www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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CommunityLink.com
1 800-455-5600
production vp of production operations Amanda White
lead design Josh Mueller
managing editor Jay Nehrkorn
copy editor & page compositor Laura Wilcoxen
copywriting Norma Engeberg Debbie Miller
website creation & support Josh Chandler
photography Lenore Hotchkiss
director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn
business development director of business development George Prudhomme
business development manager Bonnie Ebers
vp of sales operations & client care Debbie Moss
customer service director Kathy Risley
advertising ad research Mary Kopshever Mildred Walker
ad traffic Carol Smith ad design Mary Caldwell
administrative support administrative support Kathy Hagene Carol Smith
mailroom technician Melinda Bowlin
Table of Contents
WHAT’S INSIDE
account support Terri Ahner
information technology publishing systems specialist Christopher Miller
executive leadership chairman and founder Craig Williams
ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink PMSdistributed Color 7407 PCthrough the Greater Woodland Park and PMS Color 4485 PC Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information PMS Color 349 PC or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com.
WELCOME TO WOODLAND PARK. . ..................................4 Urban Amenities Sans the Urban Rush
DEMOGRAPHICS.......................................................... 6 A Digital Diary
BUSINESS & COMMERCE.............................................7 Catering to Every Desire
HEALTH CARE. . .......................................................... 10 A Sector Here to Serve
TOURISM.................................................................. 14
There’s Something for Everyone The Greater
Woodland Park
Chamber of Commerce
FOR INFORMATION Greater Woodland Park Fonts Used: of Commerce, 210 East Midland Avenue, Chamber Woodland Park CO 80866-9022, Didot Italic Telephone 800-551-7886,Light Fax 719-687-9885, Copperplate www.woodlandparkchamber.com © 2014 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
EDUCATION............................................................... 20 Key to a Great Future
GOVERNMENT.. .......................................................... 22 Committed to Strengthening Community
REAL ESTATE............................................................ 24 Your Mountain Dream Home Is Right Here in Teller County
ARTS & CULTURE.. ..................................................... 26 A Cultural Flair to Country Living
WORSHIP.................................................................. 28 A Community of Faith
CALENDAR OF EVENTS............................................... 30 What’s Going On
CLOSE...................................................................... 31 Come Home to Woodland Park/Teller County
INDEX OF DISPLAY ADVERTISERS . . .............................. 32 Please Support These Valued Members
PREFERRED BUSINESS LISTINGS................................ 33 Thank You for Your Sponsorships!
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Your Partner. Your Life.
Welcome to Woodland Park
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
URBAN AMENITIES SANS THE URBAN RUSH
W
here else — but Woodland Park and Teller County, Colorado — can you experience the wild beauty of the central Rocky Mountains, world-class fishing, hiking, mountain biking and hundreds of OHV trails. With 300 days of sunshine, which relates to mild summers and enjoyable winters, Teller County becomes your destination to delight in the wonderful outdoor recreation or partake in the thriving economy. Centrally located amidst Colorado’s many attractions, and very close to Colorado Springs, Woodland Park is the ideal location to elevate your mountain experience. Easy access to two major highways makes commuting easy for residents who may work in nearby metropolitan areas, but desire to live the mountain lifestyle. The city’s population is quite diverse. Young families, singles, artists, musicians, medical and legal professionals, and retirees, along with active duty military, comprise the 7,189 residents. Surrounded by the grandeur of Pike National Forest, Woodland Park lies in the shadow of Pikes Peak, better known as America’s Mountain. The city was designated as a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Society over 20 years ago. Today, the residents work hard to keep the “woods” in Woodland Park through its various parks and open spaces. Many of them have been redesigned to include such amenities as a skate park for kids and a modern sports complex for athletic events and tournaments. There’s even a hockey rink for winter sports, with Pikes Peak as the panoramic backdrop. While Woodland Park serves as the commerce hub for Teller County, Cripple Creek is the county seat. The entire county offers urban amenities — boutique shops, business and service professionals, schools and educational opportunities, religious choices, and state-of-the-art health care — everything available in the big city without that big-city rush. The Gold Rush that brought thousands to the area in the 1890s is gone, but gold still abounds, both in the modern gold mine that employs hundreds of residents and in the casinos that line the historic streets of Cripple Creek. Teller County is a welcoming sanctuary for artists and artisans who seek inspiration from the area’s natural beauty. Art galleries and annual art shows showcase the art scene within every corner of the county. Music fills the air at free concerts every summer, with musical performances, comedy acts and melodramas performed in Cripple Creek rounding out the picture. Summertime sees the largest volume of visitors, but winter is also a remarkable time to visit. Winter festivals and old-fashioned holiday entertainment abound. Christmas in the Gold Camp and the fun-filled Lighter Side of Christmas Parade in Woodland Park bring enchantment to young and old alike. Visitors are warmly invited to find out for themselves why so many people have made Teller County their home. The Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce offers you this guide to the region. We invite you to learn more about the unparalleled quality of life, award-winning schools, dazzling arts community and growing economy in Woodland Park and Teller County. But remember, you must visit us to truly experience our kindred spirit.
Surrounded by the grandeur of Pike National Forest, Woodland Park lies in the shadow of Pikes Peak, better known as America’s Mountain.
www.FrankGundyAgency.com
FRANK W GUNDY
FRANK W GUNDY AGENCY, INC. 101 Sundial Drive, Suite B2 WOODLAND PARK, CO 80863 Offce: Fax: E-mail:
719-687-9292 719-687-4205 fgundy@amfam.com
Access Anytime: 1-800-MYAMFAM (800-692-6326)
www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce.....................719.687.9885
City of Woodland Park City Hall (utilities)..................................719.687.9246 Police Department (non-emergency).......719.687.9262 Parks and Recreation.............................719.687.5225 Ute Pass Cultural Center.........................719.687.5284
Demographics
A DIGITAL DIARY
POPULATION
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Administrative Office..............................719.689.2988 Sheriff’s Office........................................719.687.9652 Assessor’s Office....................................719.689.2941 County Clerk’s Office..............................719.689.2951 Public Works and Facilities.....................719.686.7950 County Treasurer’s Office.........................719.689.2985
By Region
Percent of Population 25 Years & Older
Community Services
Male...................................................................46.7%
Woodland Park School District RE-2.......719.686.2000 Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1............................719.689.2685 Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District........................719.687.1866 Woodland Park Public Library.................719.687.9281
Female................................................................53.3%
Teller County
Utilities Black Hills Energy (natural gas)..............800.303.0752 Colorado Natural Gas (Cripple Creek).....800.720.8193 Intermountain Rural Electric Association............................719.687.9277 CenturyLink (telephone, television, Internet)...........800.475.7526 Peak Internet (telecommunications).......719.686.0250 Baja Broadband (television and Internet)......................800.480.7020
2000 2012 Percent
Woodland Park........ 6,515............ 7,189...........+10.35% Teller County........... 20,555.......... 23,389..........+13.79%
By Gender - Woodland Park
By Age - Woodland Park Under 5 years........................................................ 6.8% 5-9 years.............................................................. 5.8%
20-24 years.......................................................... 3.0%
Elevation 8,465 feet
Temperature Summer (June–Aug.) High...............................................................75.3°F Low...................................................................39°F Warmest month................................................... July High...............................................................78°F Low................................................................41°F Winter (Dec.–Feb.) High...............................................................39.7°F Low.....................................................................4°F Coolest month............................................... January High...............................................................38°F Low..................................................................3°F
Precipitation Annual average........................................ 24.05 inches Wettest month.....................................................August Average precipitation....................................4 inches Driest month..................................................... January Average precipitation...............................0.57 inches
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18.2%
17.7% 15%
10.5%
9.6%
10% 7.6% 5%
25-29 years.......................................................... 5.2% 30-34 years.......................................................... 4.4% 35-39 years.......................................................... 5.2%
0
Associate Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
40-44 years.......................................................... 7.0% 45-49 years........................................................12.4% 50-54 years........................................................11.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007–2011 American Community Survey
55-59 years.......................................................... 9.1% 60-64 years.......................................................... 6.4%
CLIMATE
20.9% 20%
10-14 years.......................................................... 5.8% 15-19 years.......................................................... 6.3%
United States Woodland Park
25%
65-69 years.......................................................... 4.2% 70-74 years.......................................................... 1.5% 75-79 years.......................................................... 1.9%
HOUSEHOLD INCOME $80,000
80-84 years.......................................................... 2.9%
$70,000
85 years and older................................................ 0.6%
$60,000
Median age.........................................................45.3
$50,000
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007–2011 American Community Survey
$40,000
$72,555
$77,501
United States Woodland Park $65,777 $52,762
$30,000
COST OF LIVING Colorado Springs Metro, 2Q2013 Composite...........................................................95.9 Grocery items......................................................94.0 Housing...............................................................93.6
$20,000 $10,000 0
Mean Income
Median Income
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007–2011 American Community Survey
Utilities.............................................................100.8 Transportation.....................................................96.8 Health care.......................................................102.8
HOUSING
Miscellaneous goods and services.......................95.6
Median mortgage.........................................$1,613
U.S. average for all indices is 100.
Median rent.....................................................$879
Source: Council for Community and Economic Research
Median home value................................. $245,600 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007–2011 American Community Survey
THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business & Commerce N
o matter what the need, it is likely Teller County businesses provide it — offering everything from school and building supplies to a variety of services, including certified personal trainers, financial consultants and child care. The following are just a few of the many businesses and industries thriving in Teller County.
HEALTH & FITNESS Colorado’s population is among the nation’s fittest and most active, and in Teller County, fitness centers, gyms, spas and dance studios are available to help county residents and visitors stay fit. Some, such as Snap Fitness 24/7, are locally owned franchises, while others, such as Dynamic Training & Fitness and Woodland Fitness Center, are local enterprises. The Parks & Recreation Department of Woodland Park, along with JUMPERS Gymnastics, offer a variety of programs for the kids, too. Outdoor sports are represented by fly-fishing shops, outfitters and guide services. Mountain biking or bicycling information and rentals can be found at Team Telecycle. With Teller County home to hundreds of Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails, a number of local businesses cater to rentals and repairs for all types of OHV vehicles.
CATERING TO EVERY DESIRE
Shooting sports enthusiasts can purchase a weapon at Alpine Guns and Wheels, where, incidentally, they can also buy a car or truck.
FOOD, DRINK & HOSPITALITY Many local businesses revolve around food and drink. The county offers everything from fine dining to down-home cooking and fast food, as well as local breweries and tasting rooms. Woodland Park’s three breweries have placed Teller County squarely in the center of a national trend toward “beer tourism,” bringing in thousands of visitors to sample their awardwinning brews every year. Bierwerks Brewery started the local craft-beer trend in 2010. This brew-pub has a line of year-round brews, a bevy of seasonal brews and a nonalcoholic root beer for teetotalers and kids. Those who prefer wine can take advantage of tasting rooms at local art and gift galleries that feature, along with Colorado wines, local and nationally renowned artists and artisans. Local restaurants carry a fine selection of wines and other beverages. Swiss Chalet has been offering fine dining and drinks in Woodland Park since 1962, while several new venues opened in 2013. If you are looking for lighter fare to go with your wine, check out Carmen, The Tapas Restaurant in
Woodland Park. Other grills, pubs and taverns are open in every corner of Teller County, including McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub in Divide, the Headframe Tavern in Victor and the Ute Historic Inn in Woodland Park. In Cripple Creek you will find a multitude of casinos with dining options, including the Triple Crown Casinos, Wildwood Casino and Bronco Billy’s Casino. Teller County is home to the Woodland Park Farmer’s Market. The outdoor Summer Market is held every Friday from June through September at Center Street and Henrietta Avenue, while the Winter Market, held the second Saturday of each month, October through May, moves indoors to the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Offering Colorado produce and ready-to-eat or take-home food products, the market features cheeses from Colorado’s smallest certified goat dairy, Stone Creek Farmstead. Located in Divide, the Farmstead was voted best goat farm in Colorado in 2012. Visitors often come to Teller County for day trips, but they want to savor all that Teller County offers. A variety of lodging is available for longer stays. Choices range from rustic cabins, to luxury suites, to the themed rooms at Edgewood Bed and Breakfast, which even offers an in-home movie theatre for your evening enjoyment. RV parks and camping areas dot the countryside www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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William H. Moller The Moller Law Group, LLC
throughout Teller County. We are home to the highest KOA in the country — Cripple Creek KOA, which sits at 10,000 feet above sea level. A large inventory of vacation homes are available as well.
HOME IMPROVEMENT With more and more people choosing a home in Teller county, the building trades are well-represented here, too. Contractors and handyman services are available for jobs of any size, from building a new home to changing an electrical outlet or installing a closet. Local contractors as well as do-it-yourself home and business owners find their building supplies, tools and equipment at local stores such as Foxworth-Galbraith Building Center, which offers everything from lumber to bathroom fixtures. Local hardware stores provide tools, paints and equipment rentals. Woodland Hardware has served Teller County for more than 20 years and will be opening its new, much larger building in downtown Woodland Park in early 2014.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS While local businesses offer goods and services, they also offer employment opportunities. With over 500 employees, the Cripple Creek & Victor
Working together. Winning combination
Commercial * Residential * Industrial Service * Design
Call 719.667.3814 today!
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Gold Mining Company ranks as the county’s largest employer. The company employs equipment operators, drivers, geologists, metallurgists, health and safety technicians, and many others. Now, in the midst of its second Mine Life Expansion, the mine also employs construction workers, paving crews and excavators. The gold mine is also one of Teller County’s biggest philanthropic organizations. It supports local schools, 4-H Clubs, museums, events and civic organizations through monetary donations, in-kind services, equipment and historic preservation activities. One of its most visible partnerships is with the Southern Teller County Focus Group, which it helps to preserve and maintain local historic sites and trails. Other major employers include Woodland Park Walmart, Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, Woodland Park RE-2 School District, Cripple CreekVictor RE-1 School District, casinos and municipal, county and special districts governments.
ECLECTIC & ESSENTIAL Teller County is home to a number of Web-based businesses, including Andrews Candies. Formerly from Arkansas, Andrews moved its gift shop and kitchen facilities to Woodland Park where they make several varieties of the best candy brittle ever. One business people seldom think of as a business is the local newspaper. The Pikes Peak Courier View has been purveying local news and advertising in Teller County under various names since the 1960s. New to the media outlets is the Ute Country News, published monthly and covering all the events of the Teller County region. From specialty items to everyday needs, Woodland Park and Teller County can meet your requests.
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Health Care H
A SECTOR HERE TO SERVE
ealth care is an essential component to a community’s quality of life. Teller County is served by some of the finest services in Southern Colorado.
PIKES PEAK REGIONAL HOSPITAL “Discover Top-Rated Healthcare” emphasizes the hospital’s leadership in providing top-quality patient care for the region. PPRH is an acute care, critical access, Level IV Trauma Center specializing in general surgery, orthopedics, women’s health, ophthalmology, reconstructive and plastic surgery, rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging. In 2013, the hospital installed the new DEXA Bone Density Testing for Osteoporosis and opened a Sleep Study Center to diagnosis sleep disorders. Their “Senior Circle” is designed for people age 55+. With a wide variety of activities, medical screenings and other services, the Circle is there for the well-being of seniors in the region, as well as for a chance to meet new friends. “Our modern, fully equipped Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We pride ourselves on providing short wait times and convenient access. Our
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medical staff includes board-certified physicians representing a wide range of medical specialties. You’ll find the desire to help others in the hearts and minds of our caring and experienced nurses, medical technicians and support staff,” says Terry Buckner, CEO of Pikes Peak Regional Hospital. The hospital offers the latest innovative technology coupled with a highly trained and committed team of professionals dedicated to serving patients within the region. The special care unit focuses on medically complex cases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems. Nestled among the fragrant Colorado pines is the main entrance to Pikes Peak Regional Hospital. The hospital features all-private rooms beneath a stunning view of America’s mountain, Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak Regional Hospital has become a life-saving enhancement to the region.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Hospital services are enhanced by a strong relationship with first responders. Teller County has those in abundance. Its two ambulance services have been saving lives since the 1970s.
THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Southwest Teller County Hospital District was formed in Cripple Creek in 1975. Through the district, Cripple Creek Rehab & Wellness Center was built, which offers a number of health-related services for the southern part of the county. Cripple Creek’s volunteer ambulance service was adequate until the start of limited-stakes gaming in Cripple Creek in 1992. To keep up with increased demand, the district partnered with the city of Cripple Creek, Teller County and the St. Francis Paramedic System to provide ambulance services. Today, the district has four ambulances, nine full-time staff and 12 part-time staff who cover 320 square miles in and around Cripple Creek and Victor. The Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District was formed by voters to provide services to an area that encompasses 539 square miles in Teller County, as well as parts of Park and Douglas counties. They employee nine full-time paramedics, six full-time emergency medical technicians and three ambulances. These two special districts are not the county’s only emergency medical responders. Fire departments are known to be first on the
scene during an emergency and, because about 80 percent of their calls are medical, these departments have their own paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Teller County has six fire departments: Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District in Woodland Park, Divide Volunteer Fire Department, Victor Volunteer Fire Department, Cripple Creek Fire Department, Florissant Fire & Rescue (Florissant Fire Protection District), and Four Mile Fire Protection District. The all-volunteer Teller County Search & Rescue also has trained medical responders among its crews who not only know how to find the lost and injured, but also how to bring them back safely. All in all, Teller County is well covered when it comes to emergencies of any nature. Residents are thankful for the dedication, hard work and training of first responders.
PENROSE URGENT CARE Life is all about connections. The links that bind us to families, friends and communities can be found through Centura Health, which operates the Penrose Urgent Care facilities in Woodland Park and Cripple Creek. Penrose Mountain Urgent Care in Woodland Park offers urgent and acute care for minor illnesses and injuries, limited outpatient laboratory and X-ray services, and care by physicians, registered nurses, and certified laboratory and radiology technicians. Rehabilitation services are provided by Woodland Park Colorado Sports & Spine Center. In 2012, Centura Health took over management of a Cripple Creek medical facility and changed the name to Penrose Urgent Care at Cripple Creek. Its staff, which includes a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, and lab and radiology technicians, offers urgent and acute care for minor illnesses and injuries; outpatient labs, with same-day results; X-ray services; and nextbusiness-day pharmacy services. Additionally, they provide Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals in accordance with DOT regulations and/or a company’s policy and post-accident, preemployment and random drug testing.
COLORADO SPRINGS HEALTH PARTNERS Colorado Springs Health Partners, PC, has a long history of meeting the health care needs of residents in the Pikes Peak Region. CSHP was founded on and still holds to the philosophy that multi-specialty group practice offers the best means of providing quality medical care. Three primary care physicians offer services in the Woodland Park facility. www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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MOUNTAIN VIEW MEDICAL GROUP Mountain View Medical Group (MVMG) is dedicated to the health and well-being of all Teller and Park County residents. As a full-service pediatric and family practice office, MVMG’s physicians and nurse practitioner offer complete wellness and disease management care for the entire family. Mountain View Medical Group is one of the largest medical providers in Southern Colorado, and the Pikes Peak office is proud to be part of such a large network of quality physicians. Pediatrician Dr. Laura Boschert, M.D., is a founding member of MVMG and joined the Woodland Park office after more then 20 years of hospital and private practice in Colorado Springs. She has a passion for watching the whole family grow and develop over the years. “As the kids grow, so do the parents, and that is so fun to watch!” Family practice physician Dr. Jeffrey Snyder, M.D., and family nurse practitioner Jill Saylor welcome patients of all ages. Dr. Snyder is nationally recognized for quality care of patients with diabetes. Both share a commitment to enhancing wellness by partnering with patients at a yearly complete physical. As Dr. Snyder says, “The intent of a physical is to uncover
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
a possible problem before it develops into a lifelong condition and concern.” At MVMG-Pikes Peak, the mission of everyone in the office is to enhance the health and lives of patients and their families. The staff has been recognized for outstanding customer service, with a firm belief that “These aren’t just patients, they are our friends, our families, and our neighbors.” At Mountain View Medical Group, the vision is to be the health care provider of choice for Teller County and the surrounding areas. It’s excellence, inspired by compassion.
PEAK VISTA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS Peak Vista Community Health Centers have been providing quality medical care to El Paso and Teller county residents for over 40 years. The centers specialize in offering services to people who face health care barriers. The Family Health Center at Divide offers a range of services, including primary care, preventive medicine, pediatric care and dental services. Peak Vista also provides care at the Cripple Creek-Victor Mountain Health Center, a school-based center for Cripple CreekVictor RE-1 School District students and their siblings from pre-birth to age 21.
LEARN MORE ON THE WEB Medical Facilities
Emergency Services
Mountain View Medical Group www.mvmg.com
Divide Volunteer Fire Department www.dividefire.com
Peak Vista Community Health Centers www.peakvista.org
Florissant Fire & Rescue www.florissantfire.com
Penrose Mountain Urgent Care/ Pensrose Urgen Care at Cripple Creek www.penrosestfrancis.org
Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District netellerfire.org
Pikes Peak Regional Hospital www.pikespeakregionalhospital.com
Teller County Search & Rescue www.tellercountysar.org
Southwest Teller County Hospital District www.stchsd.org
Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District www.uprad.org
Colorado Springs Health Partners www.cshp.net
Cripple Creek Fire Department www.cripplecreekgov.com
PRIVATE PRACTICES Physicians have always played a integral role in Teller County. Besides its hospital and urgent care centers, there are numerous physicians, dentists, optometrists and ophthalmologists, therapists, counselors, and pharmacies caring for the physical and emotional needs of residents and visitors.
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Tourism
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
T
eller County is home to an array of family-friendly outdoor adventures. Biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding or OHV trail riding can be found in all four corners of the county. There are endless opportunities for enjoying nature or exploring the area’s history through the mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek. Locals boast that Woodland Park has the most exquisite view of Pikes Peak. And of course that’s true! Woodland Park and Teller County can serve as your base camp to visit area attractions, as you try your luck gambling in Cripple Creek or simply enjoy the beauty of our region.
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PIKE NATIONAL FOREST Pikes Peak dominates the area’s geology and its recreation, giving its name to Pike National Forest and its summit as a destination for several trails. Pike National Forest, which is a part of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, offers picnic areas; developed campgrounds, some with cabins to rent; dispersed camping; fishing; and at least 24 named trails and more unnamed trails suitable for hiking, backpacking, bicycles, off-highway vehicles and horseback riding. Many are within easy driving or even walking distance of Woodland Park. Visitors can drive to the summit on the Pikes Peak Highway, but thousands prefer to hike the mountain each year. Barr Trail, which starts at Manitou Springs, is the best known of the trails, but hiking Pikes Peak from the Crags is easier and less crowded. The Crags Trailhead is located at the Crags Campground, accessible from Colorado State Highway 67.
FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT Part of the U.S. National Parks Service, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers a trip through Colorado’s prehistory. The Florissant Valley, where the monument is located, tells a geologic story of uplift, erosion, volcanoes, lahars (volcanic mudflows) and glaciations that make the valley one of the world’s richest fossil deposits. More than 1,700 different species of plants, animals and insects, ranging in size from grains of pollen and tiny invertebrates to giant Sequoia stumps measuring 15 feet across, have been discovered in the monument. Since its creation in 1969, the monument’s staff has been dedicated to preserving not only the
fossil record and Colorado’s prehistory, but also its more recent history and natural environment. Scientific research began in the 1870s and continues today with the current paleontology program, which continues to inventory and monitor fossil sites, educate the public and oversee the research done in the park. The park has 14 miles of scenic hiking trails, including some that are designed with handicap access in mind. Three of the self-guided trails are open year-round. Signs along these trails — the Petrified Forest Walk, the Ponderosa Loop Trail and the Hornbek Homestead Grounds Tour — tell visitors about the formation and development of the land, from more than 37 million years ago to the present. A new visitor center and research facility, complete with interactive exhibits and an updated theater, also await visitors to the monument.
MUELLER STATE PARK While most of Teller County’s public lands are federally owned and maintained, a premier state park is also located in the county. Mueller State Park’s 55 miles of trails provide a 5,000-acre playground for the hiker, mountain biker, equestrian rider and wildlife watcher. Summer in Teller County means the wildlife is active and plants are in full bloom, and the cooler weather is enticing. In winter the trails are open to backcountry snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. When the snowfall is right, sledding areas are also available. Over 130 campsites are available, some for tents, others for RVs and many with electric hookup available. There are three cabins available for rent as well. Summer and winter educational and nature exhibits, along with nature hikes, are available.
Check in at the Visitor Center for days and times of events and visit the exhibits.
DOME ROCK STATE WILDLIFE AREA Dome Rock State Wildlife Area is located next to Mueller State Park. It is named for the spectacular 700-foot granite face at the halfway point of the Dome Rock trail. You can access trails from the park or from its main entrance on Four Mile Road. The wildlife area offers hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. Because the wildlife area is a prime calving ground for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, certain trails are closed from December 1 to July 15. Access to trails is allowed only on foot or by horseback from designated parking lots. Dogs, bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Access is free, but most visitors are required to buy an annual Habitat Stamp. Since the habitat stamp program began in 2006, it has, among other things, funded the preservation of more than 271 square miles of wildlife habitat and preserved more than 100,000 acres of big-game winter range and migration corridors.
FISHING IN THE REGION There are plenty of reservoirs and streams in and around Teller County where anglers can test their skills. Remember, children under 16 do not need a license to fish in Colorado, so this can be a great family-friendly wild experience for everyone. One of the most popular fishing spots in the state is Eleven Mile State Park in nearby Park County. In 2013, a fishing team in the annual Eleven Mile Reservoir Grand Slam Ice Fishing
Mueller State Park
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Dinosaur Resource Center
Tournament pulled in a 22-pound trout to take first place. That was a big one that didn’t get away! It’s certainly not unusual for anglers to pull 12-pound rainbows out of the reservoir’s pristine waters. Crystal Creek Reservoir, on Pikes Peak in the North Slope Recreation Area, is owned by the City of Colorado Springs. From its shores, anglers can catch rainbow, cutthoat and brook trout, and those willing to take a non-motorized boat out on its clear waters can catch lake and brown trout. Also in the North Slope Recreation Area, the Catamount Reservoirs, North and South, are prime spots to fish for rainbows, cutthroats, mackinaw and brook trout. All three reservoirs are accessed from the Pikes Peak Highway in Cascade. Skaguay (sometimes spelled Skagway) Reservoir, off Phantom Canyon Road near the city of Victor, is another popular fishing site that is regularly stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. There is a boat ramp, and non-wake boats are permitted. Many anglers also use the nearby camping sites for longer stays. Lake fishing is available at Manitou Lake north of Woodland Park with a spectacular view of the mountains. Two locations on the South Platte River, one between Spinney and Eleven Mile reservoirs and the other near Deckers, offer Gold Medal water for fly fishing. Of course, anglers can also drop their lines into any of dozens of streams that flow through the area. Information about local fishing is available at fly shops in Woodland Park and at ranger stations and nature centers throughout the area.
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION The Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation is a sanctuary for abused and injured wolves where they are cared for in as natural a setting as possible. When possible, wolves are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Those wolves that must stay in captivity have a home for life. Admission to the nonprofit sanctuary is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Visitors are encouraged to join the Adopt-A-Wolf program; their donations will help care for these animals and earn them a certificate of appreciation, a photo of their wolf and a number of other items, based on the size of the donation. Visits are arranged by appointment by calling 719-660-5480, and maps to the sanctuary and other information are available on the foundation’s website.
DINOSAUR RESOURCE CENTER The Dinosaur Resource Center was 65 million years in the making. Owned by Triebold Paleontology Inc., the center showcases late North American Cretaceous Period dinosaurs, reptiles and fish and brings 100,000 visitors to Teller County and Woodland Park each year. Every summer, Triebold Paleontology crews head out to Kansas, the bed of the Western Interior Seaway, searching for marine reptiles, pterosaurs (flying reptiles), ancient turtles, sharks and fish any angler would be proud (or frightened) to snag. They go to Montana and the Dakotas for dinosaur fossils as well. The summer’s discoveries are brought back to the center, where workers in the Paleontology Lab begin the sometimes years-long process of cleaning,
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Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
Sales • Service • Rentals
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restoring, molding and casting to get the fossils ready for public viewing. Molds are made of each fossil, which then goes into storage, and casts are made, assembled around a steel structure for strength and painted. Completed casts then make their way to museums, schools and other sites around the world. Many of them become part of the center’s always-changing exhibit until their new homes are ready. Visitors can watch the entire process as part of daily guided tours. Exhibits include a kids learning center, life renderings that show the latest theories about how these fascinating animals might have lived, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, a real triceratops skull, a variety of mosasaurs, and some of the smallest predators in North America. Visitors can even find a dinosaur cast, as well as buy unique souvenirs at the center’s Prehistoric Gift Store.
COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER It all began when Darlene Kobobel from Lake George, Colorado, rescued a wolf-dog by the name of Chinook in 1993. Chinook was two years of age and was going to be euthanized at the local animal shelter because of her “wolf-hybrid” label. Once Darlene learned of the fate of this beautiful
animal, in spite of her childhood fears of wolves, she took Chinook home and learned of the issues and controversies regarding wolf-dogs and wolf-dog breeders throughout the county. The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is not only a sanctuary for rescued wolves and other wild canids, it’s also a conservation center for educating the public about these majestic apex predators whose very existence is threatened by human actions. The center is located west of Divide on Twin Rock Road. Tours are offered daily, and visitors will come away with a new understanding and appreciation of the conservation and preservation efforts that are going on to save these animals in the wild.
GOLD BELT TOUR Gold Belt Tour is both a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway and part of the National Scenic Byway system. It retraces historic travel routes between the Cripple Creek and Victor gold fields and Canon City, Florence and Florissant. Four roads make up the byway. Two, Phantom Canyon and Shelf Road, are narrow dirt roads, while the other two, Teller County Road 1 and the High Park Road, are paved and suitable for everything from the family car to the family’s RV.
Pike National Forest
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT The thinner air of this Rocky Mountain region can present challenges to those not accustomed to it. Altitude sickness is characterized by headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, loss of coordination and fatigue. If you’re new to the “high life,” it’s important to be aware of the potential for altitude sickness. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize your risk.
Tips • Acclimatize gradually. Don’t head for the top on your first day; spend a day or two at lower elevations first. • Stay away from alcohol. • Drink plenty of water. • Take it slow while climbing or engaging in exercise, and take frequent breaks. • If symptoms worsen as you climb, head back to lower levels. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.
TRAILS OF GOLD, GOLDEN LOOP The Southern Teller County Focus Group, in partnership with the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Company, are working on two preservation projects: The Trails of Gold and The Golden Loop Historic Parkway. The trails preserve many of the routes local miners took to get to the mines and are open year-round to hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing. They run through private land and active mining areas, and visitors are asked to stay on the trails for their own safety. Another spectacular region to visit is the American Eagle Overlook for views of the historic gold camp, the Continental Divide, and the modern gold mining operations of the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mine. This overlook can be reached by car just off County Road 81 heading out of Victor.
LEARN MORE ON THE WEB Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center www.wolfeducation.org Dinosaur Research Center www.rmdrc.com Dome Rock State Wildlife Area http://wildlife.state.co.us Eleven Mile State Park www.parks.state.co.us/parks/elevenmile Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument www.nps.gov/flfo Gold Belt Tour www.goldbeltbyway.com Mueller State Park www.parks.state.co.us/parks/mueller Pike National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/psicc Rocky Mountain Wildlife Foundation www.rmwf.org
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Woodland Park Middle School
Education T KEY TO A GREAT FUTURE
he future is in the hands of our youth. To ensure that future is bright, the area boasts two educational systems that are second to none in the country: Woodland Park RE-2 School District and Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 School District. Teller County communities are committed to investing in the future of our youth by providing quality education and a safe learning environment. Woodland Park also has a satellite campus for Colorado Springs Christian Schools and, coming soon, Charis Bible College, built on land known as The Sanctuary, owned by Andrew Wommack Ministries.
WOODLAND PARK RE-2 SCHOOL DISTRICT Woodland Park School District is the place where your child will receive an exemplary education while participating in small-town traditions. RE-2 provides an education with high academic rigor and an emphasis on developing the whole child, with a focus on preparing students to thrive in the 21st century. Three elementary schools — Gateway and Columbine in Woodland Park and Summit in Divide — offer the unique ability to keep class sizes small, therefore allowing teachers to offer more one-on-one instruction. In addition to the elementary schools, RE-2 has one middle school and one high school, both located in Woodland Park.
Woodland Park Re-2 schools are small enough to provide the personal attention that your student needs without sacrificing the academic rigor that is expected of a first class institution. Re-2 strives to engage each learner in activities for the brain, for the heart, and for the body to personalize education and produce well-rounded successful individuals. Each year Woodland Park students consistently score above the state average on standardized tests. Schedule a visit today to see how your student’s opportunities can soar at WPSD Re-2.
Woodland Park School District Re-2 • 155 Panther Way • Woodland Park, CO 80863
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Several of the district’s dedicated teachers have won state and national excellence-in-teaching awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Educators and administrators understand the importance of educating the whole child, placing a high priority on ensuring the students have opportunities to develop interests, passions and strengths in a variety of areas including the arts, athletics, leadership and career pathways. Success in education is evident in the district’s yearly test scores, placing within the top five positions of all districts in the Pikes Peak Region.
The district works hard to assist homeschool families as well, first with its Cottage School, which offers enrichment courses for elementary students, and, more recently, with an online curriculum for students. Unlike students enrolled in distant, often impersonal online-schools, students enrolled in the RE-2 online school have the opportunity to engage in the same extracurricular activities as their bricks-and-mortar peers, such as drama, clubs, band and athletics. Several of the district’s dedicated teachers have won state and national excellence-in-teaching awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
CRIPPLE CREEK-VICTOR RE-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT CC-V’s mission is “Achieving Excellence One Student at a Time,” and its administration and teachers are dedicated to preparing students for the 21st century. Educators work diligently to incorporate global awareness in their students, along with building math, science and reading scores. RE-1 is among a few Colorado districts that holds a four-day school week. Cresson Elementary School offers classes from preschool through sixth grade, as well as Early Head Start for infants and toddlers and Head Start for young children. Across the street from Cresson Elementary is the CC-V Junior/Senior High School, where a focus on building self-esteem translates into an environment where all dreams are possible. The district also has online curriculum for homeschool students and the Mountain Alternative School for nontraditional students. There are several pluses for families of students attending CC-V schools. With a total
enrollment of about 450 students, classes are small. This district is also a fee-free one: There are no athletic, activity, transportation or material fees of any kind. The Mountain Health Center also provides free health care to all students and their siblings from before birth to age 21.
COLORADO SPRINGS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS AT WOODLAND PARK A group of five men recognized the need for Christ-centered education in Colorado Springs and established Colorado Springs Christian Schools in 1971. The school’s nondenominational Christ- and Bible-centered curriculum is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. The Woodland Park campus accepts students from kindergarten through eighth grade, using a Biblical perspective of instruction that helps prepare young people for a lifelong career of service. Upon completion of eighth grade, many students move on to CSCS High School via a shuttle service that travels to the central campus in Colorado Springs. The spacious school has the city’s largest indoor recreation center, and religious, academic, art and music classes are augmented with a vigorous physical education program. As a private school, CSCS charges tuition rates based on each child’s grade level. There are multiple-student discounts, as well as financial assistance, scholarships, installment plans and a tuition-reduction program.
LEARN MORE ON THE WEB K–12
Colorado Springs Christian Schools at Woodland Park www.cscslions.org Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 School District www.ccvschools.org Woodland Park RE-2 School District www.wpsdk12.org
Higher Education Charis Bible College www.awmi.net
CHARIS BIBLE COLLEGE: THE SANCTUARY After serving for several decades in the pastoral ministry and Bible-study work, Andrew Wommack and his wife Jamie opened the first Charis Bible College in Colorado Springs in 1994 and formed Andrew Wommack Ministries Inc. Since then, satellite campuses have opened in several other states and countries and the organization has developed correspondence and online programs. Wommack Ministry’s recently began construction on a new Charis Bible School, to be known as The Sanctuary, in Woodland Park. The first phase of construction, targeted for completion in January 2014, is called “The Barn.” It will house all of the Bible College’s classes. Future expansion of the 157-acre campus will feature a 2,500-seat conference center, an outdoor amphitheater, administration offices and on-campus housing for single students and couples.
Woodland Hardware & Home 100 Saddle Club Ave. Woodland Park, CO 80863 719-687-3031 www.woodland.doitbest.com
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Government
COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
TELLER COUNTY Teller County officials include three county commissioners, the coroner, sheriff, assessor, clerk and recorder, and treasurer. All elected officials are limited to two four-year terms. The three commissioner districts are split geographically, with District 1 covering the northern half of the county outside of Woodland Park; District 2 covering the southern half of the county, including Cripple Creek and Victor; and District 3 covering the City of Woodland Park. Citizens also take part in elections for the District Attorney Office in Colorado’s Fourth Judicial District, which includes El Paso and Teller counties. The commissioners meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Centennial Hall, the county administrative building in Cripple Creek. Commissioners create the county’s policy decisions; set the annual budget; and oversee county departments, including finance, public works, public health, code enforcement, environmental health, human resources and others. Commissioners also appoint volunteers to boards and
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
commissions, which include the Board of Review, Planning Commission, Board of Social Services and Board of Adjustments. The county’s operating funds come from property taxes, governmental fees and gaming taxes. County services include marriage licenses, driver’s licenses, voter registration, property tax assessment and animal control. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for “Nixle,” a service operated through Teller County for emergency notification to your cell phone.
MUNICIPALITIES Colorado has two kinds of municipal governments. Statutory cities and towns have elected mayors and elected city councils or boards of trustees that are governed by state statute, while home-rule municipalities are selfgoverning through a citizen-approved, home-rule charter. In Teller County, Cripple Creek and Victor are statutory cities, and Woodland Park is a home-rule city.
Woodland Park
Cripple Creek
Woodland Park is one of 100 Colorado homerule municipalities. Home rule gives citizens the power of self-government as long as a city’s ordinances, regulations and codes do not violate the U.S. and/or Colorado constitutions. The city has an elected mayor who serves two-year terms and six councilmembers who serve four-year terms. Elected officials can serve for no more than nine years, whether elected or appointed. Mail-ballot municipal elections take place on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in April in even-numbered years. The Woodland Park city manager is the administrative head of municipal functions and answers to the city council. City departments include the city clerk, finance department, planning, parks and recreation, public works, utilities, code enforcement, and police. Other emergency services are provided by special districts. Council adopted a new Woodland Park Comprehensive Plan in 2010 to guide future development, as well as a Parks and Open Space Master Plan and a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Woodland Park is also known throughout the state for the Health Forest Initiative Plan.
Cripple Creek has a mayor and four council members, who act as the governing body and the city’s planning commission. City departments include the city administrator, county clerk, human resources, public works, finance, police and dispatch, fire and emergency services, marketing and special events, parks and recreation, transportation, and water/wastewater. The Development Department includes planning, building and historic preservation, a subject the city takes seriously. The city council meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Councilmembers serve up to two four-year terms. Limited stakes gaming came to Cripple Creek in 1992 in a statewide election and much of the city’s revenues come from gaming device fees, gaming tax distribution, sales tax and investment earnings. Victor
Victor also has a mayor and four councilmembers who meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month in the historic Victor City Hall. Each councilmember acts as a commissioner to the city’s departments, which include Public Works, the Victor Volunteer Fire
LEARN MORE ON THE WEB County Government Teller County www.co.teller.co.us
Municipalities
Cripple Creek www.cripplecreekgov.com Victor www.victorcolorado.com Woodland Park www.city-woodlandpark.org
Department and Water/Wastewater. Victor’s law enforcement needs are provided through a contract with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office. Victor is working to revitalize its downtown through the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Acceleration Movement, or Victor DREAM, and is a candidate for the Colorado Main Street Program, a state program that helps revitalize traditional main streets and downtowns. Grants have helped the city make a number of infrastructure upgrades.
www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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Real Estate
YOUR MOUNTAIN DREAM HOME IS RIGHT HERE IN TELLER COUNTY
M Ken Rudy
Tina Albillar
719-687-9274 800-807-9274 www.CarterHomeTeam.com
Carter Realty, Inc.
303 E. Highway 24 Woodland Park, Co. 80863
Sales, Rentals & Storage
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any visitors find Teller County so inviting they end up wanting to stay. The two real estate maxims that fit the local market are “Location, Location, Location” and “Variety is the Spice of Life.” Teller County has great locations with incredible views. Whether it’s a beautiful mountain meadow or the shadow of Pike National Forest, Teller County has it all. Mild summers and gorgeous, sparkling winters entice those who visit to relocate to this mountain paradise. A significant selection of available properties, both in price range and size, is available to make buying that dream home a reality. Local lending institutions offer affordable financing programs as well. Whether buyers are looking for rural land on which to build or a home in the city that is move-in ready, local REALTORS® have them covered. Many REALTORS® have decades of experience finding homes and home sites in Teller County for people coming in from other areas. Rural land comes in a variety of sizes, from one or two acres to 35 acres or more. There are small city lots ready for just the right home design. You could also be a part of a growing trend in the county — it’s increasingly common to see llamas and alpacas, raised for the fiber of their coats, roaming on land where only cattle once grazed. Teller County is also horse country, and there are properties suitable for sheltering riding horses. Teller County’s Strategic Housing Plan and Woodland Park’s Comprehensive Plan both encourage developers to create housing in all price ranges. That encouragement provides excellent choices for those relocating here. Existing homes come in a variety of sizes and prices. Retirees looking for single-story, one- or two-bedroom homes, close to shopping and easy to maintain, can find them in Woodland Park. Growing families looking for room to expand can find a home near Teller County’s great schools (or on their school bus routes), as well as close to city parks or open spaces.
THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A variety of home types, including patio homes, are available near Shining Mountain Golf Course. And, of course, for those who want to get away from it all, there are country homes ranging from simple log cabins and A-frames to luxury homes with all the elegance of a true mountain retreat. While many new homes are located near Woodland Park, subdivisions have popped up all over the county. Each of these has its own kind of charm, and there is likely to be a subdivision to meet any need or desire. Townhomes, patio homes and condominiums round out the inventory for sale in the region. Buyers should inquire of their REALTOR® about covenants, water and zoning. They should become familiar with Colorado’s water rights regulations, too. Your REALTOR® will be able to guide you through the whole process. Of course, buying land or an existing house isn’t the only option for finding that new home. Some prospective homeowners prefer to rent an apartment until they find just the right place to buy, while others need temporary housing because of jobs or military service. Finally, some people just enjoy care-free apartment living. Construction began in the fall 2013 on the new Trail Ridge Apartments, a 168-unit mixed-use development featuring one-, two- and threebedroom apartments, along with a club house, located close to Woodland Park’s downtown shops and local trail systems. In the planning stage is the 42-unit Willows Complex. Rental apartment units, duplexes and single family homes are available across the county but especially in Woodland Park.
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Enter Code KW13YJ24
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Rocky Mountain OktoberfestPLUS
Pikes Peak Historical Society Museum
Arts & Culture V
A CULTURAL FLAIR TO COUNTRY LIVING
isitors come to Teller County to experience the great outdoors in the heart of the Rockies, but they are also treated to an array of arts and cultural events worthy of any big-city offering. From art to music and from historic to freshly grown treasures, there’s much to explore here.
ART, MUSIC & PERFORMANCE The county has become a haven for the arts, with art galleries and studios in every corner of the region. There are also a few not-so-typical settings, such as banks, schools and libraries. Teller County is home to numerous artist groups. The Mountain Artists came together to support the visual arts. Members, both artists and art aficionados, sponsor the annual Mountain Arts Festival and Holiday Member’s Art Show & Sale. In collaboration with the Susan K. Black Foundation, based in Lake George and dedicated to promoting art education, the artists sponsor a number of youth art programs, including the Teller County Student Art Show, the Summer Teen Art Workshop, youth scholarships, and visits to museums and galleries. Woodland Park Arts Alliance includes both visual and performance artists. One of
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the alliance’s most visible contributions to the local art scene is its Woodland Park Third Friday Art Walk, which operates year-round. During art walk, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the city’s historic downtown, art lovers can meet featured artists, view and buy fine art, and in several establishments, taste Colorado wines. Woodland Music Series is held on the second Saturday each month from June through Woodland Music Series
THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
September. Local favorites such as the Woodland Wind Symphony and Swing Factory can be heard, as well as other great jazz, big band, blues and bluegrass favorites who come to the mountain to entertain. The Mountain Acoustic Music Association, the Steve Barta Jazz Trio and the Ute Pass Chamber Players give regular performances throughout the year at the Ute Pass Cultural
includes a parade, bike race and vintage baseball. The Old Fashioned Fourth and Symphony Above the Clouds draw thousands of visitors each year to Woodland Park to celebrate our nation’s birthday not only on the 4th, but the 5th of July, too. The Symphony blends pop, classical and show tunes with a grand finale featuring a rousing rendition of Cruise Above the Clouds Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. A show of support for Center — a city-owned multi-purpose facility. active military, veterans and The ever-popular Junior Woodland Players also POWs/MIAs, the Salute to American Veterans put on an annual summer show at the center. Rally is held in Cripple Creek in mid-August. Adjacent to the Cultural Center is the Midland The event features a motorcycle rally, parade, Pavilion, designed to resemble the trestles of the air show, military displays, free music and more. Midland railroad. This open-air venue, offering The Cruise Above the Clouds Car Show, spectacular views of Pikes Peak, is a popular site held the second weekend of September, for concerts, art exhibits and festivals. draws thousands of visitors to Woodland Park Once Upon a Time in the West is a week of on Saturday and Cripple Creek on Sunday. Western art in Cripple Creek during July. This is The SPEED Channel aired a segment of the the main art event of the year for Cripple Creek. classic car show in 2012. Rocky Mountain “Celebrates the Arts” is a late-August-through- OktoberfestPLUS adds a mountain twist to a Labor-Day event that draws “plein air” artists German celebration in Woodland Park. Held in from around the country to the historic city of September, OktoberfestPLUS draws thousands of Victor. The artists set up their easels and get out visitors to the family-friendly events. Vendors sell their drawing pads, pencils and paints in and authentic German food, beer and wine. around Victor for the first week and then show The year’s events end with the Lighter Side and sell what they have created during Labor Day of Christmas Parade and the Holiday Home weekend. Besides the weekend show, artists also Tours in Woodland Park and Christmas in the participate in art contests such as “Brush Rush” Gold Camp in Cripple Creek and Victor. and “Quick Draw.” Other arts performance venues and FARMERS MARKET The Teller County Farmers Market is held organizations include the Florissant Jammers at the Florissant Grange; comedy, music and each Friday, June through September, from magic at the Gold Bar Room Theater in Cripple 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Woodland Park at the Creek; and melodrama, comedy, musicals and intersection of Center and Henrietta. A community theater at the Butte Theater, featuring variety of vendors offer fresh vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, natural meats and the Thin Air Theater Company. baked goods. A winter market, featuring EVENTS AND FESTIVALS autumn and winter fruits, vegetables, and Teller County is noted for its many events and gifts, is held monthly, October through festivals, held year-round. December, at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Festivities start with the Cripple Creek Ice Festival, which draws ice artists from around the MUSEUMS AND LOCAL HERITAGE country for two weeks in February. In Woodland Park, the Ute Pass June brings in Cripple Creek’s Donkey Derby Days, inspired by the town’s donkey herd. The Historical Society is dedicated to two-day, fun-filled event features a donkey race, preserving, protecting and sharing the games, live entertainment, heritage competitions city and surrounding area’s rich history. Society members collect artifacts and and other fun family activities. Victor’s Gold Rush Days, held in July, has historical photographs, operate a historya history dating back more than 115 years. resource center, and offer tours of the Celebrating the city’s incorporation and honoring Pikes Peak Museum at History Park the miners who made it possible, the event every summer.
Cripple Creek and Victor also have a rich history to share. Seven museums cover nearly everything there is to know about the area, from the days of the dinosaurs through the World’s Greatest Gold Camp years to the present. Situated high on a hill overlooking Cripple Creek, the Cripple Creek Heritage Center is a great place to start a journey through local history. Down below, at the start of the city’s historic Bennett Avenue, the Cripple Creek District Museum is a complex of historic buildings and outdoor displays, including the 1893 Colorado Trading & Transfer Building, the 1895 Midland Terminal Railroad Depot, a late 19th-century Assay Office, two Victorian Era apartments, two log cabins and a gift shop. Fire Station #3 was built in 1900 to help prevent a recurrence of the devastation caused by the 1896 fires. It has recently been restored and opened as a museum. Two of Cripple Creek’s museums, the Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum and the Old Homestead Parlour House Museum, offer a unique insight to history of the area. In Victor there’s the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum, named after the city’s favorite son: famous broadcaster Lowell Thomas, who started his journalism career as a reporter-turned-editor at the Victor Record newspaper. Victor’s other museum, the Victor Gold Camp Ag & Mining Museum, displays restored tractors and mining equipment as well as a working garage and smithy. The Pikes Peak Historical Society Museum, located in Florissant, showcases the lives of Native Americans, pioneers, homesteaders, miners and railroad workers who called the area home. The museum also exhibits an extensive display of local minerals.
Outlaws & Lawmen Jail Museum
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Worship
A COMMUNITY OF FAITH
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A
THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
varied population of spiritual faiths is not only available to meet the needs of the community, but also to help with everyday living. Together, these churches work to make Woodland Park and Teller County an even better place to live.
Local congregations are committed to strong outreach programs to meet many needs. One such program is Celebrate Recovery. This setting is a place where you can find healing and freedom from past hurts, hang-ups and habits. This road to freedom creates real peace, serenity, joy and a stronger relationship with God and others. Celebrate Recovery is offered to anyone through Impact Christian Church. Other programs supported by local religious groups include Teller County Habitat for Humanity, Help the Needy, Community Cupboard, Storehouse Ministries, and Little Chapel Food Pantry along with local Boy and Girl Scout troops. Over the past several years, growth within the spiritual community has been significant. New and expanded facilities dot the countryside. Woodland Park Church of the Nazarene is constructing a new facility, as is Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church. The Catholic Church’s 8,000-square-foot sanctuary is scheduled to break ground soon. Andrew Wommack ministries will be opening a new Charis Bible College campus in our region soon. The first phase of completion is slated to open in January 2014, with the additional phase to be completed soon after. Many religious retreat centers thrive in Teller County. El Tesoro de los Angeles Retreat Center is in the middle of a multi-phase construction project. Recently, they completed a $2 million chapel whose design and novel contributions to liturgical art increases the overall attractiveness of El Tesoro. Potter’s Inn is known as a sanctuary to those religious leaders seeking solitude for their sabbatical. And just outside of Divide sits Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center. They offer Christian summer camps and retreats year-round. The strong foundation of faith throughout Woodland Park and Teller County offers a variety of opportunities to foster one’s spirituality and relationship with God. Congregations include Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, the Church of the Latter Day Saints and non-denominational. “We are so blessed our spiritual community works together,” says Chamber President Debbie Miller. “Result-oriented action steps can be witnessed throughout the region. Whether you help in building a Habitat home, provide ‘bumper bags’ distributed to Little Chapel Food Pantry or buy Girl Scout cookies, the sense of a kindred spirit to do good works flourishes in Teller County.”
“The sense of a kindred spirit to do good works flourishes in Teller County.”
www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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Calendar of Events
WHAT’S GOING ON
For further information on these and other events, please go to the Community Calendar at www.woodlandparkchamber.com or call 719.687.9885.
MONTHLY
AUGUST
•G reater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours: Third Tuesday of every month except December (held the second Tuesday in December)
SPRING MARCH
• • • • • • •
•G reater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Silent Auction & Awards
APRIL • Chamber Spring Business Expo • KidsFest • Woodland Park Farmers Market (every Friday, June – September)
Dinosaur Resource Center CritterFest Mountain Arts Festival Teller County Fair Touch A Truck Day Mayor’s Cup 5K & 10K Vino and Notes Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon
FALL SEPTEMBER • • • • •
Victor Celebrates the Arts Cruise Above the Clouds Car Show Rocky Mountain OktoberfestPlus 2 Mile High Aspen Tours Mt. Pisgah Speaks Cemetery Tour
OCTOBER • Spookfest
SUMMER •W oodland Music Series (second Saturday of the month, June – September)
JUNE • Mountain of the Sun Music Festival • Donkey Derby Days • Teller County Kids Bike Rodeo
• • • •
Chamber Fall Business Expo Rocky Mountain Christmas Boutique Annual TCRAS Craft Fair Christmas in Divide Craft Fair
WINTER DECEMBER
JULY •O ld Fashioned 4th of July in Woodland Park • Fourth of July Fireworks – Woodland Park and Cripple Creek • Symphony Above the Clouds • Pikes Peak International Hill Climb • Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament • Victor Gold Rush Days • Teller County American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life • Florissant Heritage Days
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NOVEMBER
THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• Chamber Membership Breakfast • Prospect Home Care & Hospice Lights of Love • Breakfast with Santa • Lighter Side of Christmas Parade • Woodland Park City Tree Lighting • Holiday Home Tour • Cripple Creek’s Gold Camp Christmas
E
verything about Teller County says “welcome home.” Visitors and residents alike love its scenic vistas and the fun-loving, friendly, heritage-celebrating, small-community atmosphere. They love the fact everything is here: excellent schools, remarkable health care, incredible museums, unique shopping experiences, arts and culture, and fine dining. Come see for yourself what Woodland Park, Cripple Creek, Victor and the Teller County region have to offer. These communities and their residents know how to have a good time. People visit here for the simple pleasures — picnic tables under the trees, the babble of brooks, the zing of hummingbirds — and for the festivals that draw thousands. But, Teller County communities are so inviting it’s no wonder so many people visit once, then come back time after time. And many of those visitors eventually make Teller County their home. In our own backyard are vast areas of public land belonging to all Americans. Many travel hundreds and even thousands of miles to get a quick taste of what county residents experience every day, including 300 days of sunshine a year — it’s no wonder we are known as being “Above the Clouds!” Teller County has it all. The kindred spirit that envelops you when you arrive shouts out “you’re home.” It can’t really be explained; it’s just something you have to experience for yourself. Consider this your invitation to come and visit us and find out for yourself why we all call this home. And see why you soon may call this home, too!
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COME HOME TO WOODLAND PARK/ TELLER COUNTY
Teller County communities are so inviting it’s no wonder so many people visit once, then come back time after time. And many of those visitors eventually make Teller County their home. www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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Index of Display Advertisers
PLEASE SUPPORT THESE VALUED MEMBERS
11 Mile General Store & Liquor.......................................................................... 15 Active Life Chiropractic & Acupuncture............................................................... 12 American Family Insurance - Frank W Gundy Agency, Inc........................................ 5 Banana Belt Liquors.......................................................................................... 23 Bentele Orthodontics......................................................................................... 21 Brenda’s Boutique & Consignments.................................................................... 23 Bristlecone Lodge.............................................................................................. 17 Bronco Billy’s Casino........................................................................................... 1 Carter Realty, Inc. - Ken Rudy / Tina Albillar........................................................ 24 Charis Bible College........................................................................................... 29 City of Woodland Park - Office of Economic & Downtown Development.................. 9 Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center.......................................................................... 18 Dinosaur Resource Center.................................................................................. 16 Do it Best - Woodland Hardware & Home........................................................... 21 Dynamic Training & Fitness................................................................................ 13 The Edgewood Old Is INN again.......................................................................... 18 El Tesoro de los Angeles Retreat Center.............................................................. 16 Electric Service of Colorado LLC........................................................................... 8 Ent Federal Credit Union...................................................................................... 9 Farmers Insurance - Kristyn Cline Agency.............................................................. 3 Historic Triple B Ranch....................................................................................... 23 Lenore Hotchkiss, Real Estate Broker.................................................................. 32
Specializing in Mountain Properties for 20 Years
(719) 359-1340 Email: LenoreHotchkiss@gmail.com
www.LenoreHotchkiss.com
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
IREA.................................................................................................................... 5 Stephanie Kaufmann, DDS, PC, Family Dentistry................................................. 12 Keller Williams Clients Choice - Margie Keener, The Keener Team......................... 25 William H. Moller, Attorney At Law - The Moller Law Group, LLC.............................. 8 Mountain View Medical Group, P.C...................................................................... 12 Peak Internet..................................................................................................... 24 Peak LIfe Church................................................................................................ 29 Peak Realty & Consulting LLC - Barbara Asbury.................................................. 25 Penrose Mountain Urgent Care........................................................................... 13 Perini & Associates.............................................................................................. 8 Pikes Peak Orthopedics..................................................................................... 11 Pikes Peak Regional Hospital Family Medicine.................................................... 11 Pikes Peak Regional Hospital & Surgery Center.......................... Outside Back Cover Pikes Peak Workforce Center................................................................................ 8 Rampart LIbrary District....................................................................................... 5 RE/MAX Performance, Inc................................................................................... 32 Team Telecycle................................................................................................... 18 Teller County Regional Animal Shelter................................................................... 5 Teller County Sheriff’s Office........................................................ Inside Front Cover Whole In the Wall Herb Shoppe.......................................................................... 12 Woodland Medical Center.................................................................................... 3 Woodland Park RE-2 School District................................................................... 20
Preferred Business Listings
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPONSORSHIPS!
ARCHITECTS David A. Langley Architects, P. C.
COUNSELING - FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL & MARRIAGE
P.O. Box 5858 350 W. Henrietta Avenue Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 686-0500 david@davidalangley.com
Woodland Park Police P.O. Box 7255 911 Tamarac Parkway Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-9262
INSURANCE
ATTRACTIONS
C. W’s Plumbing Choices
The Adventure Company P.O. Box 5247 Buena Vista, CO 81211 (719) 395-6494 TheAdventureCompany.com
Since 1987, we offer a wide variety of raft trips, and we are Colorado’s only outfitter that hires guides with at least 4 years of professional guiding experience, to help ensure a safe and fun trip.
BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS
228 S. Baldwin Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687-1200 info@whatchoices.com www.whatchoices.com
CHOICES offers pregnancy tests, early OB ultrasound, parenting classes, material assistance and referrals for services at locations in Woodland Park and Cripple Creek. All services are FREE. Walk-ins always welcome.
DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS Timberland Dental Care Dr Robert Yardumian 791 Kelley Road Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-9011 timberlanddc@hotmail.com
DUDE RANCH Peoples Bank
CARPENTRY & REMODELING New Creation Decks & Remodel 1509 W. St Vrain Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (719) 229-3650 newcreationdecks@yahoo.com
CONSTRUCTION
State Farm - Szymankowski Agency
Locally owned and operated plumbing business with 39 years’ experience to fix ALL your plumbing needs. Customer satisfaction is our priority, which we accomplish with integrity, dedication and experience.
We nurture personal relationships with our clients and provide exceptional service to deliver solutions to our clients’ insurance and financial services needs. We honor our clients with compassion, commitment and integrity.
Coldwell Banker 1st Choice Realty Corp.
INSURANCE PROPERTY & CASUALTY The Insurance Center, LLC
105 Sundial Drive Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-3094................. fax (719) 687-6160 juliem@wpinsurancecenter.com
Colorado Mountain Spas
M Lazy C Ranch (Mule Creek Outfitters) P.O. Box 461 801 County Road 453 Lake George, CO 80827 (719) 748-3398 office@mlazyc.com
We offer a taste of the real Old West at our famous guest ranch and homestead. Come for the day or relax and stay a while. Enjoy our Cowboy U vacation package or dude ranch vacation.
P.O. Box 6370 109 W. Midland Avenue Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687-5522 alan@coloradomountainspasinc.com
Colorado Mountain Spas, your hometown spa and service store since 2003. We offer new sales of Viking Spas and used spas of all makes and models. We also offer professional repair, chemicals, filters, covers and accessories. Our customer service is the best in the area, and with 25 years of repair experience, you can’t go wrong.
MORTGAGES
GARAGE DOORS Woodland Park Garage Doors
P.O. Box 727 Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819 (719) 684-8888 wpgaragedoors@gmail.com
Above Treeline Construction dba Advantage Log Homes
GOVERNMENT
We build everything: roads, driveways, log and custom homes, land available, modular home sales and set, excavation, septics. One-stop shopping – windows, kitchen, solar, fireplace, log kits, greenhouse, steel buildings.
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. 18401 E. Highway 24, Suite 204 Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-1510 jyoder@primeres.com www.prmcolorado.com
With the support of local underwriting and the strength of a national company, we have the expertise to get your mountain property financed. Call today for more information. Equal Housing Lender.
12625 West Highway 24 Divide, CO 80814 (719) 687-0680................. fax (719) 302-5607 advloghomes@aol.com www.abovetreelineconstruction.com
NONPROFITS CHURCHES & MINISTRIES City of Woodland Park 220 W. South Avenue P.O. Box 9007 Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687-9246 city-woodlandpark.org
The employees and volunteers of the City of Woodland Park value: Customer Service, Integrity, Stewardship, Team Building, Respect, Loyalty, Trust.
119 Circle Drive Avenue P.O. Box 6356 Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687-4122................. fax (719) 687-1120 cw6871120@yahoo.com www.cwsplumbing.com
208 E. Highway 24 Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 686-0046................. fax (719) 686-0036 Erica@SFWoodlandPark.com www.SFWoodlandPark.com
LODGING - CABINS, CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS
651 Scott Avenue Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 686-7381................. fax (719) 686-7462 www.epeoples.com
As a family-owned, community bank, Peoples is dedicated to you to reach your financial goals. By having your financial services under one roof, you’ll save time, resources and energy. Plus you’ll be working with Bankers you know and trust. Yes, a bank can really be this good!
PLUMBERS
Living Streams ChurchThe Clothes Closet
108 N. Park Street P.O. Box 159 Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687-2388 pastortrish@q.com
REAL ESTATE 18401 E. Highway 24, Suite 100 Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-0900 steve@1stchoicerealtycb.com
Coldwell Banker 1st Choice The Roshek Group 18401 E. Highway 24, Suite 100 Woodland Park, CO 80863 (719) 687-1531 steve@1stchoicerealtycb.com
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Paradise Condominiums
P.O. Box 50647 2925 Professional Place #206 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 (719) 687-9595
RETAIL
Wal Mart Super Center #3805
19600 E. Highway 24 Woodland Park, CO 80866 (719) 687-1065 • Tire & Lube • Subway® • Pharmacy • Grocery • Garden Center
WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
1-800 Water Damage
P.O. Box 775 Cascade, CO 80809 (719) 684-9200................. fax (719) 302-5597 michael.whttemore@1800waterdamage.com www.1800waterdamagecolorado.com
24 hour Emergency Service for all water, mold, sewage, smoke and flood damage in your home or workplace. We’re locally owned and operated, fully insured, IICRC Certified Technicians. Free Estimates.
www.woodlandparkchamber.com
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THE GREATER WOODLAND PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE