LIVE WELL. PLAY HARD.
EXPERIENCE 5920’
... A STEP ABOVE
A MINUTE WITH MIKE
A Community Report from Mike Bailey, CEO/GM of HRCA
HRCAonline.org
S E P TE M BE R 2 0 2 6
Contents 02
THE VALUE BEHIND YOUR
03
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO/GM
04 06
ASSESSMENTS/CONTACT INFO THE VALUE BEHIND YOUR
ASSESSMENTS (CONTINUED) HRCA BUDGET PROCESS
07
BACKPACK SOCIETY/CO 150 RECAP
09
OSCA PLAN
08 10 11
12
BEAR SIGHTINGS
BEETLES AND EMERALD ASH BORERS EVENTS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
The Value Behind Your HRCA Assessments Your quarterly HRCA assessments support far more than recreation—they help fund the programs, services, facilities and community standards that make Highlands Ranch an exceptional place to live. From four state-of-the-art recreation centers and the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area to yearround events and covenant enforcement, these investments enhance quality of life, help protect home values and keep Highlands Ranch a desirable place to call home. Here’s a closer look at the value behind your HRCA assessments. Continued on page 4.
Contacts BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303.471.8958
President: Monica Wasden Vice President: Todd Landgrave Vice President: Daniel Brown Treasurer: Leo Stegman Secretary: Jim Allen
EASTRIDGE RECREATION CENTER 303.471.8858 9568 University Blvd.
Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 303.471.8958
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
NORTHRIDGE RECREATION CENTER 303.471.8950 8800 Broadway
Monday - Friday: 5 a.m - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
SOUTHRIDGE RECREATION CENTER 303.471.7020 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
WESTRIDGE RECREATION CENTER 720.348.8202 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.
Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
HRCA NEWSLETTER is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2026 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc., in print or electronically.
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A Message From HRCA’s CEO/General Manager Dear Highlands Ranch residents, September is an important month at HRCA. As we prepare the annual budget, I want to share how your assessments support the programs, services, facilities and community standards that make Highlands Ranch such an exceptional place to call home. Serving more than 30,000 households is both a privilege and a responsibility. Your assessments provide membership to four recreation centers, access to the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area, more than 80 annual events, and hundreds of recreation, arts, education, fitness, aquatics and therapeutic programs. They also support architectural review and covenant enforcement, which help preserve the character and value of our community. Our budget process reflects the same commitment to stewardship. HRCA staff works closely with the Board of Directors, Delegates and homeowner volunteers on the Finance Committee to review revenues, expenses and reserve balances. Our reserve study provides a 30-year roadmap for maintaining and improving association assets. In 2026, we will begin selecting an independent engineering firm for our next comprehensive study, expected to be completed in 2027. This work helps ensure we can meet today’s needs while planning responsibly for tomorrow. Community strength is also measured by how we care for one another. I am proud of our employees who recently volunteered with Backpack Society, packing food boxes, stocking its marketplace and unloading donations for local families experiencing food insecurity.
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Stewardship extends to our natural surroundings. Drought and a late May freeze have reduced natural food sources for bears, contributing to increased neighborhood sightings. Please secure trash, remove bird feeders when bears are active, bring pet food indoors and give wildlife plenty of space. Residents will also soon have an opportunity to review and comment on the updated longterm plan for the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area. Finally, I hope you will join us this month for community favorites including Curtain Call at the Mansion, Clear the Clutter and Oktoberfest. These shared experiences bring neighbors together and remind us of the tremendous value of community. Thank you for your engagement, trust and continued partnership throughout the year. My best, Mike Bailey
CEO/General Manager Highlands Ranch Community Association
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THE VALUE BEHIND YOUR HRCA ASSESSMENTS The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. With four state-of-the-art recreation centers and the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area, HRCA offers a wide range of programs, events, and services. Governed by a Board of Directors, the association serves more than 30,000 households, focusing on recreation, community leadership and maintaining a vibrant lifestyle. Together, these amenities and experiences help residents connect, stay active and enjoy the vibrant lifestyle that makes Highlands Ranch a premier place to live. These programs, services and amenities are funded through homeowner assessments. Most homeowners pay quarterly assessments, which are divided into Administrative and Recreational fees. Each fee supports different aspects of the community experience, helping ensure Highlands Ranch remains a thriving, well-maintained and connected place to call home. The benefits of each are outlined below.
Administrative Functions
Recreational Functions
Architectural control Covenant enforcement Access to more than 80 events annually
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Scan here to learn more
Membership to four indoor state-of-the-art recreation centers Northridge Southridge Eastridge Westridge Access to 8,200 acres of Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area trails, paths and programming Access and discounts to hundreds of art, education, sports, fitness, aquatics and therapeutic recreation classes and programs The operation and maintenace of the HRCA recreation facilities
Area Key Facts Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community within Douglas County. Most municipal services, such as the construction and upkeep of parks and open space areas, are performed by the Highlands Ranch Metro District, a special district under state law, which is funded mostly by property taxes and state lottery funds. Highlands Ranch is policed by Douglas County Sheriff's Office, with South Metro Fire Rescue providing fire protection, and all public schools are part of the Douglas County School System.
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THE VALUE BEHIND YOUR HRCA ASSESSMENTS
HRCA members enjoy exclusive access to four recreation centers, offering over 329,000 square feet of: Indoor and Outdoor pools Fitness Studios Workout facilities Weights and Cardio Event rental spaces Indoor running tracks Basketball and sport courts Sauna and hot tubs Cold plunges Golf & Multi-Sport Simulators Batting Cages Climbing Wall
About Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area Members can take advantage of the stunning Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area, an 8,200-acre conservation space. HRCA members are welcome to explore 26 miles of scenic trails, while anyone can participate in a variety of Backcountry activities including: Camps Preschool Nature Programs Archery Hunting Hikes Equine Programs Events Environmental Education
About HRCA Events HRCA members enjoy access to more than 80 year-round free and ticketed events including: Easter Egg Hunt Father/Daughter Ball Game Show Night Lunar New Year Celebration Cold Cases and Cocktails Race Series Both foot and mountain bike Craft Bazaars Farmers’ Market Tequila and Tacos Oaked and Smoked Pottery Sales Highlands Rach Beer Festival Summer Concert Series Car Show Fourth of July Parade Oktoberfest Clear the Clutter Spring and fall Doggie Splash Dueling Pianos Hometown Holiday and much, much more...
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
About HRCA Indoor Recreation Centers
Scan here to learn more
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HRCA Budget Process
This is a collaborative effort. Homeowners play a key role by volunteering on HRCA’s Finance Committee and help shape the budget by offering valuable feedback and insights. When the budget draft is ready, it is reviewed and approved by both our elected Delegates and the Board of Directors, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of our entire community.
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September marks a pivotal time for Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), as we finalize the annual budget for the year ahead. Guided by the insight and oversight of our Board of Directors, our dedicated staff works diligently to create a budget that not only complies with the financial requirements outlined in our governing documents but also reflects and supports the programs, events and services that our community values.
At the heart of HRCA’s long-term financial planning is the reserve study, a critical living document that provides comprehensive insight into the condition and lifecycle of the association’s assets. The initial reserve study involves a thorough on-site inspection and in-depth evaluation of the reserve fund’s current status. The result is a well-prioritized roadmap for capital improvement projects and a forward-looking funding strategy that spans 30 years. Regular updates, conducted every year, may be less exhaustive but are no less essential. They help us adjust forecasts, fine-tune funding and maintain our commitment to future planning. This is HRCA’s version of a smart investment strategy that sets aside funds today to cover tomorrow’s needs.
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HRCA’s last full reserve study was completed in 2022. Late this year, we will begin the process of selecting and engaging an independent engineering firm to conduct our next comprehensive study, with completion expected in 2027. This full study, along with the annual updates in between, ensures our funding strategy stays grounded in the most current, on-the-ground assessment of our assets. At HRCA, financial responsibility is a commitment. This is why we partner with independent experts to complete the reserve study and outline a clear plan that serves today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals. Every year, during the budget season, our team, assembled by Board Members, Delegates, the Finance Committee and staff, conducts a full review of revenue streams, expenditures and reserve fund balances. This ensures every dollar is accounted for and every asset is managed with care. Together, we’re committed to maintaining a fiscally resilient organization. One that secures HRCA’s legacy and strengthens our vibrant community for years to come.
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HRCA Employees Volunteer at Backpack Society Late in July, Highlands Ranch Community Association employees volunteered at Backpack Society, a Highlands Ranch nonprofit and valued HRCA Community Partner dedicated to helping children and families experiencing food insecurity. Founded in 2019, Backpack Society partners with schools across Douglas County, Littleton and Englewood to provide nutritious food to students and families who need extra support outside of school meal programs.
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During the volunteer event, HRCA employees packed family food boxes, stocked Backpack Society’s marketplace and unloaded donations from local grocery stores. Their efforts helped support the organization’s mission to remove food insecurity as a barrier to learning and ensure children have access to nutritious meals. Community service is one of the many ways HRCA employees give back beyond recreation centers and community programs. By volunteering with Backpack Society, employees helped strengthen a local organization that makes a meaningful difference for families throughout the community. Scan the QR code to learn more about Backpack Society or find volunteer opportunities.
Colorado is looking picture-perfect at 150! Thank you to COLORADO C e l e b r a t i o n this amazing community for celebrating this mile-high
milestone with us and making memories worth framing.
EVENTS CALENDAR
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Scan the QR code below to explore upcoming HRCA events.
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Why Bear Sightings Are Rising in Highlands Ranch Neighborhoods If you’ve noticed more bears in Highlands Ranch neighborhoods this summer, you’re not imagining it. Interestingly, we’re seeing the opposite in the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area. In a typical year, our trail cameras regularly capture several different black bears throughout the summer. The Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area provides excellent habitat for bears and many other wildlife species. But this year, bear sightings on our cameras have dropped dramatically since late spring. The reason is likely the same one bringing bears into neighborhoods.
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Prolonged drought, combined with a late freeze in May, significantly reduced many of the berries, fruits and other natural food sources bears depend on, including plants like chokecherry and wild plum. When those foods aren’t available, bears don’t simply stop eating. They look elsewhere. Neighborhoods can unintentionally offer an abundance of easy meals, including garbage, birdseed, pet food and fruit from trees. While bears may find food there, neighborhoods aren’t where bears want to be. Black bears generally avoid people whenever possible, but when natural food becomes scarce, they are forced to adapt. Even a high-quality habitat like the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area can’t fully overcome the effects of an unusually dry year and the widespread loss of natural food sources.
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We’ll continue monitoring wildlife activity throughout the season and sharing what we learn. Scan the QR code to learn more.
LEARN MORE
Simple actions such as securing trash, removing bird feeders when bears are active, bringing pet food indoors and giving wildlife plenty of space can help keep bears wild and reduce conflicts with people.
Over the past year, HRCA has been working with a Board-appointed committee consisting of representatives from Douglas County, South Metro Fire Rescue and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to update the OSCA Plan, which provides the long-term zoning and planning framework for the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area. This update reflects current conditions, community priorities and more than 20 years of operational experience. In the coming weeks, residents will have the opportunity to review the proposed plan, learn more about the updates and provide feedback through a public review period and Community Involvement Process. Please visit our website for updates, meeting dates, and opportunities to participate.
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Living in Highlands Ranch means living alongside wildlife. With thousands of acres of open space in and around our community, wildlife encounters are part of what makes this place special. Coexistence starts with understanding.
Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area Community Feedback Coming Soon
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In most years, the Highlands Ranch Wilderness Area provides abundant food and habitat, allowing bears to spend most of their time where they belong—living as wild bears.
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Beetles and Emerald Ash Borers Beetle Battle: Know What’s Bugging Your Trees Pine beetles and Emerald Ash Borers (EAB) can both cause serious tree damage, but they target different trees and leave behind different clues. Knowing what to look for can help you spot a potential problem early. Pine beetles attack pine trees. Common signs include small blobs of resin called “pitch tubes” on the trunk, reddish-brown dust around the bark or base of the tree, small round exit holes and needles that fade from green to yellow and then reddish brown.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t assume beetles are the cause. Drought, disease and other environmental stresses can produce similar symptoms. A certified arborist can identify the problem, evaluate the tree’s condition and recommend treatment or removal when appropriate. Early detection matters, so take a moment to check the trees on your property and know what’s bugging them!
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Find a Certified Arborist: LEARN MORE
Emerald Ash Borer information: LEARN MORE
Emerald Ash Borer FAQ’s:
LEARN MORE
Pine Beetle information: LEARN MORE
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Emerald Ash Borers attack ash trees. Watch for thinning leaves or dying branches near the top of the tree, splitting bark, new shoots growing from the trunk, increased woodpecker activity and distinctive D-shaped exit holes. Beneath the bark, EAB larvae create winding, S-shaped tunnels as they feed.
Curtain Call: An Evening of Jazz & Soul
Date: Thursday, September 17 Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m. Location: Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 Gateway Dr. Details: $30 per person
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Join us for an unforgettable performance by the Michael Friedman Band! Known for their energetic blend of R&B, funk, jazz and original music, this Colorado favorite brings a fun, highenergy show that’s sure to get you on your feet. Grab a seat and enjoy an evening of great live music at the Highlands Ranch Mansion!
Clear the Clutter
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Clear the Clutter is a free, one-day event for Highlands Ranch residents to responsibly dispose of unwanted items. This fall, vendors will accept household waste (including mattresses, household garbage, rugs, carpet and more), gently used clothing and household goods for donation, and tires for recycling.
Oktoberfest Celebration
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
Date: Saturday, September 19 Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Location: 8744 Kendrick Castillo Way Details: Free to HRCA members
Date: Saturday, September 26 Time: 1 - 9 p.m. Location: Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9315 Dorchester St. Details: Free to attend and open to the public
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Celebrate Bavarian tradition with live music, authentic German food, German-style biers, Dachshund races, stein-hoisting competitions and festive entertainment for all. Savor bratwurst, pretzels and more while enjoying a fun atmosphere. Whether you’re raising a stein or simply soaking in the festivities, there’s something for everyone. Prost!
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Become a 2027 Community Partner The HRCA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Highlighting companies with the same passion for giving back to the Highlands Ranch community very much fits this goal. The HRCA Community Partner program provides organizations a platform to meaningfully engage with Highlands Ranch residents. By joining, your business receives premium access to more than two dozen events attended by more than 80,000 people; advertising within each of the HRCA’s four recreation centers that welcome more than 50,000 unique visitors each year; and the right to place a 2027 HRCA Community Partner logo on its website or brick-and-mortar storefront. To design a Community Partner package that’s best suited to fit your organization’s needs, contact Alex Clark at alex.clark@hrcaonline.org today.
EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE.
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Community Partners
Network Neighborhood Partners Caring Transitions West Denver Enviroscapes
Ultimate Longevity Centers Woof Gang Bakery
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE.
Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch
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EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
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EXPERIENCE 5920’ SEPTEMB ER 2026
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Wind Crest
VIBRANT SENIOR LIVING Call 1-800-261-5198 or visit WindCrest.com for your free brochure.
Wind Crest, Inc., a nonprofit organization, is solely responsible for fulfilling financial responsibilities to residents under the contract. Wind Crest is within the network of communities developed and managed by Erickson Senior Living.®
2428750
Highlands Ranch WindCrest.com
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Events Sundays throughout September Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market
9568 University Blvd. Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170
Saturday, September 5 Free Yoga in the Park Backcountry Outdoor Movie Series: The Sandlot Saturday, September 12 Fall Craft Fair Nature Night Out Wednesday, Sepember 16 Blood Drive Thursday, Sepember 17 Curtain Call at the Mansion: An Evening of Jazz & Soul Saturday, September 19 Clear the Clutter Nature Night Out
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by Monday, August 31.
Tuesday, September 22 Delegate & Board Meeting Saturday, September 26 Oktoberfest 5K Oktoberfest Celebration Nature Night Out Wednesday, September 30 Thursday, October 1 Cold Cases & Cocktails
Facility Closures Monday, September 7 All recreation centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Labor Day. All Administrative Offices will be closed in observance of the holiday. Tuesday, September 8 All outdoor pools will close for the season. Friday, September 11 The baseketball courts and track will be closed at Eastridge Recreation Center for the Fall Craft Show. Saturday, September 26 The Northridge Recreation Center will close at 12 p.m. for the Oktoberfest event. Check the website for the most up-to-date closure information and event details. Visit HRCAonline.org.
LI VE WE LL. PLAY H A RD . EX P ERI EN C E 5 92 0 ’! HRCAonline.org