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Playground replacement

The new playground at Spring Gulch Park, 10404 Hollyhock Court, was completed in December. The updated equipment provides a physically challenging and mentally stimulating inclusive play space that promotes social interaction. It features poured-inplace rubber surfacing, shade, climbing elements, overhead elements, an accessible swing, and a variety of slides. During 2023, the playground at Big Dry Creek Park is planned to be replaced. Opportunities for public feedback will be available, and details will be included in the March issue of the Messenger

Parkway landscape conversion

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

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 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

While the voters have authorized a mill levy (property tax rate) of 12.750, the Metro District currently imposes a mill levy of 11.205. Board members are both analytical and thoughtful in making decisions on expenditure levels and setting the mill levy rate.

Board members have been and will continue to be committed to their fiduciary responsibility to the community. With a focus on short-term and long-term needs, the mill levy rate is set to collect funds for operational and capital reinvestment needs to maintain infrastructure, provide high quality government type services, and promote a healthy and attractive place to live. You can learn more about our strong financial position by visiting openbudget.highlandsranch.org

In addition to the fitness, wellness, recreation, socialization and enrichment programming that will be offered to serve the older adult population, the senior center will also include space for Douglas County Human Services programs currently only available in Castle Rock. The Metro District board and staff are excited the building work has been finalized and construction will soon begin.

During 2022, bluegrass at several sites along the parkways was removed and the areas were reseeded with alternative or native grasses that will require less water and maintenance once established. Progress of seed germination will be monitored through the winter. Conversion sites for 2023 are currently being evaluated. 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. Learn more at highlandsranch.org/parkwayconversion

Plum Valley Park basketball court

This year, 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.