Ringing the Bell WHS Principal Fights for the Future
The Future Flows Here Drinking Water Facility Project Begins Why does my water taste different in the fall?
Investing in Resilience The Big Dry Creek Streambank Restoration Project Fall Events Guide 4 6 7 8 11 10 12
Neighborly Advice Home Base For Aerospace Westminster...but make it halloween!
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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Nancy McNally Mayor nmcnally@ westminsterco.gov
Sarah Nurmela Mayor Pro tem snurmela@ westminsterco.gov
Claire Carmelia ccarmeli@ westminsterco.gov
David DeMott ddemott@ westminsterco.gov
Obi Ezeadi oezeadi@ westminsterco.gov
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Amber Hott ahott@ westminsterco.gov
Kristine Ireland kireland@ westminsterco.gov
THE BELL
WHS PRINCIPAL FIGHTS FOR THE FUTURE
It’s 2014, and under the bright lights of the 1stBank Center, a fighter steps into the ring, hair tightly braided for the fierce forces of combat sports.
Thousands of people in the arena and countless others watching the pay-per-view event hear her name over the loudspeaker, as she feels the canvas mat beneath her bare feet and takes note of the padded ropes boxing her in. Beyond the ring, an entire section of the Broomfield arena is waving blue towels bearing her name.
Years of gritty gym sessions training in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts have led her to this moment. “Babyface,” as they call her, takes her stance and raises her fists for yet another fight she was never supposed to win.
Years later, the bell that rings for Maureen Bangsund no longer signals the start of a professional cage match, but rather the start of the day at Westminster High School.
Nobody calls her “Babyface” these days and they’d be wise not to. Instead, starting this school year, she is now addressed as Principal Bangsund.
"I was your stereotypical book nerd and wanted to be a writer,” Bangsund remembered. “But I was out of shape and needed something different from the usual gym routine."
Having grown up in the metro area, Bangsund learned of a fight gym in Westminster where she could try kickboxing, and she was hooked even after a rough start.
"I was no good at it when I first started. I couldn't even jump over a medicine ball with two feet at the same time," she laughed.
Throughout her adult life, and especially when it came to her journey as a professional fighter, the road was paved with challenges. A boxing coach once told her she was so bad that she should quit, a comment unfortunately made in front of Bangsund’s young sons.
"Well, now I have to make a career out of it," she said decisively. "I was always raised to believe that if you're willing to put in the work and sacrifice, you can be whatever you want to be.”
From that moment, she carved her path in a harsh landscape for the first generation of female fighters. Bangsund's professional fighting career saw her compete in boxing, kickboxing, and MMA.
"I was one of the first women to compete professionally in all three because that was the only way to make money," she explained.
Her career was not just about fighting; it was about inspiring others. She created the tagline "What's your possible?" to encourage others to push their limits, and instilled that same spirit in the young people she coached along the way.
The only person who can dictate what's possible or impossible for you is yourself " "
Bangsund’s transition to education came after a significant injury in 2016, when she broke her hand and couldn’t train for an extended period of time. During that period, she continued to coach and mentor other fighters and eventually sought a path where she could continue to have impact maybe just less physical impact, and more professional impact.
She got back in the classroom, teaching family and consumer science while preaching a mantra of resilience. As she climbed the ranks, she continued to believe in the power of resilience and tenacity, values she hopes to instill in both her staff and students as she assumes her new role as principal of Westminster High School.
"There's really nothing the world can throw at me that I don't have the courage and willingness to face," she said. "The ability to learn how to sit in discomfort and keep going is one of those things in life that you really have to experience for yourself. The kids I connect with the best are the ones that the average adult would say are the hardest.”
As the bell rings and ushers in a new school year, Bangsund’s background and approach to leadership promise to bring a fresh perspective to Westminster High School.
Stepping into her new role, she once again will rely on years of training and experience. This time around, it’s not the dingy boxing gyms or the bright lights of televised cagematches, but rather the ever-changing arena of education where she will fight. And for perhaps the first time in her career, she is far from an underdog.
Watch the full story of Maureen Bangsund’s journey from the ring to the classroom by scanning the QR code.
Scan the QR code to sign up for project update emails.
After nearly a decade of planning and community engagement, the new Westminster Boulevard Drinking Water Facility will break ground this fall. Located along Westminster Boulevard just north of 98th Avenue, the upgraded facility is a significant step toward modernizing our water treatment system. The new water treatment facility will be able to meet future water quality challenges related to wildfires in our watershed and increasingly stringent federal water quality guidelines.
The modern water treatment facility ensures our community continues to have clean, safe, and affordable water for future generations.
COMMUNITY GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION
Wednesday, September 24, 5 to 6:30 pm 9988 Westminster Blvd.
Save the date! Please join us for a special community groundbreaking celebration to commemorate the start of construction on the new drinking water facility. Join residents, Westminster City Council and other elected leaders for a ceremony marking the milestone. We're building a better water future for Westminster, and we can't wait to celebrate it with you!
Stop by to enjoy:
Food trucks and refreshments Fun, educational activities for all ages A close-up look at construction equipment
For more details about the project, please visit: www.westminsterco.gov/drinkingwaterproject.
Curious how construction is going on our other milestone project in Westminster? Scan to sign up for Municipal Courthouse project emails.
Why does my water taste different in the fall?
It’s a question we hear from Westminster residents each year. Over the next couple of weeks into mid-October, you may notice that your water tastes a little different. Don’t worry — that’s normal! Each fall around early October, the turnover process begins at Standley Lake, which is a seasonal change between summer and winter when water from the bottom of the lake naturally rises to the top. Turnover helps supply the lake’s ecosystem with vital nutrients and oxygen. It may potentially cause our drinking water to smell or taste a little earthy, but it’s still perfectly safe to drink.
What is turnover and why does this happen?
During the summer, the sun heats the water in Standley Lake and creates thermal layers in the reservoir. Warm water rises to the top, while cool water sinks below. When the warmer water at the surface begins to cool off in the fall, it will sink, and the layers of water will begin to mix — a process called turnover.
Is turnover normal?
Yes! It happens in many other lakes and reservoirs. This change of water temperature layers can cause water that was near the bottom to rise to the surface, potentially causing an unpleasant smell or earthy taste in the water, but the water is still safe to drink as normal.
How long will this different smell and taste last?
Thankfully, it’s temporary! The turnover process normally lasts anywhere from two to four weeks and depends on how warm the air temperature is.
Is it safe to drink?
Absolutely. Our water quality specialists monitor the lake water and the water leaving our treatment facility 24/7. This process does not change the high quality of water that reaches your tap at home.
Is the City doing anything to stop the smell during this time of year?
Our water quality specialists continuously monitor our drinking water supply.
Sometimes, we are able to add an oxidation additive that bonds with the odor molecules and helps reduce the smell. This additive is safe to drink, and we use a minimal amount to decrease the unpleasant odors while also preserving the natural processes of Standley Lake’s ecosystem.
For further questions or concerns, you can reach out to the City’s Water Quality Hotline at 303-658-2461.
Investing in Resilience:
The Big Dry Creek Streambank Restoration Project
When you visit City Park (10455 Sheridan Blvd.) later this fall, the view will look a little different. Look west past the pavilion and you will see new trails, ponds, and bridges along Big Dry Creek. Stroll down to the water and you will notice the steep streambanks have been transformed into gentle slopes with newly planted native trees, plants, and grasses. These changes are part of the Big Dry Creek Streambank Restoration Project, which finishes work later this year.
The project started in 2019, when the City partnered with the Mile High Flood District to improve Big Dry Creek’s water quality and flood management capabilities. Years of urban runoff caused steep, unsafe streambanks and erosion that encroached on trails and water infrastructure. To revitalize our waterways and stormwater infrastructure, the project team:
Realigned Big Dry Creek to its natural flow
Restored Big Dry Creek’s banks after years of steep erosion
Constructed water quality ponds to help
stormwater runoff, water quality, and flood mitigation
Planted 225 new trees and thousands of plants and grasses
Crews planted vegetation to help stabilize the streambanks and build a healthy habitat for native plant species. The first step was removing undesirable, non-native trees. The second step was planting hundreds of new cottonwood and willow starts, along with native shrubs and plants. The next step will be seeding the area with native grasses after construction.
It will take several years for the plants and trees to become fully established. Although they may appear sparse initially, they will eventually develop into a thriving landscape. To safeguard the young plants as they grow, you might notice fencing around the base of trees and colorful flags blowing in the wind for protection from waterfowl. As an example of what to expect, visit the park area at Westminster Station. This space just north of 68th Avenue between Lowell and
Federal boulevards underwent the same type of construction activity and plantings. The plantings on that site were completed in 2017.
In addition to a restored and rebuilt Big Dry Creek, there will soon be new amenities along the creek for the community to enjoy:
New soft-surface paths and concrete trails
New pedestrian bridges
A wetland boardwalk and pavilion
Picnic tables, benches, and a new shelter
Outdoor educational classroom area
Pollinator “flyway” corridors
We invite you to explore and enjoy the new and improved Big Dry Creek corridor. Every element of the project — from the native plantings to water quality improvements — was designed to ensure long-term sustainability for both the environment and the people who enjoy it. Whether you're out for a stroll, having a picnic, or observing wildlife, Big Dry Creek is ready to welcome you back — stronger, more natural, and more resilient than ever.
What About City Park Pond?
City Park Pond is now completely separate from the Big Dry Creek system. It will be used to store non-potable reclaimed water for irrigating all of City Park, including the soccer and softball fields. Reclaimed water is safe for plants, but the state of Colorado does not allow recreation in reclaimed ponds. That means no fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, or dogs in City Park Pond.
The other small ponds you may see around the area are water quality ponds, which temporarily hold rainwater after storms. The water in those ponds slowly drains after a storm back into Big Dry Creek.
NEIGHBORLY ADVICE
We ’re here to help! For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant.
Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
303-658-2400
(then press “0” from the menu options)
Vote in Westminster ’s Municipal Election
Election day is less than two months away with ballots due by 7 pm Tuesday, November 4.
Westminster residents will be electing a new mayor and three city councillors, in addition to deciding on potential ballot questions. For more information, visit: www.westminsterco. gov/elections. To register to vote, manage registration, and track your ballot, visit: GoVoteColorado.com.
Westminster residents who live in Adams County can use the ballot drop-off box in the City Hall (4800 W. 92nd Ave.) parking lot or find the nearest location by scanning the QR code.
Westminster residents who live in Jefferson County can use the ballot drop-off box at City Park Recreation Center (10455 Sheridan Blvd.) or find the nearest location by scanning the QR code.
Fall Into Good Habits: Leaf Disposal Tips
While raking leaves might not top the list of favorite fall activities, responsibly disposing of them plays a big role in protecting our environment. Leaves that end up in storm drains can clog systems and pollute our waterways. Follow these simple tips to help keep our streams clean:
Rake or blow leaves into a pile, bag them, and then toss them in with your trash.
Compost the leaves. If you don’t have a compost bin at your home, look for upcoming leaf recycling events.
Set your mower to mulch and let the leaves fertilize your lawn naturally.
Find more ways to help keep our waterways clean at www. westminsterco.gov/stormwater
Need Urgent Home Repairs? The City Can Help
Westminster’s Emergency and Essential Home Repair Program offers up to $10,000 in repair assistance for income-qualified, owneroccupied households. Eligible residents can have crucial repairs completed within just a few weeks of starting the application process.
Eligible repairs may include:
Plumbing
Electrical
Furnace repair/replacement
Water heater repair/replacement
Accessibility improvements e.g., wheelchair ramps, hand railings
For more information on income qualifications and how to apply for the program, please visit www.westminsterco.gov/ HousingResources
www.westminsterco.gov/events
Wednesday, Sept.24 5 - 6:30 pm 9988 Westminster Blvd. Family Camp Night
Saturday, Sept. 13
Standley Lake Regional Park 100th Ave. & Simms St.
Saturday, Oct. 4 11 am - 2 pm
Fire Station 4 4580 W. 112th Ave.
Saturday, Oct. 18 Noon - 8 pm
City Park 10455 N. Sheridan Blvd.
Participate between Nov. 3-9 Citywide Event Westy Fest
October 9 - November 1
Fuse Box Art Gallery 5845 W. 89th Ave.
More at: www. westminsterco.gov/fusebox Honor the Land and Streams
Tuesday, Nov. 11 10 am Armed Forces Tribute Garden 6001 W. 104th Ave.
Once known for its dairy farms and cattle ranches, Westminster is now home to some of the brightest minds in the aerospace industry. People right here in our community are tasked with highly specialized missions at the forefront of space exploration. This unique work is all performed by Advanced Space.
Originally established in Boulder in 2011, Advanced Space was founded on the mission of enabling the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space.
Brad Cheetham, co-founder, CEO, and president of Advanced Space, recalled the company’s unique beginnings. “We weren't billionaires, so we couldn't afford to start building rockets. Instead, we focused on building orbits and tools and providing value in other ways.”
That demonstrated value and the company grew organically and quickly. Once Advanced Space outgrew a small workspace in Boulder,
it relocated in 2020 to its current Westminster location off I-25 and 120th Avenue. Advanced Space now employs over 100 workers.
Their three main areas of business are mission-enabling services, technology solutions, and mission solutions.
“We don't actually build satellites in Westminster, but we design what they need to look like, what the missions need to look like, and then we operate them out of those facilities,” Cheetham explained.
The company’s reputation took off due to the success and multiple extensions of a mission called CAPSTONE, an acronym for Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment. Advanced Space designed and launched the microwavesized spacecraft that has been orbiting the moon for three years. “It was really the first part of NASA's Artemis program, which is going to land humans back on the moon,” Cheetham said. “CAPSTONE was the first commercially owned satellite to operate at the moon, and it was also the first satellite to ever fly a very specific orbit called a near-rectilinear halo orbit.”
Cheetham described CAPSTONE as a pathfinder mission, one that proved the orbit could be achieved. CAPSTONE’s success
will help NASA as it develops and delivers a much larger space station capable of housing astronauts to orbit the moon.
However, Advanced Space missions don’t end at the moon. “We have a mission that's set to launch to Mars for NASA that we're helping with the services, launching later this year.” Advanced Space is also partnering on missions to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Cheetham looks forward to pioneering and implementing trustworthy artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into future missions.
He made careful note about the importance of locating his business in Westminster. “[Aerospace] is an industry that is important for our region, but it's also important for our nation. Colorado, in many ways, gave the world GPS. We use it all the time. So we're trying to basically give the moon a sort of equivalent GPS capability, which I think is something that's really in our community, something that we've done here in Colorado.”
Cheetham says the location of Westminster was the sweet spot for Advanced Space. It's centrally located for Front Range commuters, close to many aerospace partners and clients, a short ride to Denver International Airport, and has a thriving community and workforce.
Asked what else Westminster residents should know about his work, Cheetham simply said:
“Aerospace is the best kept secret in Colorado. We need to make it less of a secret. ”
The City of Westminster is here to support all of our businesses, with programs and grants available to help you succeed. The Economic Development team also works closely with local and regional partners to provide access to even more resources. To learn how we can serve you, visit www. westminstereconomicdevelopment.org.
Westminster...
But Make It Halloween!
They say imitation is flattery, right? Use this guide to create fun costumes that show off your hometown pride this Halloween.
Butterfly
You’ll fit in at the Butterfly Pavilion
Big Ben of the West
Show everyone that London has nothing on Westminster’s bell tower. For added effect, you could even wear some speakers and play your favorite song at the top of each hour. You can strike a pose next to the real bell tower at City Hall. (4800 W 92nd Ave.)
Savery MushroomSavoryTower
You'll be the most spore-tacular fungi at the party if you dress as Westminster’s iconic tower. Check it out for inspiration at (3092 W 111th Dr.)
Birdwatcher
Bald Eagle
You’ll be the most majestic person at your Halloween party. If you get dressed up and stop by Standley Lake (100th Ave. & Simms St.), you might even fool the family of bald eagles that lives there.
This will make a perfect partner costume to go with the bald eagle. Standley Lake is a great place to spot all sorts of birds including pelicans, cranes, loons, and other waterfowl. You can even sign up for a birdwatching tour at bit.ly/ westynatureprograms.
Bonus points for a couples costume!
Hot Air Balloon
This is a throwback to when Westminster Mall used to be the place to sip an Orange Julius and be seen. If people remember one thing from that mall, it’s the hot air balloons. Although we can’t bring the mall back, we guarantee you’ll turn heads in this costume.
Send in Your costume!
If you dress up in one of these costumes, snap a pic and share it with us at bit.ly/ westyhalloweenphotos.
City of Westminster
4800 West 92nd Ave.
Westminster, CO 80031
PUMPKIN
CARVING contest
Trick-or-treat, carve something neat, show Westminster your pumpkin can’t be beat! Let’s have some fun to kick off the fall season with our first-ever community-wide pumpkin carving contest. Whether you carve it, paint it, or decorate it, get creative and send us a photo of your pumpkin for a chance to win eerie-sistable prizes!
Scan the QR code to submit your photos.
Contest open September 27 - October 28
Winners will be featured on the City’s social media accounts!
