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Rich Seymour rseymour@ cityofwestminster.us

Sarah Nurmela snurmela@ cityofwestminster.us

Lindsey Emmons lemmons@ cityofwestminster.us

Your hub for City happenings, stories, and neighborly advice at www.cityofwestminster.us/ TheWestyWord

Get Connected with the westy Word Blog

Gonzalez

Confident. Exhilarated. Refreshed. Those are the words used to describe an experience on the flying trapeze, Westminster’s newest summer program at Irving Street Park.

Fly Mile High, co-founded by Michael Roudebush, is Colorado’s first public trapeze school located right in the heart of Historic Westminster. Roudebush is a long-tenured trapeze artist hailing from experience with some of the world’s most renowned circus entertainment groups including Cirque du Soleil, Club Med, Atelier du Trapèze, and more. “Flying trapeze is truly for anyone who is looking for something new and thrilling,” Roudebush asserts. “We welcome students from all fitness levels and athletic backgrounds.” This inclusive ethos is crucial to Fly Mile High’s mission. “At Fly Mile High, we're excited to give people a unique place to gather, create amazing memories, showcase their progress, challenge themselves, and build lifelong friendships and community through this one-of-a-kind shared experience.”

Shared experiences are exactly what Westminster’s Recreation Services Manager, Tim Lachermeier had in mind when connecting with Fly Mile High and securing space for them in Historic Westminster. “The proximity of [Irving Street] Park to Highway 36 is appealing as the location leads toward inviting participants from the Denver and Boulder areas, as well as Westminster,” Lachermeier said, touting the park’s ideal location. “Irving Street Park is also the site of the Irving Street Library. This activity could bring attention there as well as the MAC and Swim & Fitness Center, which is currently undergoing an extensive $4.8 million renovation project. Introducing positive activity along this corridor helps to meet the Parks, Recreation and Libraries' mission of nature, wellness, and literacy.”

Karen Gonzalez is a former gymnast who was drawn to the trapeze installation in Westminster. After Roudebush offered her instruction on a low bar near the ground, he encouraged Gonzales to try it at the trapeze bar's full height, twenty feet above the ground and twelve feet above the safety net. Gonzalez admits agreeing to try it did not come without a healthy level of fear. “Climbing the ladder up is the scariest part,” she said. Gonzalez, encouraged by staff atop the platform, executed her first knee hang by swinging her feet in between her arms, flipping upside down, gripping the bar behind her knees, and releasing her hand grip. As she swung upside down, arms pointing to the ground, applause and cheers erupted through Irving Street Park. After completing her two-hour class, Gonzalez said, “I feel like [the trapeze] is a perfect fit for Colorado people because they’re very active and they’re all about moving their body.”

Karen

For those with a fear of heights, Roudebush takes care to respect every trainee’s comfort level. “You are always harnessed and connected to one of our spotting instructors via spotting safety lines while in the air. We never force anyone to go beyond their own boundaries.” He assures people interested in the trapeze will feel “the sense of pride, accomplishment, and elation that flows through you when you finish your first swing,” and it may entice Westminster residents into making it a new regular activity.

Classes are now underway and weather permitting, the trapeze will be available to people 6 years and older, through October.

to experience the trapeze through video

PARKMcFall

dedication

What was once considered an eyesore, a vacant lot filled with weeds, is now a place for flourishing imaginations. Children cross the London Bridge where they meet Peter Pan inside the Lost Boys’ hideout, plotting a way to defeat Captain Hook on his pirate ship. After winning their play sword fight, they celebrate their victory by splashing in the River Thames. You don’t need a sprinkle of fairy dust to join the fun—you just need to head to the park across from Westminster City Hall.

It’s easy to get caught up in the whimsy of what many residents lovingly call, “Peter Pan Park.” The park has open space for tossing a ball or getting a suntan; splash pad for kids to cool off; an amphitheater for listening to music together as a community. However, before it became a place for the Lost Boys to defeat Captain Hook, the park was just a jungle of brush.

Former City Manager Brent McFall saw the open lot from his City Hall office in 2007 and knew it had the potential to be something great. Inspired by residents who asked for more park space, he helped the City secure grant money to clean up the area.

“We had neighbors who kept asking us when we are we going to develop this park, so it really moved up on our priority list,” McFall remembered. “I am proud to have a part in making the park.” McFall said he fondly remembers how much he enjoyed gazing out his office window, smiling as residents enjoyed Westminster’s fresh air.

will be renamed McFall Park this July. McFall served as Westminster’s City Manager for 14 years from 2001 to 2015. During his tenure, the City welcomed Orchard Town Center, the Shops at Walnut Creek, development in Schoenberg Farms, an arts district in Historic Westminster, along with an award-winning parks and open space program. In fact, under McFall’s leadership, the United Nations gave Westminster its Livable Communities Award for Use of Environmentally Sensitive Practices in 2005, and won its National Gold Medal Award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. McFall also had a lasting impact on City staff by creating the organization’s SPIRIT Values (Service, Pride, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation, Teamwork), which still live on twenty years later. “Having those values in the forefront after all these years is rewarding to me and gives me a feeling that I have helped contribute to the wellbeing of the city.”

As for McFall, he is modest about this new honor. “I’m humbled by the whole experience. No one goes into city management for recognition. I went into city management because I love what cities do daily to impact so many lives.” He finds the honor of having the park named after him extra special because of “its proximity to City Hall where I feel like I spent my life.”

His involvement in bringing the park to life is one of the many reasons Westminster Center Park

In keeping with McFall’s humble spirit, the dedication of McFall Park is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, July 14, ahead of the “Movie in the Park” viewing of “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” Westminster residents will enjoy a summer evening in the park and may not even know the person who brought the park to fruition is in their midst. McFall prefers it that way.

Brent McFall

SUMMER EVENTS

Neighbor Nights

June-September every Friday evening, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Please visit the Special Events webpage for locations

Presented by: Xfinity

4th of July Celebration

Tuesday, July 4 | 4–10 p.m. (fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.)

Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Sponsored by: Intermountain Health, Xfinity, and Westminster Federal Credit Union

Westy Craft Brew Fest (21+)

Saturday, July 29 | 5–9 p.m.

Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Sponsored by: RE/MAX Alliance, Xfinity, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Total Beverage, and Renewal By Andersen

Public Safety Open House

Saturday, June 24 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Public Safety Center 9110 Yates St.

Movies in the Park

(6:30 p.m. each night)

Super Pets | Friday, June 30 at Fireman's Park

Minions: The Rise of Gru | Friday, July 14 at Westminster Center Park

Lightyear | Friday, Aug. 11 at Irving Street Library

Presented by: Intermountain Health and Xfinity

Telephone Town Hall with City Council

Thursday, July 27 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Partner Event: 1870s Vintage Baseball

Presented by the Westminster Historical Society

Saturday, July 8 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Wolff Run Park 4705 W. 76th Ave.

City Hall 4800 W. 92nd Ave. Top Taco (21+)

Thursday, July 13 | 7 p.m.

Westminster City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Standley Lake

Drop a line and catch the big one Standley Lake is a hot spot for anglers along the Front Range. The lake is home to more than 13 species of fish, including bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and more. Fishing from shore or paddlecraft is allowed in most areas, and there’s an ADA-accessible fishing pier available all summer. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try to beat the state record for the largest walleye that was caught here in 1997 and weighed over 18 pounds!

estminster residents do not have to travel far to experience the great outdoors. Standley Lake Regional Park has so many enjoyable activities, it might take an entire summer to try everything! Here are a few of our favorite ways to have a sensational summer at Standley Lake.

Start your day with a bird walk

The early bird gets the worm, and thanks to our knowledgeable guides, you might get to see those early birds for yourself! On this free guided walk, volunteer bird experts will teach you all about the incredible variety of birds we have along the Front Range, including those that call Standley Lake home. Binoculars are provided, and you’ll come away with all the avian fun facts your brain can store.

3 4

Get out on the water and paddle around

Paddling season runs through September, and whether you’re out on the water for a workout or some aquatic rest and relaxation, Standley Lake is a perfect spot for your day on the water. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent, or feel free to bring your own (as long as you let a ranger spray it down to keep invasive species at bay). Pro tip: rent the fishing kayak that comes with a rod holder and convenient storage compartment for your gear!

Hop on the trails

While the lake is the centerpiece of the park, don’t forget to check out the network of wellmaintained trails that weave all around the area. The trails vary in length and are perfect for running, biking, and walking dogs in a less crowded environment than you might find further into the mountains. The north and south trails offer amazing views, solid ratings on AllTrails, and are free to use if you park at the lots on either side of the park. Time your adventure correctly and you can catch a gorgeous sunset over the mountains west of Standley Lake.

Check out the Nature Center

The Standley Lake Nature Center is chockfull of helpful info and fun activities related to all the wildlife in the park. Check out an age-specific Adventure Kit and explore everything from the native pollinator garden to the sand pit outside where you can be a paleontologist and dig for dinosaur bones. You can even keep whatever dino bones you find! Be sure to talk to our staff who love to answer wildlife questions, and maybe you’ll get to meet Betty the Bullsnake who lives in the Nature Center.

Spot wildlife like a National Geographic Photographer

With such a wide variety of wildlife inhabiting the park, Standley Lake is a nature photographer’s dream. Bring your best camera to try and snap photos of red foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and more. Use the trails to get around and find the best angles to snap your pics, or post up in the eagle blind with a good lens to capture images of bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and more.

Rest your head under the stars

After a full day of adventuring, return to one of the 66 available campsites to make dinner, kick your feet up, and roast a few marshmallows. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and a fire pit. If you don’t have all the gear (or you just prefer to camp in style) rent out a 16-foot bell tent that comes with all the essentials to make your home in the great outdoors. Each bell tent comes already set up with a double cot, two single cots, a lantern, lockable storage trunk, and a night stand. Private parking is included, and an ADA-accessible platform can be reserved.

For more details on activities and programs at Standley Lake, scan this QR code.

NEIGHBORLY ADVICE

We ’re here to help!

For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant.

Water Quality Report

The Water Quality Report summarizes the quality of our city’s drinking water and includes additional information about where we get our water and how we deliver it to your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Water Quality Report will be available online on July 1 at: www.cityofwestminster.us/waterreport. Residents may request a printed copy of the report by calling the City’s Water Quality staff at 303-658-2461 or by emailing water@cityofwestminster.us.

How to keep your yard green and our waterway clean

Over-application of fertilizers and pesticides can result in stormwater runoff which carries toxic levels of chemicals or excessive nutrients into our waterways. As algae decays, it consumes oxygen in the water and kills fish and other aquatic life.

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

303-658-2400

(then press “0” from the menu options)

Military Discount at Recreation Centers

Westminster recreation centers offer a 50% discount on daily admission and annual facility passes to active-duty service members, veterans, retired military, and military family members with valid ID.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Use slow-release, phosphorus-free products to reduce the frequency of application. Organic products release slowly and have fewer metals. Most of Colorado's soil does not need additional phosphorus.

Don't apply within 75 feet of waterways. Otherwise, fertilizer will most certainly end up in the water.

Don't fertilize before a storm. It will most likely wash away.

Fertilize the lawn, not the sidewalk. Sweep up the excess on the sidewalk and in the gutters.

Don't feed the storm drain. Excess pesticides, fertilizer, grass clippings, leaves, and other debris get carried directly into our waterways.

We’re here to help with all your health needs and concerns.

A primary care provider (PCP) is the first person you go to for health questions and concerns. When you choose one of our PCPs, you form a relationship with someone who knows your history and is here for you, year after year. Your primary care provider is your partner in health through every stage of your life and we’re here to help you find someone just right for you.

“PCPs are generalists who see babies, kids and adult patients for common ailments including respiratory infections, headaches, back pain, rashes and urinary infections,” said Angela Bryant, PA-C, a PCP at SCL Health Medical Group - Westminster. “They also manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety and depression. A PCP can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you are sick, and help you get more advanced care when you need it.”

You should establish care with a PCP who truly listens to your concerns, offers advice and allows you to make decisions regarding your health that you both think are best.

“Even if you have never had a primary care provider, developing a relationship with one now will allow you to reach out to someone who can give advice if you are not feeling well, as well as give you recommendations to keep you healthy for the future,” said Angela.

Scan the QR code to learn more about primary care services offered at SCL Health’s Medical Group clinics

Need a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant?

“A PCP can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you are sick, and help you get more advanced care when you need it.”

into Summer Swing

Welcome Back, Golfers! Golf

Westminster nears completion of renovations at leGacy ridge and Walnut creek ahead of exciting season.

Following a multi-year renovation project, Golf Westminster is excited to welcome back golfers to a new and improved Walnut Creek Golf Preserve and Legacy Ridge Golf Course.

The renovations at both courses focused primarily on replacing aging irrigation systems with newer technology that will make maintenance more efficient and sustainable, all while improving playability.

Parks and Golf Superintendent Chris Johnson said the city got its money’s worth from the original systems that were installed when the courses were built back in the 1990s.

“Irrigation systems in the ‘90s were based on a 25-year lifespan. We were coming up on our dates, but we’ve had incredibly good maintenance on our systems,” Johnson said. “They have been operated with longevity in mind, very highly maintained. But they were wearing out. We started seeing leaks, breakages, a lot of wear and tear.”

“Over the past year, our big focus has been maintenance improvements to make us sustainable for the future,” said Joe Carlton, head golf professional at Legacy Ridge. “Water is a very valuable, very expensive resource, so we want to be good stewards of what we have, including the land, and leave as small a footprint as possible.”

Rather than utilizing potable water for irrigation, the City of Westminster's golf courses both use reclaimed water, which saves the City’s resources for other uses.

Westminster’s two municipal courses are hidden gems of the Front Range golf community. Both Walnut Creek and Legacy Ridge offer high-quality golf experiences comparable to much more expensive private courses.

“There are very few country clubs that offer the golfing conditions and level of maintenance that we do,” Johnson said. “That’s a pat on the back for all the hardworking staff here. The value level for golf in Westminster is incredible.”

Returning players will notice a few changes to the courses this season, including better sightlines and additional tee boxes for players of all ages and abilities. Additionally, several fairways have been widened, and some rough areas have been cut shorter to improve playability.

Older PVC pipes and sprinklers have been replaced with newer HDPE piping and highend components that have a 50-year lifespan and will keep both courses in top-notch shape reliably and sustainably for decades to come.

Carlton said even though the courses have been made more accommodating in some ways, experienced golfers can still challenge themselves at both facilities.

“You can choose your own adventure, so it can definitely still be challenging if you want it to be, but we’ve made it more enjoyable for

players of all skill levels,” he said. “We’re excited to have everyone back. The feedback we’ve had so far has been very positive, and people are having a good time.”

The biggest change to either course is the pond renovation near Hole 4 at Legacy Ridge. What was previously a weather-dependent water feature has been nearly doubled in size, and properly lined to hold reclaimed water used for irrigation.

The enhanced pond feature was created in partnership with the City’s Public Works and Utilities Department and helps conserve water resources while providing a more picturesque Par 3.

Along with improvements to the courses, Golf Westminster has partnered with a local business to improve on its wildly successful golf instruction offerings. A new partnership with Trent Wearner Golf Academy will help meet increasing demand for clinics and lessons for golfers of all ages and abilities.

“In 2017, we started running our own programs, and we had such high demand we could not serve enough customers with our in-house staff,” Johnson said. “We developed and grew the

community to the point where we couldn’t meet demand. And now people are excited to get their kids into the game, and this partnership will help with that.”

Carlton agreed and said the entire Golf Westminster staff is excited to welcome back golfers for a full season of fun and exciting times at both courses.

“The biggest thing for us is providing great, memorable experiences at a great value,” he said. “Golfers and non-golfers alike, we feel like we’re ready to bring that value back to the community.”

The irrigation work is expected to wrap up at Walnut Creek by mid-summer. The Walnut Creek refresh will also include bunker renovations over the next few years to enhance the playability of the golf course. Golfers may still see progress being made on the Legacy Ridge Golf Course parking lot throughout the summer which will not affect play.

To learn more about golf in Westminster, schedule a tee time, or sign up for instruction, download the Golf Westy app or visit cityofwestminster.us/GolfWestminster.

Rent a golf bike the next time you’re on the course!

Why Walk W hen you can ride?