HRCA News May 2013

|News

Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership

May 2013

Corporate Innovator of the Year The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) won the 2013 Corporate Innovator of the Year Award presented by the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce on April 10.

The HRCA won this prestigious award by being more than one of the largest homeowners associations in the nation. The association serves over 29,000 households by maintaining four state-ofthe-art recreation facilities and providing architectural control and covenant enforcement. The HRCA is innovative in its approach building a quality of life for its residents. Not only does the HRCA provide the typical functions of an HOA, it manages 8,200 acres of pristine wilderness area, drives economic growth through collaborative governance, implements high profile experiences that strengthens the community, and champions environmental stewardship and sustainability.

the taste of highlands ranch Don’t miss the most delicious event of the year! The Taste of Highlands Ranch will be celebrating its 18th year of excellence in food, wine, beer, and spirits. This annual event showcases the best of what Highlands Ranch has to offer. Davidsons Liquors will provide samples of alcoholic beverages and over 25 area restaurants will show off their best cuisine. Participating restaurants include Anthony's Pizza and Pasta, Bar Louie, BTO Self Serve Frozen Yogurt, CB & Potts, Country Buffet, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, Lansdowne Arms, Mile High Mini Pies, Miyama of Colorado, Nicolo's Pizza, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Old Chicago, Pasta Jay's, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, Royal Crest Dairy, Rubio's Restaurant, Salsa Brava, Sonoma'z Wine Bar and Grill, Starbucks, The Makery Cake Co., The Melting Pot, The Rock Wood Fired Pizza, Village Inn, and more!

Each year a silent auction benefitting a nonprofit organization rounds out "The Taste" and this year will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), Rocky Mountain Chapter with the entire proceeds going to the nonprofit. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society strives to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Friday, May 3, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Advanced tickets are $25 and are available by calling 303471-8859, online at www.HRCAonline.org/tickets, or by visiting any HRCA recreation center. Tickets are $30 the day of the event, if the event is not sold out. You must be 21+ to attend, ID’s will be checked.

Building a lifestyle that you want to live

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Jerry flannery

HRCA|news

CEO and general manager

is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community

Happy May to all of you and your families! There is lots to report

Association, Inc.

on this month so please refer to the rest of the newsletter for all

HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888

of the exciting events and services being offered!

The Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce Award – The Chamber held their Business Innovation Awards luncheon last month at the Wildlife Experience. Several categories of

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christina Caputo 303-471-0867 Scott Lemmon 303-346-1412 Brock Norris 720-344-7107 Jeff Suntken 303-346-0664 Craig Ziesman 303-791-6557 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

was nominated and won the award in the category of Corporate Business Innovator of the Year. This recognition is received with a great sense of pride by over 800 part and fulltime employees who work so hard every day for our residents! It was stated that we were being recognized for our Backcountry and recreation programs being offered; and our efforts in sustainability through innovative service provisions in our Solid Waste Collections and our recently embarked upon Energy Audit. We look forward to continuing this trend

9568 University Blvd.

with our 5-Year Plan. Stay tuned, we may even be introducing an HRCA app for you in

303-791-8958

the coming months!

RECREATION FACILITIES 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway

Facility Hours: M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd.

Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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businesses were nominated by various Chamber Members and business groups. HRCA

Sustainability – As mentioned above, we have recently negotiated a new contract with our Solid Waste provider, Pro Disposal. “Pro” came back with a proposal that met all of the criteria that we established in the bid document. One of the criteria was to create a return on investment to HRCA for being designated a “preferred provider”. In other words, we asked for them to return a stream of funding that would be put back into HRCA. It may come back in the form of Scholarship Funds, or green/recycling promotions, or funding 5-Year Plan initiatives. The Board will be determining which specific ways very shortly.

Suffice it to say, however, it will come back in added value to the HRCA’s residents!

In March, the HRCA Delegates sanctioned, along with the Board of Directors, going ahead with an energy audit of our facilities. This audit will determine where we can save a significant amount of energy by either replacing equipment or improving upon controls that limit the use of that same energy. We are moving ahead in conjunction with the Governor’s Office on Energy and hope to return mid-summer with the results of the Energy Audit. Stay tuned for more exciting news in this area of innovation!

Five-Year Plan – The Board of Directors, as you recall, have met on the 5-Year Plan and have established several categories in which we are to build our foundation for the future. I have taken their specific over-arching tasks and brought them back to the Staff Leadership Team. Each of these department directors has met with their own

Recreation Center at Southridge

staff to further develop each of these categories to identify how to implement each.

4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

We, as a Leadership Team, have met to process all of the staff comments, goals, and

implementation strategies with the intent to bring them back to the Board for further

Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

refinement. This allows alignment of our principals and vision from the Board of Directors

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

straight through to our front line staff. More to come on this front as we embark on new

Copyright ©2013 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.

and better ways to add value to you as a resident!

May 2013

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cOMMUNITY news D rought response in the R anch You have likely seen in news reports that Denver and Aurora enacted water restrictions in response to this year's drought.

In 2003 Centennial Water implemented water budgets as a way to promote water-use efficiency. As a result, watering restrictions are not needed at this time for Centennial Water customers. Water budgets provide ample water for indoor use and to keep landscape healthy during spring, summer and fall. Water budgets are adjusted for outdoor irrigation based on plant water requirements throughout the growing season. For more information, please visit http://centennialwater.org/drought-response.

L andscaping in a drought In anticipation of a dry and drought-like summer season, it is truly the time to reassess our landscapes and consider some type of landscape renovation. The sun scorches and the wind wicks and withers. Lawns turn brown, leaves fall, and flowers call it quits. Years like this prompt serious consideration of xeriscaping.

While this article is to promote a more “waterwise” yard, it is not about bluegrass bashing. Many happen to be fans of the traditional Kentucky Bluegrass lawns. The manicured look certainly tidies up our community. It’s also great on bare feet.

Additionally, a healthy lawn out-competes weeds, unlike some of the so–called “native grass and wildflower gardens.”

While the traditional large sprawling lawn has been common place; is it really necessary to have such? To minimize the monstrous lawn simply begin to move from the edges of your lawn inward. If your lawn extends to the driveway, sidewalks and property line, then start ripping and replacing. Create texture in your landscape by turning the outer edges of your lawn into ”waterwise” berms. Then select a few drought tolerant shrubs and perennials and add rocks to add character. So think about it and consider creating a landscape that makes sense for our region.

Please remember to submit your plan for a landscape renovation to the Community Improvement Services Department, located at the Eastridge Recreation Center or visit our website at www.hrcaonline.org.

Fyi |

Second Quarter Assessments

of $127 were due April 1, 2013. Thank you to all homeowners for your payment! The HRCA encourages homeowners to use the direct debit payment program which is a convenient way to save time, postage costs and the assurance that your payment is never late. Visit www.hrcaonline.org for more information. For questions call 303-791-8958. Look for the 3rd quarter assessment invoice which will include the Summer Concert Series magnet!

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g

c o mm i t t e e o p e n i ng s Join us and make a difference in your community. The HRCA has openings on these homeowner volunteer committees: Tribunal - Hears appeals of Architectural Committee rulings on non-compliance issues or improvements to property.

Recommendations of the Tribunal are based on compliance to governing documents and are forwarded to the Board of Directors.

Architectural Committee - Comprised of homeowners with expertise in home improvement and construction.

They meet to review plan-sets and submittals made by homeowners to assure they comply with HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines.

Finance Committee - Assists the Board of Directors with financial operations of the Association including monthly review of financial statements, investments, annual budget and audit review.

Development Review Committee - An advisory committee to the HRCA Board of Directors that reviews development plans in Highlands Ranch and areas adjacent to the community.

To apply please send resume, letter of interest, completed application, and conflict of interest form to contact@ hrcaonline.org. To download the forms, visit the web site and click on Community News.

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ranch updates A Q UATIC 2 0 1 2 SIL V ER SA F ETY A W AR D

E lectronics R ecycling and Paper S hredding Be a good steward to the environment. Recycle your computer and electronic equipment and shred your sensitive papers on Sunday, May 5, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Suggested donation of $20 to benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund and the Cultural Affairs Association. *TVs cost extra: $20 small, $40 large. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/events.

J uly 4 th parade . . . we want you !

Celebrate our nation’s independence and honor our World War II Veterans by participating in our July 4th Parade. Civic groups, scout The Highlands Ranch Community

troops, military squads, nonprofit organizations, political candidates, car/

Association is proud to announce that

motorcycle clubs, and businesses are invited. World War II Veterans,

it has been awarded the prestigious

let our community thank you for your service. Join us in the parade.

“2012 Silver International Aquatic

Visit HRCAonline.org/vendors to obtain an entry form, call 303-471-8828, or email

Safety Award.”

vmiller@hrcaonline.org for more information.

Earning this award demonstrates that the aquatic facilities HRCA operates

a la carte additions to parties New! A la Carte items are now available for some of our

consistently exceed industry standards

birthday party options! If you are booking a cooking, dance,

in risk management and epitomize

pottery, or tumbling party, you can now add fun things like party

aquatic safety excellence.

favors, decorations, treat bags, face painting, or a bouncer for

International Aquatic Safety Awards

an additional fee. See page 37 in the summer Activity Guide for

are presented annually and are

more information.

based on the results of multiple random, unannounced aquatic facility

calling all classic cars !

operational safety audits throughout

Do you have the coolest hot rod in town? The 13th annual

the year. These audits include

HRCA Classic Car Show exhibits antique, classic, hot rods, or

undercover video surveillance of

muscle cars and motorcycles on June 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00

individual lifeguards while they protect

p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church. See how your car

their Zone of Protection® areas.

stacks up against the rest. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each class and Best of Show. An entry form may be found at HRCAonline.org/vendors.

Board updates The April Board Meeting Motions are available online at www.HRCAonline.org.

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outdoor pools opening The HRCA Outdoor Pools are open 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., May 24 – May 27. The regular summer hours begin Tuesday, May 28. Visit the web site for complete outdoor pool schedules.

May 2013

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upcoming events

farmers' & street Markets

h o o k e d o n f i s h i ng Experts from the Colorado Division of Wildlife lead this fun and educational class and instruct on the art of angling and ecology. Then it is on to the pond to fish! Everything is provided and each child gets to keep their own pole! This class always sells out fast, so don’t hesitate. Call today or go online for tickets. Class will run rain, snow, or shine!

Partnering with the Denver Farmers’

Saturday, May 11 • 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; or noon - 1:00 p.m.

Market, the HRCA Farmers’ and

•Redstone Park Pond • $9 in advance, $11 day of if not sold out.

Street Markets have become the area’s finest.

culture on the green The Highlands Ranch Community Association proudly presents Culture on the Green 2013. This free series is held at Civic Green Park and is sure to delight all ages.

May 24 – International Youth Ballet June 28 – Aurora Symphony Orchestra July 26 – Swing Je T'aime August 23 – Swingset Jazz Quintet.

The Farmers’ Market season starts with a plethora of sauces, pastas, flowers, breads, and more. As produce comes in-season, the market explodes with all the colors, smells, and varieties of Colorado’s bounty.

Select the freshest in breads, fruits, and vegetables for your family to

Fridays, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Free

enjoy all season long. You may pick

Civic Green Park

up a Colorado Farm Fresh Directory at any recreational facility.

• Cattle Branding Party – Saturday, May 11, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Come experience The "Ranch" in Highlands Ranch with roping activities, games, cow pie toss, archery lesson, and more! Includes BBQ lunch and beverages.

• Highlands Ranch Beer Festival – Saturday, June 8, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Civic Green Park.

Find out why Colorado is often called the “Napa Valley of Beer” at the 1st Annual Highlands Ranch Beer Festival. Enjoy live music, local and national breweries, lawn games, and unlimited one ounce samples. A souvenir tasting glass is included in the ticket price.

Must be 21+ to partake in tastings. Individual beer will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the Highlands Ranch Scholarship Fund.

• BBQ 101 – Saturday, June 22, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Learn from professionals from Whole Foods Market how to select, marinate, barbecue, and grill your favorite meats. Then, enjoy the delicious results along with a sampling of beers from the Lone Tree Brewing Company. Must be 21+ to attend.

Visit www.HRCAonline.org/events for a list of vendors and their in-season produce.

The HRCA Street Market has numerous vendors and offers treasures galore! Browse handbags, accessories, cooking utensils, garden adornments, and much more! The markets are adjacent to each other, so it will be truly a one-stop shop!

Sundays, May 5 - October 27 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

You may now purchase tickets online using the Online Registration button!

Town Center South

Please check the web site for the most current event information.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g

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recreation aquatics/sports/fitness WHAT IS SUP? SUP is Stand Up Paddleboard. The HRCA is partnering with Colorado SUP Sports to offer the fastest growing water sport in Colorado. There are two indoor programs: one for Paddle Fitness and 90 minute clinics to learn basic paddle techniques and SUP skills. Kids Camps at Chatfield Reservoir are offered this summer.

Contact 303-471-8942 or kcornelison@hrcaonline.org more information.

HRCA KARATE DENVER Z U M B AT H O N P ARTY I N P UR P LE !

number of classes per month. Tiny Tigers for ages 3-6 is $79 members, $90 guests.

Join us in the fight against cancer! The

Beginning and Intermediate classes for ages 6-adult are $99 members, $114 guests.

Party in Purple Zumbathon charity

All classes are at Westridge. For more information, contact 303-471-8869 or cmaes@

event benefitting the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Highlands Ranch/Lone Tree is

hrcaonline.org.

KINDER SOCCER This coed instructional program for ages 3-5 years introduces the game of soccer in a fun

Saturday, May 4, 10:00 a.m. – noon

and organized setting on Fridays in May at Westridge. Future soccer players will learn basic

in the Northridge gym. There will be

skills while participating in a fun atmosphere. For more information, contact 303-471-8849

vendors and giveaways. Tickets are

or dmain@hrcaonline.org.

$15 and may be purchased at any recreation center in advance or day

YOUTH TENNIS LEAGUE SERVES UP FUN!

of the event. For more information,

The HRCA is proud to offer the USTA Junior Team Tennis

contact 303-471-7044 or rhillman@ hrcaonline.org.

CI N CO D E M AYO 5K / 15K

program again in 2013. This is an eight-week program for ages 8-18 who participate in two team practices per week and one weekly competitive match. Teams are comprised of players of similar gender, age, and skill, and they compete against other teams from the South Denver area. There are four age divisions: 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under or 18 & under. Levels are beginner, intermediate,

The Cinco de Mayo 5K/15K on

and advanced. The format for Junior Team Tennis is two singles matches and one doubles

Saturday, May 4 starts at Southridge

match. Plan to attend one of our league information and registration evening kick-offs:

and runs through nearby neighbor-

May 1, 6:00 p.m. for Northridge and Southridge based teams; and, May 2, 6:00 p.m. for all

hoods and trails. After the race, stick

Junior Team Tennis and CARA players playing out of Lebsack Tennis Center. For more

around for our post-race Cinco de

information, contact 303-471-8940.

Mayo festivities! This run is a Bolder Boulder qualifier. To register, visit www.highlandsranchraceseries.com.

For further information, contact 303471-7048.

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Sign up for the HRCA’s Karate school. Classes are offered monthly; attend an unlimited

SPECIAL NEEDS LEGO CAMP The Therapeutic Recreation Program is excited to offer a Summer Lego Camp! If you like to build cities, bridges, motorized cars, and planes, join in the fun. This program is June 3-7, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at Southridge for all activity ability levels, ages 8-adult. For more information, contact 303-471-7043 or summer.aden@hrcaonline.org.

May 2013

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education youth & adult S u mm e r C a m p Tim e

While your children are preparing for the end of their school year, it's time to start planning where they’ll spend the summer! With so many options, we want you to know what is available here in your own backyard! These camps are Monday-Friday, June 3-August 9, 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (closed July 4th.) Paperwork is available at www.hrcaonline.org/daycamp. For more information call 303-471-8928.

If you’re looking for a full-time program for your 5-12 year old, consider our day camp program. Eastridge Discovery Camp is for children ages 5-8. Campers will participate in swimming, art, pottery, cooking, field trips on Tuesdays, and special visits on Thursdays. This program is $180 for the week or $46 for the day for members.

Southridge Adventure Camp is for children ages 9-12. Campers will participate in swimming, art, cooking, three field trips a week, and special visits on Tuesday and Thursday. This camp is $250 a week or $56 for the day for members.

Westridge Day Camp is for children ages 5-12. The cost is $180 for the week or $40 for the day for members. Campers will participate in swimming, batting cages, going to the park, art, cooking, and a field trip on Thursdays. Half day blocks are available. The Westridge Day Camp runs simultaneously to Westridge Enrichment for children ages 3-5. So, if you have a preschooler and a school-age child, you can drop them off at the same location!

f u n s u mm e r a c t i v i t i e s f o r B e a c h B a bi e s If you’re trying to plan a summer of activities for your 3-6 year old, the HRCA offers a variety of programs on all days of the week to accommodate your family’s schedule.

In addition to our Kreative Kids, It’s a Small World, and 2 Times the Fun, Our Splash into Summer programs will give your child plenty to get excited about! Monday Madness, Terrific Tuesdays, Tadpole Tuesdays, Wet and Wonderful, Tailfin Thursdays, and Friday Fun are programs that will have your child

swimming like a fish, doing art and crafts projects, making new friends, and enjoying other special activities, all summer long.

We also encourage you to try a summer camp, including You Scream - We all Scream for Ice Cream, Red White and Blue, Firecracker Camp, Southridge Summer Splash, and Flip and Dip camps. These fun tumbling camps include special treats and summer activities that will wear your beach babies out while they have fun all summer long!

For more information, call 303-471-8818, visit hrcaonline.org, or see the summer Activity Guide pages 21-23.

c at c h t h e C r e at i v e S u mm e r B u g Get your children involved in the creative arts with programs from three very well established art businesses including: Abrakadoodle, Young Rembrandts, and KidzArt. These wonderful summer art programs for children ages 2-12 are offered at three recreation centers at various times to meet your family’s schedule.

Try enrolling your 9-12 year old in Movie Camp I or Movie Camp II. Summer is also a good time to try our new Photography

Workshop for children ages 8-12 or our duct tape crafts camp.

Drawing, Painting and Mixed Media are also wonderfully popular programs. Our Clay Arts programs for children ages 2-17 offer a wonderful way for children to entertain their creative side while getting a little messy in the clay arts studio. Chef’s Camps will get your child into the kitchen and enjoying the art of food! These are camps you don’t want your kids to miss. For more information, call 303-471-8853.

New dance Sessions begin soon A new session of dance begins in May so be sure to sign up for these popular classes! Dance is offering partial sessions this summer

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g

to make family vacation planning easy! For more information, call 303-471-8853.

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

PERMIT#170

Find what you need on Click It! www.HRCAonline.org/clickit

Scan with your smartphone to visit Click It! now ď‚š

Facility closures May 3 - Eastridge basketball courts closed all day; entire facility closed at 4:30 p.m. for Taste of Highlands Ranch.

May 11, 18, 25 - Northridge Outdoor Pools closed until 2:00 p.m. for HRCA Summer Swim Team meets.

May 13-18 - Southridge closed for annual maintenance.

May 27 - All recreation centers closed at 6:00 p.m. for Memorial Day. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.

May| events For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org

May 3 Taste of Highlands Ranch May 4 Cinco de May 5K/15K Run May 4

Zumbathon - Party in Purple

May 5 Love in Action Community Service Day May 5

Farmers' & Street Markets begin

May 5 Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding May 11

Hooked on Fishing

May 11 Cattle Branding Party May 13

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

May 21

Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m.

May 24 Culture on the Green - Int'l Youth Ballet * These meetings are open to our members.

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 04/30/13.

community partners The HRCA’s ability to bring events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).