Outlook Magazine by Town of Castle Rock

A magazine for everyone who calls Castle Rock home

safety volunteers

Community

beyond rescues

Fire department let it snow

WINTERTIME

water rates

Understand

TABLE OF Contents

volunteerpolicepatrol Help during tough times

answeringthecall Fire Department helps community

understandwaterrates The cost to secure water

6-7

top10things New Year’s resolutions for residents 8-9 2011budgetupdate CATCO cut; new projects coming

4centsmatterS Sales tax increase starts Jan. 1

parkscomingsoon Parks, trail exensions in works

letitsnow Crews ready to keep streets safe

A publication of the Castle Rock Community Relations Division

A look ahead.

Town Council finalized its 2011 budget and is moving forward with a continued focus on core public health and safety services and securing long-term water resources.

In addition to maintaining these core services at current levels, the budget also maintains recreation services; funds a local renewable water project; constructs a park in Castle Oaks (proposed “Wrangler Park”); initiates the final design and right of way acquisition for the North Meadows Extension; begins planning for a regional park south of The Meadows; and creates a new Economic Development Fund to help grow our tax base.

Executive Editor Fritz Sprague, Deputy Town Manager

We will also be funding some trail construction and will evaluate whether we reconstruct Burgess Pool, which is quickly reaching the end of its life span.

Editors Kim Mutchler, Community Relations Manager

Although we were able to maintain most services, the Town bus service, commonly referred to as CATCO, was eliminated. Instead, Town Council earmarked $50,000 for the Town to purchase rides from area service providers for the transit-dependent next year.

Kristin Accola, Senior Community Relations Specialist Administrative Assistant Shannon Sweitzer

Just like you, we’ve had to tighten our belts. Since the economic downturn began in late 2006, the Town has made more than $40 million in expenditure reductions and cut its staff by 14 percent.

photography Mark Sims, Karen McGrath, Kristin Accola, Tim Tonge, Kim Mutchler, Tony Lane

We won’t have a property tax increase for the 19th straight year, and we’re estimating a very modest gain (1.5 percent) in sales tax revenue in 2011.

On the cover: Sledding at Red Hawk Ridge golf course

You can read more budget details later in this issue.

Although we are not out of the economic woods yet, I am cautiously optimistic that we’re turning a corner.

Ryan Reilly Mayor C ontact y o u r T own C o u nc i l m e m b ers :

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Mayor/District 3 Red Hawk and parts of The Meadows Ryan Reilly 303-660-1366 Mayor Pro Tem/District 4 Downtown core and Castle North Chip Wilson 303-660-1384 District 1 The Meadows Paul Donahue 720-733-3585 District 2 Woodlands, Metzler Ranch and Diamond Ridge Brian Logan 303-660-1396 District 5 Founders Village Mitch Dulleck 303-660-1383 District 6 Southeast Castle Rock Clark Hammelman 303-660-1371 District 7 East Founders Village and Castlewood Ranch Joe Procopio 303-660-1372

to GOOD KNOW

New ways to work out

Public art injects color Three new works of art are gracing Downtown as part of the 2010 Art Encounters rotating art exhibition: “Dancing Moon IV” – a steel and glass sculpture by Denver artist Reven Swanson – is in Festival Park; “Midsummer Totem,” a 6-foot-6 sculpture out of sandstone, steel and brass, is on the northeast corner of Plum Creek Parkway and Gilbert Street; and “Unity Dance” – a 4-foot-wide by 9-inch-high steel piece – is near the northbound on-ramp at the Plum Creek Parkway/Interstate 25 interchange. “Unity Dance” is expected to become a permanent piece in the Town’s public art collection, which is funded by the Philip S. Miller Trust. The other two pieces will be rotated out next year. Learn more at CRgov.com/publicart.

Three-dozen new exercise machines made their debut at the Castle Rock Recreation Center in October. Each piece has its own 17-inch wide-screen cable television, touch-screen technology, iPod integration and a virtual trainer with more than 30 programs. An upstairs Cycling Studio also has opened at the center, allowing for additional cycling classes. Check CRgov.com/fitness for a schedule for these and other classes that are free with Recreation Center admission.

DDA adds crosswalks to Downtown

Proper Rx disposal protects water Unused or unwanted medications now can be taken to the Founders Parkway King Soopers, the newest location for the Town-sponsored Colorado Medication Take-Back Project. Unneeded medications should be disposed of so they do not fall into the hands of children. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can cause pollution of lakes, streams and water supplies. Medications placed in the secure box at King Soopers ultimately will be incinerated, offering the highest degree of environmental protection. Visit smarxtdisposal.net for more information.

The Downtown Development Authority recently began construction on three mid-block crosswalks Downtown to help create a safe and enjoyable experience for pedestrians. They’re scheduled to be completed next spring. The crosswalks – on Wilcox Street, between Third and Fourth streets; Perry Street, between Second and Third streets; and Perry Street, between Third and Fourth streets – are artistic as well as functional, featuring a durable, brick-like wagon wheel design. Questions regarding the crosswalks and other DDA projects should be directed to Judy Woodley, 303-688-7488 or judy@credco.org.

Where to call: Animal control/nonemergency Police

303-663-6100

Municipal Court

303-663-6133

Building permits

720-733-3527

Park rental

720-733-2260

Business licenses

720-733-2227

Public Works/potholes

720-733-2462

Chamber of Commerce

303-688-4597

Recreation Center

303-660-1036

Code enforcement

720-733-3559

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course

720-733-3500

Douglas County government

303-660-7400

Town Council agendas/meeting information 303-660-1367

Douglas County Libraries

303-791-7323

Town employment

720-733-2218

Elections/voter information

303-660-1367

Transit-dependent services

303-814-6407

Fire Department nonemergency

303-660-1066

Utility/water billing

303-660-1373

Main Town number

303-660-1015

Water conservation

720-733-6000

C R g o v. c o m

Police enhance services through volunteer force

With around 50 sworn police officers on staff, and a Town population of nearly 50,000, the Castle Rock Police Department already works with fewer than the national per capita average. In spite of those figures, and the economy, Castle Rock has seen the number of major crimes decline in the past 10 years. Along with that, the department has a higher-than-average clearance rate for major crimes committed. “We’re proud of the fact that Castle Rock is one of the safest communities across the Front Range,” said Chief Tony Lane. “We’ve made an effort to begin crime prevention and education early, with local school students and through community policing programs.” Just as with most other communities across the country right now, the Police Department is doing more with less – from personnel to equipment. The economy has influenced public safety, too. “We’ve had to get creative,” added Lane. “We can’t do all of the community outreach and events, or respond to some violations like we used to do.” This doesn’t mean the community isn’t protected. Far from it. This means that to enhance existing services and to provide outreach, the Town implemented a Community Safety Volunteers program a little more than two years ago.

Volunteers Bill Montgomery (left) and Bill Rymph have dedicated many hours to the Castle Rock Police Department. Rymph, a retired sales executive, has been with the program since its inception more than two years ago.

Community Safety

Volunteers: Richard Allen Jonathan Bass

The Town has six trained community safety volunteers at this time. They’ve each attended a training academy consisting of more than 100 hours of field and classroom instruction, and they contribute at least 16 hours of time each month following graduation. Their time adds up, too. Conservatively, the Town estimates saving a minimum of $36,000 per year. “These volunteers provide services that are needed, but don’t require a sworn officer,” said Community Policing Officer Will Harris. Examples of such services include vehicle verifications, home watches and educational outreach. The volunteers use a police vehicle, equipped with yellow flashing lights and radios, as well as graphics identifying the car as part of the volunteer force. “They’re a valuable part of our team,” added Harris. “And, as we move forward, I’m sure they’ll become even more of an extension of our department out in the community.” The Town, along with Douglas County and the City of Lone Tree, will be conducting a new training class in March 2011. If you’re interested in more information or in applying for a position, call Officer Will Harris by Dec. 31, 303-663-6148.

Bill Montgomery Joel Mumm Julia Prewitt Bill Rymph

“

We’re proud of the fact that

Castle Rock is one of the

safest communities

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”

across the Front Range.

Fire and Rescue helping your community As expected, the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responds to calls reporting emergencies. Perhaps a bit unexpected is the way the department responds to the wider needs of the community, including providing programs for youth, the sick and others with special needs, as well as assistance with Townwide events. “Emergency response is our primary mission, but our department also stresses the values of leadership, dedication and service,” Fire Chief Art Morales said. “Programs that keep our personnel closely involved with the Castle Rock community help us to achieve those values.” The department gets involved in traditional ways, by providing fire and emergency medical services at major events like the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival and Artfest, and by participating in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill the Boot campaign every Labor Day weekend. Other projects are more innovative, like the annual Paint-A-Thon for residents who are physically or financially unable to paint their homes, and the Castle of Terror haunted house, which not only provides entertainment but also has benefitted the Town’s Fire and Police Explorer Programs.

Our department also stresses the

values of leadership, dedication and service.

Fire Explorer provides teens with direction and encourages them to go beyond high school education and form new friendships. They also learn leadership skills and basic fire and rescue services. Additional community services the department provides include the Honor Guard, which participates in memorial services and other ceremonies; an annual coloring contest to teach elementary school students about fire safety in a fun way; Neighborhood Emergency Team training, by which residents learn emergency preparedness; and community wildfire protection planning, which helps neighborhoods prevent and plan for wildfires. “We get excited when we find new ways to get involved with the public,” Morales said. “We want to be known as a resource residents can turn to anytime – not just when there is an emergency.”

C R g o v. c o m 5

Understanding Castle Rock water rates Castle Rock’s location is ideal for many reasons – natural beauty, enjoyable weather, proximity to large cities, excellent quality of life and more. What isn’t found close to Castle Rock is surface water, which impairs our ability to secure more water affordably. The Town’s water rates – which cover not only water used but also stormwater, sewer and renewable water services (more on these on the next page) – are higher than some of our neighbors in the Denver metro area. And they will rise slightly next year. Town Council recently approved a rate increase beginning Jan. 1 that will add 5.88 percent, or $6.25 per month, to the average residential customer’s bill. Residential rates are expected to increase about the same percentage over each of the next five years, as the Town moves from a groundwater system to one primarily using sustainable water sources. The Town’s water operations get no tax support and are run like a business – the rates and fees are set to cover the cost of providing service. One primary driver of those costs is electricity and expenses for extracting our water from wells up to 2,000 feet below ground. We’re also paying more for infrastructure and storage that we’ll soon tap into. Additional information about why water in Castle Rock costs what it does can be found at CRgov.com/waterrates.

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Your water bill

includes charges for four services

Many area communities have special districts that provide services such as fire protection, parks and recreation or wastewater and stormwater. Such is not the case in Castle Rock, which is a full-service municipality. As part of that full-service approach, the Castle Rock Water/Utilities Department provides four distinct services, for which residents pay via one monthly bill. That’s different than in Denver, for example, where residents pay both a water bill and a storm drainage bill.

Let’s take a closer look at your water bill: Water use Water use – Households are charged for usage according to a water budget rate structure. The lowest rate, Block 1, is charged for usage within a customer’s average winter monthly consumption. The next level, Block 2, includes water needed to maintain healthy grass. Block 3 rates are charged for use over the water budget but under a 40,000-gallon threshold. Block 4 is the surcharge rate for exceeding 40,000 gallons. The average residential customer winter water charge is $25.07; summer $64.75.

Renewable water resources charge This charge, currently $23 per month, goes toward securing renewable water. The Town has been working since 2006 to build a renewable system to replace the current well system. This fee helps fund projects like the Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Additional renewable water projects are planned to help the Town realize 60 percent of its renewable needs by 2016. Additional funding will be needed, and a property tax election is planned.

Wastewater This fee covers the treatment of the water flowing out of your home (down drains and when you flush toilets). Until their usage is established, new customers pay a flat fee of $30 per month. Customers whose usage is known pay $7.04 per month, plus $5.35 per thousand gallons of wastewater, based on their average winter monthly consumption. These fees help build and maintain lift stations, sewer lines and other facilities that treat and/or dispose of wastewater.

Stormwater A flat fee of $6.76 per month covers the cost of operation, upgrades, maintenance and improvements of storm drainage facilities. The fee also helps the Town with flood control, water quality protection and waterway management.

Castle Rock Water. It’s our business to secure your water for the future, drop by drop.

CRgov.com/water

C R g o v. c o m 7

top

Our suggested New Year’s resolutions for Castle Rock residents 1. SHOP Castle Rock. The Town and those who own businesses here would love it if everyone resolved to do this every year. Most things our residents need can be found in Town, and it’s important to buy here. Most of the Town’s revenue comes from sales tax. Those monies are critical to providing police, fire, parks and recreation and other programs. So please keep your dollars local. 2. FIND local flavors. In Castle Rock, you’ll find comfort and consistency in some of the most renowned restaurants. When you crave a new taste, there are plenty of delicious independent restaurants in Town. Their fare ranges from sophisticated Italian and French dishes to down-home fried foods and greasy meats. Expand your palate during 2011 by dining at locally owned restaurants.

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3. BLAZE a new trail.

Have you seen the view from atop Castle Rock? If not, you’re missing out! If that difficult hike isn’t in line with your abilities, the Town has many other trails rated easy or moderate – 10, to be exact. All offer unique views of nature, with different flora and fauna viewing opportunities. Maps containing wildlife highlights and other tidbits about each trail are available at CRgov.com/trails. 4. Volunteer your time. Giving back to your community is a great goal for the New Year. The best part is, volunteering also gives back to you. Volunteers learn new skills, meet new people and even improve their health. The Town has made it easier than ever to get involved by creating a central hub for Town volunteer opportunities at CRgov.com/volunteer. Log on and see how you can contribute.

5. get fit. This common resolution can be made easier – and more fun – at the Castle Rock Recreation Center. The center recently added more than three dozen new cardio machines and a cycling studio, which hosts 14 spinning classes each week. Additional group exercise offerings include BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, Zumba and SilverSneakers classes. If those aren’t your style, try yoga or personal training, which is customized to meet your needs.

6. MEET your neighbors.

9. PLAY in the snow.

A great thing about living here is that recreational Meet your neighbors. Castle Rock is known for small-town charm. opportunities abound, even in winter. Have you Knowing your neighbors is part of that. Just move in? Learn the lay of experienced the exhilaration of sledding down the hill the land and meet the people in your neighborhood by going on walks. near the driving range at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course? Or, attend any of the many special events offered in Town – including How about the stillness of the snowshoe trails at holiday celebrations, grand openings and outdoor movie nights. You’re Castlewood Canyon State Park? Resolve to play bound to bump into someone from your neck of the woods. in the snow, and do both of these and more. 7. indulge in culture. 10. make time for loved ones. Just because this isn’t the city doesn’t mean you can’t immerse This resolution is perhaps the nearest to all our hearts. yourself in arts and entertainment. Take a pottery or painting class We live in a busy society, and years seem to pass in a blink. through the Recreation Center. Attend a performance by a school Next year, take time to slow down and savor the company or community theater group. Listen to live music locally or take of those you love. Including family in any of the other lessons so you can play yourself. Visit the library, local art galleries suggested resolutions is easy and surely will make the or the Castle Rock Museum. The opportunities are endless. experiences more memorable. 8. Be green. This is another resolution to keep in top rotation. The Town tries to help with this objective, by offering monthly Project Green tips in the Your Town Talk water bill newsletter. In addition, the Town sponsors environmentally minded events each year, including April Stools Day in April and Spring Up the Creek in May. Watch CRgov.com/events for other green happenings, including chemical roundups and electronics recycling days.

v.ccoom m 9 CCRRggoov.

2011 B u d g et U p d a te Nearly all existing Town services will be maintained – and a few new projects will be undertaken – under the Town’s 2011 budget. The budget will maintain public health and safety and recreation services at present levels; fund a local renewable water project and construction of a park in Castle Oaks; begin to fund final design and right of way acquisition for the North Meadows Extension and a new regional park south of The Meadows; and create a new Economic Development Fund to help grow the local tax base. The Town bus service, commonly referred to as CATCO, has been eliminated starting next year. In lieu of funding that service, the budget includes $50,000 for the Town to help purchase rides for the transit-dependent during 2011 from area service providers. The Town’s 2010 Strategic Plan drives the items in the budget. Among the tenets of that plan are maintaining adequate health and safety services, securing a long-term renewable water source for the Town and growing the local economy in a fiscally constrained environment. Town Council over the summer affirmed its 2011 goals, based off of the plan, which also include allowing the planned, voter-approved reversion of the Town’s sales tax rate from 3.6 to 4 percent beginning Jan. 1.

Other highlights of the budget: • No property tax increase for the 19th consecutive year; the mill levy will remain at 1.703. That means the owner of a $300,000 house will pay about $40 in property taxes to the Town for all of 2011. • No rate or fee increases in any area other than water and wastewater rates. • Very modest improvement in Town revenues – particularly, a 1.5 percent sales tax revenue increase – forecast for 2011. • Funding a new General Long-Term Planning Fund, which may include reconstruction of Burgess Pool. Town Council will engage the community on that project early next year before making a final decision. The budget includes $119.2 million in expenditures and $93.8 million in revenues. The difference will be offset by the planned use of reserves. Since the economic downturn began in late 2006, the Town has made more than $40 million in expenditure reductions and cut its staff by 14 percent.

The full text of the 2011 budget is available at CRgov.com/2011budget.

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shop local 4 cents makes a difference Starting Jan. 1, those who shop in Castle Rock will pay an extra 4 cents for every

$10 they spend on taxable items due to a scheduled sales tax increase taking effect. The change will bring the total sales and use tax in Castle Rock to 7.9 percent and will mark a revenue increase to the Town of $2.1 million annually.

That money will go directly back into the community, as the Town uses it to support

public health and safety services – police, fire and rescue, road maintenance (including snow removal) and park safety – that have been impacted by the slow economy.

The Town’s sales tax rate still will be in line with that of other municipalities in and around Douglas County, which range from 8.85 percent to 6.75 percent.

Change typically gives rise to some uncertainty. We’ve attempted to anticipate some of the questions that might be asked and offer answers below.

Additional information can be found at CRgov.com/4cents, and additional questions can be directed to 720-733-6051 or TownTax@CRgov.com.

After the holidays, will I need to pay more tax on an even exchange at a retail store?

A retailer who exchanges an item in 2011 for a purchase made in 2010 would refund the item using the old tax rate and ring the exchange in as a new sale at the new tax rate, so additional tax would be due.

Does this apply to my groceries and alcohol purchases?

Yes. The Town collects tax on groceries and alcohol purchases. Does this tax increase apply to automobile purchases? Yes. The tax on automobile purchases is based on where you live. Regardless of where you purchase your vehicle, the new tax rate will apply.

2.9% State 1.0% County 4.0% Town

C R g o v. c o m

meet our new

Chief Building Official Local businesses might soon see a new face from the Town’s Building Division. Dan Weed has joined the Development Services Department as the chief building official. He replaces Rick Mendez, who retired after 10 years with the Town. “Dan’s work experience in both the public and private sectors provides a strong background for this position,” said Bill Detweiler, Development Services director. “He’s easily able to answer questions that businesses may have or anticipate areas which might become issues.” Weed most recently worked with Colorado Code Consulting, where he conferred with clients on plan review. Prior to that, he was plans examining supervisor for the City of Thornton for seven years. He’s also taught classes on building codes and processes. “I’ve been a contractor and I’ve worked for contractors,” said Weed. “I understand that time is money.” That’s a sentiment often expressed by local businesses. Weed understands that one plan doesn’t fit all and believes in the common sense intent of Municipal Code rather than arguing a literal definition. “The code is actually a tool to help us with the process, not to provide a stumbling block,” he added. Weed started with the Town just after Labor Day. Residents can expect to see more of him in the coming months as he’s out meeting with retailers, homebuilders and other businesses. To reach him directly, call 720-733-3529.

Gift of community parks may come from Miller funds ct Legacy Projee Committe

e, chair Chris Pac pbell Dru Cam rickson Rebecca E ekas Ernie Faz

Castle Rock could inherit two more parks or park features, thanks to the Philip S. Miller Trust Fund and the Legacy Project Committee formed to study potential projects. Miller was a local banker and philanthropist who left money to the Town and several other nearby entities. In 2004, the Town established a trust, from which it currently funds communitywide events like fireworks at our July 4 celebration, as well as several art acquisitions visible in parks and public areas around Town. Last spring, Town Council decided to appoint a committee to research and recommend a one-time legacy project, which the trust could fund.

cki Gail Male ssee ht Manna ig r W y tt a P pio Joe Proco ornabene Hayden T hler, staff Kim Mutc

Knowing that youth, and opportunities for them, were of great importance to the Millers, the Philip S. Miller Legacy Project Committee included two youth members, as well as other community leaders who actively work with youth and/or are involved within the community. Roughly a dozen new projects, in addition to a list of existing or needed improvements to current properties, were researched and considered by the committee before arriving at the group’s recommendations. “This was an exciting committee to be part of,” said Chair Chris Pace. “We got to look at potentially spending money – not taxpayer money – and during economic times like this, that was fun. We wanted to be sure, though, that we made a fitting recommendation for the Miller funds – something truly legacy-worthy.”

After numerous meetings, on-site review, presentations and research, the committee recommended that the Miller trust fund monies be used toward two projects: a splash and play area downtown in Festival Park and community gathering areas and features at the regional park located south of The Meadows. “It was important to us that the projects be accessible to youth and families, and be available or central to everyone in the community,” Pace added. Town staff and a consultant are evaluating the feasibility of a splash and play area within Festival Park. They are expected to bring a report back to Town Council early next year, when a final decision should be made.

12 O OU UTTLLO OO OKK 22001100 12

Mapping a plan for

PARKS

A revised plan for Town parks and open space priorities was established this year, with funding limitations and competing demands for future facilities in mind. The plan calls for the Town to complete a small neighborhood park in Castle Oaks and to add lighting at Rhyolite Regional Park before shifting the focus to the development of the regional park on the south side of The Meadows. The Castle Oaks park is in the Town’s 2011 budget, meaning it will be constructed next year if all goes as planned. The project to add lighting – as well as additional parking and sidewalk connections – at Rhyolite Regional Park is ongoing. The lighting will extend the hours the field at the park can be used to past dusk, and the parking project will add 48 spaces. The sidewalks – being added on the north and south sides of Crystal Valley Parkway – will provide better access to the park. Meadows South Regional Park planning is under way. The new parks and open space plan calls for the Town to use funds previously reserved for open space acquisition toward development of the park. That doesn’t mean open space and trails won’t continue to thrive. In fact, the Town’s lengthiest trail system – Stewart Trail at Ridgeline Open Space in The Meadows – is in the process of growing even longer. Stewart Trail – named for early Castle Rock landowner and former Douglas County Treasurer George Stewart – initially was developed in 2008 through a partnership between the Town and the Castle Rock Development Co. Work began last month on a 5-mile expansion to the trail, bringing the length on the portion west of Coachline Road to more than 10 miles. (The property also has about 2 miles of trail on the east side of Coachline Road.) The new trails will be available for use next spring. They are being built throughout the 370-acre property, taking advantage of the natural topography, and allowing users to discover more remote areas. Mountain biking and hiking both are allowed on the trail, which offers excellent views of the Front Range. Priorities for trail construction, including connections, will be evaluated during 2011. Look for more information on that process in the next edition of Outlook.

C R g o v. c o m 13

Sn w

LEt it

When the flakes begin to fall, the Town’s snow patrol hits the streets, ensuring the safest conditions possible for the driving public.

“

This anti-ice army consists not only of representatives of the expected Public Works Department but also of the Town Parks and Recreation and Utilities departments, which pitch in to assure that streets are cleared as quickly as possible. While residents are safe at home – where the Town urges them to be during snowstorms, if possible – drivers in 20 or more trucks are working around the clock to keep up with the snow. The Town’s snow-removal policy says that plows will clear residential streets during the height of the snow season – Nov. 15 through March 15 – when 4 or more inches of snow falls. On residential streets, clear is defined as having at least one passable lane. “Trying to move 24 inches of wet, heavy April snow … can be a real challenge,” said Utilities Senior Maintenance Technician Jon Stapp, who assists with the plowing effort. “It is simply amazing how effective and well-managed and executed snow-removal can be in a short amount of time.” Streets that carry the most traffic, as well as those that serve as school bus routes, will be plowed for every snow event. In addition, if 8 inches or more of snow is predicted outside the four-month window the policy covers, plows will be sent into neighborhoods. Residents can monitor plows’ progress during snowstorms at CRgov.com/plowtracker. That web page uses geographic information system mapping data to show which streets have been plowed and provides an approximate timeframe for the clearing of unplowed streets. The Town also provides frequent news updates during snowstorms via CRgov.com, as well as the Town’s Facebook page (facebook.com/crgov) and Twitter feed (@crgov). In the event of hazardous blizzard conditions, the Town may activate its emergency operations center. This will trigger the emergency alert button to appear on CRgov.com, which will link to more information about the event.

Finally, a reminder that property owners are required to shovel snow from sidewalks around homes and businesses within 48 hours after snow falls of 2 inches or more. Please lend a hand and help neighbors who are unable to shovel.

CRgov.com/plowtracker 14

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“It is simply amazing how effective and well-managed and executed snow-removal can be in a short amount of time.

”

preserving THE TOWN’S

If you’ve been to Rock Park, you might have seen him. Some Saturdays, he’s in a long-sleeved, brightly colored T-shirt and a sun-blocking hat, leading a work crew. He’s most visible then, but he’s there virtually every other day, too – pulling weeds, repairing trails, cleaning up litter. His wife, Pat, jokes that he’s there so much, she’ll have to scatter his ashes there someday. For his tireless dedication to preserving The Rock, Castle Rock resident Dennis Carnahan in September received recognition as a 7News Everyday Hero. Carnahan is a founding member of Keepers of the Rock – the group that maintains Castle Rock through the Town’s POST Partners parks, open space and trails volunteer program. He has been the group’s leader since 2008. Keepers conducts monthly restoration days at Rock Park each April through November in cooperation with Castle Rock Teen Court. Each Teen Court defendant must spend at least one Saturday helping out. “I kind of like to be part of stuff that forgives people,” Carnahan said. “Basically, what has happened is they have been caught doing something bad. When they work here, they’re caught doing something good.” Together, they accomplish amazing work. This has included maintaining 1.4 miles of trail and 62 acres of open space, repairing retaining walls and performing erosion control. Since adopting the site in 2004, more than 7,100 hours of volunteer time has been completed, adding to the history and beauty of the community. “This park wouldn’t look as good as it does if we didn’t have Dennis,” Parks Superintendent Bob Maloney said.

C R g o v. c o m

PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID CASTLE ROCK, CO PERMIT NO. 26

Town of Castle Rock 100 N. Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104

in Castle Rock

Always something to do January

March

3 Nuggets Skills Challenge, 10 a.m., Castle Rock Recreation Center

4 Empty Bowl event, 6-9 p.m., Douglas County Events Center

22 Irish dance competition, all day, Douglas County Events Center

14 Colorado Bluebird Project Training, 7-8:30 p.m., Philip S. Miller Library

February

26 Plum Creek Church helicopter Egg Drop, Bison Park

5 Hoopla basketball tournament, all day, Castle Rock and/or Mesa middle schools

April

15 9Health Fair, 7 a.m.-noon, Castle Rock Recreation Center

Daddy Daughter Ball, 6-8 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds

8 Ridgeline Wranglers informational meeting, 7-8 p.m., The Grange

25 Wild In Our Town wildlife presentation, 7-8 p.m., Philip S. Miller Library

15 Rhyolite Bike Park Dirt Crew informational meeting, 7-8 p.m., Castle Rock Bicycle Co.

may

25-26 Art in The Meadows; The Grange

Live Big Fund run/walk, 9 a.m., Butterfield Crossing Park

7 Spring Up the Creek, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Festival Park 14 Ducky Derby, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Festival Park 22 Tri the Rock, 6:30 a.m., Butterfield Crossing Park and Pool

Sources: CRgov.com, CastleRock.org, DowntownCastleRock.com, DCLibraries.org and Douglas.co.us/eventscenter