Red, White & Plenty to Do Celebrating Fourth of July in Westminster
Summer Events Guide
City Launches Community engagement on Road & Fire Infrastructure Needs
Neighborly Advice
Justice Has a New Home Construction Begins on the Westminster Municipal Courthouse a Day in the life of a Park Ranger 4 6 7 8 12 10 14
Pixels & Pints at Akihabara Arcade
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VISIT www.westminsterco.gov
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@WestminsterParksandRecreation
@WestminsterFireDepartmentCO
@WestminsterPolice
@StandleyLakeRegionalPark
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@WestminsterPD
@WestyFire
CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergency 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch 303-658-4360
City Hall (General Inquiries) ... 303-658-2400
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
City Council Members
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
Your digital news hub for articles, photos, videos, and more at westy.news. Visit The Westy Online
Amber Hott ahott@ westminsterco.gov
Kristine Ireland kireland@ westminsterco.gov
RED, WHITE and plenty to do
CELEBRATING FOURTH OF JULY IN WESTMINSTER
Westminster is the place to be on Independence Day! The City is known for having the best fireworks display in the north metro area, with a full 20 minutes of professionally choreographed fireworks that dazzle guests each year at City Park. With events and activities for the whole family throughout the day, you can guarantee fun for all on the Fourth of July.
Before the impressive fireworks show lights up the night sky, the festivities kick off with our epic pool party, the annual Uncle Sam Splash Bash. Hosted at Countryside Pool (10470 Oak St.), you can beat the heat and enjoy sweet treats like shaved ice and fresh watermelon slices while we fire up the grill for fun in the summer sun. This event features a $200 quarter drop, where kiddos can dive to collect as many coins as possible, as well as the everpopular belly flop contest! This event has been a staple for Fourth of July in Westminster for decades.
“It’s great that the Splash Bash continues!” said Westminster resident Jo Ruwet. “My kids participated in the '80s and my youngest daughter was a lifeguard in the '90s!”
Once you dry off, head to the main event at City Park (10455 Sheridan Blvd.), where the field will be full of food and drink vendors, activities for kids, and plenty of live music. Around 12,000 people attend the fun each year, while many bring their favorite yard games to play until sunset. Pro tip: arrive early and set up your spot to reserve your space for the fireworks show and enjoy the whole afternoon with the community.
“This marquee community event has it all,” said Aric Otzelberger, director of Parks, Recreation & Libraries. “Wide open spaces, fun activities for the family, local food and drinks, live music throughout the day, and of course, the best fireworks show in the north metro.”
Although there is no outside alcohol allowed, local breweries will be serving up beer on tap for purchase.
The community is encouraged to utilize our free shuttle service to get to the event at City Park, as parking is extremely limited. You can catch the shuttles at one of four locations throughout the city including City Hall, The MAC, West View Recreation Center, and Front Range Community College. For shuttle schedules and more details visit www. westminsterco.gov/specialevents.
Once the fireworks start, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
The Westminster Fire Department (WFD) monitors the event to ensure safety, and any public fireworks shows must receive a permit from WFD. Please remember, fireworks that explode, emit a loud bang, leave the ground due to an explosive charge, or fly through the air are always illegal in the city of Westminster and the state of Colorado. So leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals and celebrate safely, Westminster!
For more information on the City's fireworks policy, including examples of permissible fireworks, please visit: www. westminsterco.gov/fireworks.
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR 'THINGS THAT GO BOOM', A FUN FIREWORKS SAFETY REMINDER BROUGHT TO YOU BY WFD.
Summer EVENTS
www.westminsterco.gov/events
Movies in the Park
“Elemental”: Friday, June 27 at Westminster High School 7 pm
“Sonic the Hedgehog”: Friday, July 18 at Amherst Park 7 pm
“Inside Out 2”: Friday, August 29 at Legacy Ridge Golf Course 6:30 pm
4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4 4 to 10 pm (Fireworks at 9:15 pm)
City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.
Uncle
Sam Splash Bash
Friday, July 4 1 to 3 pm
Countryside Pool 10470 Oak St.
Partner Event: 1870’s Vintage Baseball
Hosted by the Westminster Historical Society
Saturday, July 12 9:30 to 11 am
Presented by Intermountain Health, with support from Xfinity and Yogurt Brothers Doggie Dive-In
Wolff Run Park 4705 W. 76th Ave.
CityTownCouncil Hall
Thursday, July 24 5 to 8 pm
West View Recreation Center 10747 W. 108th Ave.
Saturday, September 6 Noon to 5 pm
Countryside Pool 10470 Oak St. $5 per dog Presented by PetVet 365
Sponsored by Intermountain Health, with support from SCFD, NMAA, and Rodeo Dental
Westy Craft Brew Fest 21+ Event
Saturday, July 26 5 to 9 pm
City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.
Presented by GS Exteriors. Sponsored by Xfinity and Tap and Burger, with support from Renewal By Andersen, Rodeo Dental, and Total Beverage
City Launches Community Engagement on ROAD & FIRE
Infrastructure Needs
On June 2, Westminster City Council directed City Staff to begin a communitywide conversation about how to improve neighborhood streets and fire infrastructure. In close collaboration with the community, the City is exploring funding within its existing budget and new funding sources that could support major investments in roadway maintenance, fire station construction, and emergency response capacity.
City leaders emphasize this is the start of an open, transparent conversation with residents and businesses about the City’s long-term infrastructure needs.
The City faces two challenges:
1. The City’s ability to repair and maintain our neighborhood streets to the level that our residents expect has declined due to the rapidly rising cost of concrete, asphalt, and other materials. At our current rate, the quality of our streets will continue to drop over the next 10 years.
2. The City’s need to build new fire stations in order to close service gaps. Without the necessary investments, Fire and EMT personnel may not be able to reach a victim within six minutes – which is the window between life and death.
we’re still falling short of what the community expects and needs.”
Fire Chief Erik Birk echoed the urgency: “Our fire department is seeing more calls, more demand, and longer response times. New stations and facilities aren’t just nice to have— they’re essential to keeping residents and families safe.”
Over the next several weeks, the City will launch new opportunities for the community to engage, including a town hall that is scheduled for Thursday, July 24 at West View Recreation Center and a new engagement platform in early August.
City staff will continue gathering public input as options are developed for City Council’s review this summer.
“We’ve been turning over every stone to find internal funding solutions first to repair and maintain our aging streets,” said Public Works and Utilities Director Paul Knippel. “We’re repurposing staff positions, finding operational savings, and maximizing the use of existing dollars. However, the reality is that
Westminster City Council Town Hall Thursday, July 24 from 5 to 8 pm West View Recreation Center (10747 W 108th Ave)
For more information about the town hall, please visit www.westminsterco.gov/ counciloutreach
A NEW HOME JUSTICE has
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL COURTHOUSE
Big changes are underway this summer in Historic Westminster as construction kicks off on the replacement Westminster Municipal Courthouse (3030 Turnpike Drive). The current courthouse was originally built in 1961 as two separate buildings serving as City Hall and a police station, and it lacks essential safety, security, and accessibility features. The new facility will be purpose-built as a court to better serve the public and meet modern standards.
The new courthouse will be safer, more accessible, and better able to serve everyone in the community. It will be built on the same site as the current courthouse, which will remain open during construction. The City will work closely with neighbors, local organizations, and contractors to minimize impacts throughout the project.
The behavioral health nonprofit Community Reach Center, which had an office next to the current courthouse, has relocated to 3621 W. 73rd Avenue. They will construct a new facility next to the courthouse and return to the site when it is complete.
Construction on the new courthouse is expected to wrap up in late 2026 with the full campus anticipated to be completed by 2027.
Phase One
During the first phase of work, crews will install new utility lines and prepare the site for construction, while the Community Reach Center will also begin construction on their facility. The pickleball courts at the current Municipal Park (3025 W. 76th Ave.) are expected to stay open throughout the project, but the playground will be closed once construction begins.
Phase two
During the second phase, the old courthouse and Community Reach Center will be deconstructed after the new courthouse and Community Reach Center building are complete. Court operations will move into the new courthouse, and Community Reach Center will relocate to their new site. This phase includes construction of new parking, a park, a playground, landscaping, and additional site amenities.
HOW WE WILL KEEP THE COMMUNITY INFORMED
Newsletter and website updates about current and upcoming work
Message boards showing road closures or detours
Flyers delivered to homes, businesses, and groups
Updates on social media
Voicemail and email inbox to share community concerns
Want email updates? Please sign up by scanning the QR code or by visiting the link below.
HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:
You can email MuniCourtProject@ westminsterco.gov, call 720-465-5438, or visit westminsterco.gov/MunicipalCourtProject.
Thank you for your patience during construction. We’re proud to build a courthouse that’s safe and accessible for everyone!
NEIGHBORLY ADVICE
We ’re here to help! For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant.
Rattlesnake Safety
Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
303-658-2400
(then press “0” from the menu options)
Just like us, snakes love the summer sun! Most human and dog encounters with rattlesnakes happen in the summer months, and they do call some of our open spaces, trails, and parks home. Here are some tips for peaceful coexistence with our sss-slithery friends:
Keep dogs on a leash.
Stay on designated trails.
Rattlesnakes are most active in the mornings and evenings and enjoy basking in the sun on pavement or trails.
Listen up! Keep your earbuds out and music off so you can hear a snake’s warning.
Paddleboard Safety
Westminster is a beautiful place to get out on the water, but it’s best to be prepared! Afternoon thunderstorms in the summer months can have a big impact on conditions, including dangerous lightning, strong winds, and treacherous whitecaps.
Here are some tips from the Westminster Fire Department to stay safe while paddleboarding this summer:
Check the weather forecast.
Wear a personal flotation device.
Wear your board’s leash.
Wear sunscreen and bring extra.
Bring a water bottle.
Bring a whistle if you have one.
Carry your phone in a waterproof bag.
Scan the QR code for a safety video.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, freeze in place and then slowly back away.
Always try to keep at least five feet away from the snake.
Venomous snakebites are very rare and seldom fatal if treated properly.
If bitten by a rattlesnake, remain calm and allow the bite to bleed freely for 30 seconds. Cleanse and disinfect the bite area, and do not put your mouth on the bite. Call ahead to the nearest hospital so they can plan for your visit.
Water Conservation Programs
Save water and money with Resource Central! The City partners with the nonprofit organization to provide residents with several different programs to make water conservation easy and affordable. With the Garden In A Box and Lawn Replacement programs, you can ditch thirsty grass for waterwise xeriscaping, while the sprinkler evaluations and informational seminars provide you with the information you need to make the right decisions for your yard.
Scan the QR code to learn more.
Adams County Head Start Pre-School Program
This program is available to residents of Adams County who meet eligibility criteria and families with children ages 3-5
Instant Qualifiers Include
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Experiencing Homelessness
Services for Children
• Group and Independent Play
• Engaging Activities
• Qualified, Nurturing Teachers
• Full-Day Pre-School Program
• Nutritious Meals
• Health/Dental Screenings
• Potty Training Transition
• Foster Family
• Social Security Income
Services for Parents
• Parent Activities
• Education and Trainings
• Community Resources and Referrals
• Family Literacy
• School Transition
ACHS locations are available in Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Thornton, and Westminster.
Learn more and see all locations: adcogov.org/head-start | 720.523.4616 | 11860 Pecos St., Westminster
“We’re protecting the park from the people and people from the park”
Nestled in the western hills of Westminster, Standley Lake Regional Park spans over 3,000 acres of open space, water, and winding trails. The lake itself is surrounded by fields of native grasses, diverse wildlife, and an occasional splash of fish breaking the lake’s crystal surface. In the early hours of the morning, alongside the melodic chirping of birds, the sound of keys jangling fills the air.
Park Ranger Eric De Land starts his day by unlocking one of several gates so he can drive the Westminster-branded white pickup truck into the park’s winding network of trails.
“Patrols are always a good excuse to truly enjoy this place,” De Land said while looking out over the water at the foothills in the background. “It’s a perk of the job, right? Is the schedule sometimes weird? Yeah. Is the job physically demanding? Yeah. But, I mean, look at your office.”
Park rangers are deeply involved in the conservation of the park’s natural resources, while ensuring that visitors can safely enjoy the park.
“We’re protecting the park from the people and people from the park,” De Land said. “Standley Lake has an aquatic nuisance species concern, meaning invasive plants and animals could infect the
drinking water drastically, impacting the ecosystem.”
To prevent significant damage to water quality and local aquatic ecosystems, park rangers have to take a strict approach to protect Westminster's drinking water supply.
“Here, nothing can touch the water without being sprayed off first.” De Land said. “Even waders and paddles all have to get sprayed off. It's done with just very hot water, enough to kill any microorganisms that might exist.”
Beyond conservation, park rangers at Standley Lake also play a vital role in educating the public. Anne Gardetto, the park's naturalist, spends her day working face-to-face with residents, educating them on the park's natural resources through fun educational programs.
She leads booths and creates engaging experiences to facilitate a deeper understanding of the park’s natural resources and encourage responsible behavior among visitors. The displays feature a variety of animal hides, owl pellet dissections, and insightful pamphlets for curious patrons.
"We want to do more educational programs as a way to introduce our rangers to visitors," Gardetto said. "Once you're connected to nature, you're more likely to respect it."
It's essential that visitors follow certain rules and regulations to maintain safety and preserve the park’s natural resources and beauty. Park rangers are responsible for monitoring activities, ensuring compliance with local laws, and maintaining order in the park. They also act as first responders to help guests in emergencies.
De Land said the park rangers at Standley Lake try their best to engage with park users in a positive way, with an emphasis on education rather than just issuing fines and penalties.
“We want to educate [our visitors] so that they leave knowing why the rules exist” -Eric De Land
It’s the end of the workday, and the sun is setting. The birds are cawing and returning to roost. De Land is making his rounds and closing some access gates in the park’s day use areas.
Looking back over the landscape, he says each day presents its challenges, but the work of a park ranger at Standley Lake is rewarding.
“Just seeing people get happy about the work that we’ve done on their behalf is definitely rewarding and something you might not think about."
Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, fish, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, Standley Lake Regional Park is the perfect destination. For more information on park amenities, educational programs, watercraft rentals, and more, scan the QR code!
Stop us if you’ve heard this one. We doubt you have.
An electrifying green monster with orange hair and a popular blue hedgehog wearing slick red shoes walk into a bar… to fight… and to play games! These are the cosplaying patrons of Akihabara Arcade (8901 N. Harlan Street).
Blanca and Sonic pass down separate aisles of the room clamoring with nearly 100 imported Japanese arcade machines. They sit facing each other with the game interface in between, excitedly sink their quarters into the credit slot, clutch the neon green joysticks, and frantically smash attack buttons.
“Akihabara in Japanese roughly translates to electric city,” said Brandon Osha, owner of Akihabara Arcade of Westminster. He recalls visiting Akihabara in Japan, a major shopping district in central Tokyo dedicated to all things video games, manga, and electronics. Playing games in that arcade was a formative experience and one Osha hoped to recreate in Colorado eventually.
Osha was a self-starter in the game industry, working in other Front Range arcade establishments until he began managing the Westminster GameStop. When he was only 16 years old, he bought his first NeoGeo machine and quickly learned to maintain it himself by watching how-to internet videos. Collecting and reviving several Japanese machines in his basement over the years buoyed Osha’s entrepreneurial spirit. Soon after in 2016, Akihabara Arcade first opened its doors in Westminster.
Nine years later, the place is jammed with patrons arriving for tournament play on a Friday night. Excited gamers fueled by game-character-themed specialty cocktails or imported Japanese craft brews crowd a small stage where live multiplayer games are streamed publicly on Twitch. Cheers erupt from the crowd and the thumping music grows louder by the minute.
When questioned why Westminster was the ideal location for Akihabara, Osha says, “Westminster is my stomping grounds. My wife and I were born here.” But hometown pride isn’t the only reason fueling his decision. “I know the community and its people.”
Although the arcade is known best for its selection of fighting games, Osha works hard
CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER
BRANDON OSHA
CLASS: ARCADE BOSS & CURATOR OF COOL 9 YEARS XP LEVEL: NOSTALGIA POWER: CURATION INSTINCT: HOMETOWN LOYALTY: 9/10 9/10 MAX
to make the space adaptable and exciting. He repeatedly curates the game selection to meet the demands of his customers, adding racing simulators as one example. Puzzle games, side scrollers, rhythm & dance, and sports categories also fill out the active game list.
Osha’s collection of 90 machines is thematically tied to a specific era: 1999 to 2003. Thanks to customizable Japanese machines known as Candy Cabs, if one particular game isn’t being played frequently, Osha can quickly swap it with something different and change out the artwork to match. This ability gives customers new experiences on the regular.
“These aren’t classic games, but they're classic to me. This collection is one you won't see anywhere else.”
Osha recites a surprising list of popular arcade games he does not showcase including wellknown games like Galaga and Pacman. “Everything I have here, I played when I was a kid. They're not generic. There's more skill involved in a lot of the games that we carry here, which I think a large community appreciates.”
Another rare aspect of the Akihabara Arcade experience is almost every machine still takes a single quarter payment, as opposed to charge cards popular in arcades. Osha says this helps keep the games more accessible, trustworthy, and affordable.
The bar, splashed in neon light and adorned with game character
figurines, serves sake, slushies, Japanese spirits and whiskey, non-alcoholic beverages, and — if you're in a real pinch — a cup of ramen noodles.
Customer reviews share that the arcade's best qualities are all-ages fun, friendly staff, and the unrivaled collection of games.
“We have something for everyone here,” Osha said proudly. “It's completely different than anything else you've seen in America.”
