Meadows Living: Monthly Digest Meadows Living: Monthly Digest
THEGRANGEPOOL:SUMMER2025DETAILS
HOURSOFOPERATION&SPECIALEVENTS
May24 –August15 :10am–8pm th th
July4 :10am–5pm th
"Dive”InMovieNightPoolParty:August9 from6pm-10pmth
August16 –August29 :Reducedhoursduetoschoolbackinsession th th
Mon-Fri:4pm–7pm
Sat-Sun:10am–7pm
August30 –September1 :10am–7pm th st
DoggieDive:BringyourpupsSeptember6 from10am–2pmth
SafetyBreaks:15minutesat12pm,2pm,4pm,6pm;lapswimmingpermitted
LAPSWIM-NOLIFEGUARDONDUTY;SWIMATYOUROWNRISK
EveryTuesday,Thursday,andSaturdayfrom8:30am–10amallseasonlong Bringupto6guests
BRINGYOURGUESTS-NOWCASHLESS
Bringupto6guestsperdayfor$5/pp(ages3+)usingyourguestfob.Payatthe siloviacard,prepaidpasses,ApplePay,GooglePay,orcheck.
PREPAIDGUESTENTRIES
Theseneverexpire,carryovertonextseason,andarenotphysicalfobs.No refunds or transfers to other households. Purchase in increments of $5 by calling303-814-2358orstoppingbyTheGrange.
GRANGEPOOLFACILITYIMPROVEMENTS
Bathroomsremodeledandrevamped
Repaintedperimeterfencing
Newwhitecoatsurfaceofthelaplanepool
Newfoldingadirondackchairs
Slidesandedandrepainted
Repaintedhangingbucketsandsplashpadanimals
Minorconcreterepairs
Installedremovablefloatablesandbottlefillingstation
Roofreplacements
Refreshedexistinglandscaping
SUBMIT YOUR 2025 POOL FORM ASAP!
HOUSEKEEPING HOUSEKEEPING
THE GRANGE SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
May 1 - August 31 st st
Monday - Friday: 8:30am – 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: Closed
UPCOMINGCOMPREHENSIVECOVENANTSINSPECTIONS
June
District1:Feathergrass,HarrisGrove, Patina,Suncatcher
District2:Azure,BriscoeRanch, Hawthorn,MorgansRun,Panorama
District4:FullerBluff,Morningview, Watercolor,Weathervane Lawns Trees
Landscape
Maintenance
HomeRepairs
ChangesNotApproved
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE SCHEDULE
May 14 9am The Grange May 7
May 28 9am The Grange
June 11 9am The Grange
June 25 9am The Grange
May 21
June 4
June 18
COMMUNITY CLUBS LED BY YOUR NEIGHBORS
Plant-Based Recipes: Come to The Grange on the first Thursday every month at 10am as we share our favorite recipes to help add more plants to your life. For more club details, contact Darlene Allen at allen darlene@ymail.com.
Bridge: Whether you ' re a beginner, expert, or strictly online, come join this fun, informal group where you’ll socialize and spark some friendly neighborhood competition! We meet every Tuesday from 1pm - 3pm at The Grange. To learn more, contact Sharon Sansone at sharonasansone@yahoo.com or Kathi Polage at kpolage10@gmail.com.
Hiking: Composed of diverse individuals, couples, and families (teens to 70s), we hike local trails, such as Philip Miller and Dawson's Butte, to 14ers We typically plan early morning Saturday hikes in the spring and fall, and late afternoon/dusk hikes in the summer. We also have many informal social events throughout the year, as well as meet-ups for skiing and biking If interested, please contact Gary Epstein at rockymtngary76@gmail com
TRASH SERVICES TRASH SERVICES
The Need to Know
Upcoming Holiday Interruption: Trash and recycling scheduled for Monday, May 26 ispostponedtoTuesday,May27 duetoMemorialDay th th
Spring Yard Waste Disposal: On June 2 , Waste Management will collect up to 10 bags of leaves and 4 bundles of branches that are cut and tied into bundles no longerthan4ft.Bagsmustbeofreasonableweighttobeliftedbyasingledriver.
Prepare: Avoid being missed by ensuring bins are out on time (7am – 7pm), fully closed with no overflow, and leave at least 4 ft of space beside your bins Cardboardmustbeempty,flattened,andplacedinsideorbesidethebin.
StartingJuly1 ,norecyclingmaybeleftoutsideofyourbins.st
Report: Missed pick ups may be reported the next day to Juli Asbridge at jasbridge@meadowslink.com.Remembertoprovideyourhomeaddress!
Purchase: If your bins are routinely full or overflowing, purchase another bin ($5/bin/month)throughJuliorlearnaboutlocaldisposalresources.
Remember:RecyclingoccursontheGREENMondays-clickthecalendartosave
RECONSTRUCTION RECAP RECONSTRUCTION RECAP
Taft House Progress
In last month's newsletter, we revealed the upcoming phases of our most significant reconstruction project to date, which includes the Taft House pool, office building, and the nearby field. To keep you informed about this eagerly anticipated project, we will provide regular updates on last month's progress as well as what to expect in the coming month Although timelines and expected next steps may shift, we are maintaining a steady progress!
April2025Accomplishments
Pre-construction
Sitefencingdeliveredtostagingarea
Dumpsterdeliveredtostagingarea
Siteofficeset-up
Equipmentdelivery
TaftHousePool
Removalandstorageoffencingforequipmentaccess
Disconnectpowertolightpolesonpooldeck
Removalandstorageofpoolumbrellasandselectpoolaccessories
Demolitionanddisposalofpoolaccessories
Demolitionandexportationofpooldeckconcrete
Demolitionandexportationofpoolshellconcrete
LookingAheadtoMay2025
Continueddemolitionandexportationofpoolshellandpooldeckconcrete
Demolitionandremovalofexistingpoolpiping
Removeexistinglandscapeatretainingwallarea
Over-excavationsoil
Setupbenchmarks
Setupgradestakesforpierlocations
BOARD BRIEFS BOARD BRIEFS
The Latest Developments
ASpecialThankYoufromtheExecutiveDirector,JillAllen
On behalf of the entire MNC Team and Board of Governors, it is with heartfelt gratitude that we bid a fond farewell to Paul “Kip” James, who has graciously servedontheBoardoverthepastthreeyears.
Kip has been a proud member of our community since 2003, raising his children whohavesincebecomeMeadowshomeownersthemselves.Professionally,heisa highlyaccomplishedITsecurityexpertandaretiredUS MarineGunnerySergeant While his distinguished careers might hint at a rugged exterior, our interactions withKiphavebeennothingbutwarm,kind,andsincere.
Since his term began in May 2022, Kip has exemplified unwavering commitment and service, taking on the responsibilities of Secretary and Governor at Large He devoted countless hours to reviewing complex meeting packets, contributing to pivotal decisions such as the Taft House rebuild, and offering thoughtful, wellrounded insights to address both private and community matters. Kip was an overalljoytobearoundandwillbedearlymissedbyallofusatTheMeadows.
As he turns the page to new adventures, we know he’ll be enjoying precious time withhisfamilyandcyclingthescenicroutesaroundCastleRock-leavingatrailof inspirationbehindhim.We’llseeyouaroundinyourcolor-coordinatedVans,Kip!
Decisions&HighlightsfromApril’sMeetings
ARC Guideline revisions have been tabled to October 2025 due to pending legislativechangesandaquantityofongoingprojectsrequiringManagement’s strictattentionandampletimededication.
Two task orders were approved for Reconstruction Experts (RE), which is the Board-approved General Contractor for the Taft House building reconstruction andUplandParkalleywayrepairs Inspecific,thesetaskorderscover: RepairsforboththeinteriorandexterioroftheTaftHousebuilding.
Maintenance on surface repairs caused by daily vehicular traffic as well as inclement weather, demolition of alleyway concrete, earthwork, pavement replacement, excavation, and the sealing of all control joints in the alleywaystoextendtheirusefullife
ThankyoutothethreehomeownerswhoattendedtheBoardCandidateQ&A!
UpcomingMeeting
On May 13 at The Grange, our regular Board meeting will be held at 4pm At 6pm,theDistrictDelegateswillratifythe2025-2026budgetandvoteonwhich two Board Candidates will serve May 2025 through May 2028. Come out to showyoursupportonthisimportantdecisionanddelightin refreshmentswith yourneighbors!Remindersviae-blasttofollow.
BEHIND THE BUDGET BEHIND THE BUDGET
How Assessments Are Determined
We aim to offer insight and transparency into how the MNC’s annual assessments are calculated in relation to the reserve study, enabling you to better understand the Association's long-term budgeting goals alongside the chart below.
Fiscal Year
2019-2020
2020-2021
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
2024-2025
MNC Quarterly Assessment
$215.00
$225.00
$235.00
$235.00
$246.75
$259.00
2025-2026 Ratification May 13 at 6pm at The Grange th
The reserve study-funding plan, completed every 3-5 years, is a key part of the Association’s annual budget and long-term financial planning. The study determines assessment portions for reserve contributions, covering shared common areas and facilities. This ensures funds for replacing and repairing infrastructure, ultimately avoiding unexpected special assessments with a fully funded reserve
From 2000 to 2019, the MNC was developer-controlled In January 2020, the community transitioned to a homeowner-controlled Board, prioritizing increased contributions to fully fund reserves. A new reserve study revealed significant underfunding, missing assets, and urgent maintenance needs These were addressed in the updated study, ensuring proper funding for future replacements. Since 2020, reserves have steadily grown and are presently 50% funded.
Beyond the reserve study, many large service contracts, such as landscaping, snow removal, trash, lifeguarding, and insurance, rise annually due to inflation Additionally, we are planning for expenses tied to surface maintenance for three new neighborhoods not yet turned over from the developer (Azure, Chateau, Hawthorn) These costs for every neighborhood include irrigation water and repairs, manual watering, mowing, grounds maintenance, snow removal, electricity, insurance, playgrounds, dog stations, and reserves.
In summary, the MNC is committed to long-term financial stability and transparency. Through careful reserve planning, proactive budgeting, and addressing inflation-driven increases, we aim to ensure the upkeep and improvement of our community's shared spaces and amenities. With ongoing efforts to build our reserves and plan for new neighborhood expenses, we are steadily moving toward a financially sound future that benefits all members.
HOT DAYS, COOL PLANS HOT DAYS, COOL PLANS
Register Online or Call 303-814-2358
EVENTSFORMNC&MCARESIDENTS
Community Garage Sale - Get ready to sell and shop on Saturday, May 10 from 8am - 4pm throughout The Meadows! Register your address and provide a detailed descriptionbeforeMay8 toattractmoretraffictoyoursale. th th
Trash Bash - Haul your junk over to The Grange on Saturday, May 17 starting at 9am This year, we added two more dumpsters and created a detailed station map soyoucanefficientlyloadandunloadyourvehicle Nodumpingplease! th
Children's Hospital Colorado Blood Drive - Do a good deed and save children in need on Monday, June 23 Giving blood takes less than 45 minutes to complete with appointments running every 30 minutes between 8:30am - 12:15pm Look for thebloodbusintheupperparkinglotatTheGrange.
RELAX&UNWIND
Sound Bath Meditation - Ready to refresh your mind and spirit before diving into summer fun? Treat yourself to 90 minutes of pure serenity on Wednesday, May 7 from 6:30pm - 8pm at The Grange Class includes light stretching and guided meditationpractices.Registerbythemorningofclass(ages13+). th
Wildflower Arts Class - Bring your creative spirit and boozy beverages to this 21+ craft night hosted on Thursday, May 8 from 6pm - 8pm at The Grange Artists will create a custom wildflower glass candle holder and bookmark to treasure or gift to a loved one. Invite your pals or spouse for a chill night out close to home! Please registerbyMay5 . th th
YOUTHSUMMERCAMPS
Chess Wizards Half Day Camp - This nationwide camp is anything but boring! With team chess games, recess, snacks, tournaments, and puzzles, every camper will leave with the tools necessary to excel at the game of chess. Every camper receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder! This camp is designed for ages 5-12 andrunsJune9 -13 from9am-NoonatTheGrange.PleaseregisterbyMay30 . th th th
KidzArt Half Day Camp - This “Into the Woods” themed art camp is for young artists ages 6-12. Every day will feature a variety of different mediums like clay, acrylic paint, pastels, watercolors, and so much more. Camp runs July 14th - 18th from1pm-4:30pmatTheGrange Let’slearn,create,andhavefuntogether!
WHY MERCANTILE PARK? WHY MERCANTILE PARK?
The Venue for MITM 2025
This summer, Mercantile Park will serve as the location for our Music in The Meadows concert series. We know this venue change will come as a surprise, so we wanted to share detailed insight on this decision
In May 2019, the land developer began construction on Mercantile Park Working in collaboration with the MNC Board at the time, the park was thoughtfully designed and intended to be a permanent amphitheater for events such as Music in The Meadows, Food Truck Frenzy, and more In December 2024, the developer generously gifted Mercantile Park, transforming it into a $1.6 million communityowned asset for the MNC.
Since inception, all of our events have been primarily funded through sponsorship income, and we hope to keep it this way As we planned this year’s concerts, we were facing the expiration of our 10-year lease agreement for the concert stage that was utilized for all previous events. This long-term lease, established by the developer and managed by Meadows Metropolitan District #1, required the MNC to bear the annual operational expenses, amounting to over $5,500 annually for three concerts and Food Truck Frenzy.
While other locations served as wonderful venues in the past, scheduling conflicts and logistical constraints made hosting concerts on their lawns quite challenging With all factors considered, the Board determined it was financially prudent not to renew the concert stage lease agreement and to utilize Mercantile Park for its intended purpose Thank you for giving Mercantile Park a chance this summer!
The Board invites MNC residents to provide feedback on this year’s venue by attending the monthly meeting on September 2 at 4:30pm at The Grange. The agenda and meeting reminder will be communicated via e-blast the week prior
Photo Credit: Mark Gonczar, 2023
15% OFF Fence Staining Estimates for MNC Residents!
Through December 31, 2025, MNC Residents can use the promo code “CERTA2025” to receive 15% off any new fence staining estimate (no coupon stacking). Please share this code with CertaPro while onsite or during the scheduling process.
For scheduling and questions, please reach out to CertaPro Painters of Castle Rock at 303-688-2224.
COMMUNITY SPONSORS 2025 COMMUNITY SPONSORS 2025
MNC events are primarily funded thanks to the incredible support of our dedicated sponsors. Together, we commemorate our accomplishments and eagerly anticipate another year of enjoyment for the entire community. Thank you for your continued support!
