Highlands Ranch Improvements to online tool for reporting concerns coming soon Think twice always stay off the ice

Highlands Ranch has breathtaking mountain vistas, prairie grasslands in the open space, wildflowers and serene ponds. But these serene ponds can turn lethal when we assume frozen ice is strong enough to walk on or use for recreational purposes. A frozen lake or pond is often not capable of supporting the weight of a person or a pet. Colorado experiences extreme variables in ice development. That’s why the general public must always assume a frozen pond/lake will not support the load of a person. The stakes are simply too high.

Hypothermia can happen within minutes of falling into cold water, though the symptoms tend to develop gradually. That’s because heat is lost 25 times faster in water than air. When the water temperature is 40 degrees or lower, serious injury can result in just a few minutes. This can make it difficult to hold onto the edge of the ice or provide assistance to someone who has fallen into cold water.

South Metro Fire Rescue faithfully deploys both firefighters and state of the art apparatus to various bodies of water within the community as needed. This highly skilled dive rescue team undergoes constant training. Personal equipment used includes a thick rescue suit that provides waterproof thermal protection and a watertight hood. This suit acts as a flotation device and insulation, which allows divers to immerse themselves for long periods of time in icy cold water. Despite all of the resources employed by our team, water rescues arguably remain the most dangerous rescues performed throughout a firefighter’s career. Rescuers must often conduct ice and water rescues under perilous conditions known as black water. There is often zero visibility, forcing rescuers to rely on other senses.

How to stay safe around frozen lakes or ponds:

Stay dry = stay alive.

Always look for posted signs about open water hazards. Remember, you cannot trust any ice just by looking at it.

Ice may not be the same thickness over the entire area of a lake or pond. It can be one foot thick in one place and only one inch thick just 10 feet away.

Even thick ice may be weak, especially if it contains layers of snow or water, if it has frozen and thawed repeatedly or if it is spring ice.

Snow acts like a blanket. A snowfall can warm up existing ice. The ice under the snow will be thinner and weaker.

It is especially dangerous to go on ice at night. Ice conditions change daily, and you may not be able to see danger or warning signs at night.

Always stay with at least one other person when near ice.

If you see someone fall through the ice, tell them to stay calm and call 911. Make a visual note of where the person fell in. Always leash pets and never chase them onto a frozen lake or pond.

Have you seen an issue, concern or problem on Metro District property, but weren’t sure where or how to report it?

A new tool will soon be available on our website for residents to quickly get in touch with us for concerns or questions relating to our property, such as our facilities, parks or open space. By visiting highlandsranch.org/report you will be able to drop a pin on a map of our community, choose the appropriate work category, describe the issue or maintenance needed, attach any relevant images and submit the work request directly to our staff.

Requests may be submitted anonymously, or users will be able to choose to create an account to receive ongoing updates about requests, including when it has been resolved. The Metro District strives to be responsive to residents and provide answers quickly, and this new tool will only improve that process.

Youth recreation scholarships available

Recreational opportunities enhance the quality of life for our community, and residents should all have equitable access to Metro District programs Through the generous support of the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation, Highlands Ranch kids and families experiencing financial challenges are eligible for youth recreation scholarships Scholarship requests may be made online at highlandsranch. org/scholarships or by contacting 303-791-2710 Requests may be submitted any time during the year, but must be received at least two weeks prior to the start of the recreation program

Calling all green thumbs

Available community garden plots will open for registration to new gardeners on Monday, Feb. 14.