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Local GovernmentParks & Open SpaceRecreationPublic WorksWater & SanitationFire & SafetyGet InvolvedEmployment

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Messenger

30/100/100/3061/0/100/30/35/100/0100/100/20/20100/30/0/00/100/100/100/60/100/0100/90/0/0

Highlands Ranch Metro District

A Publication Providing Information About:

S u m m e r 2020

A PublicAtion Providing informAtion About

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Highlands ranch metro district

c-470 Public input Sought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

recreation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-21

nature edventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

InsIde this issue

2013 Summer T-Ball, Baseball, Softball Registration

See Page 14

Senior center Planning on Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

good news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Park Shelter reservations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Watch Your Water budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

InsIde this issue

A PublicAtion Providing informAtion About

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Register now for recreation programs.See Page 2

highlandsranch.org

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Meet Your Local Government

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is responsible for:

• WaterandsanitationservicesthroughanagreementwithCentennialWaterandSanitation District

• Recreationprogramsandservices

• Developingandcaringforparks,trailsandnatural open space areas

• Buildingcommunityinfrastructure,includingmajorroads,trafficsignals,and storm drainage and stormwater management

• Managingandmaintaininglandscaping,fenceandcommunityentriesalong major roads

• StreetlightingthroughXcelEnergy

• Communityeventsandvolunteeractivities

• ManagingtheHighlandsRanchMansion

Metro District Board of Directors

MarkDickerson,ChairAllenDreher,ViceChairCarolynSchierholz,TreasurerReneeAnderson,DirectorAndyJones,DirectorNancySmith,DirectorJimWorley,Director

front cover:Chalk artist and Mountain Vista High School senior Jake Layton created fun artwork along the trails throughout Highlands Ranch as a scavenger hunt alternative to the Metro District’s annual KidFest event, which was canceled. Follow his work on social media at jtlsketches.

PhotobySherryEppers

Serving our community for 24 yearsWow!Wherehavetheyearsgone?IstartedhereastheGeneralManageronMarch11,1996after26greatyearsintheU.S.Navy.Wehavecomealongwayinthe24yearsIhavebeenwiththeMetroDistrict.WhenIstartedwehad10parks.UniversityBoulevardwasahalfwidthinsomesectionsandlargesectionsofWildcatReserveParkwaydidnotexist.RedstoneParkwasonlyanidea.Wehadnotstartedofferingrecreationprograms.Lookatusnow!Wehave26amazingparks,morethan10,000participantsinouroutdoorrecreationprograms,285acresofexcellentparkwaylandscapingincluding42milesoffence,morethan2,500acresofterrificopenspacewith70milesoftrails,andweownandoperatethehistoricandbeautifulHighlandsRanchMansion.WehavecompletedbuildingtheinfrastructurethathasallowedHighlandsRanchtothriveandnearbuild-out.WearestrongfinanciallywithaAA+bondratingandsufficientreservestomaintainourfacilitiesandourhighlevelofservice,evenduringchallengingtimes.

AsignificantshareofthecreditforthesuccessofHighlandsRanchgoestothededicatedhard-workingmenandwomenoftheMetroDistrictstaffwhoIhavebeenblessedtolead,andtothesupportivevolunteerboardmemberswhohavegivencountlesshours.Thankyoutoallthesupportivepeopleinourcommunity.

IthasbeenanhonortoserveHighlandsRanch,myhome,forsomanyyears.

TerryNolan GeneralManager,HighlandsRanchMetroDistrict

The comfort of our community during this difficult periodTheCOVID-19pandemichasproventobeatimeunlikeanyotherinrecenthistory.Despitethechallenges,theHighlandsRanchMetroDistricthasbeenworkinghardtoadapttoournewcircumstanceswhilemaintainingourhighlevelofservicetoourcommunity.Providingallresidentswiththemunicipalservicesthatmakeourcommunitygreatisveryimportantduringthistime.Havingtheopportunitytobeoutdoorsonourtrailsandopenspace,toexerciseandconnectwithnature,issovaluableinthetimeoftheCOVID-19pandemic.Weareproudofourwonderfulcommunity,andwealllookforwardtobrighterdaysahead

IalsowishtopubliclythankMetroDistrictGeneralManagerTerryNolanforhis24yearsofexemplaryserviceleadingourorganization.Underhisguidance,theMetroDistricthashelpedtomakeHighlandsRanchawonderfulplacetocallhome.TerryhasdoneextraordinaryworkfortheMetroDistrict.Muchofhisworkwasdonebehindthescenes,yethiseffortshavemademanypositiveimpacts.Terry’stenureattheMetroDistricthasbeentheverydefinitionofpublicservice,alwaysseekingtodowhatisbestforourcommunity.TerrywillbeleavingtheMetroDistrictlaterthisyear.Onbehalfoftheboardofdirectors,IwishTerrythebestinhisfutureendeavors.

IfyouhavequestionsabouttheMetroDistrict’sprograms,activitiesandservices,pleasecontactinfo@highlandsranch.org.

MarkDickersonChair,HighlandsRanchMetroDistrictBoardofDirectors

TaBLe of ConTenTs

recreation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

leadership outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

community updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

good news . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Highlands ranch outdoors . . . . . . . . . 6-7

WE’RE READY TO

highlandsranch.org/signmeup

If program cancellations are

please call 303-791-2710 or email recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org.

Recreation program details have moved online this season:

Youth LeaguesFall Flag Football - Ages 4-14

Registration deadline: Monday, July 20

Spirit Team - Ages 4-14Registration deadline: Friday, July 24

Fall Baseball - Ages 7-14Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 29

CARA Fall Lacrosse - Ages 6-14Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 10

CARA Cross Country - Ages 7-14Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 14

Fall Rugby - Ages 6-14Registration deadline: Monday, Aug. 24

Youth Clinics & CampsSkyhawks Sports Camps - Ages 4-12

Various dates and registration deadlines

SuperTots Sports Academy - Ages 2-5Various dates and registration deadlines

Introductory Lacrosse Program - Ages 6-14Registration deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 8

SkateStart Level 1 - Ages 5-12Various dates and registration deadlines

SkateStart Skatecamp - Ages 6-14Various dates and registration deadlines

Summer Baseball Camp - Ages 7-14Various dates and registration deadlines

Fall Preseason Flag Football ClinicRegistration deadline: Friday, July 31

Nature & OutdoorsNature Camp - Ages 7-10

Registration deadline: Monday, July 6

Cops & Bobbers - Ages 6-14Registration deadline: Friday, July 24

Nature EdVentures Programs - various agesVarious dates and registration deadlines

Horseback Riding Lessons - Ages 5 to AdultVarious dates and registration deadlines

Adult Leagues & ClinicsLearn to Play Bocce Ball Clinic

Registration deadline: Friday, July 31

Get Out & Play Golf LessonsRegistration deadline: Friday, July 31

Learn to Play Pickleball ClinicRegistration deadline: Friday, Aug. 7

Wednesday Mixed Bocce Ball LeagueRegistration deadline: Friday, Aug. 7

Adult Softball LeagueRegistration deadline: Thursday, Aug. 20

Thursday Doubleheader Pickleball League Registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 21

Special Events

Monday, Sept. 28, begins at 12:30 p.m.Sponsor deadline: Friday, Sept. 18Player registration deadline: Friday, Sept. 25

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Whenyouvisithighlandsranch.org, youwillfindvaluableinformationabouttheprograms,servicesandactivitiesoftheHighlandsRanchMetroDistrict.

You’llalsofindlinkstofellowserviceprovidersinthecommunity.Newfeaturescontinuetobeadded,sostaytunedandvisitoften.

Metro District Contacts:Highlands Ranch Metro District62PlazaDrive HighlandsRanch,CO80129Phone:303-791-0430 Visitusathighlandsranch.orgEmail:info@highlandsranch.org

MetroDistrictParks,Recreation& OpenSpaceServiceCenter3280RedstoneParkCircle HighlandsRanch,CO80129 Phone:303-791-2710 Fax:303-791-3047Email:parksinfo@highlandsranch.org

Recreation Contact:MetroDistrictRecreationServicesPhone:303-791-2710Fax:303-470-9516Email:recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org

It’s all on the web

highlandsranch.org

The Metro District Messenger is publishedfourtimesannually. Visithighlandsranch.org or send an emailmessagetoinfo@highlandsranch.org.

editor:SherryEppers,CommunityRelationsManagercontributing Writers:AmberGarrett,CPRP,CYSA,RecreationCoordinatorCourtneyKuhlen,CommunityRelationsSpecialistKariLarese,CommunityRelationsCoordinatorJodieMcCann,AAPSCoordinatorPamMoisey,ReservationsSpecialistDaveParks,RecreationSupervisorCarolynPeters,CPRP,RecreationManagerLukeRuter,RecreationCoordinatorBrendaWillcutt,RecreationAssistant

©2020 Highlands Ranch Metro District

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Senior Center planning on holdTheMetroDistrictBoard’slong-rangeplanincludesexpansionoftheMetroDistrict’sActiveAdultPrograms.Toaccomplishthisgoal,thebudgetcontemplateddesignofaSeniorCenterin2020withconstructionanticipatedtostartin2021.AttheMay20MetroDistrictStudySession,staffpresentedanupdatedlong-rangerevenueforecasttotheboardofdirectors.Theupdatedforecastprojectsasignificantreductioninpropertytaxrevenueof12to23%in2022.Therefore,theMetroDistrictBoardofDirectorshasdecidedtodelaycertainnewcapitalexpenditures.

PriortotheonsetoftheCOVID-19pandemic,theMetroDistrictwasintheprocessofcontinuingthesiteevaluationoftheHighlandsRanchParkwaylocationfortheSeniorCenter,andanassociatedpublicoutreachprocess.

Inlightofthechangetotheforecast,theboardhasdirectedstafftolookintointerimsolutionswithinourbudgetaryconstraints.

TolearnabouttheActiveAdultProgramsandtheseniorcenterproject,pleasevisithighlandsranch.org.

Andy Jones elected to board of directors ElectedinMay2020,AndyJonesisthenewestmember of the Highlands Ranch Metro District BoardofDirectors.AretiredNavyCaptain,Andyandhiswifehavethreechildren.HehaslivedinHighlandsRanchsince1999.HeisapilotandprofessionalinstructorwithUnitedAirlines.

AndyisadistinguishedgraduateoftheUniversityofMississippiNavalROTCprogramwithaBachelorofArtsdegreeinPoliticalandNavalScience.HestudiedattheNavalPostgraduateSchool,achievingthetitleofAviationSafetyOfficerandhasextensivecrisismanagementexperience.Hecompletedpilottraining,carrierqualificationsandmultipledeploymentsonboardaircraftcarriersduringtheColdWarandtheGlobalWaronTerrorism.

Anactivecommunityvolunteerfor18years,AndyisservinghisthirdyearasaHighlandsRanchCommunityAssociationdelegate,heservedasthePlatteRiverAcademyCharterSchoolboardpresident,andheservedforthreeyearsasVice-ChairoftheDouglasCountySchoolDistrict’sDistrictAccountabilityCommittee(DAC).

Andycanbereachedatajones@highlandsranch.org.

Starkey has served community for decades

In1983,VickyStarkeyandherhusbandRickwerelookingforacommunitytoraisetheiryoungfamilywhentheyreadaboutTheNewTownofHighlandsRanch,whichhadbrokengroundonlythreeyearsbefore.Promisingafamily-orientedcommunitythatwouldbe master planned with great recreation opportunities,excellentschools,municipalservicesandlocalgovernment,MissionViejoCompanyhadanambitiousvisionforthe

22,000-acrePhippsRanch.VickyandRickboughttheirfirsthomeandearlyon,VickywasvolunteeringwiththeActivitiesCommitteetohelpwitheventssuchastheSpringRoundupandFourthofJulycelebrations.VickyalsobecameadelegatewiththeHighlandsRanchCommunityAssociation(HRCA),waselectedtotheboardofdirectors,andeventuallybecamethechairperson.

AsmoreandmorefamiliesmovedtoHighlandsRanch,planningfornewschoolswasanimportantmatter,andtherateofschoolconstruction and openings was unprecedented in Douglas County.VickywaselectedtotheDouglasCountySchoolDistrict(DCSD)SchoolBoard,servingtenyearsfrom1994-2004.Vicky’sexperienceswithboththeHRCAandDCSDledhertoseekapositionwithDouglasCountyin1994asafacilitiesmanager.AtatimeoftremendousgrowthforDouglasCounty,manynewfacilitieswerebeingbuilttoservetheburgeoninganddiversepopulationofoneofthefastestgrowingcountiesinthenation.AmongthemostnotablefacilitiesaddedduringVicky’s26yearswithDouglasCounty,werecountygovernmentoffices,theChristensenJusticeCenter,thefairgrounds,thepublicworksoperationscenterandtheDouglas/ArapahoeCountyCrimeLab.

Alwaysinterestedincontributingtohercommunity,VickyservedontheMetroDistrictBoardofDirectorsfrom2006-2020.Throughouthertenure,Vicky’sextensiveexperienceandcommitmenttothecommunityformorethanthreedecadeshasbeenatremendousbenefit,helpingtoleadtheMetroDistrictintoourvisionforthefuture.AsVickyretiresfromherservicetotheMetroDistrictaswellashertenurewithDouglasCounty,themanyhallmarksofherinvolvementinthecommunitywillcontinuetoserveourcitizensbyprovidingexcellentmunicipalservicesinHighlandsRanch.

Citizens Academy covers local issues the Highlands ranch citizens Academy, established by the Highlands ranch metro district last year, aims to build the civic capacity of Highlands ranch residents . this seven-session course exposes participants to key topics and issues in Highlands ranch and introduces opportunities for civic involvement .

these topics include the role of local government, local services and more . each three-hour session focuses on a different topic and consists of engaging presentations and Q&A sessions with local subject matter experts and fellow academy participants . the academy provides a great opportunity to learn more about our unique government structure and community service providers while networking with local leaders .

there is no cost to participate . this program is funded by the Highlands ranch metro district and its community partners . information and applications for the 2021 program will be available at highlandsranch.org this fall .

Nextyearmarksthe40thanniversaryofHighlandsRanch.Ourcommunity’sfirstresidentscalledHighlandsRanchhomebackin1981.Thechangessincethenareincredibleasourcommunityhastakenshapeandgrowntonearly100,000people.

Plansarebeingdiscussedtocommemoratetheanniversary. IfyouhavephotosormemoriesofHighlandsRanchover thelastfourdecades,pleasesendthemtoSherryEppersat seppers@highlandsranch.org.MemoriesandphotosmaybesharedinanupcomingMessenger,at40thanniversaryactivities, oronsocialmedia.

Highlands Ranch to celebrate 40th anniversary in 2021

Groundbreaking held for Fire Station 20 OnThursdayJune4,SouthMetroFireRescueandAdolfson&PetersonConstructionheldagroundbreakingceremonyforthedistrict’snewestfirestation.Station20isbeingbuiltneartheintersectionofWildcatReserveandSummitViewparkwaysinHighlandsRanch.Constructionisexpectedtobecompletedinspring2021.

ParticipatingintheJunegroundbreakingeventforFire Station 20 are Metro DistrictGeneralManagerTerryNolan,MetroDistrictBoardViceChairAllenDreher,BoardChairMarkDickerson,andSMFRBoardViceChairandMetroDistrictBoardmemberReneeAnderson.

Overthepast39years,theHighlandsRanchMetroDistricthasresponsiblymanagedourfinancestoensureasolidfoundation.Goodreservesandacarefulapproachtomanagingourresourceshaveresultedinapositivefinancialpictureforourorganization,whichservesthecommunity.

However,basedonthecurrenteconomicconditions,itisanticipatedtheresidentialassessmentratewilldrop,impactingpropertytaxcollectionin2022.

TheresidentialassessmentrateisdirectlycorrelatedtotheMetroDistrict’spropertytaxcollection.Inrecentyears,theMetroDistricthasseenanincreaseinpropertytaxrevenuesduetorisingpropertyvalues.However,aprojecteddropintheresidentialassessmentratewouldreducetheamounthomeownerswouldpay,despitetheincreaseinpropertyvalues.ThisisduetocalculationsoutlinedintheGallagherAmendment.TheamendmentsetsforthguidelinesintheColoradoConstitutionforbalancingassessedvaluesstatewideforresidentialandcommercialproperties.

The projected decrease in the residential assessment rate could reducetheamountpaidbyahomeownertotheMetroDistrict

byasmuchas18%.Asaresult,theMetroDistrict’sBoardofDirectorshasdecidedtodefernewcapitalprojects,whilemaintainingexistingservices.

TheMetroDistrictfullyanticipatesprotectingourvaluablecommunityassetsandmaintainingthelevelofservicesprovidedtoHighlandsRanchresidents.IfyouwouldliketolearnmoreabouttheMetroDistrict’sfinances,pleasevisithighlandsranch.org/government/financial or contact finance@highlandsranch.org.

Because of our strong financial position, we are able to adjust our

long-range plan to work through this challenging time without sacrifice to

existing services.” ~ Stephanie Stanley,

Metro District Finance & Administration Director

“

Metro District finances secure during challenging times

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Sites show parkway landscaping possibilitiesInanefforttomovetomoresustainablemaintenancepractices,theMetroDistrictisexploringoptionsforconvertingsomeareasofbluegrassalongtheparkwaystomoredroughttolerant,lowermaintenancelandscaping.

The Metro District maintains morethan285acresof landscape along the community’smajorroads.Duringthe2019CommunitySurvey,morethan80%ofrespondentsstronglysupported creating more sustainableparkwaylandscapeandconvertingsomebluegrasstonativeandalternativeplants.

Threelocationshavebeenapprovedasdemonstrationsitesandarerepresentativeof challenging conditions: narrowstripsoflandscape,south-facingslopesandotherareasofstrugglingbluegrass.DuringJulyandAugust,thesethreesiteswillbeaerated,dethatched and reseeded with eithernativegrassoralternativexericgrass.

“It’sgreattoseethefirststagesoftheprocessgetunderway,”saidDirkAmbrose,parksandparkwaysmanager.“Althoughthedemonstrationsitesarewellunderconstruction,thefinishedproductmaytakealittletimetoachieve.Justlikeanythingelseinnature,establishmentmayrequireacoupleofgrowingseasonsbeforethelandscapebecomesfullygrownandfilledin.”

Inupcomingyears,oncethelandscapinghashadtimetoestablish,feedbackfromthecommunitywillbegatheredtodeterminethenextstepsoftheprogram.Thegoalsoftheparkwaylandscapeconversionprogramareto:

•Reduceoverallwaterandmaintenanceneedsbyprovidingamoresustainablelandscapeandirrigationprogram.

•Maintainandenhancetheexistingaestheticsandexperienceofthestreetscape.

•Educatethecommunityinthevalueoflandscapeconversions.

•Createarealisticphasingplanwhichprioritizesareasforconversion.

A map of the three demonstration sites and project details are availableat highlandsranch.org.

Tips to avoid wildlife conflicts in your yardOurcloseproximitytowildlifemakesitimportanttoknowhowtoavoidpotentialconflictsandcoexistwithwildanimals.Nearly5,000residentialpropertiesareadjacenttoopenspaceinHighlandsRanch,andwildanimalsarespottedthroughoutthecommunity.Somehomeownerscanunwittinglyenticeanimalsintotheiryardsbymakingfood,waterandsheltertooeasilyavailable.

“Wearetryingtokeepwildlifewildandpreventpropertydamage,”saidScottNelson,openspaceandparkrangersupervisor.

AccordingtoColoradoParks&Wildlife,intentionalorinadvertentfeedingisthemajorcauseofmostwildlifeproblems.HomeownersshouldfollowthesepreventativemeasuresfromCPW:

•Placebirdfeederswheretheyarenotaccessibletootherwildlifespecies.•Keeppetfoodandwaterbowlsinside.•Cleandirtybarbecuegrills.•Fencegardensandpickupanyfruitonthegroundthatfallsfromyourtrees.•Storegarbageincontainerswithtight-fittinglidsandonlyputtrashoutwhenit’sscheduledtobepickedup.

•Coveryourwindowwells.•Closeholesaroundandunderthefoundationofyourhome.Burywiremeshonetotwofeetdeepinplaceswhereanimalsmightgainaccess.

•Sealallcracksandholeslargerthanaone-quarterinchindiametertokeepoutrats,mice,bats,andsnakes.

Projects proceed around our community Learnmoreabouttheseupcomingprojectsathighlandsranch.org.

Cougar Run Park playgroundTheplaygroundequipmentatCougarRunParkiscurrentlybeingreplaced.Newequipmentwillprovideaphysicallychallengingandmentallystimulatinginclusiveplayspacethatpromotessocialinteraction.Someofthenewfeaturesoftheplaygroundincludenatureinspiredelements,portionsofnewseamlesspoured-in-placerubbersurfacing,andnumerouselementsforclimbing,swayingandjumping.ConstructionisexpectedtobecompletedbyearlySeptember,weatherdependent.CougarRunParkislocatedat8810VennefordRanchRoad.

West Fork Disc Golf CourseCourseconstructionisnearlycompleteforthenewWestForkDiscGolfCourse,9095S.Broadway.TheMetroDistrictisconstructingthe18-holediscgolfcourseand52-spaceparkinglotwithfundingpartnerSouthSuburbanParkandRecreationDistrict.Thecoursewillbeopenforfree,drop-inuseandwillbeanotherwayforresidentstoenjoytheoutdoors.

Theopeningdate,whichisanticipatedlaterthismonth,willbepostedtoourwebsite.Anopeningcelebrationisplanned,butisdependentonfuturepublichealthordersandsocialdistancingguidelines.

C-470 community monument signsTwonewcommunitymonumentsignswillreplacethesignsinexistinglocationsalongC-470thisfall.OnelocationissouthofC-470andeastofS.Broadway,andtheotherissouthofC-470andwestofColoradoBoulevard.ThisprojectisacontinuationoftheenhancementstothecommunityentrysignsalongthebordersofHighlandsRanchseveralyearsago.Thenewsignswillhelpbetterrepresentourvibrantcommunity.

Restroom at Big Dry Creek ParkLatethisfall,anewconcreterestroomwillreplacetheold,cedarvaultrestroomatBigDryCreekPark.ThenewrestroomwillbemoremaintenancefriendlyandwillcomplywiththefederalAmericanswithDisabilitiesActaccessguidelines.BigDryCreekParkislocatedat9898AthertonWay.

Home audits availablein addition to coyote conflict prevention home audits, metro district park rangers can also advise you of general wildlife attractants in your yard while walking your property line with you . contact the metro district at 303-791-2710 to schedule a home audit .

Parkshelterreservationsarecurrentlybeingacceptedonalimitedbasis.Neighborhoodparksheltersandsmallersheltersatcommunityparksarelimitedtogroupsofupto20.Largesheltersatcommunityparkscanaccommodate35to75,dependingonthelocation.Limitationsarebasedoncurrentstateandcountyhealthordersandwillbeamendedasguidanceallows.

Park shelter reservations

2020 fee scheduleshelters Resident nonresidentNeighborhood park $18/hr. $27/hr.Community park $30/hr. $45/hr.Civic Green stage $50/hr. $75/hr.Central Park Patio $50/hr. $75/hr.Two-hour minimum

Damage deposit required.

sports fields $16/hr. $24/hr.

Bocce/Horseshoe Court $5/hr. $8/hr.

Pickleball Court $5/90 mins. $8/90 mins. (includes use of net/paddles)

How to reserve a park shelter 1. Visithighlandsranch.org/reservations tocheckthe

availabilitycalendars.Allreservationsrequireatwohourminimum.

2. ReservationnumbersarecurrentlyrestrictedduetoCOVID-19healthordersandupdatesarepostedathighlandsranch.org.

3. ContacttheMetroDistrictat303-791-2710orsubmitanonlinerequesttoareservationsspecialistathighlandsranch.org/reservations.

Priortoyourparkreservation,pleasereviewparkrules.Remember,glassbottlesarenotallowed.

Front Range trees hit by several damaging freezesAftertwodrastictemperaturedropsduringfall2019andasignificantspringfreezethisyear,manytreesinHighlandsRanchandtherestoftheFrontRangearestrugglingordead.Ash,elm,cottonwood,maple,pineandsprucetreeswereespeciallyaffected.Aftertakinginventoryofthesetreesandwaitingthroughthespringtoseeiftheywouldleafoutagain,MetroDistrictforestrystaffisremovingunsafeanddeadtreesasnecessary.Theprocessisexpectedtolastthroughthe2020growingseason.

Moreinformation,includingtipsforhomeownersdealingwithtreesontheirownproperties,isavailableathighlandsranch.org.

Keep an eye on your water budgetWateruseinthesummertypicallyrisesashomeownersfendoffwarmertemperaturesbywateringtheirlawn,gardenandflowerbeds.CentennialWater&SanitationDistrictcustomers’bi-monthlywaterbudgetisintendedtoprovideenoughwatertomaintainahealthylandscapewhileencouragingconservation.

Duringthewarmsummermonths,CentennialWaterrecommendsresidentscarefullywatchtheirwaterusage.Increasedusage,especiallyifyouexceedyourwaterbudget,willincreaseyourwaterbill.

Yourwaterbudgetwasidentifiedbasedonyourindividuallotsizeandvariesbybillingperiodduringtheirrigationseason.Waterbudgetinformationcanbefoundonyourwaterbill.

Formoreinformationaboutwaterbudgets,visitcentennialwater.org.

9325 foothills canyon blvd . Highlands ranch, co 80129

303-791-2348

Lebsack Tennis Center is hosting all your

favorite programs.10 & under tennis (ages 4-10)Junior classes (ages 7-15)Junior development (ages 9-17)Adult drills & clinicsfall tennis camps

fall Session 1 Aug . 10 - Sept . 19fall Session 2 Sept . 21 - oct . 31

for program details and court reservations visit our website at Redstone.mytennisclub.net .

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Highlands Ranch Metro District62PlazaDriveHighlandsRanch,CO80129

PRSRT STDU.S.POSTAGE

PAIDHIGHLANDSRANCH,

COLORADOPERMITNO.93

CRRTWSS

Residential Customer

APublicationProvidingInformationfor:

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, trail usage has significantly increased . getting physical activity and connecting to the outdoors and green space can reduce stress and improve mental health, which is particularly important during this time .

Metro District board meetings are held at 6 p .m . the last tuesday of each month (with rare exceptions due to holiday schedules) at the John d . Hendrick office building, 62 Plaza drive . board study sessions are held the Wednesday prior to board meetings at 6 p .m . at the same location . the public is encouraged to attend . visit highlandsranch.org and click on the local government link for a meeting schedule and covid-19 related details .

Centennial Water and Sanitation District board meetings are held at 6:30 p .m . the last monday of each month (with rare exceptions due to holiday schedules) at the John d . Hendrick office building, 62 Plaza drive . board study sessions are held the Wednesday prior to board meetings, also at 6 p .m . visit centennialwater.org to view a meeting schedule .

Attend a board meeting

SUMMER2020

A Publication Providing Information for:Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

MessengerLocal GovernmentParks & Open SpaceRecreationPublic WorksWater & SanitationFire & SafetyGet InvolvedEmployment

Recreation Programs • Youth & Adult Sports • Parks & Open Space Projects • Local Government Updates

Messenger HIGHLANDSRANCH25 THANNIVERSARY

Celebrating our history, building our future

Metro District

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Highlands Ranch Metro District

A Publication Providing Information About:

Census 2020

See tennis information on Page 6.

Transportation updates

LearnaboutRTD’sservicechanges,COVID-19-relatedimpactsandmorebyvisitingrtd-denver.com

C-470ExpressLanesarenowopen.LearnmoreaboutthisColoradoDepartmentofTransportation(CDOT)projectatcodot.gov/programs/expresslanes/c-470-express-lanes

Ifyouhaven’tbeencountedyetinCensus2020,it’stime.Thecensusismorethanjustaheadcount.Itprovidesapictureofournationthathelpsdeterminewheretobuildnewschools,hospitalsandbusinesses;howfederalfundingisdistributed;andhowcongressionalseatsareapportioned.Italsohelpstoseehowcommunitieshavechangedovertime.

Online at my2020census.gov | By phoneat844-330-2020

By mail,ifyoudidnotrespondbyphoneoronline,apaperquestionnaire wouldhavebeenmailedtoyouinmid-April

FormoreinformationaboutCensus2020,visit2020census.gov.

New veterans monument website

TheMetroDistrictrecentlylaunchedanewHighlandsRanchVeteransMonumentwebsite.Theredesignedsitefeaturesanupdatedhomepage,easiernavigation,veteranbiographies,improvedsearchfunctionandastreamlinedapplicationforresidentswhowishtopurchaseadedicationtile.Visitthenewwebsiteathrvets.org.

Tax-deductiblededicationtilesareavailableforpurchasetohonorlovedonesatthemonument.PleasecontactEmmalynWhiteat720-240-4931orat ewhite@highlandsranch.org,orvisit hrvets.orgformoreinformation,topurchaseadedicationtile,ortomakeatax-deductiblecontribution.