the Highlands Ranch Community Association are partners we enjoy collaborating with on a regular basis – and those relationships have been strengthened during this challenging time. Learn about all of our valuable partnerships from the storm by visiting highlandsranch.org/stormdamage

The theme of National Parks & Recreation Month this July is “Where Community Grows”, and I cannot think of a better way to illustrate this theme than the valuable experiences we’ve gone through this summer. Our community has grown since the tornado, and we are collectively stronger since June 22.

I encourage you to get involved in our special community. Get plugged in and stay updated on news, events and activities throughout Highlands Ranch by visiting highlandsranch.org/news

This truly has been an unprecedented time for Highlands Ranch, and I’m proud of the strong sense of community I’ve witnessed over the last several weeks. Simply put, I’m very proud to call Highlands Ranch my home – and to call you my neighbors.

Renee Anderson Chair, Highlands Ranch Metro District Board of Directors

Survey results help to shape planning

Thank you to all who participated in our 2023 citizens survey. I am happy to report the survey results indicate Highlands Ranch is a highly desirable place to live. In most of the overall community characteristics, the Metro District rated higher than national and Front Range benchmarks. While we are very proud of the high marks, the board and staff recognize we need to stay in touch with the needs of the community now and into the future.

To help inform the Metro District Board, we took a different approach in designing the survey this year. Survey questions focused on amenities residents want in the community and if their need for those amenities is being met. Enjoying nature in our parks and on our trails ranked both amongst the highest need and also amongst the highest in need met. The results also provided us with some areas to explore further including mountain biking opportunities, living history facilities and programs, indoor meeting space, and transportation options through the Regional Transportation District (RTD).

I invite you to explore the full survey results on our website. We highly value feedback from the community and would love to hear your thoughts. You can share input at a monthly board meeting or via email at info@highlandsranch.org.

Stephanie Stanley General Manager, Highlands Ranch Metro District

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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.

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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

Recovery from June’s tornado continues

In the days after June’s destructive tornado and storm, the soundtrack in many Highlands Ranch neighborhoods was that of chainsaws. Residents and volunteers worked together to clean up thousands of fallen trees, fences and other property damage. We are appreciative of our community partners, surrounding jurisdictions that pitched in, and everyone who rolled up their sleeves to help.

Unlike past storms that created significant tree limb damage due to winds or heavy snowfall, this storm brought an entirely different level of cleanup never before experienced in our community. The large sizes of the toppled trees, the extensive damage to fences and the significant voids in the landscape have necessitated various stages and phases of cleanup that are still going on today. The final phase, after all of the cleanup, will likely involve getting fences restored, holes in the ground filled, turf and mulch replaced, and many new trees planted.

For the latest updates, please visit highlandsranch.org/stormdamage

Are we prepared for a wildfire event?

By Selena Silva, South Metro Fire Rescue

Editor: Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager

Contributing Writers:

Beau Bressler, Recreation Coordinator

Jill Hall, Senior Services Manager

Emily Johnson, Community Relations Coordinator

Courtney Kuhlen, Community Relations Specialist

Kari Larese, Communications Manager, Centennial Water & Sanitation District

Jodie McCann, Health & Resource 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

Wildfires have become an increasingly common occurrence in many parts of the world, and Colorado is no exception. While most people tend to associate wildfires with remote forests or grasslands, the truth is that they can pose a significant threat to urban areas as well. In fact, urban areas in Colorado are particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to a combination of factors such as dry weather, high winds, and a significant amount of nearby vegetation. Therefore, it’s important to prepare for wildfire in urban Colorado areas. South Metro Fire Rescue has a comprehensive emergency response plan designed to respond to wildfires quickly and effectively. But we are much stronger when we work together!

Do Your Part

Mitigation is effective in protecting families and property from low- and moderate-intensity wildfires. All property owners benefit from keeping their property clean and green with the following urban area mitigation tips:

• Water adequately.

• Selectively prune to reduce plant density while maintaining age diversity.

• Remove dead leaves and needles from gutters regularly.

• Remove dead leaves, branches, twigs, needles from the base of exterior walls and from under decking.

• Keep all vegetation watered, free of dead material and maintained.

• Trim vegetation away from the structure: all branches should be no closer than 10 feet from the structure, including the roofline and deck.

Read the full article at highlandsranch.org under News

Upcoming events at the Highlands Ranch Mansion

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E Gateway Drive.

Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days

Friday, Sept. 8 & Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Metro District and the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) are partnering to present this year’s event, which brings the old west to life. Children are offered a variety of hands-on educational opportunities as great ways to engage in local history.

Spirits with the Spirits Mansion Tours

Each Wednesday in October from 6:30-9 p.m. Ages 21+ can enjoy spirits of the boozy kind while exploring the history, mystery and lore of the Mansion. Our docents will guide you through dimly lit halls and historic rooms to share real-life tales and mysterious spine-chilling experiences collected throughout the years. Ticket sales begin Aug. 15.

Last Stop at the Mansion

Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6:30-9 p.m.

What are you doing after trick-or-treating this year?

End your Halloween night with a free outdoorsonly event on the front lawn of the Mansion. A DJ will be playing Halloween music and a cash bar will have drinks available for purchase. This event is free. Reservations are not required.

Landmark Lectures:

Lost Mansions of Denver

Monday, Nov. 13 from 7-9 p.m.

Join architectural historian Amy Zimmer, author of Denver’s Historic Homes and Lost Denver, for a journey back in time to experience some of the city’s grandest homes that now are only a memory. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with self-guided tours, appetizers and a cash bar available. Ticket sales begin Sept. 1.

For ticketed events, visit highlandsranchmansion.com/events-andprograms to purchase.

Please note the annual Holiday Celebration at the Mansion will not be held this year. The Metro District is partnering with the Highlands Ranch Community Association to present Holiday in the Ranch in the Highlands Ranch Town Center. Learn more at highlandsranch.org/events or hrcaonline.org

Zach Cartaya named to key director role

The Highlands Ranch Metro District and Centennial Water and Sanitation District hired Zachary Cartaya as the new Director of Finance and Administration.

Cartaya has more than 15 years of professional experience in corporate and public finance. He comes from the City and County of Denver, where he held a variety of leadership positions in its Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

As Director of Finance, Cartaya will manage fiscal policies, systems and records for the two organizations. He will serve as chief financial officer and advisor to the general managers and boards of directors.

“With the many opportunities that lie ahead, Zach’s strong expertise in capital asset management, financial planning and budgeting will help lead us forward as organizations and will continue the strong financial management both districts are proud of,” said Metro District General Manager Stephanie Stanley.

“With my 15 years of private and public sector financial experience, I hope to ensure the continued success of both districts through operational discipline and using data to drive decisions,” said Cartaya. “My experience has also driven my personal ethos of ‘only the exceptional is acceptable’ and I am so excited to deliver exceptional results for both districts.”

Event collaboration expands

This year’s community events presented by the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Highlands Ranch Community Association will look a bit different – as the two organizations that serve the community will be collaborating on three signature community events.

The Metro District and the HRCA have partnered for many years on a variety of events, activities and initiatives, but collaboration is expanding on this year’s events.

“The staff of our two organizations are working together to plan and present three key community events this year – the annual Independence Day Parade, Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days and Holiday in the Ranch,” said Metro District Board Chair Renee Anderson. “We’re excited to bring our staff, resources and ideas together for the benefit of our community,” Anderson added. “I look forward to seeing more great experiences and memories created at these community events.”

Learn more about upcoming Highlands Ranch community events, and how to get involved, at highlandsranch.org/events and at hrcaonline.org/classes-campsactivities/events

Historic bowling alley opens to public

On May 31, the Metro District, the Highlands Ranch Mansion and the Highlands Ranch Park and Recreation Foundation celebrated a ribbon cutting and open house for the Mansion’s 113-year-old bowling alley The bowling lane still shows the wear and tear of its history –complete with missing planks and aged wooden ball returns – but the entrance to the building is now open to welcome historic tour visitors To learn more about guided historic tours during Mansion open hours and to view the current schedule, visit highlandsranchmansion.com

Senior center construction continues

Construction of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center continues with a projected completion of early 2024. Rainy conditions this spring delayed the start of retaining wall construction, but walls have been completed below the west access road.

Crews have finished excavating for the twotiered retaining wall running along the north side of the site and have begun drilling and pouring concrete building piers.

Excavation for the water quality pond has been completed and construction of the pond outlet structures is underway. Storm sewer construction for site drainage to the pond is almost complete.

As progress continues at the site, the Metro District is excited to announce that expanded programs for older adults begin this fall. Flip to the Senior Center insert in the middle of this issue to learn more about ongoing activities, what’s in our future and other inaugural membership details. Learn more about the senior center at highlandsranch.org/seniorcenter

Meet Senior Services Manager Jill Hall

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is pleased to introduce Jill Hall as the Metro District’s first Senior Services Manager. With more than 30 years of experience managing senior facilities and programs, Hall will oversee the operation of the Highlands Ranch Senior Center, which will be owned and operated by the Metro District.

“I am very excited to be an integral part of the new Highlands Ranch Senior Center and expanding the existing senior services programs. My experience overseeing the operation of 21 senior centers in Baltimore County, Maryland, and serving as the current chair of the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC), will ensure Highlands Ranch seniors have a diverse array of physical, social, health, enrichment, leadership and volunteer opportunities in which to participate, as well as access to community and county resources and support,” Hall said.

Hall recently moved to Colorado after working for the last 15 years as the Division Chief, Senior Centers and Community Services for the Baltimore County Department of Aging in Towson, Maryland.

Get to know Senior Resource Deputy Ryan Falkner

Ryan Falkner is the Senior Resource Deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). He has worked for the DCSO for 15 years. During that time, he has been assigned to the jail, inmate transportation, court security, patrol, and now community resources. He has also been on special teams such as S.O.R.T. (SWAT for the jail), S.D.U. (Riot Control) and the wildland fire crew. He was the corporal for court security before taking on this role.

Deputy Falkner took this position to pursue his passion as Senior Resource Deputy. He has the utmost respect for previous generations, as he recognizes their efforts to make his generation better.

The focus of his position is to educate and inform older adults, staff members, and loved ones to minimize victimization of senior citizens. He shares information through social media, websites, brochures, one-on-one consultation and group classes. He is up to date on crime trends in Douglas County and focuses on being in the community as much as possible. Deputy Falkner can be reached at rfalkner@dcsheriff.net.

Dennis Donovan retires from forestry supervisor role after 31 years

Metro District Forestry Supervisor Dennis Donovan, together with his forestry crew members, has literally grown a healthy suburban forest in Highlands Ranch over the last three decades. Even in spite of the recent tornado and storm damage, Highlands Ranch has a beautiful tree canopy to be proud of.

Back in 1992, Donovan started with the Metro District as a forestry technician. At that time, two full-time forestry employees focused on conducting damage control on the small trees growing along sidewalks throughout the community.

“Things really took off in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the Metro District experienced exponential landscape growth along the parkways, and the business park was created,” said Donovan. “There was a huge influx of new landscape that required maintenance of young trees once they became Metro District property.”

An ongoing achievement for Donovan and his crew has been the Tree City USA program, which was initiated in 1988. The Metro District has consistently received the recognition for 35 years, and considers the award a point of pride.

“Collectively, as a forestry program, we’ve worked hard to create more species diversity within the community’s tree inventory,” added Donovan. “Initially there was a limited palette of coniferous and deciduous trees planted in the community. Through natural events over time, it was better to create a more diverse population of tree species.”

Donovan explains that he’s learned a lot from all the arborists he’s worked with over the years. “The work is extremely dangerous and it takes a special skill to learn proper technique and safety skills, cutting techniques, and climbing techniques. I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work here,” Donovan concluded.

The Metro District thanks Dennis for his many contributions to our community. We wish him a rewarding and enjoyable retirement.

Project updates around the Ranch

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

Marcy Gulch Trail

Design has been completed and construction is expected to begin this summer on an extension to the Marcy Gulch Trail. The extension will connect Wildcat Reserve Parkway to Douglas County’s East/West Regional Trail, west of Mountain Vista High School.

The trail is primarily natural surface and less than a mile long. It will provide more connectivity to the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Backcountry trails and the popular Douglas County East/ West Regional Trail that winds through Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines, Lone Tree and Parker.

Parkway landscape conversion sites

2023 is the third full season of the Metro District’s parkway landscape conversion program. In an effort to move to more sustainable maintenance practices, the Metro District, with support from Centennial Water & Sanitation District and South Metro Fire Rescue, is identifying areas of bluegrass along the parkways to convert to more drought tolerant landscaping. This year’s new sites total about an acre of landscaping and are located near: Montclair Drive and Highlands Ranch Parkway, Spring Hill Drive and Highlands Ranch Parkway, and Town Center Drive and Lucent Boulevard. Annually as sites are installed and become established, the work to keep them looking nice does not end. Periodic mowing, weed management, irrigation checks, filling in bare spots, and replacing dead plant material are all expected components of a continued maintenance program. Although Mother Nature can sometimes throw curveballs, staff and contractors are committed to keeping these sites looking healthy and attractive. Learn more and view a map of all conversion sites at highlandsranch.org/parkwayconversion

Parkway fence replacement

More than 42 miles of Metro District-owned parkway fence winds through the community along major two- and four-lane arterial roads in Highlands Ranch. Each year, sections of fence are identified for replacement. Pending Metro District Board of Directors approval, the following areas are proposed for replacement late this year and early next year:

Late 2023: Both sides of Wildcat Reserve Parkway from S. Broadway (near the Stonebury neighborhood) to Fairview Parkway.

Playground at Big Dry Creek Park

This year, the 23-year-old playground equipment at Big Dry Creek Park, 9898 Atherton Way, is scheduled to be replaced. During spring public input meetings at the playground, users shared their feedback on what amenities they would like, including taller equipment, slides, swings, climbing structures and a variety of overhead elements. A design from The PlayWell Group was chosen based on user feedback. Users also expressed a strong interest for poured-in-place rubber surfacing as opposed to the current wood chip surfacing. This type of surfacing requires certain temperatures while it’s being installed, so the project timeline has been developed to accommodate that. The playground is anticipated to close in August for demolition and construction, and should reopen this fall.

Early 2024: Both sides of Wildcat Reserve Parkway from Fairview Parkway to S. University Boulevard.

For more information about Metro District-owned fence, visit highlandsranch.org/fence

Open space management

The Metro District is permanently closing access to the user-made path at Chadsworth Lane, east of Mountain Vista High School and Mountain Ridge Middle School. While residents provided feedback both for and against the path remaining, it proved to be in an unviable location. The path crossed a gulch with steep grades on both sides and use had caused significant erosion. A new fence will be installed to block access, and open space staff will begin the process of restoring vegetation in the area.

New water-wise landscaping featured

During May, new water-wise landscaping was installed around the Metro District Service Center at Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle.

A combination of 482 new trees, shrubs and perennials were the last remaining phase of the building’s renovation, which was largely completed in 2021. Special focus was placed on the landscape design to reduce water use over time as the plants become established.

A blend of native short prairie grasses replaced Kentucky bluegrass. The alternative mix is also used in some of the Metro District’s parkway landscape conversions, and it should require an average of 15 inches of water per year compared to the 27 inches required by bluegrass. The alternative grass blend includes a variety of seeds that will provide visual interest throughout the year. In addition to requiring less water, the new grass will also require less mowing and maintenance.

“You have to be patient with native grasses, because they can take 2-3 years to fully establish when grown from seed. But it pays dividends in the end,” said Lance Larios, park planner.

A wide variety of other plants were used to increase biodiversity and support pollinators and wildlife. The project showcases what can grow well in Highlands Ranch, look beautiful and conserve water. Learn more, including a list of plants used, at highlandsranch.org/projectupdates

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

The Metro District continuously evaluates programs to provide quality activities for participants For more information about program specifics, please contact 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 PROGRAMS

Baseball

Fall Competitive Baseball

Ages 7 – 14

Practices begin the week of Aug 7 Games begin Aug 20

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; remainder of balance due by Aug. 18.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 25

Draft Day

Individual players looking to join a fall team can attend draft day on Sunday, July 30 at Redstone Park 7-10-year-olds, 9-10:30 a m ; 11-14-year-olds, 11 a .m -12:30 p .m You must register using Activity #201117-1 Participants attending draft day are not guaranteed to be placed on a team.

Fall Coed Coach Pitch

Ages 5-6

Practices begin the week of Aug . 28 .

Fee: Resident: $110 Nonresident: $115

Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 25

Flag Football

Fall Youth Flag Football

Coed Kindergarten-Eighth Grade

Practices begin the week of Aug 21 and games start Saturday, Sept . 9

Fee: Resident: $142 Nonresident: $163

Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 7

Preseason Clinic

Boys and Girls Ages 5-14

Saturday, Aug 5 9 a m .-noon

at Halftime Help Stadium

Fee: Resident: $30 Nonresident: $35

Registration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 3

In partnership with

Cheerleading Spirit

Team

Fridays, Aug . 25-Oct . 27

Uniform Sizing Date: Aug 18, 6 p m

Fee: Resident: $145 Nonresident: $167

Team Fee: $75 paid directly to Dance Athletics; includes cheer bow, T-shirt and other accessories

Uniform Fee: $110 paid directly to Dance Athletics (new athletes or those needing a new uniform only; includes cheer uniform and poms)

Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 14

Lacrosse

Intro to Lacrosse

Ages 6 – 14

Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 10-11 a m Marcy Park Lower

Fee: Resident: $75 Nonresident: $86

Registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 1

Skateboarding

Required equipment: Helmet and closed-toed shoes

SkateStart Level 1

Ages 5 – 12

Fee: Resident: $50 Nonresident: $58

Saturday, Sept 16 9-10:30 a m Tanks Park

Saturday, Sept . 30 9-10:30 a .m Tanks Park

Registration deadline: Friday before class

SkateStart Skatecamps

Ages 6 – 14

Fee: Resident: $60 Nonresident: $69

Monday, Oct 16 9 a m -noon Redstone Park

Registration deadline: Friday before class

Rugby Fall Youth Rugby

Ages 8 – 12

Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays

Season runs September through October

Fee: New player: $185 Returning TRY player: $125

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 18

Cross Country Fall CARA Cross Country

Ages 7 – 14 (age as of Oct. 31, 2023)

Practices Tuesday and Thursday, 6-7 p m at Redstone Park, starting Aug 15

Fee: Resident: $72 Nonresident: $82

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 11

Summer Sports Camps

Skyhawks Sports Camps

Ages 4-14

Camps are held the weeks of July 17-21 and July 24-28 . For descriptions, activity numbers, and to register visit highlandsranch.org

Registration deadline: Friday before camp starts

for our programs.

ADULT PROGRAMS Bocce Ball

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

Learn to Play

Wednesday, Aug 16 6-7 p m

Fee: Resident: $20 Nonresident: $23

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 11

Mixed League

Begins Wednesday, Aug . 23

Nature EdVentures

Cops & Bobbers – Saturday, July 15

Supermoon Nature Hike – Friday, Sept 1

Harvest Moon Hike – Thursday, Sept 28

The Buzzz About Honey – Thursday, Oct 17

Campfire Fun – Friday, Oct 20

Interactive digital tour of Fly’n B Park

Take a free, self-guided tour of Fly’n B Park between Sept 1-15 and discover fun facts at your own pace Visitors will be able to scan QR codes located around the park related to the area’s rich history, surrounding ecosystem and interesting trivia Registration is not required

Horseback Riding

Lessons available through Aug 31 at Stockton’s Plum Creek Stables, 7479 W Titan Rd

Age 5 – 7

Kiddie Corral I

Kiddie Corral II

Age 8 – 15

Beginning Horsemanship

Intermediate Horsemanship

For descriptions and program dates, visit highlandsranch.org

Deadline is Friday before lesson starts (varies).

Fee: $40 per person Nonresident: $46 per person Season includes six games plus a tournament League start time is 5 p m

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 18

Softball

Fall Adult Softball

Leagues available Sunday-Friday, Coed D-Rec, Men’s D-Rec, Men’s Upper D-Rec, Men’s D-Open

Leagues begin the week of Aug 20

Registration deadline: 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

Pickleball

Programs will be held at Tanks Park, 10371 S Broadway

Learn to Play Clinic

Thursday, Aug 10 9-10:30 a .m

Monday, Sept 18 3:30-5 p m .

Fee: Resident: $20 Nonresident: $23

Doubleheader Leagues

League games will start after 5 p m , and doubleheaders will be played each week Fall league begins the week of Aug 14

Beginner League (0 – 1.5) – Tuesdays

Intermediate League (2.0 – 3.0) – Wednesdays

Advanced League (3.5+) – Thursdays

Fee: Resident: $50 per person Nonresident: $57 per person (five weeks, ten matches, plus tournament)

Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 4

Golf

Get Out & Play Golf Lessons

Age 18 and older

Thursdays, July 20 – Aug 10 6:45-8 p m The Links Golf Course

Host celebrations at a Highlands Ranch park

Conveniently 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 guests requires special permitting.

• Please review park rules prior to your event. Remember, glass is not allowed in our parks.

Free Yoga in the Park

2023 fee schedule

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.

Lebsack Tennis Center

Welcome to your Lebsack tennis community!

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

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

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

Fall Junior Team Tennis and after school program registration is now open.

Fall Season: Aug. 7-Oct. 1

Winter Season: Oct. 2-Nov. 12

Programs for players of all ages and abilities!

Sign up for Top Dog leagues, socials, and drills.

Outdoor watering guidelines

Centennial Water and Sanitation District’s outdoor watering rules are in effect until Sept. 30. The rules include:

• Customers are encouraged to limit outdoor watering to two days per week. A third day is only necessary during extreme heat or lengthy dry periods.

• No outdoor irrigation is allowed from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

• Hand watering trees and shrubs is allowed any time if a hose is held or a watering can is used.

• Irrigation using water conserving methods such as drip irrigation or a deep root watering device is allowed any time.

• Washing cars is allowed any time as long as a hose end shut-off device is used.

• Wasteful watering practices are prohibited. This includes allowing excess water to flow into the street and neglecting to repair leaks.

Incentive increases for ColoradoScape

Highlands Ranch is becoming a community of more diverse landscapes. As residents look for ways to conserve water in their landscape, more low-water grasses such as Tahoma 31 and DogTuff are replacing Kentucky Bluegrass, and ColoradoScape is popping up in yards across the community.

Thanks to new funding from the state, Centennial Water was able to increase its incentive to customers replacing high-water landscapes with ColoradoScape to $2.00 per square foot for up to 1,000 square feet of landscape. ColoradoScape is a natural landscape, comprised of low to very-low water use plant material, which blends in with the native Colorado landscape.

Learn more about Centennial Water’s turf replacement program at centennialwater.org/turf. All landscape conversions must first be approved by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, and rebates are not retroactive.

Optimize your water use

Just like a car, your sprinklers need an occasional check-up to make sure they’re watering your lawn as efficiently as possible. Get your system checked with a free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation by Resource Central. Sprinkler evaluations could help you save thousands of gallons of water each year. Visit ResourceCentral.org/Sprinklers to sign up, or call 303-999-3824.

Centennial Water welcomes new leadership

Centennial Water held a director election May 2, 2023. Three at-large seats were up for election on its five member board of directors. Frank Johns, SJ Light and Terry Nolan were sworn in as new board members on May 16. They will each serve fouryear terms. They join Tammy Essmeier and Frank McNulty on the resident-elected board of directors. The board has overall fiduciary responsibility for the operation of the district.

In addition, the board of directors elected new officers to lead the organization. Essmeier was elected chair, Nolan vice-chair and Light will serve as board treasurer.

The board meets the last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 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. To learn more about the board of directors, visit centennialwater.org

Cycle and soak!

The most efficient way to water your lawn is the cycle and soak method. Water in multiple, short cycles. This allows water to soak into the soil before it runs off into streets or sidewalks. For example, if you need to water for 12 minutes, set your irrigation system to run each zone for 4 minutes, pause for one hour, and then repeat the cycle two more times. The end result is a healthier, happier lawn that prevents water waste.

Centennial Water achieves milestone: fills storage space at Chatfield Reservoir for the first time

Centennial Water came out of drought restrictions in May. The district’s decision to remove all restrictions was in large part due to its history of focusing on long-term sustainability of water resources. In particular, this year’s unexpectedly wet May demonstrated the success of the Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Project.

The decades-long project resulted in the ability of a coalition of eight water providers to store an additional 20,600 acre feet of water in Chatfield Reservoir during non-flood conditions. Each organization received a varying amount of storage space in the reservoir based on their financial contribution. Centennial Water had the largest investment in the project and gained an additional 6,922 acre feet of storage capacity. One acre foot is equal to 325,851 gallons of water.

The project received final approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in June 2020, granting project participants the right to

store water in the reservoir. However, having the right to store water still requires the water rights to be in priority and water available before water can be stored.

Enter May’s heavy rainfall events. The month’s record precipitation and the free river conditions enabled Centennial Water the ability to capture water and store its full allocation at the reservoir. While this year’s spring rains were exceptional, the district estimates it will be able to fill the space in Chatfield Reservoir in one of every three years over the long term.

“Securing a sustainable water supply has always been and will continue to be one of our core values as a district. The decades of work put into the Chatfield project that today has allowed us to capture and store more water than ever before, reaffirms the importance of this directive,” said General Manager Sam Calkins.

Highlands Ranch Metro District Annual Benefit Golf Tournament

Join the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation for this annual charity golf tournament Monday, Sept . 25 at the University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch, for a 12:30 p m shotgun start Registration is now open Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation Details are at highlandsranch.org/tournament To sponsor this event, contact Dave Parks at 720-240-5933 or dparks@highlandsranch org

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 .

Highlands Ranch Metro District

62 Plaza Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Register for CodeRED

Sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications at dcsheriff.net. CodeRED will alert you by phone, email and text about emergencies in your area. It will also provide you instructions about how to protect life and property. Please encourage friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers to register. Business owners should also sign up. All information provided will be kept confidential.

Celebrate “Where Community Grows”

Since 1985, July has been celebrated as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association, it specifically highlights the essential and powerful role local park and recreation professionals — such as our staff at the Metro District — play in building stronger, more vibrant and more resilient communities across the country. This July, we’re celebrating the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering growth of our communities.

Douglas County transportation updates

Douglas County is busy this time of year making improvements to roads throughout Highlands Ranch and Douglas County. Visit douglas.co.us/ public-works/road-maintenance/ view project updates and to subscribe to traffic alerts so you can plan efficient trips around the community.