Westy Magazine Spring 2026

SPRING 2026

BRICK BY BRICK Your New City Council Downtown Westminster Springs Forward The Fun Forecast

Connect With Us WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL Claire Carmelia MAYOR

ccarmeli@ westminsterco.gov

VISIT westminsterco.gov

FOLLOW @CityofWestminsterColorado @WestminsterParksandRecreation @WestminsterFireDepartmentCO

Sarah Nurmela

@WestminsterPolice

MAYOR PRO TEM

@StandleyLakeRegionalPark

snurmela@ westminsterco.gov

@westminster.colorado @westyparksreclibraries @westminsterco

Adam Barajas

@WestminsterPD

abarajas@ westminsterco.gov

@WestyFire

Obi Ezeadi oezeadi@ westminsterco.gov

Amber Hott ahott@ westminsterco.gov

Kristine Ireland kireland@ westminsterco.gov

Jack Johnson jejohnso@ westminsterco.gov

CALL General Inquiries (City Hall) Emergency

303-658-2400 911

Non-Emergency Dispatch

303-658-4360

City Manager’s Office

303-658-2006

Community Services

303-658-2108

Legacy Ridge Golf Course

303-438-8997

Walnut Creek Golf Course

303-469-2974

College Hill Library

303-658-2601

Irving Street Library

303-658-2301

Municipal Court

303-658-2250

Parks/Recreation

303-658-2192

Standley Lake

303-425-1097

Water/Sewer Breaks (24/7)

303-658-2500

WESTY.NEWS Your digital news hub for articles, photos, videos, and more at westy.news.

Contents

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4

10 Meet Your New Westminster City Council

2

Downtown Westminster Springs Forward

4

Brick by Brick

10

Grab some peanuts or Cracker Jack.

With this City Council team, we’re bound for a championship in 2026 and beyond!

The Fun Forecast: 2026 Park Improvements

7

E-Bike Safety on Westminster Trails

8

Neighborly Advice

9

Events

12

From a food hall and bar to a new park and housing, there's a lot to be excited about in Downtown Westminster.

A new hand-built kiln caps off a Westminster Pottery Program expansion.

WESTMINSTERCO.GOV

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I

It’s a new season of leadership in the City of Westminster.

Check out our updated roster as the spring season gets into full swing!

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THE WESTY | Spring 2026

Scan to watch videos introducing City Council.

WESTMINSTERCO.GOV

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DOWNTOWN WESTMINSTER

Springs Forward

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THE WESTY | Spring 2026

W WHEN

THE

CITY

OF

WESTMINSTER

acquired portions of Westminster Mall in 2009, its vision for a mixed-use downtown in the area west of U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard was just coming into focus.

The Westminster Economic Development Authority (WEDA) recognized the unique opportunity at hand, so by 2012 the City owned most of Westminster Mall and began laying the groundwork for what is known today as Downtown Westminster.

“The old Westminster Mall site was centrally located, perfectly situated and accessible for residents while also easily attracting visitors from other communities,” said Westminster’s Real Estate Development Manager Heather Cronenberg. “It made perfect sense as a community gathering place.”

Development for areas like this does not happen overnight. In 2011 and 2012, old Westminster Mall buildings began to fall, including the iconic hot air balloons, until only the JCPenney, Bowlero, and McMurtrey Endodontics remained. The City sought feedback from the community and in 2015 implemented the Downtown Specific Plan.

Then, one by one, new structures popped up. Alamo Drafthouse opened its doors in 2019 to welcome moviegoers. The first wave of

residents moved into their new homes at the Ascent and Eaton Street Apartments. Soon, the scent of authentic tacos, fresh-brewed coffee, and Korean fried chicken filled the streets from incoming businesses. Slowly but surely, the City’s vision from 2009 inched toward becoming a reality.

“A true organic downtown can take anywhere from 30 to 300 years to fully develop,” Cronenberg said. “So far there’s been incredible momentum supporting this first phase."

THIS SPRING, Downtown Westminster will take another big leap forward with the opening of the highly anticipated Red Lotus Den, Aerostat Park, and Kokopelli Social Bar. Red Lotus Den, a new full-service food hall and event space, is targeting an opening this June at 5815 W. 89th Avenue. The concept will feature seven food stalls with a variety of global cuisine options, two bars, and even karaoke.

“We’re not just creating a typical food hall — we’re crafting a dynamic social destination where exceptional food, service, and nightlife come together,” said Henry Lee, operator of Red Lotus Den. “Every detail, from the design to the guest experience, has been thoughtfully curated to exceed expectations.” The twostory food hall will fill a space near Vatos Tacos along Central Square.

Explore places to eat, play, and shop at downtown westminster.us

Left: Downtown Westminster looking toward the Rocky Mountains.

Above (left to right): Children play in a water feature at Central Square.

Red Lotus Den food hall and event space takes shape.

Outdoor concerts in Downtown Westminster are enjoyed by pets too!

WESTMINSTERCO.GOV

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For updates on Aerostat Park construction and the grand opening, scan the QR code.

Above: A new hot air balloon-themed playground tower rises at Aerostat Park.

Below: Condos and townhomes provide convenient living experiences.

JUST TO THE EAST, Aerostat Park, formerly known as Center Park and renamed through a community contest, will become part of the main Downtown community gathering space. Slated for a grand opening on May 30, Aerostat Park will provide residents from across the city a place to go for entertainment, recreation, and enjoyment.

Flexible, multi-use spaces and attractive amenities like a stage area and spray pad will work in harmony to create a unique public space.

“As the public centerpiece of Downtown, we are extremely excited to bring this new event venue to fruition — it's the culmination of many years of planning,” said John Vann, Westminster’s community vibrancy administrator. “Come on out this summer and see what we have created!”

IN A WIN for walkability and wag-ability, the City installed a temporary off-leash dog park at the northeast corner of 90th Avenue and Fenton Street last summer.

Beginning in April, Kokopelli Social Bar will offer another foot-traffic draw to the same corner.

Housed in a repurposed shipping container and surrounded by outdoor seating, the bar will offer beer from nearby Kokopelli Beer Company, other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and snacks. It’s designed as a social gathering space for all seasons with heaters available to operate in cold weather.

While not specifically aimed at dog owners, Kokopelli Social Bar will offer dog-specific treats and is zoned to allow owners to take their beverages into the dog park.

These projects represent a new phase of development in Downtown Westminster and will significantly boost recreation and entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

FOR VISITORS interested in becoming Downtown Westminster residents, there is plenty to look forward to as well: new ownership condos and townhomes, senior living, and apartment homes are on the way. Sixteen years after the initial Westminster Mall purchase, WEDA's plan for Downtown Westminster continues to come to fruition.

THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN WESTMINSTER IS BRIGHT! – REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER HEATHER CRONENBERG

“A number of exciting projects are coming online in 2026 with additional projects set to break ground in 2027,” Cronenberg said. “The future of Downtown Westminster is bright!”

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THE WESTY | Spring 2026

FUN Forecast

Westminster’s parks are always evolving, and this season brings a fresh wave of improvements designed to make our outdoor spaces more welcoming and accessible for all.

2026 PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Aerostat Park Formerly known as Center Park, the community recently voted to officially name the new space Aerostat Park. Located at 5750 West Central Avenue, the park will feature a large turf area for outdoor concerts and events, and a playground with a familiar nod to the old Westminster Mall.

Sheridan Green Park Expansion

Bishop Square Park

Construction is underway to transform the old Sheridan Green Elementary site into an expanded park. Located at 10951 Harlan Street, the revitalized park will include a brand‑new playground and fresh landscaping, creating a vibrant space for the whole community to enjoy. Construction is expected to last through most of 2026.

Exciting renovations are on the horizon for Bishop Square Park, located at 10499 Simms Street.

Residents can look forward to major upgrades in play, accessibility, and sustainability. Plans include a brand‑new playground with dedicated play zones for all ages. Construction is anticipated to begin later this year and be completed by early 2027.

PARK AMENITIES Open lawns and walkways Shaded picnic areas Lighted splash pad Hot air balloon‑themed playground tower Fenced dog park Large artificial turf area for special events

PARK AMENITIES Open lawns and walkways Shaded picnic area Tennis courts Basketball court Multi-purpose field

PARK AMENITIES Play zones for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 Swings Hillside scramble Resurfaced tennis courts with updated fences and lighting Rentable pavilion Renovated restrooms

ESTIMATED GRAND OPENING

ESTIMATED OPENING

ESTIMATED OPENING

May 30, 2026

Fall 2026

Early 2027

WESTMINSTERCO.GOV

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UNDERSTANDING E-BIKE CLASSES

Colorado law recognizes three classes of e-bikes, each defined by the type of motor assistance and the bike's max speed.

ALLOWED ON TRAILS

These are welcome on multi-use paths wherever traditional bicycles are permitted.

Riders must always maintain a safe speed, especially near buildings and high-traffic pedestrian areas, where the limit is 5 mph.

Class 1 E-Bikes

Pedal-assist up to 20 mph Motor activates only while pedaling Maximum assisted speed: 20 mph Allowed on roads, sidewalks, trails, parks No age restrictions

Class 2 E-Bikes

E-Bike Safety ON WESTMINSTER TRAILS

W

WITH 120 MILES OF SCENIC TRAILS, Westminster is a hub of outdoor recreation. As more residents and trail users turn to electric bikes for commuting, fitness, and fun, understanding the rules that keep everyone safe has never been more important. Whether you are considering your first e-bike or already ride one, here’s what you need to know before hitting our trails.

All e-bikes are allowed on roadways and must follow the rules of the road. Westminster follows Colorado Revised Statutes 42-1-102 (28.5), which means only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on the city’s sidewalks, trails, and parks.

E-BIKES ARE EXPANDING the great outdoors experience for more neighbors, but they also introduce new dynamics to shared spaces.

Speed differences, motor acceleration, and varying rider experience levels can create hazards if not managed responsibly.

"We want everyone to enjoy our parks and trails in Westminster, but we need to be respectful and mindful of others and our behavior,” said Westminster Police Sergeant John Wilber. “Understanding and following the rules and regulations protects users and the community, keeping Westminster safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Before purchasing or riding an e-bike, take time to confirm its class and understand where it’s allowed. Knowing the rules goes a long way toward keeping our community safe. For more information about e-bike safety, visit westminsterco.gov/communitysafety.

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THE WESTY | Spring 2026

Throttle or pedal-assist up to 20 mph Motor can assist without pedaling Maximum assisted speed: 20 mph Allowed on roads, sidewalks, trails, parks No age restrictions

Electric Scooters

Under 100 pounds and up to 20 mph

NOT ALLOWED ON TRAILS

These pose safety risks or exceed the power and speed limits of shared paths.

Class 3 E-Bikes

Pedal-assist up to 28 mph Motor activates only while pedaling Maximum assisted speed: 28 mph Not allowed on sidewalks, trails, parks Riders must be at least 16; helmets are required for anyone under 18

Off-Highway Vehicles

Dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides

Toy Vehicles

Minibikes, pocket bikes, and GoPeds

High-power Electric Vehicles Exceeding 4,476 watts (often classified as motorcycles)

Golf Carts

Neighborly Advice

We’re here to help! For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant: 303-658-2400. Available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Landscape Transformation Program

Expanded Passport Services

Interested in lowering your water bill while beautifying your community? The City has introduced a new program with rebates for local HOAs and businesses to transform landscapes into waterwise planting strips.

Appointments for new passports and renewing child passports are required and available Monday through Friday.

Some adult renewals (DS-82) are available; contact us to confirm. All applicants must be present during the appointment, including children.

The Planting Strip Transformation Program supports the removal of grass in areas between the street and sidewalk, replacing it with bright and bold waterwise gardens. Professionally designed landscape templates are available to choose the perfect plan that works for your space.

Rebates are also available to support approved projects. Learn more and apply by July 1 at westminsterco.gov/ landscapetransformation.

Westminster City Hall (4800 W. 92nd Ave.) is now a one-stop shop for passports! Take passport photos in our new self-service kiosk located in the City Hall lobby during regular business hours. Photos cost $15 and a credit or debit card is required for payment.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 303-658-2400 passport@ westminsterco.gov westminsterco.gov/ passports

Sustainability Center Spring Promo

As residents look ahead to spring cleaning, remember that the Westminster Sustainability Center (6020 W. 91st Ave.) accepts over 40 hard-to-recycle and reuse items such as electronics, paint, and Styrofoam, all in one place! Stop by Monday through Saturday to give your recyclables new life. Learn more at westminsterco.gov/sustainabilitycenter.

RECYCLING PROMOTION

MA MATTRCH RES S

Show your utility bill or mention this promotion to receive a 50% discount on mattress recycling during the month of March, up to a $60 discount per household.

Please call 303-593-0808 to schedule a drop-off.

WESTMINSTERCO.GOV

9

BRICK

BY BRICK O BUILDING THE FUTURE OF WESTMINSTER’S

POTTERY PROGRAM

ON A CHILLY, SUNNY AFTERNOON outside

Left: Pottery Studio Coordinator Shannon Long builds a wood-gas soda kiln.

Right: Pottery pieces wait to be fired.

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THE WESTY | Spring 2026

City Park Recreation Center, Westminster’s Pottery Studio Coordinator Shannon Long moves his hands with the deliberate rhythm of a craftsman. He butters refractory mortar onto a yellowish brick, setting it, tapping it true with a mallet, then checking the line with a level. On some joints he deviates from the exact science and applies an artist’s touch, solving for a slightly uneven patio floor.

“You can kind of see here, there’s almost an inch and a half of mortar down here," said Long. "Boy, that was a learning curve, but now it’s all beautifully level,” he added, looking over the bed of bricks he built for a new kiln’s fiery heart.

LONG IS HAND-BUILDING a hybrid woodgas soda kiln, a rare tool for a public studio and the latest chapter in Westminster’s expanding pottery program. Soda firing is a different kind of alchemy, one usually reserved for high-end private studios and artists selling their ceramic wares. An accomplished potter and artisan himself, Long said the new soda-fired pieces coming out of Westminster’s pottery studio will have a “life-like” texture and finish, and he can’t wait to see how residents use this new tool.

Recreation Supervisor Matt Hess watched the pottery program’s evolution over two decades as a Westminster employee and said studio offerings are continuing to grow in popularity.

“Over the last 10 to 12 years, and especially the past five, the studio’s momentum has accelerated,” Hess said. “Classes filled quickly, and waitlists grew. We just had more demand and needed to expand our capacity.”

new opportunities and classes are already being molded.

“We’re going to build programming specifically for this kiln,” Long said. “We’ll focus on creating works designed to take advantage of the sodium atmosphere. We’re offering an opportunity for more advanced artists to come in and sit next to our regulars, and then everybody elevates. Everybody bumps up. Everyone benefits.”

Heat and vapor will soon race through the chamber that Long has been building so meticulously. The soda will bloom onto clay, and Westminster’s ceramics community will benefit from a hand-built “forever tool” that stands as a symbol: craftsmanship, creativity, and access to the arts — all forged into one.

HOW TO JOIN

WESTMINSTER POTTERY City Park Recreation Center, 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

ADULTS (18+)

Pottery All Levels

Day or evening sessions offered year-round (Includes 25 lbs of clay, glazes, and two firings)

Clay Explorations & Specialty Workshops

For intermediate/advanced artists: Majolica, Clay Saggar Firing, Marbled Clay

Pottery Open Time Slots (POTS)

If you’re currently enrolled in a session and have solid skills, practice independently with POTS (Glazing/firings included; clay purchased separately)

YOUTH

Create with Clay

(Ages 8–12) Handbuilding and wheel throwing basics in a supportive studio setting

Pottery on the Wheel

(Ages 13–17) Learn throwing techniques and make functional/decorative pieces

Scan the QR code to see current offerings and to register.

Session Fees

FEES

THE POTTERY PROGRAM’S EXPANSION

can be traced back to a package of 2019 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds.

While revenue from classes and an operating budget keep supplies on the shelves, the CIP funds have been carefully spent on building necessary infrastructure for future classes.

Among the upgrades were expansion measures such as moving the old kiln outdoors and building a shade structure with room to grow. Additionally, the City also invested in additional pottery wheels and two electric kilns, increasing throughput and raising class caps while protecting the student experience.

“It’s just a unique and rather well-planned program and facility that residents won’t get anywhere else in the area,” Hess said. “With this capital improvement, we were able to take our time and do it the right way.”

CITY PARK RECREATION CENTER has established a pottery pathway for adults and youth, anchored by “Pottery All Levels” classes, intermediate/advanced workshops, and “Pottery Open Time Slots,” affectionately abbreviated to “POTS,” for enrolled students with strong skills to practice independently.

Adult classes include 25 pounds of clay, glazes, and two firings, and POTS provides studio time with glazing and firings included (clay sold separately). For families, “Create with Clay” (ages 8–12) and “Pottery on the Wheel” (ages 13–17) add creative skills building and social connection to the mix.

Hess emphasized how the City’s ceramics classes have been shaped by the community, and residents are getting more than just art skills out of the program.

“We’re serving the public by building a comfortable space to be creative in,” Hess said.

“It’s rejuvenated peoples’ well-being. We even have one student who is physically limited from an accident, but has found this program and said that the cognitive connections, his brain rewiring because of this process, has been extremely therapeutic for him.”

Much as the students have greatly enjoyed Westminster’s pottery offerings so far, Long is finding joy in building up the future of the program brick by brick. He expects to have the new kiln completed this spring, which means

Resident: $160–$185 Non-resident: $175–$200

POTS Practice Fees

$20–$25/session, for currently enrolled students with well-developed skills WESTMINSTERCO.GOV 11

Events

Explore our full events calendar at westminsterco.gov/events.

MARCH

One Book Westminster Author Talk Saturday, March 14 2 to 4 pm

City Park Recreation Center 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

APRIL

(CONTINUED)

SPRING 2026

MAY

Spring Pottery Sale Great Global Cleanup

Sponsored by O’Toole’s Garden Center and Waste Management April 19 through 25 Register by contacting ggc@westminsterco.gov

Saturday, May 2 10 am to 4 pm

City Park Recreation Center 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Armed Forces Day Ceremony

City Budget Town Hall

Saturday, May 16 10 am

Wednesday, April 22 Time TBA

Armed Forces Tribute Garden 6001 W. 104th Ave.

The MAC 3295 W. 72nd Ave.

JUNE

Dance & Mingle Friday, March 20 6 to 8 pm

Swim & Fitness Center 3290 W. 76th Ave.

APRIL Bowles House Museum Tour

Art & Authors Showcase

Saturday, April 4 (First Saturday of each month) Noon to 2 pm

Saturday, April 25 9 am to 3 pm

Brought to you by the Westminster Historical Society

3924 W. 72nd Ave. 12

THE WESTY | Spring 2026

Sponsored by Insurance Pathways

The MAC 3295 W. 72nd Ave.

Westminster/Arvada PD Teen Academy June 1 through 5 Application Deadline: May 2

Teens between the ages of 15 and 18 can apply at bit.ly/

PDTeenAcademy.

GET up to 435 sq ft of your lawn removed for free!

waterwise journey with FREE Lawn Removal Service

Remove thirsty grass

Attract Pollinators

Elevate your yard

Move toward a more waterwise home!

Learn more at ResourceCentral.org/lawn LawnReplacement@ResourceCentral.org 303-999-3820 x 221 WESTMINSTERCO.GOV 13

PRSRT STD

City of Westminster

4800 West 92nd Ave. Westminster, CO 80031

U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 32 Westminster, CO 80031