COLORADO SUMMER 2014
PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION
Lakewood Gets Growing on its First Community Farm
Parks and Recreation is
Building Community in Highlands Ranch
Byline
From Brownfields to Play Fields Enhancing the Quality of Life in Delta The Power of Grass Roots: Building Community
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COLORADO Byline PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Rod Tarullo City of Golden (303) 384-8120 rtarullo@cityofgolden.net
CTRS: Aspen DeField Denver Parks & Recreation (720) 865-0823 aspen.defield@denvergov.org
PRESIDENT ELECT: Carolyn Peters Highlands Ranch Metro District (720) 240-5931 cpeters@highlandsranch.org
DIRECTORS: Carrie Ward Highlands Ranch Metro District (720) 240-5950 cward@highlandsranch.org
VICE PRESIDENT: Patrick Hammer Town of Superior (303) 499-3675 patrickh@superiorcolorado.gov
FACILITY MANAGERS: Sean Von Roenn City of Lafayette (303) 665-0469 seanv@cityoflafayette.com
TREASURER: Amanda Peterson City of Northglenn (303) 450-8950 apeterson@northglenn.org
FITNESS: Susan M. Anderson City of Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation (303) 231-1313 sanderson@ci.wheatridge.co.us
SECRETARY: Mike Sexton City of Pueblo Parks & Recreation (719) 553-2804 msexton@pueblo.us
PARKS: Jim Haselgren City of Lakewood (720) 963-5242 jimhas@lakewood.org
AQUATICS: Heather Deal City of Longmont (303) 774-4718 heather.deal@ci.longmont.co.us
SMALL COMMUNITIES: Josh Miller City of Fort Morgan (970) 370-6563 khorne@ccrec.org
CARA: Jayna Lang City of Lakewood Department of Community Resources (303) 987-5419 jaylan@lakewood.org
WESTERN SLOPE: John Volk City of Fruita (970) 858-0360 jvolk@fruita.org
CASC: Kate Fisher City of Northglenn (303) 450-8841 kfisher@northglenn.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS GOCO Investing $13 Million in Flood Recovery Efforts................. 4 President’s Letter................................................................................ 5 Member Spotlight............................................................................... 6 The Pickleball Sensation.................................................................... 9 Enhancing Quality of Life in Delta.................................................. 10 Everyone Wants to Play.....................................................................12 The Power of Grass Roots: Building Community...........................14 Parks and Recreation is Building Community and So Much More in Highlands Ranch..................................................16 MY Denver Card for Youth............................................................... 21 From Brownfields to Play Fields...................................................... 22 Lakewood Gets Growing on its First Community Farm............... 24 APEX PRD’s Simms Street................................................................ 26
ADVERTISER INDEX Churchich Recreation....................................................................... 23 Colorado Lottery............................................................................... 27 Commercial Fitness...........................................................Back Cover Ewing...................................................................... Inside Front Cover GR Marolt & Associates...................................................................... 9 Musco Lighting...................................................................................19 Pernsteiner......................................................................................... 23 Potestio Brothers Equipment, Inc....................................................16 Southwest Soils/PlaySoft................................................................... 5 Thank you to our advertisers for your help in supporting COLORADO BYLINE magazine. We kindly ask members to please support our advertisers. Interested in advertising? Contact Todd Pernsteiner at 877-694-1999 or info@pernsteiner.com.
Note from the Editor Highlighted in this issue are many of the ways parks and recreation are building community and enhancing the quality of life in Colorado. Enjoy, Jo Burns, MS, CTRS
CPRA VISION The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.
CPRA FOUNDATION MISSION P.O. Box 1037 • Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 (p) 303-231-0943 (f) 303-237-9750 www.cpra-web.org, cpra@cpra-web.org
The CPRA Foundation works cooperatively with CPRA to fund activities and programs that promote excellence in parks and recreation in the State of Colorado.
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 3
By Emily Davies – Communication Director, GOCO
Goco Investing $13 Million In Flood Recovery Efforts to Help Restore Damaged Parks, Trails and Open Spaces and Fund Bike Corridor Between Lyons and Estes Park Gov. John Hickenlooper and the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board announced in April the approval of $13 million for flood recovery efforts that will help communities restore damaged parks, trails and open spaces, and fund a bike corridor between Lyons and Estes Park. The corridor would be in conjunction with Highway 36 flood reconstruction efforts already underway. Combined with matching funds from FEMA, the state and other partners, the GOCO grants and bike corridor funding total a $25 million investment is making a difference in outdoor recreation and flood recovery. The GOCO board approved $5 million in emergency grants for 14 flood recovery projects that will help communities in Boulder, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Morgan and Weld counties restore damaged or destroyed parks, trails and open spaces. About $500,000 is being held in a contingency fund to assist all grant recipients as needed. The board also approved up to $8 million to Colorado Department of Transportation to fund the construction of a corridor to allow bicyclists to more safely travel between Lyons and Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. CDOT, which will now begin design work, hopes to start construction by August with completion targeted for April or May 2015. The work will create hundreds of jobs for youth as 11 of the 14 GOCO-grant projects will use youth corps or volunteers to help implement improvements. “The damage is extensive but this will help communities get started on restoring popular parks or trails or start the planning process to figure out how best to rebuild,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, GOCO executive director. “In some cases, reopening damaged parks quickly is vital to a community’s economic recovery.” The largest GOCO grant, $1 million, will help Lyons reopen Meadow Park in time for its popular summer festivals, which help to fund city services including its parks and recreation department. 4 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
GOCO staff met with 10 communities hit by last fall’s flooding to develop the Flood Recovery Initiative. The program was designed so that funds could be used in conjunction with FEMA funding and/or to finance work not covered by FEMA. Additionally, given the uncertainty of communities’ needs as they rebuild, the program provides recipients with a great deal of flexibility, including a pared down application and the ability to move funding between their top three priority projects. The grants will: • Restore or repair at least 11 different trails and nine community parks; • Re-establish Jamestown’s town center, which was obliterated by flooding; • Replace a damaged structure in Colorado Springs’ Harlan Wolfe Park with a new outdoor classroom/pavilion; and • Rebuild ball fields in Fort Morgan. CDOT and the Federal Highway Administration are presently working to design and construct repairs on US 36 between Lyons and Estes Park. The first phase now underway is considered emergency work to stabilize embankments and shift alignment away from the river to ensure the roadway survives spring runoff. A second phase of work will begin in May on longer-term repairs. During this work, cyclists will not be permitted on US 36 within work zones and several trail access points will be closed. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts, and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created by voters in 1992, GOCO has funded more than 3,500 projects in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. The grants are funded by GOCO’s share of Colorado Lottery revenues, which are divided between GOCO, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Conservation Trust Fund and school construction. Visit goco.org for more information.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER By CPRA Board President, Rod Tarullo, CPRE
Thank You Stephanie Stephens CPRA Members, On April 18, 2014 we said farewell to Stephanie Stephens our Executive Director for the past 10 years. She joined CPRA 2002 as the Administrative Assistant and worked her way up to ED. Stephanie came to CPRA from parks and recreation working with seniors/older adults, whichever vernacular you prefer. She spent time getting her feet wet in Broomfield, Englewood, and South Suburban. Stef brought her knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for parks and recreation to CPRA. Over the past decade she has created opportunities for members to become colleagues and colleagues to become friends, as was evidenced by the 100+ people at her farewell party on April 11th. We want to take a moment to say “thank you” to Stephanie for all she has done for our association. Stef has created an organizational culture of inclusion, innovation and creativity. She took the Byline from newsletter to a full fledged print magazine. Stef lead the charge to integrate our database management system with our website in 2011 making it easy for members to register for events and make on-line payments. She initiated the strategic planning efforts for the 2012 board to bring us our current mission statement. Stef has developed partnerships with numerous like minded agencies (ie. National Get Outdoors Day collaborative). She oversaw the merge of the CPRA Foundation with Summit Cancer Solutions to bring the CancerFit programs to our recreation centers. Just to name a few. We want to say “thank you” for all she has done for the membership and with her staff. Providing them opportunities to grow professionally, caring about them personally, and creating a team work atmosphere that promotes success. For so many years it was just Ashley Perillo and Stef in the CPRA office taking on the world. In 2011, Stef created the opportunity to expand the staff so more could be accomplished and members’ needs could be more readily met. Not everyone can handle having a new “boss” (aka the Board) every year but she did it with grace and humor. Not everyone has 1000 members’ needs to meet and respond to and she did it with creativity, patience and perseverance. Not everyone can say “yes” when it’s easier to say no and she did it with courage, integrity, and with whatever time it took. Not everyone can say
they truly care about what’s going on in their staff’s lives and she did it with genuine concern, intuition and a great big Stef smile. Stephanie, with genuine gratitude, we want to thank you for your many years of leadership, service, direction and enthusiasm. We wish you the best in your new position with California Parks and Recreation Society. Just as you go to fill some “big” shoes, you leave some mighty big shoes to fill here too! All our best,
Rod Tarullo, CPRA Board, and the CPRA Staff
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Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 5
Member Spotlight CARA Member Spotlight
Fitness Section Member Spotlight
Meredith Xepolis
Holly Benson is the Senior Recreation Specialist for the City of Aurora. She is responsible for all of the programs and staff for Fitness and Wellness and has recently also taken over the gymnastics program. She has been given the opportunity to be a Facility Manager at the Community Recreation Center that houses this new gymnastics program and has been working hard to renovate the gym for multi-use programming.
Meredith’s passion for recreation stems from her childhood, when she would play any game, any time, with anyone. She competed successfully in many sports through high school and college and graduated from Colorado Christian University (CCU) in Lakewood with a B.S in Business. Meredith played on and was captain of the CCU volleyball team, and also represented CCU in basketball, soccer, golf and tennis. During those years she also coached volleyball, and served in a leadership position as the Athletic Representative in the student Government. She has since turned her energy to making positive recreation opportunities available to youth, as a Youth Programmer for the City of Lakewood. Meredith began working for the City of Lakewood Recreation Division in August 2011 as the Youth Volleyball programmer and has since taken on Track, Tennis and the Middle School Sports Program. Volleyball being where she has the most experience, the CARA Volleyball Chair was a natural fit and she is currently serving her second year as the chair. She also organizes CPRA events like the local Hershey Track Meet and helps with the other events Lakewood is involved with like the Nuggets Skills Challenge. Meredith loves the outdoors and takes every chance she has to enjoy things like snowboarding, golfing or running with her dog, Loon. She still plays in indoor and outdoor volleyball and soccer and tries to stay as active as possible. She also enjoys going to watch the Avs and Rockies play and loves going to concerts at Red Rocks, which is conveniently close to home. She lives in South Lakewood with her husband Jared.
6 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
Holly Benson
She has two offices and splits her time between them. In addition, she is also on the management team at the Beck Recreation Center and assists with fitness equipment purchases and maintenance. She also serves on the Worksite Wellness Partnership Committee as a representative for the Recreation Division and is the liaison for the 5th Gear Kids Health Initiative. Holly graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.S in Recreation and Leisure Services. She completed her internship at the Fargo YMCA and was then hired in aquatics to teach swimming and water fitness. She loved teaching fitness so much that she decided to branch out and went back to school for a second B.S. in Corporate and Community Fitness with a minor in Nutrition. Holly managed a wellness center in Fargo for some time before deciding to make the move to Colorado where she started her first full time fitness job at Foothills Parks and Recreation. After the birth of her first child, she went to part time work at a private health club where she coordinated the aerobics program as well as had her own
in-home personal training business. From there, she worked her way up to a full time fitness manager/club sales position. After working a short time for the Apex District, she took a break with the birth of her second child. Holly began working for the City of Aurora in 2006. Holly was first involved with CPRA in the mid 90’s when she worked with Foothills Parks and Recreation. She returned to the Fitness Section in 2009 and currently is on the fitness section board as Chair Elect. Holly really enjoys being a part of the CPRA Fitness Section for the strong connection of support we all have with one another. Everyone has similarities and differences in their jobs and each person brings knowledge and experiences to share with the group. There is a lot to be learned from one another and the section is a good sounding board for challenges and successes. The fitness and wellness industry is very dynamic and ever-changing and we help keep each other current on trends in programming and fitness equipment To Holly, her family and home are number one. She jokes that she is a “Martha Stewart wannabe” because she loves cooking and creating new recipes and is addicted to cooking shows. Having friends over to eat a fancy meal she has prepared makes her happy. She enjoys getting outside to hike in the mountains whenever possible and is working on her gardening skills. She also recently pulled out her guitar and has been getting back to her musical roots. Holly has been an integral part of the Fitness Section Board for years now, working hard on the surveys that come out as well as the annual fitness retreat.
Member Spotlight Highlands Ranch Metro District Says Farewell to Long Time Employee Jill Nunes Many question if ‘no’ or ‘I can’t do that’ is in her vocabulary. When the lease agreement on batting cages at Redstone Park expired, Jill said she would take over its management. Two years ago Jill was asked to take over management of the Highlands Ranch Park & Recreation Foundation’s annual golf tournament; she said yes. At the same time, Jill became a CPR certified trainer and began conducting annual CPR and first-aid courses for Metro District staff. And no one ever said Jill was not hands on. She has been known to climb to the top of scoreboards at Redstone Park to fix them.
When Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD) hired Jill in 1999, Highlands Ranch was a fairly new community at just 18 years old. The Metro District’s recreation programs were established, but the community was growing which meant the programs needed to grow as well. This is where Jill came in. The Metro District runs one of the largest youth t-ball, baseball and softball programs in Colorado. She grew a program with 1,800 kids in 1999, to a program with more than 4,000 in 2013. In 2000, just one year after she began working at the Metro District, Jill was the recipient of a Metro District Paintbrush Award for her outstanding work on development of, and improvements to youth sports programs. During her career, she received the Metro District’s most prestigious award twice, the Outstanding Achievement Award, chosen by her peers. Under her guidance, the Metro District has offered the largest Skyhawks Sports Camps in Colorado for the past ten years. She enhanced the training program for volunteer coaches, secured youth sports program sponsorships for the first time, and began an adult softball program that currently boasts more than 5,000 participants. Her coaches appreciate her dedication and rapport with the teams.
In addition to her contributions at the Metro District, Jill has contributed to the parks and recreation community in Colorado. She has been an active member of CPRA. Jill was the recipient of CPRA’s New Professional Award, and in 2009 Jill received the President’s Award recognizing her ongoing commitment to the association including: serving as awards chair for three years, state director of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Skills for three years, youth sports committee chair for three years, CPRA Leadership Forum committee member, and for participating in the CPRA mentor program. She also served as Chair of the CARA Executive Board. In addition, Jill served six years on the Board of the Foothills Park and Recreation District, as Chair for one term. “Jill has been an awesome board member,” said Ronald Hopp, executive director of Foothills Park and Recreation District. “Because of her background and knowledge in the field of parks and recreation she gets it and she has been a great asset to our district and our board. She has been excellent at making decisions that were really tough but also being supportive of creating a positive direction for the district that has really made a great difference.” Jill made numerous contributions to parks and recreation programs and activities, but in addition to her professional accomplishments, she will be remembered as a passionate, caring person who brought many laughs to those around her. When asked to give one word that describes Jill, the recreation staff at the Metro District didn’t hesitate with their responses: passionate, knowledgeable, spirited, and witty. It is clear this team is going to miss one of its star players.
Member Spotlight continued on page 8
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 7
Member Spotlight Aquatics Section Member Spotlight Zach Morris After graduating high school, I joined the Navy where I spent five years working on ejection seats, oxygen systems, and environmental controls for F-14s. My life in Aquatics began at one of the bases in Virginia Beach where I was stationed which had a beautiful 50-meter pool where I began swimming 3-5 days per week. Although never a competitive swimmer, I always enjoyed getting in and getting away from everything else and zoning out for a good workout. Once I got out of the Navy, I got a “summer job” as a lifeguard for the Town of Castle Rock to help me get by while attending college. I quickly managed to work my way up to a full-time Aquatics Specialist. As an Aquatics specialist, I had the honor of working for, and learning from, Jeff Maxey for five years, an experience that has truly helped me to become the aquatics professional I am today. In 2011, I took over as the Aquatics Supervisor for the Town of Castle Rock. Throughout my time in Castle Rock, the town has grown considerably and I have had the opportunity to help grow
the Aquatics division along with it. The first pool construction project that I was able to take part in was the addition of the leisure pool to the existing recreation center in 2006 while I was still an Aquatics Specialist. Then, in 2012, we completely renovated our outdoor seasonal Burgess Memorial Pool adding a new bathhouse, lazy river, water slide and zero-depth play area. We are currently involved in the construction of a new field house complete with a four-lane lap pool and leisure pool set to open this fall. I am grateful for these opportunities as nothing is more challenging or rewarding as taking part in the building and opening of new aquatics facilities. Over the past three years, I have also had an incredible opportunity to co-teach with a great group of CPO instructors in the annual CPRA Aquatics Section CPO class. Working with Brad, Kris and Zach is always fun and continues to be a learning experience for me. I have plans to obtain my AFO Instructor and CPRP certifications in the next year. In my free time I like to work on motorcycles, I have built a custom chopper and café racer, and I also like home brewing beer. My wife and I are expecting our first baby this summer so we shall see what new adventures that brings.
Playground Equipment & Safety Surfacing • Water Slides Spray Parks & Water Playgrounds Shade Shelters • Restroom Buildings • Landscape Furnishings Scoreboards, Message Centers, Marquees & Video Displays Athletic Goals, Nets & Equipment • Bleachers & Stadium Seating Consulting & Design Services for Parks & Playgrounds
8 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
The Pickleball Sensation By Annie Newton Community Center Manager Heather Gardens Association
I first learned about Pickleball almost ten years ago. Working as the Community Center Manager in a senior HOA, I thought it would be fun to give the game a try on our existing tennis courts I enjoyed playing tennis all my life and knew that I could no longer play at the same intensity. Pickleball sounded fun!
I found a group of players from South Suburban who were willing to come and provide a demonstration. I advertised to interested residents in our monthly newsletter and sent out flyers. On the day of the event we taped off two courts and had a blast with about 20 enthusiastic people. However, getting someone to step-up and take the lead for a new club was a bit more challenging! Fast forward to Summer, 2013. I found a resident interested enough in the sport to offer a class. Now anyone who has ever played Pickleball knows that you don’t really need a class to learn the game, but it gave us a defined group of individuals who played consistently for 10 weeks and fell in love with it! I purchased inexpensive nets, paddles and balls from USA Pickleball Association (www. usapa.org). We chalked two courts weekly, which was difficult to maintain with the heavy rains we experienced in early summer last year. By mid-season, I pleaded for the funds to paint four Pickleball courts on one tennis court and was granted the request.
When the cooler weather came in the fall, we taped one court in the auditorium. The tape didn’t hold up well with the heavy use of the room, so we are currently in the middle of refinishing the floor with a beautiful Pickleball court painted in the middle! The club has grown to about 50 people who are investing in expensive graphite paddles and becoming expert players. They are currently lobbying for additional outdoor courts. Some are beginning to travel to national tournaments. The lesson I’ve learned after nearly a decade of trying to get a program off the ground; If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! I entered the senior recreation field in 1988 at the, then, North Jeffco Senior Center. I will be retiring from the field this May to travel extensively with my husband who is taking a sabbatical for the 2014-15 school year. It has been such a pleasure to work with so many excellent professionals in the field. Keep up the good work!
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 9
Enhancing
Quality of Life in Delta
via a Complete Recreation Center Rehab
By Renee Ealey, Assistant Recreation Center, Delta
Did you know we are the only Recreation Facility in the DeltaMontrose Counties serving a population of 26,000? As part of the ongoing efforts to serve the Health and Wellness needs of Delta and surrounding communities, the City of Delta completed a master plan in 2009, to bring the Bill Heddles Recreation Center into the 21st Century including updating 20 year old equipment that was beginning to fail. Architect Bruce Flynn AIA, LEED AP, whom at the time was a principal for Barker Rinker Seacat, completed an initial plan which provided expansion in all areas of the Bill Heddles Recreation Center. With budget constraints we had to prioritize and bring these expansion ideas into reality in a series of phases.
“ We are fortunate in that our community was able to construct a facility that includes a warmer therapy pool as well as a current pool.” – John P. Knutson, MD
10 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
Three-fourths of a percent of sales taxes was to sunset at the completion of debt service in 2011. With review, it was obvious that there were several very large capital improvements that needed to be done on the 20 year old building, as well as, the fact that we simply had out grown the space for current programs along with a large out cry from the community that warmer water was needed. At that time a Task Force was put together to develop a campaign to put before the voters, asking for an extension of the tax they were already paying. The ballot issue specifically included capital and expansion improvements. The vote resulted in a 72% voter approval with a sunset scheduled for 2020. In 2013, FCI Contractors out of Grand Junction, CO was selected to manage the expansion, using Bruce Flynn with Flynn Planning and Design as the LEED Architect. We broke ground on April 30, 2013 and completed the Fitness Expansion in mid October and the Pool Expansion November 27, 2013. The project added 6, 900 square feet to our natatorium, which includes a Wellness Pool of warmer water, a walking river and a new Hot Tub all using UV sanitation. This also included 2 much needed Family Changing Rooms. The inviting Wellness Pool features large windows that capture the ample sunshine that we get. You will see adults/senior using the lazy river in the morning for resistance walking and later in the afternoon speed can be increased for youth to put their tubes in.
In the Fitness area we had completely exhausted our space for programming and regular fitness use to the point that it was becoming a safety issue. We added 2,900 square feet to become compliant with ADA in spacing between machines and separating the different types of services to mitigate noise and conflict between different ages of patrons. Conclusion: the free weight users now have a safer space to lift in; the weight machine users have their own space, which is quieter and less intimidating; we have a stretching area for warm-up and cool down; a cycle room in which we are able to address the noise and more room for additional bikes; a cardio space that has incredible views to the Grand Mesa and Confluence Lake. This expansion also included replacing existing locker room floors GRMarolt ad_Layout 1 5/7/12 and upgrading the lighting in the existing natatorium. The total project was $2,917,000 which included operating reserve (1% sales tax & user fees), citizen donations, and grants from El Pomar, Gates Family Foundation and Daniels Fund. This expansion has proved to be valuable to the citizens as our participant numbers have increased by incredible numbers. We gained aquatic users that were previously not able to use the pool due to water temperature (arthritic) or chlorine usage. With the additional space for Learn to Swim programs and water fitness classes we have seen an increase by 30% and lap swimmers now have the space and temperatures they need. Our local orthopedic surgeons and therapists are really utilizing space with their clients, especially the resistance walking in the lazy river. Our future plans include starting a Master’s swim team, purchasing an obstacle course for the main pool and special water features for the toddler pool.
Paul, another participant, wrote: “It is much more ‘user friendly’, especially for those of us who are ‘mature’. It is a great investment in the community that will pay dividends for many years to come in the form of better health, and also as focal point for community activities. Thank you for your foresight.“ Local Orthopedic Surgeon, John P. Knutson, MD shared: “Our county has a large population of retired individuals as well as large population of patients who have significant degenerative joint disease related to years of hard work in the farming, ranching and coal mining industries. We are fortunate in that our community was able to construct a facility that includes a warmer therapy pool as well as a current pool.” Ellen contributed: “Water classes are my salvation. The new therapy pool is such a pleasure with the warmer temps. Those of us with arthritis and other aches and pains are so grateful. What a blessing. Thank You.”
3:33 PM Page 1
It is so gratifying to see the impact the new revitalized center has had on our participants and the community. We have truly witnessed an improved quality of life for our patrons and their families.
Mike, a participant, wrote: “I started going to Bill Heddles Recreation Center about two years ago. At first I was working out in the weight room and swimming laps in the pool. I quit swimming laps because it was very crowded due to half the pool being used for water aerobics classes. I then started attending the Weight Room Circuit class, which was an excellent class but very crowded if more than 12 or 13 were present. Since the recent upgrades the seniors’ class has ballooned to 30 plus participants and is not crowded. I have also been able to swim laps if I choose because the aerobics classes have been moved to the new wellness pool, opening more room in the main pool for lap swimming. The recent upgrades have made the entire center much more convenient for all ages and abilities of users.”
G. R. Marolt & Associates
PO Box 114, Englewood, CO 80151 (P) 303-762-1090 (F) 303-762-1484 Bud Marolt bmarolt@comcast.net | www.maroltassociates.com
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 11
Everyone Wants to Play! By Geoff Ames – Accessibility Implementation Consultant, Rocky Mountain ADA Center and Meeting the Challenge
Colorado Park and Recreation managers have shown remarkable dedication to making parks, open space, and trails accessible to all. Throughout the state, children and adults with disabilities have access to a variety of recreation opportunities, which continue to grow as we all strive to make play areas more accessible. An accessible play area provides lifelong social benefits through promoting community-awareness and involving people with and without disabilities. Play areas are a particularly crucial component in the lives of children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is essential to child development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. A child’s desire to play is universal. Accessible play areas create an inclusive environment which enables everyone to fully participate with their friends and family. In 2010, the Americans with Disabilities Act was updated to include the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design which outlines new standards for accessibility, including play areas. 12 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
The new standards are intended to aid in the design of all new play areas. To achieve accessibility, the standards also recommend alterations to the many existing play areas. When designing a new play area or retrofitting an existing structure to meet the 2010 Standards, contractors should review the following, for accessible design: Paths of Travel: An accessible play area begins with an access pathway that is friendly for all persons. To allow wheelchair access, the pathway must be at least five feet wide and be free of steep drop-offs or slopes to avoid tipping. Objects that protrude into a path of travel present a barrier or hazard for people who are blind. Changes in level, stairs, and steep slopes become a barrier for people who use wheelchairs, as well as others who may have difficulty with walking or balance. Accessible Play Surfaces: Ground surfaces that lack stability or firmness are difficult to traverse for people with mobility impairments. No play area surface material is perfect. Not all
e play area surfaces are required to be both safe and accessible. However, inspecting and maintaining ground surfaces regularly and frequently will help to ensure continued accessibility. Play Structures: In general, a play area must allow children of all abilities to access each component of the play area, including slides, swings, climbing, and interactive play areas. The 2010 Standards suggest reviewing play areas as a collection of individual components, of which a certain percentage must be accessible. However, if a play area offers two or more play components of the same type, only one component is required to be accessible. Transfer Points: Children with wheelchairs will often transfer out of their chair to enjoy the play structure, provided there is a transfer point, with grab bars and other aiding devices. In addition to the transfer point, there must be a means for children to return to the transfer point, such as steps or a gently sloping ramp close to the component exit. Accessibility for all types of disabilities: In addition to providing wheelchair access, play structures must also be accessible to children with hearing, vision, or other disabilities. For example, the play area should be free of trip hazards or protruding objects, which may present a danger to all children. With the new recreation facility ADA Standards, evaluation of access to recreational services, programs, and activities has
become significantly more objective. The new standards specify the minimum measures which must be taken to make recreation facilities accessible, including where, when, and how much of a play area must be accessible. Everyone wants to play! We all need to have the opportunity to play, as well as the means to play together. Child development can be enhanced by an accessible play area. The right to play together, coupled by a community that cares, makes inclusion a reality. If you require assistance in making your play area accessible, the Rocky Mountain ADA Center and Meeting the Challenge is available to help. To learn more, visit our website at http:// adainformation.org/architects/safe-and-accessible-play-areas, contact us at adainfo@adainformation.org, or call (800) 949-4232. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is a grant project of Meeting the Challenge, Inc. that provides information, training and informal guidance to individuals and organizations with rights and responsibilities under the ADA. The ADA Center serves a six-state region including Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. It is one of 10 regional centers that are a part of the ADA National Network, sponsored by grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 13
THE POWER OF
GRASS ROOTS: BUILDING COMMUNITY By Jill P. Wait, CPRP
When we mention “grass roots”, what comes to mind? I know it’s spring, but I’m not talking turf, here… Many of us in the parks and recreation industry can recall examples we’ve seen or heard about grass roots efforts in our communities that accomplished some pretty amazing things. How about that passionate group of 10 lap swimmers that managed to get a pool built in their small town? Or those under-served kids who tirelessly lobbied their Council, raised money at bake sales, and finally got a skate park? “Grass roots” makes me think of those ordinary people in our local communities who manage to harness remarkable passion, attract resources, and mobilize a small army of supporters to generate extraordinary outcomes – the kind of outcomes that, if left to our typical bureaucratic processes, might not have happened for several years and would probably have cost millions of dollars!
14 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
When Adam Haid, an Erie, Colorado resident and mountain bike enthusiast, was “busted” for informally attempting to build a mountain bike trail in town-owned open space, he put his tools away and showed up at a town board meeting to ask a simple question. Adam asked the board to grant permission so he and a few friends could make something happen – they wanted to build a small section of singletrack trail in town open space. He told the board he wanted to share his passion for mountain biking with his neighbors and his kids, create a fun and healthy activity for everyone, and teach his kids to play in the dirt. Adam suggested that he would “self-organize” the resources needed to design and build the trail. He said the volunteers would maintain the trail after it was built. All they were asking for was a site and permission to build. Adam created the Erie Singletrack Advocates (ESA) website two days prior to that meeting. He reported that there were
over 400 hits and 28 comments posted in those two days. And he read a few of the comments from other residents who were equally passionate about having mountain bike trails close to home and who were also willing to bring their shovels and rakes and lend a hand. Now, the typical political response to such a question could have been a quick “no way”, if considering only the liability issues, let alone all of the other concerns we usually have. A more conventional bureaucratic approach could have been to hand the concept over to staff to conduct a needs analysis, site selection, engineering and environmental reports, design, public input, construction documents, project bidding, contract negotiations, board approval, construction, and so on. As we all know, design and construction projects like this can take many months, if not years, and cost millions of taxpayer dollars to complete. Instead, an enlightened and recreation-oriented group of elected officials said, “We’re excited! Let’s do it!” I handed Adam my business card at the meeting and agreed to catch up with him later in the week. That first meeting with Adam made it clear how passionate he was about mountain biking, and he was just plain tired of having to pack his bike in his truck and head out of town to engage in his favorite activity. As a family man, Adam also wanted to build something for, and with, his kids. And he truly felt driven to engage the broader community in his dream of having a mountain bike park in their “back yard”. And so began the delightful process of simply facilitating this grass roots movement to bring his dreams to reality. A quick review of the town’s open space inventory resulted in identification of an ideal location along an undulating hillside adjacent to the Coal Creek trail. Key advantages of this site were direct accessibility to the regional trail network and its proximity to another open space parcel (“Sunset”) where additional mountain bike trails could be built. The proposed trails quickly became known as Sunset West and Sunset East, names that conjure up captivating images of how stunning the actual sunset views over the mountains are from the site! ESA quickly mobilized a small team of skilled and experienced volunteers to design the trails. They were careful to design sustainable trails that would consider environmental impacts, address drainage, prevent user conflicts, minimize maintenance requirements, and appeal to a broad range of ages and abilities. Several strategic actions taken by ESA over the next few weeks helped grow volunteer commitment and community engagement dramatically: • Exploited social media to create enormous buzz about the future trail system and how to participate in its creation.
• Conducted an informational/volunteer registration meeting at the community center (complete with giveaways and beer) to build momentum. • Created partnerships with Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) and International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to tap into fundraising and access to expertise, marketing, tools, and other resources. • Held Crew Leader training sessions utilizing experts from BMA and IMBA. • Secured sponsorships and support from local and national businesses. The timing for this project coincided with the call for applications from Xcel Energy for its annual “Day of Service” event. ESA quickly helped assemble a winning proposal. The trail building event in early September attracted over 150 volunteers from all over the Front Range, demonstrating that this grass roots effort could build community well beyond Erie. The after-party for volunteers held at the community park was enjoyed by all as they devoured burgers, salads, and beer donated by local businesses while sharing their experiences in building the first 1.5 miles of trail. Many committed to helping out at future events, while others made donations to the cause. In spite of unpredictable weather, history-making floods, and limited resources, ESA has held many additional trail building events since that day. They hosted a huge party, “The Two Mile Marker”, to celebrate completion of the first two miles of trails. One volunteer who attended the party remarked, “Something special is growing in Erie, and it was on display all night long!” Most recently, ESA raised $10,000 to bring an award-winning trail builder and his “Baby Flo” bulldozer to town to complete the next two miles of trails, saving thousands of hours of volunteer effort. And Adam was publicly recognized for his efforts by the Mayor and board. Multiple articles about ESA’s activities have appeared in the local media, ESA has developed a branded clothing line, and their Facebook followers have grown from seven to 582. These days, more often than not, a ride at the Sunset trails ends with a visit to a local tavern for some socializing and camaraderie. The impact of initially saying “no” to a guy with his shovel and rake has proved that listening, facilitating, then getting out of the way, is sometimes the very best service we can provide our residents. To borrow a line from BMA – “Great communities build trails, and great trails build community!” In this case, the community truly built the trails and fostered a unique and ongoing sense of community every step of the way.
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 15
Parks and Recreation is
Building Community and So Much More in Highlands Ranch By Kari Larese, Highlands Ranch Metro District
16 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
A strong sense of community is alive and kicking in Highlands Ranch. Residents are engaged, active participants in a parks and recreation system that instills community pride and creates memories that last a lifetime. The Highlands Ranch Metro District’s parks, recreation and open space activities are making a difference in the lives of people in Highlands Ranch. Recreation, volunteerism, history, and good health, are four of eight ways parks and recreation has built a community in Highlands Ranch. Community can be seen in every corner of the Ranch and here are eight places to look: Recreation programming creates memories for all participants whether it’s their first at bat in a T-ball league, or they just tossed a ringer playing horseshoes. The Metro District offers more than 30 different recreation programs for kids and adults alike. Participants are making new friends, learning about teamwork, sportsmanship, and having fun all at the same time. Teaching and fostering environmental stewardship instills pride in our community. Metro District Park Rangers lead Nature EdVentures programs to teach people about living with and respecting the variety of wildlife found in Highlands Ranch. What is the buzz about bees and why are they important? Do I really have to pick up after my dog, and what happens to dog waste if I don’t? Park rangers address these and many other nature-related topics. Living adjacent to natural open space areas offers many opportunities to experience nature and create memories in one’s own backyard. Its unique situation as a masterplanned community enabled Highlands Ranch developers to include more than 22,000 acres of natural open space in the community. Today residents can fish, hike, geocache, and connect with nature in a way not usually thought possible in a suburban setting. Volunteer, give back, contribute, and take pride in our community. Each year hundreds of people volunteer with the Metro District. Volunteers are investing in our youth as sports coaches; caring for the environment creating a
wetlands habitat or picking up trash; and bringing joy to others when they play reindeer games with guests at our annual Holiday Celebration. Without volunteers, many of the programs, activities and events offered by the Metro District would not be possible. Reconnect with history. Highlands Ranch is a young community, 33 years-old, yet as it has grown the Metro District has made it a priority to remember early residents of the area. Many of the area’s 25 parks are named after local settlers. Dad Clark Park was named after Dad Rufus H. “Potato” Clark who was once known as the Potato King of Colorado. In 1859, he filed on a 160-acre homestead at the location of today’s Highlands Ranch Golf Club and started what became a very abundant potato harvest. In addition, Highlands Ranch has two historic buildings – the Highlands Ranch Mansion and the Fly’n B House. The Mansion was renovated in 2012 and is now open for public and private events, and weekly tours where guests can learn about its history. Fly’n B House at Fly’n B Park is a second historic home in Highlands Ranch. Metro District staff is renovating the exterior of the home. Future plans include remodeling the interior. Our parks and parkway backdrop is enviable. Bright flowers, attractive green landscape, and blooming trees can be found any which way you look during spring and summer months. Metro District staff work within their water budget to provide a beautiful landscape all year long. Balancing colorful flowers, high-use sports fields, and Xeriscape gardens, staff provides an eye-catching canvas where residents live, work and play. Coexisting with local wildlife gives residents the opportunity to learn about and respect wild animals. Coyotes, deer, elk, owls, and snakes are just a sample of the different types of wildlife prevalent in Highlands Ranch. These animals were in the community well before the first residents and they have made the natural open space areas their home. With the help of Metro District Park Rangers, residents can learn how to coexist with these animals and develop a healthy respect for them. Coyotes are not aggressive animals and will not attack, but one should always be alert if
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 17
18 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
you spot one. Bullsnakes, rattlesnakes, and garter snakes can all be found around town. With Park rangers as a resource, residents can learn about wildlife and enjoy their natural beauty. A vibrant parks system contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of residents. In Highlands Ranch, 85 percent of homes are located within one-quarter mile of a park, open space area or trail. The community has approximately 25 acres of park land per one thousand residents. The parks and open space system in Highlands Ranch provides people with readily accessible locations to be active, play, socialize, and connect with the natural environment. The days of playing outside during the summer from sunrise to sunset are not lost in Highlands Ranch. Kids are playing in parks and adults are walking or running trails, enjoying the outdoor system on many of the more than 300 days a year the sun shines in Colorado. Parks and recreation create community in Highlands Ranch. These great outdoor amenities connect neighbors, friends, and support everyday life. Whether playing on an adult softball team together, volunteering with your family at a park clean-up, or attending a Nature EdVentures program learning how to geocache, parks and recreation activities and programs bring life to Highlands Ranch. Without it, Highlands Ranch would not be what it is today: a vibrant, beautiful, thriving community 93,000 people strong.
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 19
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20 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
COLORADO SPRINGS
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7380 Space Village Ave 719-550-0680
19020 Longs Way 303-841-2299
D
enver Parks & Recreation has successfully connected with over 42,000 school-age kids through the MY Denver Card program, which exceeded the goal of 25,000 in its first year! What is the MY Denver Card? If you ask one of our youth participants, they would say, “Ooh, that’s fire!” For those of us who are seasoned adults, we may not comprehend the creative, urban teen lingo, but you can understand that to mean, “The MY Denver Card is fantastic and we love it!” This program stems from Denver voters supporting the ballot Measure 2A in 2012, giving all Denver children, ages 5 to 18, free access to our 16 outdoor pools, 25 recreation centers and 25 libraries. The MY Denver card is their “KEY TO THE CITY!” With this one card, Denver Parks & Recreation is changing and improving the quality of life right where it begins, with the youth of our community.
grant is unique in that it is driven by youth engagement, along with the involvement of their families and local businesses - a full collective community effort! MY Denver staff members are key to the success of establishing young leaders to effectively participate in accomplishing the goals and objectives established through the GSK IMPACT grant. MY Denver staff will implement a training curriculum specifically for these youth to acquire the skills and methods to conduct research, present collected data and develop solutions to improve the Denver recreation centers in their neighborhood. The most compelling youth-led solutions will be funded and implemented, leaving sensible, sustainable solutions for a healthier community. The MY Denver Card program, partnered with GSK/LiveWell Colorado, is giving our youth an active voice in recreation center programming, events, environmental changes, and much more.
MY Denver Card for Youth “Ooh, that’s Fire!”
“The overwhelming success of this In the first program in just quarter of 2014, the first year gives nearly 5,000 MY me great hope Denver Card that we are on participants have the right track to taken advantage fighting childhood of library obesity and services, such giving our kids the as checking out benefits of a healthy, books, movies, music active and productive and participating in lifestyle,” Mayor library events at various Hancock said. “There is By Tracy Breckenridge, branches. While at the no question in my mind that Denver Parks & Recreation recreation centers, over 20,000 this program is helping prepare youth have chosen to test their our kids to compete and succeed in cooking skills, bust a move with break the 21st century economy by providing dancing and hip hop, develop athletic prowess safe environments for them to learn and express and stay active through basketball, soccer and karate clinics, themselves after school and during spring, summer and explore the crazy spheres of science, or the never-ending holiday breaks.” creative world of art. MY Denver kids are fully engaged and An estimated 90,000 school-age kids in Denver are eligible truly recognize this as “MY Experience!” to sign up for the MY Denver Card. City leaders continue The word is spreading and the success of the MY to look for ways to expand the benefits of the card in an Denver Card is strengthening communities and building effort to draw additional registration and expose Denver’s partnerships! GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) awarded LiveWell younger residents to more of the city’s amenities. These Colorado and six partners its first IMPACT grant of expanded benefits will be announced later this year. $500,000. The GSK IMPACT grant will create more Denver Parks & Recreation is off to a great start with the MY opportunities and improve existing activities to support Denver Card program, but we won’t stop until we have 100 healthy habits for inner-city youth. Three Denver recreation percent of our eligible youth enrolled and expressing, like centers located in the Northeast Denver and Globeville only they can, ““Ooh, that’s fire!” Elyria-Swansea communities will be the first of many to For more information and a list of activities and Denver experience the benefits of this health initiative. They include recreation centers, visit www.denvergov.org/mydenvercard. St. Charles, Stapleton and Swansea recreation centers. This Summer Summer2014 2014••Colorado ColoradoParks Parksand andRecreation Recreation 21
From
to
Brownfields
Play Fields
By Rebecca L. Almon, Ireland Stapleton
Environmentally friendly development practices are the trend, enhancing the quality of life in our communities. But what is “green”? What is “sustainable”? There is no simple answer and it depends on context, but parks and recreation employees and policy makers should take notice of several developments in the environmental arena that could provide significant economic advantages to going “green”. Some Colorado parks and recreation departments have already started identifying and prioritizing environmentally friendly practices in locating and maintaining public parks and green space. This article focuses on “sustainable redevelopment” and opportunities for parks and recreation departments to potentially obtain funding to maximize green space. Sustainable redevelopment involves revitalizing areas that have been, or are perceived to have been, tainted by prior industry or development –such as “Brownfields”. A Brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or perceived presence of a hazardous substance, making the reuse or redevelopment of the property problematic from an economic or public health perspective. Examples of Brownfield sites include former industrial sites, gas stations, dry cleaners, junkyards and landfills. Federal and state Brownfields programs illustrate and promote the concept of sustainable redevelopment and offer incentives to improve the environment and revitalize our communities by limiting blight. The State of Colorado has implemented programs to cleanup and reinvest in Brownfields for the economic or recreational benefit of the community.
Federal & Colorado Brownfields Programs Through programs such as revolving loan fund grants and cleanup grants, the US EPA has partnered with states and cities to transform Brownfields into parks and green space. In Sacramento, California, for example, the EPA gave a $200,000 grant to the Capitol Area Development Authority, who partnered with the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department to clean up a contaminated community garden scheduled for conversion into residential use. In addition to the removal of the contamination, the community garden was restored to include compost bins, orchards, public art, new entrances, decorative shrubs and bocce ball courts and transferred to the city as part of its Community Garden Program. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has implemented Brownfield programs to assist both public and private property owners in facilitating cleanups as well
1 For more information regarding the Voluntary Cleanup Plan, please visit the CDPHE website at www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPHE-Main/CBON/1251583470000.
22 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
as providing relief from regulatory enforcement. For example, the Colorado Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Coalition, which received a Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund grant from the federal government in 1999, has distributed aid to numerous Colorado cities to transform and revitalize former Brownfields. The City of Englewood has utilized a combination of federal and state grants and loans to redevelop a former landfill into what is now part of Centennial Park. The City of Aurora utilized funds to redevelop another former landfill into affordable housing and what is now Kingsborough Park. These localities have leveraged the resources of federal and state governments to increase the number of parks, and improve existing parks. Colorado parks and recreation departments should be aware of two exciting funding opportunities currently in the works – the Colorado Brownfield Contaminated Land Income Tax Credit and the Petroleum Cleanup and Redevelopment Fund.
Colorado Tax Credit Colorado Senator Cheri Jahn introduced the Brownfield Contaminated Land Income Tax Credit, currently Senate Bill 73, to re-authorize the state income tax credit in effect between 2000 and 2010 for taxpayers who conduct environmental remediation on property proposed for redevelopment. Importantly for parks and recreation departments who do not pay taxes but may incur expenses remediating properties for redevelopment, the bill allows counties, home rule counties, cities, towns or home rule cities (“Qualified Entities”) to transfer, or sell, some of those expenses to taxpayers, who may then claim the amounts as an income tax credit. Eligible properties must be located within Colorado and be issued a certificate by CDPHE approving the Qualified Entity’s voluntary cleanup plan for the site.1 The transferable expense amount cannot exceed 40% of the first $750,000 expended on the project and 30% of the next $750,000 expended on the project. There is a cap on the transferable expense at $1.5 million. A Qualified Entity may transfer a prorated portion of the expense amount to multiple transferees. If passed, this tax credit could prove instrumental in providing funding for city parks and recreation departments that identify areas for redevelopment. As of March 26, 2014 the bill had passed the Senate Finance Committee and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Insiders say that if it passes through appropriations, then it is likely to move through the Senate and to the House.
Petroleum Cleanup and Redevelopment Fund Cities and counties looking to develop a park or green space on a site where a petroleum underground storage tank exists, or once existed, will soon be able to apply for reimbursement from the Petroleum Cleanup and Redevelopment Fund. Essentially, property owners may receive reimbursement for costs associated with certain activities. This includes (1) up to $2,000 for petroleum underground storage tank removal, (2) up to $20,000 with a 10 % deductible for a site assessment to determine if contamination from petroleum storage tanks is present, (3) up to $30,000 with a 10 % deductible for a site characterization if petroleum is discovered on the property and/or (4) up to the lesser of 50 % of the cleanup cost or $500,000 for the cleanup of such contamination with a 50% deductible. The application process is simple. Eligible applicants must (1) show that the applicant is the current owner of the property, (2) provide evidence that petroleum storage tanks exist or existed on the property, (3) show that the applicant is not eligible for the existing Petroleum Tank Cleanup Fund2, and (4) show that the applicant has a sustainable plan for redevelopment or reuse of the property. The application will be reviewed by the advisory committee. The advisory committee focuses on whether the
applicant demonstrates (1) a plan that will reduce environmental risks, (2) the financial means to meet the deductibles and (3) the planned redevelopment generates a positive economic and/ or social impact on the community. This Fund could prove to be a tremendous resource for parks and recreation departments looking to transform former gas station or other petroleum storage sites to public green spaces. Park and recreation districts should consider all of the resources available to help their department obtain and maximize green spaces. Go green! Rebecca L. Almon is an environmental attorney at Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC. She represents public, private and governmental entities in all aspects of environmental regulations and with respect to remediation and mitigation pursuant to CERCLA, Brownfields development and state voluntary cleanup programs. She can be reached at ralmon@irelandstapleton.com or 303-628-3606. This article is intended as a general discussion and information on the topic covered, and is not to be construed as rendering legal advice. If legal advice is needed, you should consult an attorney. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the author.
For a list of eligibility requirements, please visit the OPS website at www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDLE-OilPublicSafety/CDLE/1248095302546.
2
ILLUMINATING GENERATIONS You’re not just buying lights. You’re buying a system designed to keep light on the excitement of the game and out of your neighbors’ yard. That means players and residents will benefit from the lights for generations to come.
To learn more visit: www.musco.com/generations Local area representative: Richard Wadlow 800/825-6030 (toll free) 866/552-1591 (mobile) richard.wadlow@musco.com
For Your Budget For The Environment ©2014 Musco Sports Lighting, LLC · ADCO14-1
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 23
Lakewood gets growing on its first community farm
core values include Everyone wants healthy food access “locally grown” – that all people fresh produce, but should have access what if you live in an to fresh, locally grown urban area nowhere By Allison Scheck, City of Lakewood organic food; Education, near a farmer? How can participation and awareness one learn the tricks of – that everyone should know the trade to tackle a garden where their food comes from as for personal food production well has have access to opportunities without a good teacher and dirt to to produce it themselves; Ecological get dirty in? This is a dilemma faced by stewardship – that food production methods city dwellers everywhere. And Lakewood is appropriately harmonize with the local ecosystem. SCF no exception, despite its deep roots in agriculture. is going into its fourth year of operation at the Denver Green That’s why the city is thrilled to embark on its first community School and is ready to implement its second farm directly in a farm project, a sustainable oasis that will be located at the neighborhood that will benefit greatly from its development. Mountair Park, located at West 14th Avenue and Depew Street. The Mountair Park Community Farm is located in an existing And this is not just any community farm; it’s about community, urban park in the Two Creeks Neighborhood where the healthy food access, getting friendly with the neighbors and community is used to gathering for play, picnics, sports and inspiring kids to learn how gardening can be good thing for the other recreational activities. The Two Creeks Neighborhood is rest of their lives! considered to be a low income neighborhood, is designated The City of Lakewood has formed a partnership with Sprout as a Community Development Block Grant Target Area and City Farms, a local nonprofit organization, to create the City’s is identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a food first urban farm on an acre and a half of park property with the desert, generally defined as an area where a substantial number goal of increasing access to healthy food for low income families of residents have no access to a supermarket or large grocery and residents of the City. Sprout City Farms (SCF) believes store within a half mile. Molholm Elementary School, the local a thriving local food system is the foundation of healthy, school, serves 428 students in the current year; 85.7% are of resilient communities. SCF currently operates an urban farm minority origin and the reduced or free lunch rate is 96.7%. at the Denver Green School, a Denver Public School. SCF’s 24 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
When the City learned of this unique opportunity with SCF, it conducted a thorough public input process with the neighborhood to determine the interest level in developing such a unique opportunity for healthy food access and education in the neighborhood’s park. The result was an overwhelming outpouring of support from community members, business owners, educators and employees of local organizations. SCF was so impressed with the neighborhood’s response, that their board recommended that the location of their second farm be located in Mountair Park. The groundbreaking was held March 18 and the first crops will be ready for the table this summer. “Residents told us clearly that a community farm would be an incredible asset to their neighborhood, and the project has come together quickly to provide residents better access to fresh food,” said Kit Botkins, director of Lakewood’s Community Resources Department, which manages and operates the city’s parks. Soon after it was announced that Mountair Park was to be SCF’s second site, staff from the City and SCF invited interested members of the public to join the new farm’s Community Advisory Committee. Seventeen members of the community have stepped up to serve as part of the committee, designed to guide the programming and food donation program. The committee is made up of neighbors, business owners, educators, local employees and members of local nonprofit groups. So far the committee is enthusiastically tackling fundraising, events to engage the community, best locations for the farm stand and making decisions on food donation. This year, during its first year of production, SCF is estimating that the farm will produce 5,000 pounds of fresh food and by 2016, 10,000 – 12,000 pounds. Food grown on the farm will be distributed locally through a variety of means. The farm will operate a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program whereby shareholders visit the farm once a week for 17 weeks to pick up a mix of local produce. Shares are sold out for the 2014 season. Five work shares are available for local residents who would like to pay the full fee and then work 34 hours for a 50% refund. Six free shares are available through a needs-based application process. The farm will also operate a weekly farm stand starting in August at a high traffic, convenient location near the farm. The farm stand will be donation (pay what you can) based and will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 10% of the produce will be donated to reach low income residents. The Community Advisory Committee is currently considering options to distribute the donated produce and options include the local church food pantry, the elementary school, Head Start program and other nonprofit organizations designed to provide immediate access to resources. At the Denver Green School, the donated produce serves a refugee organization. The farm will host regular volunteer hours two days per week, April through October, meaning that members of the public can show up without making special arrangements during these established times to help the farmer and learn through practice. In addition, volunteers are welcome at the farm any time with advance notice and the farm will always be open to the public. SCF already has curriculum established with
Denver Public Schools for classroom field trips. This curriculum is being sent for review to Jefferson County Public Schools for use at the Mountair Park Community Farm so that students in grades K-6 can attend the farm from the local school as well as early childhood education students from our Head Start program on field trips for experiential learning experiences. There is discussion about engaging kids to help at the farm stand, as currently happens at the Denver Green School farm, to teach students about running a business and encouraging their friends to come and buy a fruit or vegetable during operating hours. SCF will host farm dinners, community events and hands on workshops on the farm throughout the growing season to engage the community and teach gardening, farming and self-sufficiency techniques. Workshops include composting, vegetable selection, soil testing and nutrients, canning and preserving, garden design, cooking (i.e. what can I do with an eggplant?) and more. “The Mountair Park Community Farm will be a place for us all to share the experience of reconnecting to the land and people producing our food. It’s also a living example of our favorite saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a chard,’ “said Meg Caley, Sprout City Farms founder and director of farming and education. For more information or to learn how you can lend your support, visit www.sproutcityfarms.org.
2014
CALENDAR OF EVENTS May
JUNE
May 2 CTRS Spring Workshop Lone Tree
June 6 Arthritis Foundation Training Denver
May 3 Fitness in the Rockies Express Lone Tree
June 14 National Get Outdoors Day Denver
May 10 PLAY Annual Conference Parker
AUGUST
May 16-17 Cancer Fitness Institute Wheat Ridge May 30 Pool & Spa Basics Course Lakewood
August 13-15 Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course Wheat Ridge
September September 15-16 Aquatics Facility Operator Course Steamboat Springs September 17-19 Annual Conference Steamboat Springs
Summer 2014 • Colorado Parks and Recreation 25
APEX PRD’s Simms Street Center Becomes a Community Recreation Resource By Faith Gregor, Communications Coordinator, APEX
Just west of 82nd Avenue and Simms St. in Arvada stands a work in progress…the Apex Park and Recreation District Simms Street Center. Careful planning and teamwork are guiding a major transformation into a multi-use center for active and passive community recreation. People of all ages and interests frequent the center and enjoy their favorite activities – inside and outside, toddlers to seniors, gymnasts to artists. It all started more than a decade ago, when the building’s former occupants decided to expand and move to a new location. They needed time to prepare their new space, and meanwhile, they leased part of the building to Apex PRD, and the district began offering a limited number of programs there. In November 2011, the gymnastics, dance, cheerleading and art programs were relocated to 82nd and Simms from the former Garrison Street Center at 58th Ave. and Ralston Road, and the Apex PRD Simms Street Center celebrated its grand opening. In advance of the move, the center underwent major remodeling and improvements to host some of the district’s most popular and wellattended programs. In the gym, lots of new equipment was added, including a bouncy trampoline track, a foam-filled landing pit and a practice harness. Not only are these features exciting and fun, but they are significant enhancements to the scope and safety of the gymnastics, dance and cheerleading programs. Right next door to the gym, the new dance studio features a high-quality wood floor, lots of light, room to move and room to watch. Down the hall in the Janice G. Eckhardt pottery studio, artists have an inviting space to let their creativity take wing. This program also relocated in November 2011 from the area now called Garrison-Central Park; for many years, it was housed in a small building just south and east of the Garrison Street Center. Known as the Leisure Arts Center, it was a former gas station acquired by the district and fitted out as a pottery studio. The new digs are lighter, brighter, better ventilated and bigger, allowing for more equipment and room for students to move around. There’s a variety of pottery and fused glass programs for children and adults, and the common thread could be described as accessible art – it’s for everyone at any stage of life and any ability. A formal background in art isn’t necessary to tap into the benefits of creating, says adult pottery instructor Judy Iannacito. “Anyone can be successful, no matter what.” Judy helps new students relax by suggesting that “pottery is not something to be put on a pedestal. It’s manageable mud.” Both Judy and children’s pottery teacher Heidi Meissner Boyer encourage a supportive community in the studio. Children not only learn the physical and structural aspects of making something out of clay, but they also discover their unique creative journey. At the end of each children’s pottery lesson series, each child presents his or her work and describes the choices they made to achieve the final product. “In class, we figure out why something doesn’t work, and find the solution. There’s a real sense of community, helping out and sharing of information,” Heidi says. Both instructors emphasize the process over the product. That philosophy can be seen in the classroom, with students intent on their work and focused on the moment. “Art brings people out of
26 Colorado Parks and Recreation • www.cpra-web.org
themselves,” says Kay Palmer, program coordinator. When life’s events and stresses weigh heavy, the creative process is a welcome respite, particularly if it involves getting the hands full of that “manageable mud.” The same principle applies to the fused glass classes for adults and youth. The simple interplay of light and color is a wonderful way to connect to creativity and detach from life’s chores and challenges, Kay says. Another unique, energetic and fast-growing community gathers every day, weather permitting, on the new outdoor pickleball courts next to the Simms Street Center. The courts opened in November 2013, and eight more are already under construction. For those unfamiliar with the pickleball phenomenon, it’s an easy-tolearn game that is played on a court, like tennis but half the size, with a Wiffle ball and paddles. It’s fast moving, fun for all ages and abilities and exploding in popularity. For example, the northwest metro community of players has grown more than 25% to around 1500 in the months since the outdoor courts opened. The pickleball courts at the Simms Street Center are the result of a dynamic collaboration that is still hard at work for the future. The initial eight-court project began about 18 months ago, when “Pickleball Ken” Marquardt, an energetic ambassador for the game, began gathering with players to enjoy the sport indoors at the Apex Center. As their numbers grew, they rallied behind Apex PRD’s effort to get funding for pickleballspecific outdoor courts. In January 2013, the Jefferson County Open Space Advisory Committee designated $158,720 to build the courts, with additional funding provided by Apex PRD and the Apex PRD Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the support of community recreation. The eight courts were instantly popular, and no sooner had they opened than work began on eight additional courts, tentatively due to be completed in summer 2014. Looking ahead, there’s potential for the Apex PRD Simms Street Center to grow even more as a regional community recreation resource. Contingent on funding, the district is now developing plans for Community Heroes Park, a major addition to the area’s community recreation offering, featuring trails, native drought-tolerant plants, and educational elements showcasing the high-plains environment. Despite all the additions and improvements, the corner of 82nd and Simms still has that wide-open-space feeling, particularly if you’re driving west on 82nd Avenue. In fact, not long before the center had its beginnings, Apex PRD’s Pioneer Park ballfield complex was completed in the late 1990s. Before the park opened, the district had a naming contest for the park, and one of the names submitted was “The Wind Blows.” That aspect of the area hasn’t changed, but it’s a great metaphor for how the way the Simms Street Center has succeeded -- by recognizing needs and responding to the community’s energy and support. To learn more about the Simms Street Center, contact facility manager Carrie Gomer at carrieg@apexprd.org or visit apexprd.org. For information on the gymnastics, dance and cheerleading programs, contact Brook-Lyn Kuhnle, program coordinator, brooklynk@apexprd. org. For art classes, contact Kay Palmer, kayp@apexprd.org, and for pickleball programs, contact Stephanie Allen, stephaniea@apexprd.org.
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