Outlook Magazine - Summer 2022 by Town of Castle Rock

Town of Castle Rock VOL. 17 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2022

GET OUT AND

PLAY NOW OPEN: Cobblestone Ranch Park in northeast Castle Rock is the newest spot in Town for family fun

2 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

CONTENTS

PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

1995

We are proud of how Castle Rock has grown from a sleepy small town, founded in 1881, to a thriving full-service municipality and county seat, with vast employment, housing and recreational opportunities. From the oldest park, Triangle Park (pictured below), to the newest park, Cobblestone Ranch Park (cover), the Town has invested in the community in many ways, from parks and recreation to public safety. In this issue, we explore how the Town has evolved and what leaders see for the future of our beloved home.

2010

2004 Over the years, the Town has communicated with its residents through several printed publications.

MAGAZINE TEAM Assistant Town Manager Kristin Read kread@CRgov.com 720-733-3552 Community Relations Manager Melissa Hoelting mhoelting@CRgov.com 303-660-1365 Community Relations Specialist Joelle Beckett jbeckett@CRgov.com 303-660-1387 Community Relations Specialist Sydney Kozel skozel@CRgov.com 303-660-1382 Community Relations Specialist KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay kmukhopadhyay@CRgov.com 303-660-1381 Photos by: John Leyba, Nick Lucey, Mark Sims, various staff and volunteers Graphic designer: Joelle Beckett

TRIANGLE PARK

Adding and upgrading community gathering spots

The process of creating the Town's annual budget

Park updates

Where the money goes

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue grows from a volunteer department

Police Department values technology and community policing

Bigger and stronger

Leading the way

This magazine is printed with soybean oil inks on post-consumer paper. Please recycle.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 3

WELCOME

Our Town over time

love for Castle Rock isn’t the only thing we – your Mayor and your Town Manager – have in common. We both also love history. That’s what makes us excited to share with you this edition of Outlook. As always, this publication explores topics from each Town department. But, this time, there’s a “past, present and future” theme. We think you’ll be as intrigued as we were to learn about Castle Rock’s Town Halls (Pages 6-7); to explore how the Town has grown (Pages 24-25); to discover the stories behind the Town’s historic buildings (Pages 14-15); and more. Being part of a community means being “in the know.”

Town Manager David L. Corliss (left) and Mayor Jason Gray

We hope you appreciate our efforts to bring you news of your Town – whether it’s through tried and true methods, like mailings, or our latest social media posts. (See Page 4 to learn more.) We thrill in learning more about what makes Castle

Rock unique and invite you to join us on that journey through these pages.

Mayor Jason Gray Mayor@CRgov.com

Town Manager David L. Corliss TownManager@CRgov.com

Mayor Jason Gray sets the tone for the future at the annual State of The Town event. Learn the details of what the Town accomplished and what's next (Page 9).

4 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

CONNECT@CRgov

STAY

In 1881, when Castle Rock was officially incorporated … • the telegraph had just been developed • ink pens were new • the telephone was recently invented • radio waves were just discovered • newspapers were becoming more accessible, including the local newspaper, The Castle Rock Journal

Today, the way we communicate is still evolving, and most information is just a click away. The Town shares news and updates on a number of channels, including social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, Twitter and YouTube to learn more about events, roadwork, development, Town history and emergent information. Also, you’ll find opportunities to engage with your Town Council and staff and see how #WeWorkForYou.

It was a time when new ways of communicating helped connect people more than ever before.

Town Council January

Preview

CRgov.com/Council

720 896 TOWN

sledding the third street hill

and of DCL Archives Colorado Image courtesy Castle Rock, Local History, Doug

las Coun ty News

-Press

What To Do

This Weekend

douglas county fireworks • dec. 18

parking lights & movie nights • dec. 17 & 18

OUT SOLD

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month

last weekend before christmas

Human Resources

#WeWorkForYou

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 5

GOOD TO KNOW Railroad Quiet Zone update Town Council recently approved construction and maintenance agreements with Union Pacific for the Downtown Railroad Quiet Zone. Construction includes a four-quadrant gate system at the Second and Third street crossings, and curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements at these, plus the Fifth Street crossing. This project will make traveling through Downtown safer and will also improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Construction is planned to start by fall 2022, with completion expected in 2023.

App helps alert residents Help protect what is most important to you – your home, your business and your loved ones – by signing up for emergency alerts at CRgov.com/CodeRED. When you sign up, your information is put into a database to receive emergency Stay informed. Sign up today. mass notifications, otherwise known as reverse-911 calls.

Construction for the Downtown Railroad Quiet Zone begins this fall.

CodeRED is a subscription-based service. If you are not signed up, you will not receive notifications. CodeRED is also address-specific. If you have moved recently, be sure to update your information. CodeRED is the only system the Town and Douglas County use for local emergency notifications.

Prevent car break-ins The Castle Rock Police Department typically sees an uptick in car break-ins during summer. Taking simple precautions can go a long way in reversing that trend! Foremost, always remove valuables from your vehicle, and lock it when you leave. Here are some additional tips, depending on your activity:

spaces and trails) volunteer program, Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation, Road Rangers roadside cleanup program, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center, Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course and more. Visit CRgov.com/Volunteer to explore opportunities to give back to your Town.

Roadwork continues Summer roadwork is ongoing. Visit CRgov.com/Roadwork for up-to-date information on lane and street closures throughout Town. Some projects to take note of: Work to widen Ridge Road to four lanes began this summer. A sidewalk will be added on the west side between Fifth Street/ State Highway 86 and Plum Creek Parkway. Impacts on your drive are expected to be minimal.

· Parks and trails: Bring only necessary items along. Thieves know to look under your seat and in your glovebox for wallets, purses, etc.

In June, Town Council approved a contract to widen Plum Creek Parkway to four lanes between Eaton Street and Ridge Road. The project is expected to be complete in 2023.

· Retail: If shopping at multiple stores, put purchased items out of sight/in the trunk

Pavement maintenance work is continuing. This year’s focus is on southern Castle Rock, including Crystal Valley and Plum Creek. Work is expected to be completed by October, weather dependent. View the interactive progress tracker for updates at CRgov.com/PMPTracker.

· At home: Make sure your garage door is closed, doors are locked and your outside lights are on As always, please contact CRPD if you notice any suspicious behavior.

Volunteer in Castle Rock This year, the Town launched its own volunteer web service, focused on giving opportunities in Castle Rock. The service features options with the Town’s POST Partners (parks, open

Learn about Town events Annually, more than 100 events are held in Town. The events create a sense of community and pride and bring people into Castle Rock to explore, shop, dine and enjoy. Visit CRgov.com/Events for a lineup of events.

6 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN HALL

ne can imagine, a list of the Town’s needs from 135 years ago looked quite a bit different than it would today. The list of “Castle Rock Needs” in the May 18, 1887, edition of the Castle Rock Journal newspaper included bricks, lumber, paint – and a Town Hall. A query with Douglas County Libraries Archives & Local History and a review of historical newspaper archives did not reveal with certainty the location of Castle Rock’s first Town Hall. But, we were able to pinpoint five places Town Hall has been located through the years:

1936-1940

Perhaps the first home of Town Hall was the blonde brick building that still stands at 402 Wilcox St. Built in 1922 as a 1983: One of the oldest photos of 402 Wilcox St. bank that closed during the Great Depression, the Town purchased that building in 1936 to use as a library and Town Hall. Another bank ultimately purchased the building back from the Town in 1940. The building is privately owned today.

2022: Town Hall at 100 N. Wilcox St.

1974: Town Hall was located at 330 Third St.

1940-1983

Around 1940, Town Hall began operating out of the building at 330 Third St., according to Colorado Cultural Resource Survey information. Town Hall remained at that location for more than 40 years. The building’s service desk began being staffed daily in 1974, according to the Douglas County News. The Town Hall building from this era still stands and is home to businesses Rock Liquors, Synergy One Lending and The Backyard.

Historical photos courtesy of Douglas County Libraries Archives & Local History

ON THE MOVE

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 7

TOWN COUNCIL 1983-1989

Growth among the Town’s staff in the early 1980s led to Town Hall’s next relocation. Philip S. Miller donated the building he owned at the southwest corner of Fourth and Perry streets to the Town. Douglas County News-Press archives show Photo courtesy of Douglas County News-Press the first meeting was held in this Town Hall, at 318 Fourth St., 1983: Town Hall was located at 318 Fourth St. on the Town’s 102nd birthday: May 17, 1983. The building later served as the Town’s police station and then was torn down in the late 1990s. Castle Rock Florist stands at this location today.

1989-2001

In 1989, Town Hall moved into the Douglas County Schools building at 620 Wilcox St. The two government entities entered into an agreement to share for up to 20 years that facility, which was built in 1911 and had previously served as Douglas County High School. The Town’s offices mainly occupied the former gymnasium space on the 1994: DCSD Administration building building’s north end.

2001-present

The Town Hall of today opened in 2001 at 100 N. Wilcox St. The current facility, to which an addition was completed in 2017, is envisioned to serve as the Town Hall into the foreseeable future. In addition to the Town’s administrative functions, the Development Services offices are located here. Town Council meetings are held here on the first and third Tuesdays of most months starting at 6 p.m.

Our Town Charter Thirty-five years ago, the Town’s voters put in place the structure under which the Town’s government continues to operate today. Following a years-long process, voters in September 1987 approved the Town Charter – the Town’s version of a constitution. The Charter establishes our municipality as a Town, sets out its Council/Manager form of government and outlines provisions for Town elections and Town Council meetings. It further contains many financial provisions. “It is hoped that the proposed Charter, while containing compromises reached during lengthy Commission deliberations, provides a structure for quality government in the Town of Castle Rock for now and the future,” wrote the Commission that prepared the Charter in its Prefatory Synopsis. The Charter can only be changed with Town voters’ approval. Voters have changed the document eight times in its 35-year history, including five times within the last decade. Read the Town Charter and other important Town documents at CRgov.com/CodeCentral. And, find contacts and other information for current Town Council members at CRgov.com/Council.

2022 Town Council: (L-R, back row) Mayor Jason Gray, Tim Dietz, Ryan Hollingshead, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Bracken; (L-R, front row) Desiree LaFleur, Caryn Johnson and Laura Cavey.

8 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

MARKED for GREATNESS

WE WORK FOR YOU Town departments earn accreditations highlighting community commitment

pend some time in Castle Rock, and one thing is clear: we live in a world-class community. The Town consistently ranks among the best places to live both locally and nationally. Much of that is due to our toprated public safety teams, carefully planned transportation services, and outstanding parks and recreation amenities. In fact, the Town departments that provide these services are ranked among the most elite agencies in their fields. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue first earned its accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2012. The process – which gets renewed every five years – includes community input, a detailed evaluation of current practices, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. CRFD is one of about 300 accredited fire agencies worldwide.

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s accreditation was a multiyear process that started with a community survey. Residents indicated they wanted a quick and timely response from highly trained staff. Learn more about CRFD, Pages 16-17.

The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department first earned accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies in 2015. In its renewal process in 2020, the department achieved 100% compliance among the 151 nationally recognized standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs and safety. Finally, Castle Rock Public Works has been accredited through the American Public Works Association since 2016. Nationwide, less than 1% of public works agencies have earned accreditation. This means those who take care of our roads are doing so in line with nationally vetted standards and a commitment to continuous improvement. These awards are just one example of why Castle Rock is truly a great place to call home.

Castle Rock Public Works is one of 162 agencies in North America to be accredited since 1997. In fact, only nine public works agencies in Colorado have earned this prestigious distinction. Learn more about roads, Pages 22-23. The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department ranks among the top 2% of parks and recreation agencies in the United States, including only eight accredited agencies in Colorado. The department was first accredited in 2015. Learn more about parks, Pages 10-11.

STATE OF THE TOWN

The community gathers in The Amphitheater to hear Mayor Jason Gray's State of the Town presentation.

2022 State of the Town

ummer in Castle Rock is special. It’s when the community comes together for countless events and activities. Downtown has been revitalized and is bringing in more people to live, work and play. That new life can be felt and seen throughout Town. The vibrancy has translated into strong sales tax performance, which has allowed for the addition of seven new police officer positions this year. The Town knows public safety is a priority for residents. Town Council and Town staff continue to explore options for additional long-term revenue sources so the Fire and Police departments can maintain the levels of service to which the community is accustomed.

implementing its Community Wildfire Protection Plan and moving forward with projects to reduce risks associated with wildland fire within the Town. Learn more at CRgov.com/WildfireSafety.

The Parks and Recreation Department is working on several projects to help residents and visitors enjoy recreating outdoors more than ever. The Town’s newest neighborhood park – Cobblestone Ranch Park in northeast Castle Rock – opened in June. Learn about it at CRgov.com/CobblestoneRanchPark. Renovations are underway at Butterfield Crossing Park in northwest Watch Mayor Castle Rock. As part of the project, the Town partnered Jason Gray’s with the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation State of the Town update to to raise money for a fully inclusive Possibilities learn more about Playground. Review the plans at projects in CRgov.com/ParkImprovements.

Creating a sustainable long-term water supply is essential and a major goal of Castle Rock Water. Castle Rock. Some projects underway to move this forward include Last year, the Estate of Robert F. Metzler donated bringing more renewable water to Castle Rock from 60 acres of land to the Town. This year, improvements are Denver and Aurora; adding new water storage capacity; and being made so the community can enjoy the new Metzler expanding the Plum Creek Water Purification Facility. Find out Family Open Space for generations to come. For progress more at CRgov.com/WaterProjects. updates, visit CRgov.com/MetzlerOpenSpace. Many roads in eastern Castle Rock are being refreshed and widened; intersections are being improved, and pedestrian and bike access is being increased. Keep up to date on roadwork around Town at CRgov.com/Roadwork.

The Town has also been working toward a third indoor recreation facility to serve the community as it continues to grow. Learn more about this effort at CRgov.com/NewRecFacility.

Protecting personal property from the threat of wildfire is on the minds of many. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue is

Stay up to date on Town projects at CRgov.com, and sign up to receive news in your inbox at CRgov.com/SignUp.

NEW ADDITION: Cobblestone Ranch Park opened June 29 in northeast Castle Rock and features a large playground structure.

PARKS PROGRESS Park updates keeps community's gathering areas accessible and safe DIVERSE PLAY: A skills area for biking offers something for everyone.

arks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community, and they contribute to how liveable communities are, according to the National Recreation and Park Association. The Town of Castle Rock has long realized the importance parks have within our community. The first Parks Master Plan was drafted and approved in 1980. The plan called for the addition of nature trails and bike paths, ball fields, picnic areas and five new parks.

COME ONE, COME ALL: The 12-acre park has easy access from the neighborhood.

Today, there are 25 Town-owned parks in Castle Rock. Triangle Park, between Fifth, Sixth and Gilbert streets, is the

oldest and was established in 1965. It sits on .34 acres and includes two picnic tables. Cobblestone Ranch Park was just completed in June and is the Town’s newest park, located in northeast Castle Rock off of Castle Oaks Drive. The 12-acre neighborhood park features three picnic pavilions, six pickleball courts, a half court for basketball, a bike skills area, a large playground, an all-season restroom and a neighborhood trail connection. Learn more at CRgov.com/CobblestoneRanchPark.

Cobblestone Ranch Park

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 11

PARKS AND RECREATION

Park updates

While adding new parks has long been a goal, so is maintaining existing ones. Parks slated for updates include Mitchell Gulch Park, Plum Creek South and North parks, and Butterfield Crossing Park. Learn more about these projects at CRgov.com/ParkImprovements.

BENEFITS OF LOCAL PARKS

ECONOMIC VALUE • Improve the local tax base and increase property values • One of the top three reasons businesses cite in relocation decisions

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Butterfield Crossing Park Possibilities Playground Renovations at Butterfield Crossing Park kicked off this spring. For more than three decades, the park has been home to countless swim lessons, youth sports practices and community events. The beloved park is being updated to improve accessibility, address life-cycle replacements and enhance users’ experience. The work is expected to be complete in spring 2023 and includes replacing the basketball court; installing six pickleball courts; replacing and relocating the tennis courts; constructing large and small pavilions and an outdoor fitness area; building new trail connections; improving the restrooms; upgrading lighting; and adding a new accessible playground. Through the design process for the

upgrade, public feedback identified a strong need for an inclusive playground. This site is ideal for that amenity given its size, existing infrastructure and location. The Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation is fundraising for the inclusive Possibilities Playground and intends to make a significant contribution to the Town to support this effort. Details on the planned play equipment, amenities and opportunities to support the effort are available at CRgov.com/PossibilitiesPlayground. Town parks offer features of beauty, historical significance and community character. Get outdoors and explore a park today. Find information about each park and its amenities at CRgov.com/Parks.

• Parks and recreation programs and services contribute to the health of children, youth, adults and seniors • Parks and protected public lands are proven to improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve air quality, offer vegetative buffers to development and provide habitat for wildlife

SOCIAL IMPORTANCE • Provide gathering places for individuals, families and social groups of all economic statuses • Strongly linked to reductions in crime and reduced juvenile delinquency • Provide identity for residents and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a community

SOURCE: National Recreation and Park Association

OPEN SPACE

The second rock that helped build the Town

Digging into the history of Castle Rock’s open spaces

1890-1891: Silas Madge was known as the “Father of the Lava Stone Industry.” At its peak, workers hauled 30-40 railcar loads of rhyolite out of Madge Quarry daily.

Today: A piece of rhyolite in Quarry Mesa Open Space.

12 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 13

6,681

acres of open space in Town

OPEN SPACE

They say every rock has a story to tell if you know how to read it. That’s certainly the case for rhyolite in Castle Rock. Rhyolite is literally what the community was built with. Several buildings in the Downtown area, including the Castle Rock Museum, Masonic Lodge, Scileppi’s and Castle Café, were built using rhyolite mined in Castle Rock. Now, residents can explore more about Castle Rock’s agricultural and mining history at several of the Town’s open spaces. The story of rhyolite in Castle Rock is long. Silas Madge opened Madge Quarry, now known as Quarry Mesa Open Space, in 1872. In 1873, more than 1.2 million pounds of rock were hauled out of the area. The demand for rhyolite really took off in 1888-1889. Castle Rock was a centralized location between two major railroads and provided easy accessibility between Denver and Colorado Springs. In fact, Denver’s Union Station and Trinity United Methodist Church were both constructed using rhyolite from Castle Rock. The rhyolite industry is what put Castle Rock on the map. Today, Madge Trail is a 3.4-mile loop that connects the 133-acre Quarry Mesa Open Space to Rhyolite Regional Park off Crystal Valley Parkway. It’s one of several locations residents looking to uncover the history of Castle Rock should check out. Another soonto-be option is Metzler Family Open Space. The 60-acre area was donated as permanently protected open space in 2021. The Metzler family owned 770 acres of commercial and residential property splitting Interstate 25. The west side of the property now holds the Robert A. Christensen Justice Center, Castle Rock Water and Hampton Inn. On the east side is Murdoch’s, Black Feather Apartments, Timber Canyon and Metzler Ranch Community Park, to name a few. The last undeveloped parcel will soon be available for the public to explore. Much of the donated land was designated as a conservation area. The property contains a mixture of pasture, wetlands, foothill prairie, shrubland and mature coniferous trees. Additionally, it’s a habitat for a large variety of wildlife like bears, mule deer, porcupines, turkeys, coyotes and more. Originally serving as a dairy ranch, the homestead, barn and silo remain on the

property. (Plans are in the works to either rehabilitate or replace the leaning silo.) While digging into the Metzler family’s story, historians learned that prior to Castle Rock, the family settled in Russellville, near Franktown. It’s believed their Russellville home was built with rhyolite mined in Castle Rock. “Digging into the Metzler family history has been fascinating,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer. “The family contributed a lot to our community. It’s been an honor going through their Castle Rock home and learning more about their history and the impact they had on the area.”

WIDE-OPEN SPACES: The Metzler family owned 770 acres of commercial and residential property splitting Interstate 25. A 60-acre area was donated as permanently protected open space in 2021.

Some of the items saved from the Metzlers’ Castle Rock home include historically significant paperwork, like documents signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, a book collection of several thousand books from the late 1800s to 1940s, and the agricultural brands of the Metzler family. When Town resources allow, an education center featuring the history of mining and agriculture in Castle Rock may be an improvement on the property. In the meantime, other improvements include public trails and a trailhead parking lot, both of which will be opening soon. Keep an eye on CRgov.com/MetzlerFamilyOpenSpace, or the Town’s social media channels, for details.

LOST & FOUND: Antique books from the late 1800s to 1940s left behind at the Metzler property.

14 OUTLOOKMAGAZINE MAGAZINE//PAST PAST••PRESENT PRESENT••FUTURE FUTURE 14 OUTLOOK

MAP!

CASTLE ROCK

NORTH

Victoria House, which now houses the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce at 420 Jerry St., was built in 1889. The house is named after Victoria Christensen, a teacher, socialite and leader of women’s groups who lived in the house through 1942.

Victoria House

Castle Hotel (now Castle Café)

Castle Hotel and Bar, now Castle Café at 403 Wilcox St., was a popular gathering spot and watering hole for quarry workers, ranchers and travelers in the 1890s. FIFTH STREET

PARK STREET

Castle Hotel/ Castle Café 6 FOURTH STREET

7 B&B

Holcomb-Whitney Hardware Store

ELBERT STREET

Formerly the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Depot, this restored 1875 train station was once a hub for passengers and cargo traveling in and out of Town. It was moved to its present location at 420 Elbert St. in 1970 and opened as the Castle Rock Museum in 1996.

THIRD STREET

St. Francis of Assisi/Scileppi’s 3 3

This hardware store was built in 1887 and has since been converted into apartments, located at 321 Jerry St.

Chamber of Comm Visitors Center

Castle Rock Museum

Holcomb-Whitney Hardware Store

SIXTH STREE

Leonard House

4 Victoria House/Ca

Castle Rock Museum

Douglas

WILCOX STREET

Leonard House

JERRY STREET

We invite you to visit and enjoy Castle Rock’s charming Downtown. While there, take time to explore the many historic buildings that tell a tale of our Town’s past. Scan the QR code steel markers in place at many of the buildings to learn more about the structure’s history.

This Gothic Revival-style church was built using locally quarried rhyolite stone and became Castle Rock’s ﬁrst Catholic church when it was completed in 1888. It is now Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church restaurant at 210 Third St.

St. Francis of Assisi (now Scileppi’s)

WILCOX STREET

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

George and Evelyn Leonard built the Leonard House at 519 Wilcox St. at the turn of the century on a lot they purchased in 1875 for $2. It’s now part of Wild Blue Yonder.

SOUV

PULL-EONIR UT

Methodist Episcopal Church, now Ecclesia Market at 221 Perry St., was built in 1887 and was the ﬁrst church in Douglas County. It was originally located at the corner of Third and Wilcox.

Methodist Episcopal (now Ecclesia

Located at 322 Wilcox St., the B&B Cafe was built in 1925 on the site of Douglas County’s original courthouse and has been a restaurant since the 1930s. In 1946, Town Marshal Ray Lewis was shot dead inside the restaurant by an escaped convict.

B&B Cafe

EVENTH STREET

1870s and was moved to its present location at 417 Perry St. from the town of New Memphis, where the Douglas County Justice Center is today. It was originally called Harris Hotel and Castle Rock Hotel.

Douglas County School District Offices

FRONT STREET

PERRY ST

OUTLOOK SUMMER 2022early 15 City MAGAZINE Hotel was/ built in the

City Hotel

s County School District Offices

This rhyolite structure at 620 Wilcox St. once housed Castle Rock’s ﬁrst high school and was built after the original building burned down in 1909. It became the home of the Douglas County School District oﬃces in 1984.

SIXTH STREET

Castle Rock Fuel and Feed Elevator, circa 1905, was built by Castle Rock patriarch Philip S. Miller when he started his fuel and feed business.

FIFTH STREET

Fuel and Feed Elevator FIFTH STREET

astle Rock merce &

Homesteader and Civil War veteran Upton Treat Smith moved from Maine to Castle Rock to start a family and built this house at 403 Cantril St. in 1902.

City Hotel

Upton Treat Smith House 13

OURTH STREET

B Cafe

FOURTH STREET

8 Cantril Courthouse

THIRD STREET

Fuel and Feed Elevator

ESTIVAL PARK

l Church a)

PERRY ST

Methodist Episcopal Church/Ecclesia

SECOND STREET

14 Hammar House

Upton Treat Smith House GILBERT STREET

Moved from Wilcox Street to 310 Fourth St., this structure was built by William Cantril in 1874 to serve as the county courthouse.

15 Cantril School 15

Cantril School

For many years, Cantril School at 312 Cantril St. was the only school in Castle Rock, serving all students from kindergarten through high school.

16 Dyer House 14 Hammar House

SECOND STREET

The Hammar House at 203 Cantril St. was built in 1881 by Indiana-born Benjamin Hammar, who founded one of one of the Town’s ﬁrst rhyolite quarries.

LEWIS STREET

Cantril Courthouse

CANTRIL STREET

Dyer House is one of the oldest houses in Castle Rock, built in 1875 by Samuel Dyer, son of Methodist preacher John Dyer.

Dyer House

16 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

CASTLE ROCK FIRE & RESCUE

1989: Castle Rock Volunteer Fire Department

Then&now Castle Rock Fire and Rescue grows from humble beginnings

s an accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue is one of about 300 agencies worldwide to receive such a distinction. At more than 100 total staff members strong today, many may find the humble beginnings of the department a surprising journey. In April 1892, the Castle Rock Volunteer Fire Department began as a team of seven volunteers, including the fire chief. To start the Fire Department, 300 feet of fire hose was purchased at 20 cents a foot. Castle Rock Mayor W.E. Carver built a handmade two-wheel cart to transport the fire hose. As a benefit, active Fire Department volunteers had their poll tax, about $1 or $2 a year, canceled. The poll tax was a fee that residents of some states paid in order to vote. In 1964, the United States ratified the 24th

Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibited poll taxes as a voting requirement in federal elections. The department continued as a volunteer organization until 1993, when it was renamed the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department. Fire Chief Norris Croom, who started with the department as a volunteer in 1986, and Deputy Fire Chief Rich Martin, who joined the team in 1999, are proud of CRFD’s focus on continuous improvement and meeting the needs of residents and staff. Some procedures have changed over the course of their careers. In the past, fire service members would sleep next to their bunker gear in order to quickly respond to emergencies. Now, fire professionals recognize that bunker gear carries the soot and chemicals found in burning buildings, which are known to contribute to cancer risks.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 17

CASTLE ROCK FIRE & RESCUE

TODAY: Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department

“At the time, it was a badge of honor when you would have soot on your face when returning from a call. There was a time when you didn’t think twice if there was blood on you after responding to a medical call, too. It showed that you put in the work,” explained Martin.

As the industry learned more about health hazards associated with being a first responder, CRFD has implemented new safety techniques to keep the department healthy. For example, all CRFD firefighters now have two sets of gear. This way, if they respond to a fire, they have a spare to use while the soiled bunker gear is appropriately cleaned. Additionally, it is mandatory to store bunker gear in the main fire station bay, away from the living quarters. What’s next on CRFD's list of improvements? A new fire station strategically located to ensure adequate staffing and emergency response times. The department’s 2021 Master Plan helps guide the department in deciding when it’s appropriate to add a new station. The Town has already secured land and is determining the best location to build on that parcel. When the department meets the parameters for a new station, as determined by the 2021 Master Plan, CRFD will stay in communication with the Town Manager’s Office and Town Council to begin the construction process.

1997: Norris Croom was a Lieutenant/Shift Commander, then he was promoted to Division Chief of Training.

WE ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE SUPPORT RESIDENTS AND TOWN LEADERSHIP HAS PROVIDED CRFD THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. — Chief Norris Croom

Learn more about CRFD's accreditation on Page 8

“We are very appreciative of the support residents and Town leadership has provided CRFD throughout the years. We look forward to continuing to serve with the same high level of response and support our community is accustomed to,” said Croom.

TODAY: Norris Croom is the Chief of the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department.

18 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

FINANCE

How the annual budget is developed

Ensure outstanding public safety

Town Community Survey

Town Strategic Plan

Town Budget

Manage Town finances conservatively

The Town budget is ...

FULL OF PRIORITYBASED DECISIONS

Enhance our roads

Preserve our community character

t’s a challenge to balance the community’s needs with its available funding, especially in a thriving Town. The Town Manager each year recommends to Town Council a balanced budget that aims to reflect the community’s priorities.

DYNAMIC

Secure our water future

Support economic development

SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS

Maintain strong Parks and Recreation

2022 Budget M 47 ER

EL EV D

0.9M $5OPMENT FEES

EXPENDITURES $302.1M

S GE AR

TOWNWIDE

XES TA

REVENUE $257.5 M

DEBT/ FINANCING

CP 6M AIPI CA 2.M TATA $4124.6 LL $1

OPERATIO NS .7M 38

$8 1.

$ TH

$35.53

$20.7M

.1M $78FOR SERVICE

GENERAL FUND

*The Town anticipates using $44.6M in fund balance to fund one-time items during 2022. The planned use of capital reserves is a common and sound practice.

Budget priorities are determined by Town Council, with input from staff and the community.

The amount of property tax paid to annually to the Town by an owner of a median-valued home ($448,889).

The State Constitution requires a balanced budget.

The Town of Castle Rock is a full-service municipality, providing general government, fire, police, roads, parks, recreation, open space, planning and code enforcement services through taxation. Sales tax makes up 65.5% of 2022 General Fund revenue.

59% of adopted 2022 General Fund expenditures are Police and Fire operations

Budget approval process

PREPARE

DRAFT

REVIEW

ADJUST

We affirm our strategic priorities with Town Council and the community as our base to build the budget.

Each department’s feedback is considered in the development process. A public meeting is held to get community input on budget priorities.

Town Council reviews the proposed budget and provides input. The proposed budget is presented at a minimum of three public meetings before being adopted.

The Town Charter allows for budget amendments to address opportunities and changes that arise throughout the year. Proposed amendments go before Town Council.

Learn more at CRgov.com/2022Budget

ARTFEST

Community events provide economic benefits

ore than 100 events take place in Castle Rock annually. They are part of what makes the community a great place to live. In addition to being fun, the events provide economic and social benefits. In the Town’s 2021 Community Survey, 95% of respondents said special events and activities contribute to the Town’s distinct identity. Castle Rock’s longest-running event is Starlighting. Since 1965, a ceremony has been held to light The Star atop the Town’s iconic Rock for the holidays. Starlighting, hosted by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, is beloved by residents and instills a sense of pride and knowledge about Town history.

benefit of about $216,000 through event proceeds and sales tax revenue, sales and labor costs, and business-to-business expenses.

1960s: ONE OF THE FIRST STARLIGHTINGS

CLASSIC ROCK CRUISE-IN CAR SHOW

When residents and visitors attend Starlighting and other events, they spend money at the events – and they inject more money into the local economy when they shop for goods or grab a bite to eat while they’re out. While the exact amount of money infused into the local economy as the result of community events is difficult to pin down, the Chamber partnered with Webster University to study the economic impact of Artfest, which sees thousands of attendees. The analysis showed Artfest had an economic

The Downtown Alliance hosts dozens of events each year – such as the Classic Rock Cruise-In Car Show and Oktoberfest – and sees many resulting benefits. “We produce events so residents and visitors have a top-notch quality of life and sense of community,” said Downtown Alliance Director Kevin Tilson. “We also hope our events generate interest in Downtown and the businesses that call Downtown home.”

Realizing their impacts, the Town each year sponsors some Chamber and Alliance events, in addition to hosting many of its own. The Town will invest roughly $73,500 in event sponsorships to these entities in 2022. “We frequently hear that community events are part of what makes Castle Rock a special place to live,” said Town Manager David Corliss. “We know that events help support our local businesses and our overall Town economy, which pays off in many ways.” For a listing of events in Town, visit CRgov.com/Events.

20 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

WATER WAYS

In 2017, Chatfield Reservoir was expanded to include drinking (and agricultural) water storage. Currently, Castle Rock Water owns 719 acre-feet of space there, with plans to increase that to 2,000 acre-feet in the future.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 21

CASTLE ROCK WATER

PAST PLANS HELP SAVE FOR THE FUTURE Similar to a bank account, managing water supply is a balance of incoming and outgoing resources.

This option involves pumping treated water back into deep underground aquifers, which helps eliminate losses due to evaporation. Surface water reservoirs can lose as much as 15% of water each year due to evaporation. When treated water is stored underground instead of at the surface, it is not exposed to additional contaminants and thus requires less treatment when it is pumped back out for use.

To continue the metaphor, sometimes a savings account just won’t suffice. Castle Rock Water has a diversified plan for longand short-term water needs. This plan includes large reservoirs like Rueter-Hess and Chatfield; smaller options like Castle Rock reservoirs Nos. 1 and 2; and future partnership endeavors like Walker Reservoir and the potential Fremont Butte Reservoir.

“We’re fortunate to have such a detailed plan and long-term support,” said Water Resources Manager Matt Benak. “The planning in the past is spurring the actions we are taking right now and helping secure our strong water future.”

And, just like a savings account, sometimes you need to save for rainy days. Or, in Castle Rock’s case, hot and dry days. Castle Rock Water is storing water with a goal to have one year’s worth of supply in reserves. At buildout, this is equal to about 20,000 acre-feet*, or about 6.5 billion gallons of water.

Since the 1950s, Castle Rock, similar to most South Metro communities, has relied on deep groundwater aquifers. As our aquifers take lifetimes to replenish, they are slowly being mined out. Renewable water sources are more sustainable in the long run but are only available when it rains or snows. Having stored water helps ensure that renewable water supplies are fully maximized. Rueter-Hess and Chatfield reservoirs are both owned by other entities that have partnerships with Castle Rock Water. Parker Water and Sanitation District’s Rueter-Hess Reservoir was completed in 2012 to store drinking water. It can hold 74,000 acre-feet of water and is about 25% full. Castle Rock Water has purchased 8,000 acre-feet of space in the reservoir and currently has about 115 acre-feet of water stored there. In the 1960s, Chatfield Reservoir was built as a flood-safety measure. In 2017, it was expanded to include drinking and agricultural water storage. Currently, Castle Rock Water owns 719 acre-feet of space, with plans to increase that to 2,000 acre-feet in the future. Additionally, Castle Rock Water has several smaller, nonpublicly accessible reservoirs. These typically hold water for short periods of time to help with the high-demand summer irrigation season. These smaller reservoirs are built near infrastructure such as pump stations and pipelines so they are more readily able to receive and retrieve water. The 14 water storage tanks in Town are not long-term storage but instead ensure there is enough water supply for fire flow and daily customer demands. There is about 35 million gallons of space for finished (treated, potable) water in the tanks. Castle Rock Water customers use about 5 million gallons of water a day during the winter and 18 million gallons of water a day during the summer. Looking to the future, Castle Rock Water is planning for an innovative option called Aquifer Storage and Recovery. *one acre-foot = 325,851 gallons of water

TODAY: Four wells are being equipped with Aquifer Storage and Recovery to pump out deep groundwater and, in times of excess, receive treated water to be stored.

1917: This historic wooden pipe was part of a nearly 4-mile-long pipeline that helped supply drinking water to about 500 residents in Castle Rock. This wood stave pipe was in use more than 20 years. It was excavated along the north bank of Douglas Run, near Crystal Valley Parkway, in June 2014.

22 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

PUBLIC WORKS

“The team is collectively working to implement the elements valued by our community into everything we do,” said Dan Sailer, director of the Public Works Department.

a bright future I How the Town’s first stoplight sparked a culture of resident-focused traffic improvements

In February 1967, Castle Rock residents responded to a community survey on the Town. “Good schools, nice and quiet, good stores, clean air, wonderful teenagers!” exclaimed one survey response. A common theme also emerged: the need for a traffic signal at Wilcox and Fifth streets. The survey led to the installation of Town’s first traffic signal, and the corresponding journey is a testament to a high level of resident engagement that endures today. Although there was community support for the traffic light, the State Highway Department – now known as the Colorado Department of Transportation – initially sent a letter to the Town Board rejecting the request. The effort appeared to be defeated until a November 1967 Town Board meeting. There, resident Glenna Williams presented the Board with a petition with 372 signatures in support of the light’s installation. Thanks to the continued efforts of engaged Town residents, the traffic signal effort regained momentum. The next month, the Town Board approved a resolution to install a traffic-control signal at the intersection. On Feb. 8, 1968, a bold “THANK YOU” was printed across the front page of the Douglas County News. “Thanks very much for the traffic signal light,” said the newspaper’s opening statement. Since the Town’s first traffic light was installed in 1968, the number of traffic lights across the Town has grown to 44 signals. The Public Works Department’s Traffic Engineering Division ensures these signals and associated infrastructure stay up to date.

EYE IN THE SKY: Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Manager Jacob Vargish monitors traffic lights, patterns and any concerns from a screen in his office.

Currently, the department is implementing adaptive signal timing on Founders and Meadows parkways and Factory Shops Boulevard in coordination with CDOT. Adaptive signals adjust the timing of red and green lights with changes in traffic volumes. Additionally, the Town is implementing an Automated Traffic Signal Performance Metrics system on Meadows and Plum Creek parkways, Wolfensberger Road, and Wilcox and Fifth streets. This system comes with a software dashboard to inform Town staff about the system’s performance, including vehicle and pedestrian delays, green time allocations and malfunctions, so staff can quickly react and fix any issues as they arise. Furthermore, this project will bring CDOT and Town signals into the same monitoring system. CDOT owns and maintains many signals within

& Local His tory s Archives glas Coun ty Librarie tesy of Dou Historical

photo cour

FEBRUARY 1968: Douglas County News addresses the first stoplight in Town, on Fifth and Wilcox streets, with a bold headline. Today there are 44 signals in Town.

Castle Rock along state highway and interchange corridors, so this update will better inform Town staff of any potential issues with signals, regardless of who owns them. This project will be finalized by winter 2023. “The traffic signal upgrade projects will improve our residents’ ability to get around Town with better, more reliable travel times and reduced delays,” said Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering Manager Jacob Vargish. Looking toward the future, Public Works Director Dan Sailer says the Town’s outlook is bright.

“Transportation is something each of us relies on to assist with enhancing our quality of life,” said Sailer. “My vision as the director is the same as each Public Works employee, which is to create and maintain a world-class transportation system through a positive employee culture and personal excellence. This translates to understanding what the community values in their transportation assets and using our limited resources in the most efficient and effective manner.”

24 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

DEVELOPMENT ALEXANDER WAY LOCATION: North of Brewer Court and Alexander Place LAND AREA: 73.76 acres LAND USE PROPOSED: 53 single-family residences, 24 live/work units, and 30 acres of open space

CANYONS FAR SOUTH LOCATION: South of Crowfoot Valley Road, east of Founders Parkway, north of Crimson Sky Drive, and west of Castle Oaks Drive LAND AREA: 409 acres LAND USE PROPOSED:

474 single-family residences, 50,000 square feet of commercial space, and 200 acres of open space

MEMMEN PARCEL

CASTLE ROCK PENDING ANNEXATIONS

LOCATION: West of Ridge Road, south of Fifth Street, and north of Plum Creek Parkway LAND AREA: 5 acres LAND USE PROPOSED: Incorporate the property into a larger proposed development, Memmen Young, where rezoning has been requested to allow single-family and multifamily housing

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 25

DEVELOPMENT

How the Town grows Most annexations approved in 1980s; to be considered now, must have community benefit

ow did our Town grow from a stop on the railroad where fewer than 100 people had settled by 1880 to the thriving community of more than 80,000 that it is today? Annexation is one of the ways. Stated simply, annexation is a legal change in boundaries. The bulk of the Town’s annexations occurred in the 1980s or earlier and continue to drive the Town’s population growth today. The Town does not generally seek annexations and has no plans to grow outside of its current boundaries. That does not mean, however, that annexations will no longer occur in Castle Rock. Every year, property owners ask if the Town would consider annexation. The Town generally only entertains requests for annexations that would bring a community benefit, such as the ability to make trail connections or preserve open space. Of course, the Town considers numerous other aspects when evaluating annexation requests, including the compatibility of the property’s proposed uses with the surrounding area and the annexation’s potential impacts on the community regarding aspects including traffic and water resources. Three annexation requests are presently active and likely to be considered by Town Council in the near term. Two are a type the Town commonly addresses: “infill” annexations of smaller parcels already surrounded by areas within Castle Rock’s boundaries. Infill annexations are often recommended by Town staff for approval because they help streamline the provision of government services including law enforcement and water. The third request is less common and would involve allowing 474 new residences to eventually be built in an area known as Canyons Far South, along Founders

Parkway between the Terrain and Timber Canyon neighborhoods. Potential community benefits of this annexation include road connections – including ones that could benefit fire and rescue responses – and unique park and open space amenities. The annexation would also complete the Town’s boundary in its northeast corner. This is one of several key land use items Town Council is expected to evaluate this year. Another is a proposed rezoning of the Dawsons Trail area in Castle Rock’s southwest quadrant. The Town annexed that area in the 1980s, but initial plans for development failed. Its current owners are looking to move forward now with roughly 2,000 fewer homes than were approved at annexation, a reduction of more than 25%. The requested rezoning allows the Town to reevaluate the plans for this area under today’s standards. Another potential development the community may be discussing soon is Pine Canyon. That area between the Woodlands and Metzler Ranch neighborhoods is not requesting annexation by the Town but is instead seeking to remain unincorporated. The Town is not against urban-level development in Pine Canyon but believes that if it occurs, the area should be annexed. The Town continues to oppose attempts by that area’s developer to establish a separate wastewater treatment system, which would be located in the center of Town along East Plum Creek Trail. Those interested in these and other potential developments can sign up for the Town’s Development Highlights newsletter at CRgov.com/NotifyMe. Then, select the envelope icon next to Development Highlights newsletter.

26 OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Holistic approach

Policing has changed from 1960, with today's high-tech resources, but there's a continuing focus on old-fashioned relationships with residents

s ent crea te environm

Policing

ec ur e, a nd can thrive

E PEOP L RV SE e-By-O ne On

wh ere e, s people feel saf

1960: Chief John Westbrook, top photo, was the Town's first Police Chief.

ON WATCH: Chief Jack Cauley works with a dispatcher on a call. CRPD uses many hightech assets to keep the community safe.

stablished in December 1960, the Castle Rock Police Department began as a department of one. John Westbrook was named the first Police Chief, serving a population of just over 1,100. Today, Castle Rock boasts more than 80,000 residents, with a Police Department that includes 87 sworn members. “As the Town continues to grow and evolve, so, too, must the Police Department,” said Police Chief Jack Cauley. “We are constantly looking ahead to the next big trends in policing. We want to be one of the agencies paving the way for this profession.” It is through this mentality that the department has evolved under Cauley’s leadership. Some of the biggest advancements in the past decade have come through wellness, technology and community policing.

"With continued community support and partnerships, we are confident Castle Rock will continue to be a safe place to live, work and play." — CHIEF JACK CAULEY

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE / SUMMER 2022 27

POLICE DEPARTMENT

WELLNESS

TECHNOLOGY

Over the years, CRPD has made advancements in both its mental and physical health programs. While the department has had its main fitness facility for almost 15 years, it was completely overhauled and modernized a decade ago. Around that time, CRPD began its Employee Fitness Incentive Team program, which allows sworn and professional staff to earn paid workout time. In 2019, CRPD began placing fitness equipment in the dispatch center to include treadmills, yoga mats and weights.

The department has worked diligently to stay on the cutting edge of technology. One major advancement came in 2016, when body-worn cameras were introduced years before legislation mandated them in Colorado.

“Due to the nature of their work and staffing models, dispatchers’ jobs tend to be physically sedentary and emotionally taxing,” Commander Sam Varela said. “Because they are unable to leave the proximity of their work stations, we brought the equipment to them.” The department’s mental health program has also evolved drastically. CRPD began offering voluntary mental health check-ins in 2020. Licensed psychologists who specialize in treating first responders were made available so employees could measure their emotional health. During sessions, staff are offered resources and coping strategies. In 2021, it became mandatory for all sworn members and dispatchers to complete one session annually. Individuals can elect to schedule more sessions if they choose.

Another upgrade came in the form of solar-powered stationary license plate readers (LPRs) in May 2021. While the department utilized LPR technology in the past, these devices came with more accurate software and, when combined with excellent police work, show impressive results. “In the first year of their implementation, our officers recovered $1.1 million worth of stolen vehicles, 22 guns and arrested more than 160 individuals on outstanding warrants from other law enforcement agencies,” Commander Tim Gorman said. “These technological advances have been a game-changer for our department.”

Cpl. Amanda Lane leads the free RUOK? program. The goal of the program is to regularly connect with the most vulnerable populations to make sure they are doing well and are safe, and to help identify any needs they may have.

COMMUNITY POLICING Through Chief Cauley’s One-By-One Policing philosophy, CRPD has put a larger emphasis on connecting with the community. The Community Partnership Unit was added to the Special Operations Division in 2013 with the goal of solving crimes and resolving residents’ concerns. Through events and special programs like National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, RUOK?, Splash Mobs and more, this group also works to foster positive relationships between the community and the Police Department. Another large change came in May 2017. As part of the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, a Community Response Team was added. This unit pairs a specially trained officer and mental health clinician, who together respond to calls where people are experiencing a mental health crisis or substance abuse disorder.

Officer Molly Rabon keeps physically fit in the police gym. CRPD has an Employee Fitness Incentive Team program, which allows sworn and professional staff to earn paid workout time.

“Through all of these advances, we continue to keep our community safe,” Cauley said. “In 2021, we had an overall crime reduction of 6%. On top of that, we were the only agency in the metro area to see a decrease in motor vehicle thefts (25%). With continued community support and partnerships, we are confident Castle Rock will continue to be a safe place to live, work and play.”

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