2025 December Report from the CEO/GM by Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA)

A Message From HRCA’s

CEO/General Manager

As we come to the close of another remarkable year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every resident, member, partner, volunteer, and staff member who makes the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) such a vibrant and connected place to call home. Our community thrives because of your involvement, your support, and your ongoing belief in what we can accomplish together.

This year brought meaningful progress across our recreation, cultural, wellness, and neighborhood programs. From welcoming record attendance at our recreation centers and expanding opportunities for youth and seniors, to enhancing our trails, parks, and open spaces, HRCA continued its commitment to serving every corner of our community. We strengthened partnerships with local organizations, advanced important maintenance and capital projects, and diversified our programming to meet evolving needs and interests.

I am especially proud of the perseverance and adaptability shown by our staff and volunteers. Their dedication ensures that our facilities remain safe, welcoming, and well-maintained; our programs remain high-quality and inclusive; and our events continue to bring joy and connection throughout the year. Their work reflects the values that define Highlands Ranch—community, stewardship and a shared vision for excellence.

As we look ahead, HRCA remains focused on enhancing the member experience, investing in longterm sustainability, and continuing to deliver programming, resources and facilities that enrich daily life for all who live here. Your feedback, participation, and partnership guide our decisions and keep our mission strong.

On behalf of the entire HRCA team, thank you for your trust and engagement. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy, and fulfilling new year. We are honored to serve you and look forward to all we will achieve together in the year ahead.

My best,

Mike Bailey CEO/GM

Highlands

Ranch Community Association

Wildcat Regional Park Project Moves Forward After 18 Months of Community Collaboration

The vision for Wildcat Regional Park has continued to evolve in a positive direction, moving away from the original concept of an intensely developed regional park and toward a thoughtfully designed, passive park that reflects the conservation, education, and recreation values of the Backcountry Wilderness Area. This shift has been shaped through more than 18 months of ongoing conversations among the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), Douglas County, HRCA Delegates, HRCA Board members, and community residents and members.

Throughout this period, HRCA has maintained a strong commitment to transparency and communication. Residents received continual updates through newsletters, the HRCA website, social media and external media outlets. In addition, information was shared directly in person at many HRCA Delegate and Board meetings as well as during a Community Involvement Process (CIP) meeting. These efforts ensured that members and residents had multiple opportunities to engage, ask questions, and learn about the developing plans.

The partnership between Douglas County and HRCA focuses on preserving 202 acres of open space known as Wildcat Regional Park. The proposed trail system is designed to balance recreation with preservation, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking while safeguarding critical wildlife and habitat. This project has been guided by the community’s priorities, protecting natural resources while expanding access to meaningful outdoor experience.

The project recently reached a major milestone with the completion of the CIP. The CIP is an important step that ensures the community is given proper notice and participation opportunities for major Backcountry Wilderness Area projects. The process began with an initial review of the CIP by the HRCA Board of Directors, followed by a presentation and vote by community delegates to move forward with the process. After receiving preliminary approval, a public meeting offered residents an open forum to learn more and provide input. The process concluded when the proposal returned to the delegates and board for a final review and vote. In November, both groups voted yes to approve the final proposal, officially moving the project forward and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

What’s Next

As HRCA enters the design and construction phase, the organization is excited to continue its close collaboration with Douglas County on the next steps of the project. Together, both teams are actively planning improvements along Grigs Road and developing detailed site designs for the Wildcat Regional Park area. The upcoming phases will thoughtfully refine park features, trail connections, and infrastructure, ensuring the final design reflects the community’s shared commitment to conservation, recreation, and a vibrant future for this treasured open space.

LEARN MORE

Strengthening Community Wellbeing Through Nature

In October 2025, the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund was a recipient of a $7,500 Impact Grant from the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF). This grant is making an immediate and meaningful difference in our efforts to connect people with nature for improved mental and emotional wellness.

The DCCF Impact Grant supports organizations creating lasting change in Douglas County — a mission that aligns perfectly with our work in the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Backcountry Wilderness Area, where conservation, education, and recreation are balanced and pair with nature, community, and wellbeing. This funding enhances the therapeutic and communitycentered benefits of Base Camp Exploration, a low-cost, inclusive outdoor program that welcomes people of all ages and abilities… participants from Pre-K to gray.

Thanks to this grant, we are enriching these experiences with new tools and resources that encourage reflection, learning, and connection. Grant funds are being used to add portable seating for nature observation and mindfulness, nature journaling supplies, educational materials for our Sunshine & Storytime early childhood program, and birdwatching gear for the growing Backcountry Birders community. These intentional additions help participants observe more deeply and build personal connections to the natural world located so close to home.

By fostering accessible and engaging outdoor experiences, the Backcountry Wilderness Area’s Base Camp Exploration is helping people reduce stress, spark curiosity, and nurture a lifelong connection to nature. With the support of the Douglas County Community Foundation, we’re enhancing local nature opportunities to build pathways to wellbeing for our entire community.

Scan the QR code to learn more or to donate.

New Waste Connections Trash & Recycling Guidelines Coming January 2026

As part of the new Preferred Vendor Agreement between the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and Waste Connections, important updates are coming to Waste Connections’ Trash and Recycling Program beginning in 2026.

What’s Changing

Starting Monday, February 2, 2026, all residents who participate in the HRCA Trash and Recycling Program will be required to use standardized containers issued by Waste Connections.

• Loose bags or materials placed outside the containers will no longer be collected.

• Waste Connections has identified households that currently participate in the trash and recycling program but do not have standardized containers. Those households will be contacted separately regarding delivery of standardized containers at no cost to the residents.

Contact Information

If you need to request a container, make changes, or report an issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Waste Connections Customer Service at 303-288-2100 or visit wcdenver.com or scan the QR code to learn more.

LEARN

Hometown Highlights

Nathan Wilken’s love for the outdoors—and archery— started early. At just 11, he began exploring the Backcountry Wilderness Area, a place that would shape his future. His talent behind the bow took him far: he became the youngest archer ever sponsored by Mathews Archery, competed internationally with the USA Archery Team—earning a bronze medal in Ireland—and won tournaments across Colorado and the national circuit.

After earning his degree in Natural Resources from Montana State University, Nathan planned to stay in Montana—but when the opportunity to return to the very place that inspired his path opened up, he couldn’t say no. The Backcountry felt like home, and this role felt like the chance of a lifetime. Now, as the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area Natural Resources Coordinator, he guides hunts, conserves wildlife habitat, and manages the archery range that helped launch his journey. Nathan is excited to lend his talents to the future of the Backcountry and help others build their skills, confidence, and connection to this wild place.

Scan the QR code to share your HRCA Hometown Highlight.

Art Contest Banner Winners

HRCA is delighted to celebrate the young artists who brought holiday magic to life in this year’s Deck the Banners: Kids Art Contest! Children from our community were invited to share what the holidays in Highlands Ranch mean to them through their creativity, artistry, and imagination.

We were thrilled to receive sixty outstanding submissions, each capturing the warmth, joy, and festive spirit of the holiday season.

Congratulations to our 2025 winners for each age category: Jadyn (age 5), Brooklyn (age 8), and Vihaan (age 11)! Their artwork will be transformed into festive banners proudly displayed throughout Town Center this holiday season for all to enjoy.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association extends our heartfelt thanks to every participant who shared their creativity and helped make this year’s contest such a vibrant celebration of community and art. Happy Holidays!

HRCA Staff Rally to Support Local Students With Fall Food Drive

HRCA employees came together for a Fall Food Drive benefiting the Backpack Society, a Highlands Ranch nonprofit that provides weekend meals for students and weekly groceries for families facing food insecurity.

The Backpack Society, founded in 2019, partners with 72 schools across Douglas County, Littleton, and Englewood. Its mission is to ensure students have reliable access to food so they can focus on learning and return to school each Monday ready to succeed.

HRCA staff kicked off the food drive in October by taking a tour of the Highlands Ranch nonprofit. Several staff members attended to see the space that makes such an impact within our community. The food drive, which lasted a little over a month, included a friendly competition in which each recreation center worked to fill as many donation bins as possible. The facility with the most full bins earned a pizza party, adding a fun incentive to an effort rooted in service.

Thanks to the generosity of our employees, the drive provided 706 lbs. of food to local students and families.

Grow Your Local Reach With Community Partners Program

Expand your local marketing in Highlands Ranch with the HRCA Community Partners program, which supports more than 80 community events each year. We’re grateful to our 2025 partners for helping make these programs possible. As we open applications for 2026, we’re also introducing the Neighborhood Network, a new option for smaller businesses and organizations.

If you’re interested in partnership opportunities, scan the QR code to learn more.

This is the place where women feel whole.

Scan the QR code for more information and to ﬁnd care close to you.

Holiday Chamber Music

Celebrate the season with the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver as they present an enchanting holiday concert filled with warmth, elegance, and festive charm. Featuring the delicate interplay of piano, flute, harp, and voice, this chamber ensemble offers a fresh take on timeless holiday classics and wintry favorites. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music!

Date: Tuesday, December 2

Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

Details: $25 per person

Winter Winefest

Hometown Holiday

Kick off the holiday season with festive fun for the whole family! Visit Santa for photos, browse the holiday market for one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy live music that sets the holiday mood. Savor food from local trucks, sip seasonal drinks or hot cocoa, and join friends and family for holiday games and laughter. As the evening winds down, gather together to watch the dazzling lighting ceremony at 5 pm.

Date: Friday, December 5

Time: 3-7 p.m.

Location: Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9344 Dorchester St. Details: Free to attend

Join HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits for an evening of sampling new wines—just in time to find your new favorite for the holiday season. Each ticket includes unlimited 1 oz. samples of a wide variety of sparkling and still wines, along with a delicious fondue spread to snack on.

Date: Saturday, December 13

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Location: Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

Details: $45 per person, attendees must be 21+

Winefest

Sounds of the Season

Coffee with a Cop

Meet some Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies for free Starbucks coffee and a fun holiday-themed craft for the kids! This is a great opportunity to chat with officers in a relaxed environment and have questions answered while your little ones get creative.

Date: Tuesday, December 16

Time: 3-5 p.m.

Location: Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 S University Blvd.

Details: Free to attend

Ring in the holidays with Sounds of the Season, a joyful concert from The Denver Brass. Just days before Christmas, two festive performances will fill the air with bright brass. Enjoy favorite holiday music—from classic carols to cheerful fanfares—in a concert full of warmth, magic, and tradition. It’s the perfect way to share the holiday spirit with family and friends.

Dates: Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23

Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

Details: $25 per person

Tots & Tunes (Ages 5 and Under)

Tots & Tunes is a lively music program for young kids and their families to enjoy together — the perfect way to warm up a chilly January day! This year features award-winning children’s musicians Farmer Dave and Animal Farm, who bring an interactive mix of music, movement, and laughter. Sing, dance, and make memories in a fun, family-friendly setting!

Dates: Thursday, January 8

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Location: Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

Details: $5 per person