NEWS April 2022
EASTER EGG HUNT Grab your Easter Basket and join us at Northridge Park for Easter fun on Saturday, April 16.
BACKCOUNTRY OUTDOOR CENTER Highlands Ranch’s trails, parks, recreation centers, and neighborhoods have long highlighted our vibrant community. Our residents find value and passion in a life lived in connection with the outdoors.
The Easter Egg Hunt starts promptly at 10:00 a.m. sharp, so don’t be late! Simultaneous separate hunts will be held for children ages 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos, so don’t forget your camera.
To continue this connection, we’re excited to begin the process for a new amenity for our community: the Backcountry Outdoor Center.
Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.
The proposed project includes building an Environmental Education Center at Backcountry Base Camp, located at 6005 Ron King Trail. The Center will be the launchpad to engage with and learn in the outdoors. From a licensed nature preschool and staff offices to flexible indoor/outdoor spaces that will morph from gathering places to a weather shelter, the Environmental Education Center will propel our programming for outdoor learning along the front range. As part of the strategic plan, Base Camp will also be open for more public hours to enjoy walking on our new interpretive trail and visiting our barnyard animals.
Saturday, April 16 • 10:00 a.m. SHARP! • Northridge Park, 8800 Broadway Sponsored by
The future Backcountry Outdoor Center Project plans includes a hub for equestrian education including an indoor riding arena. The Equine Center encompasses a place where a connection with horses from the ground to the saddle is an everyday occurrence, and the indoor arena will give our instructors and riders a consistent and safe area to progress skills. The conceptual plan of the project has been completed, now, the HRCA will begin the Community Involvement Process, which will last for several months and includes two separate votes by the HRCA Board of Directors and HRCA Delegates, along with multiple public meeting opportunities for the public to learn about the project, and give feedback. Join us to learn more about the Backcountry Outdoor Center Project at a public meeting on Wednesday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Southridge Recreation Center.
SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Backcountry Wilderness Area Director Mark Giebel will give an overview of the conceptual plan and project timeline. Following this first public meeting, another will follow in May, and likely a final one in June. The Community Involvement Process is expected to wrap up in July or August. If the community, Delegates, and Board approve, the construction would be anticipated to begin in 2024.
Keep your kids active and engaged all summer long at HRCA"s nearly 100 summer camp options! From full day to half day, nature/adventure to arts, science, technology, engineering, pottery, cooking, therapeutic recreation, sports, and more, HRCA has activities for everyone!
Visit the project web site www.HRCAbackcountryoutdoorcenter.org to learn more and for updates throughout the process!
HRCA SUMMER JOB FAIR! Plan that summer job now. HRCA will be hosting a job fair on Monday, April 25 at Eastridge Recreation Center. The job fair will be from 8:00 a.m. - Noon. For current job openings go to www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs.
Find our camps online and register at HRCAonline.org/Camps. Don't wait, space is limited and camps are filling fast!
FACILITY HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY: 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. SATURDAY - SUNDAY: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303-471-8958 Jim Allen, Scott Lemmon, Brock Norris, Melissa Park Dan DeBacco
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-471-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500
RECREATION CENTER AT NORTHRIDGE 8800 Broadway
RECREATION CENTER AT EASTRIDGE 9568 University Blvd.
RECREATION CENTER AT WESTRIDGE 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.
RECREATION CENTER AT SOUTHRIDGE 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
HRCA NEWS is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2022 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc., in print or electronically.
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MIKE BAILEY Interim CEO and General Manager Happy April everyone! As we say goodbye to the snow and winter weather, it is time to start dusting off the outdoor lawn furniture, get that yard back in shape, and plan for some outdoor spring and summer fun! The HRCA has a menu of exciting programs and services to keep you and your loved ones entertained, educated, and in shape. The Summer Activity Guide is hitting homes this month so make sure to spend some time "shopping" our menu of programs, services, and events that are coming up this summer. Sign up for that sports program, swim, or fitness class or take that class you have been putting off. Take full advantage of all the great things HRCA has to offer!
Quarterly Assessment Dues: If you have not already done so, please remember to pay your quarterly assessment dues this month.
Events: April is full of fun events for you and the family! Grab some friends and join us for Dueling Pianos on April 8 and a great night full of Comedy on April 29. We also look forward to the family friendly Easter Egg Hunt on April 16 at Northridge Park. The 9Health Fair returns to the Eastridge Recreation Center on April 23, or stop by Southridge on April 25 for the Pottery Sale. The Farmers Market will start on April 3 in Town Center to help kick off the spring season. Check the web site for the most up-to-date information on all our events at www.HRCAonline.org/Events.
Board Election: Three seats are open this year for the Board of Directors. The Board Annual meeting on April 19 will confirm the results of the election. Current Board members Melissa Park and Dan DeBacco, as well as Monica Wasden, John Mackowiak, and Mikell Wilcox are running for the open seats. We thank all these candidates for their time and commitment to the community by stepping up to be a
candidate. We look forward to working with the newly elected Board members.
Delegate Election: Each Highlands Ranch district is represented by a Delegate. Delegates are elected by the district's homeowners to represent their neighborhood in association matters. Even and vacant district elections are happening this month with a deadline date of April 26. Please watch your mail for the Annual Meeting of Members notification and delegate election information; if you receive a proxy card in the mail please take time to vote and return it. This will help us continue to have homeowner representation at our monthly meetings.
Volunteer Month: April is National Volunteer Month and we at HRCA want to express our appreciation for all of the volunteers (mentioned on the next page) who help our organization thrive. I encourage you to stop by our Volunteer Fair on April 19 and learn about our community's amazing nonprofits and how you can support them.
HRCA Summer Job Fair: Summer is an exceptionally busy time for the HRCA, and we need help! Are you or someone you know (your kids or grandkids) looking for a part-time job? The HRCA has a plethora of opportunities for part-time employment from lifeguards, birthday party hosts, pottery instructors, climbing wall staff to personal trainers, swim instructors, sports officials, dance teachers, camp counselors, janitorial, and Backcountry camp program counselors. Visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/ Jobs to see openings and apply.
VOLUNTEER SHOWCASE In honor of National Volunteer Month, HRCA would like to recognize the following volunteers for their service from May 2021 to April 2022, representing these committees: Aquatics, Architectural, Backcountry, Board of Directors, Cultural Affairs Association, Delegates, Development Review, Finance, Community Relations Ranch Hands, Scholarship Fund, Sports, Therapeutic Recreation, Tribunal, and other miscellaneous volunteer teams.
EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
Without volunteers, Highlands Ranch would not be the great place it is today. Even more importantly, these volunteers help set the direction for tomorrow. Join us in thanking and recognizing them for their outstanding contribution. Interested in volunteering? Go to www.HRCAonline.org/Volunteer. Len Abruzzo Sally Adams Joseph Aden Jim Allen Laurie Allred David Alpert Heather Alpert Mike Alsop Homar Alvarado Tanya Anderson Woody Anderson Louise Ansari Katie Atkinson Laurie Atkinson Paula Bacheller Greg Banks Chris Bayee Savannah Becerril Michael Becerril Heather Blake Mary Frances Blatter Stacy Bockorny Al Bonneau Crystal Bryant Elizabeth Bryant Tom Buehner Bill Buettner Steve Bullock Josie Byrne Vince Byrne Sheila Byrnes Karen Burch Claire Butler Amy Calkins Colin Cambell Zell Cantrell Heather Caras Chad Carland Keri Carland Clinton Cave Bo Chapman Edie Cigrani Dustin Clark Nathan Cornish Ben Cottrell Natalie Cummings Dan DeBacco Greg DeVille Michael Deviney
Mark Dickerson Jenna Donahue Kiel Downing Lisa Dragseth Judy Dyk Dominick Esposito Jeff Feldman Renee Fichtl Sue Foppe Scott Foreman Chris Fruchey Keith Glenn Karen Grewell Carolyn Groom Amit Gupta Scott Gustafson Dale Hagge Tom Hall Jennifer Harris Peter Hastings Heather Hensley Steve Hennings Greg Herman Chris Hull Elizabeth Hupka Justin Hill Teri Hjelmstad Henry Hollender Kurt Huffman Frank Impinna Cash Hogsett Albert Hwang Jermome Jackson Jerry Jeter Andy Jones Pat Kaptain Clay Karr Erynn Kay Justin Kelleher Tammy Kelly Roy King Rhead Kinder Kelby Klosterman Brice Kohler Todd Landgrave Sharyn Landis Karla Laurent Sue Leidolph Scott Lemmon
Kevin Liberman Chris Linder Derek Long Natalie Lucero Samara Lyon-Frick John Mackowiak Ariel Madlambayan Linda Mallette Marilyn Manning Jim Matsey Pattie McGuinness Mark McLaughlin Todd McMullen Cacey McReavy Grace McMahon Tami McPherson Chip Meister Rob Mierau Jennifer Mitkowski Leslie Miller Jeff Moshea Andy Natalie Carolyn Nies Ginger Nixt Gerd Noebel Brock Norris Rita Norris Susan O'Brien Melissa Park Jack Patterson Al Pelkowski Bruce Peotter Larry Perkins Tony Perrone Craig Pickel Jason Pickett Steve Prew Hilary Price Glenn Proulx Kenny Quintana Michelle Ratcliff Jean Rehnke Luanne Reimer Curt Reimer Judi Riley Michael Riley Chris Robinson Jesus Rocha Jeff Rohr
Connie Rosel Rebecca Rothwell Dana Scantland Jill Schilling Rob Schlenker Suma Shamasundar Al Shelbourn Sid Simonson Melissa Smessaert Ashley Shirey Aldis Sides Ena Simanson Jeff Slavin Scott Smallwood Nancy Smith William Smith Nick Spencer Deborah Spicer Jason Spiller Leighton Stephenson Gretchen Storm Robert Strauss Grethe Stem Joe Stewart Elizabeth Strock Curt Swanson Jennifer Swanson Jed Sybrowsky Anna Tesdahl Eric Thompson Jeff Thompson Todd Trueman Sofia Urosevich Seth Van Wyk Mandy Vidor Nathan Waddoups Shauna Waldron Bryan Walsh Larry Warner Monica Wasden Nate Watabe Dan Weiss Ron Welk Mikell Wilcox Justin Williams Keith Witt Lisa Witt Don Woodland Mike Woodland
April is here and homeowners are well under way pruning, fertilizing, planting, and planning for the exterior improvements for their homes. If you are considering an exterior improvement to the home, remember that your project will require a submittal to the Architecture Committee for approval. All of HRCA's Home Improvement Forms are located at www.HRCAonline.org/ homeimprovements for your convenience. It’s a good idea to reference our Residential Improvement Guidelines for assistance before you submit your project. Go to www.HRCAonline.org/rigs to review. Incomplete submissions for projects can result in being ‘not approved’, so double check all the information is complete! When in doubt, please contact our office at 303-471-8821, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. or via email at Improvements@HRCAonline.org. The Architecture Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month. Submissions are due by noon the Friday before to be considered for the next meeting. As the weather continues to grow warmer, so does the number of submissions our office receives. Remember to give yourself ample time to have your project reviewed!
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RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS Annual Meeting of Members INCREASES IN AUTO THEFT The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the entire metro area, is seeing an increase in motor vehicle thefts throughout Douglas County. In Douglas County alone, there was an increase of 27 percent in auto thefts from 2020 through 2021. For the same time period in the Denver metro area, there has been a 39 percent increase. A lot of these motor vehicles thefts could have been prevented if residents did the following: • Not left vehicles running unattended
The deadline to return proxies for the Annual Meeting of Members is Tuesday, April 26 at 4:30 p.m. Homeowners who would like to vote in person for their district representative will have the opportunity to do so on April 26 between 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Eastridge Recreation Center. Homeowners can also cast their votes by sending in the proxy that is mailed to their home residence ahead of time. This year delegates in even-numbered districts and non-sub associations without a current delegate are up for election. For more information contact Annie Vincent at annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org.
NOTICE:
Proxy forms are being mailed to homes. Please help save HRCA a future expense by making sure they are sent back by April 26 through email, in person, mailed, or faxed. Details are on the form. Thank you!
FARMERS' MARKET OPENING APRIL 3 Each summer HRCA partners with the Metro Denver Farmers' Market to bring one of the finest farmers’ markets into Highlands Ranch. Early on the market offers flowers and non-produce products. As summer progresses, the market explodes with Colorado’s bounty. You will be sure to find treasures!
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• Parked vehicles inside a garage if available, or a well-lit area A majority of these auto thefts are opportunistic, so do not be easy prey for these criminals. These stolen vehicles are usually used to commit other crimes, with many of these crimes being more serious and could involve weapons. Be vigilant, take extra time, ensure your taking as many precautions as possible to keep yourself and your property safe. To report a crime, contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7500 or 911.
CAR SHOW EXHIBITORS Sign up for early bird pricing for the Car Show. Early bird registration is $15 until May 11, $20 thereafter. Register your car at www.HRCAonline.org/ Vendors.
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Sundays, April 3 - October 30 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South
UCHEALTH HEALTH SERIES - SCREENINGS: WHAT TO GET AND WHEN Join our special guest Dr. Christian Lobo from UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital for our Virtual Health Series. In this session, we’ll discuss all types of screenings, how to get them, when to get them, and why, as well as answer your questions. Registration is free, but required. Sign up at www.HRCAonline.org/YourHealth. Wednesday, April 6 • 6:00 p.m. online • Free Upcoming Virtual Health Topics: May 4 - Stroke Risk Factors
DUELING PIANOS Get ready for an exciting night of non-stop, high-energy music! Dueling Pianos is a musical feast with two piano players battling it out taking turns performing and singing. A Howl at the Moon performance is not to be missed! You'll be dancing and singing along in no time! Cash bar will be available. Ages 16+ (some adult humor), 21+ to purchase and consume alcohol. IDs will be checked for alcohol purchases. Friday, April 8 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road • $15 • No refunds
UPCOMING EVENTS FAMILY 9HEALTH FAIR The Family 9Health Fair will be back in the Ranch! The Fair will be on Saturday, April 23, from 8:00 a.m. - Noon at the Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 University Blvd. 9Health:365 encourages individuals to assume responsibility for their own health by taking part in a variety of low-cost Blood Chemistry screenings along with three basic free screenings. This year screenings will be provided for children also– blood pressure, height/weight and vision– No blood screenings for participants under 18. The 9Health Fair is coordinated by the Highlands Ranch Lions Club and hosted by HRCA. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Events for details. For more information call 303-888-0423 or email patcarlson166@gmail.com.
COMEDY NIGHT Need a night out? You’re invited to the Southridge Recreation Center for an evening of laughter and amusement! There will be performances by Terri Barton Gregg, Eddie from New York, Ryan Burmester, and our headliner Christie Buchele. The show will not disappoint! Join us for a date night or a comedy night with your friends. A cash bar will be available. Friday, April 29 • 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road • $15 in advance and at the door if not sold out. • 21+ only • IDs will be checked at the door. 1 pint of blood saves 3 lives!
HRCA is partnering with Vitalant to bring the Gift of Life to our community in a time of need.
VITALANT BLOOD DRIVE
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HRCA is partnering with Vitalant to bring the Gift of Life to our community. Contact Vitalant at 303-363-2300, or sign up at www.vitalant.org/donate. Use code:10002. You can Eachonline donation will include the COVID-19 antibody testing to encourage potential also search by 80126. Appointments are requested, but walk-ins convalescent plasma donors. 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. are also welcome. Space is limited. Thursday, March 4
Northridge Recreation Center
Thursday, May 5 • 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. • Northridge Recreation Center, 8800 Broadway 8800 Broadway • Highlands Ranch
Contact Vitalant at 303-363-2300, or sign up online at www.vitalant.org. Use event code: 10002. You can also search by 80126. Appointments are requested, but walk-ins are also welcome. Space is limited.
Rotary Recycling Event: Electronics and Paint Come to the Rotary Recycling Event on Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, 1500 Park Central Dr., Highlands Ranch. For more details visit www.HighlandsRanchRotary.org.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
CHAMBER MUSIC AT SOUTHRIDGE The Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver presents the quintessential composers of the romantic and bel canto eras in Romancing the Notes, featuring the music of Chopin, Schuman, Bellini, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, and more. The event will be held on Sunday, May 1 at the Wildcat Mountain Auditorium at the Southridge Recreation Center. Program begins at 2:30 p.m. Selections will be performed by the Chamber Music Society in groupings of strings, woodwinds and voice, and features musicians from the ensemble's previous performances this season. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www. HRCAonline.org/Tickets. Sunday, May 1 • 2:30 p.m. • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Wildcat Mountain Auditorium • $20
VOLUNTEER FAIR There is no better feeling than giving back to your community! Now, more than ever, local organizations are in need of volunteers to make a difference. Learn how you can contribute to the community by coming to the Volunteer Fair. Meet face-to-face with local non-profits and learn about volunteer opportunities. You’ll have all of your questions answered in one location. Have a non-profit organization in need of volunteers? Join us to showcase your organization! Admission is free and open to the public. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors for an application. • Tuesday, April 19 • 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. • Free event
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HIGHLANDS RANCH TAEKWONDO Taekwondo teaches coordination, selfesteem, focus, respect and so much more! HRCA has options for in-person at Northridge classes as well as virtual classes, so there is sure to be something that fits your needs. We offer classes for ages 4-adult and discounts for multiple students. TKD is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in your family to participate together. For more information, please contact Lisa Sheley at lsheley@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8838.
MOTHER’S DAY 5K Bring your family and friends out on May 7 and join HRCA’s annual Mother’s Day 5K! Don’t miss the post-race party filled with fun activities for the kids and an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for all registered participants! First-time 5K run/walkers, elite runners, and moms/ dads with strollers are all invited to enjoy the fun! New course for 2022 with furry friends welcome! For more information or to register visit www.HRraceseries.org.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES HRCA’s Junior Team Tennis Gets Ready to Serve Up Fun! Our Junior Team Tennis program is a USTA junior league program with two weekly practices and one weekly match. Practices are on Wednesdays and Fridays with matches on Mondays beginning in early June. The season runs through July and finishes up with a state competition for those first and second place teams. Teams are made up of players at the same age and level. Players should be able to serve, rally and keep score to participate in this program. Beyond being fun and a great form of exercise, Junior Team Tennis is a competitive, level-based environment that promotes individual growth, social growth, and life skills. For more information, please contact Marianne McCauley at 303-471-8940 or email mmccauley@hrcaonline.org.
Therapeutic Recreation Program for Special Needs Stride to Ride Bike Camp (Ages 5 & older) Stride into summertime in style with our Strider Bike camp! Get ready for a summer of outdoor family fun by enrolling your child in our week-long after school camp. The program is dedicated to teaching individuals of all abilities two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence for a lifetime of riding adventures. “Each day was a terrific set of activities to provide an easy natural progression of skill. Our son felt so proud of himself and has enjoyed riding his new bike ever since!” (previous camper family). For more information, please call 303-471-7043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org. Southridge; Gym • Price: $220/ $253 (including the cost of a STRIDER Balance Bike to take home!) • Monday - Friday • 6/20/22 - 6/24/22 and 8/1/22 - 8/5/22 • 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Join the HRCA Team - Summer Jobs Available! MORNINGS AT THE ZONE! Are you looking for a quick, effective workout that can be done before you head to work? Try out our ZONE classes at Southridge. The ZONE is high-intensity interval training that is complete with circuit-style training to incorporate full body functional fitness movements. Focus on cardio and strength while being guided by our nationally accredited coaches. The ZONE classes are available Monday - Friday, 6:15 - 7:00 a.m., and 5:15 - 6:00 p.m., with Saturdays at 7:15 a.m. If you are new to the ZONE, email hannah.yeager@hrcaonline.org to get your two-class free trial pass. You can learn more about The ZONE at www.HRCAonline.org/ZONE
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Flexible schedules at very competitive salaries are available for the summer at HRCA. Work with your friends at locations close to home. Visit HRCAonline.org/Jobs. HRCA offers opportunities for ages 15 and older for lifeguard, swim instructors & swim coaches. Want more information? Contact Diane Ball at 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@ hrcaonline.org.
Splash Into Summer - Enroll Today at HRCA Sign up today for aquatic summer fun for your entire family. Drowning is the #1 preventable reason for deaths for children under the age of five. HRCA offers small class sizes with certified instructors eager to help your children learn skills they will be able to use for a lifetime. Looking for a greater challenge? Coached Swimming programs are waiting for you to sign up! Explore underwater and try Scuba or Snorkel in the safety of our indoor pool. Classes fill quickly for these very popular programs. Enrollment is now available through August. Sign up 24/7 and learn more at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim or contact 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES Art in April Consider enrolling yourself in an art class this month! For the creative one, we are focusing on Springing forward! Try our Modern Calligraphy on Mondays from 1:00 3:00 p.m., Zen Doodling on Tuesdays from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Beginning Painting 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. and Beginning Drawing 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Knitting on Thursdays. If getting your hands a little dirty is of interest to you, consider one of our pottery classes for adults. Multiple levels of Hand Building and Wheel classes run on multiple days and times during the week. The Pottery studio is a wonderful community art space, and we are excited to welcome new students to the craft! Adult art and pottery classes fill quickly, so be sure to add yourself to the waitlist. We often open more spots or create new classes that meet your scheduling needs. So, grab a friend and try out one of these creative classes this month! For more information, please email alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org or visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Art.
Creative Kids This month, as spring blooms, enroll your 18 mos-5-yearold in one of our Creative Kids classes. For the itty bitty’s, Toddler and Me classes will focus on all things spring! Parent tot classes run on Friday mornings and are a great place to meet other moms! Clouds and Rain are the themes in our Sibling Rivalry class on Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Baby Chicks, Plants and Tadpoles are our Kreative Kids classes on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for children ages 3-5. 2 Times the Fun’s theme is Fun Umbrellas and classes are Mondays from 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Stepping Stones, a Preschool Prep class for children ages 2½-3½ runs on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and the theme is Bugs. These wonderful programs are taught by caring teachers out of our Westridge facility. For more information, please email hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.
Three Backcountry Wilderness Area Programs in April Mini Manes Pony Class, April 4 & 18: Introduce your little one to the world of horses without the pressure to hop right up in the saddle right away. This outdoor program- of two, half-hour classes- teaches your tot safety and horse care through fun hands-on activities.
Astronomy Night, April 23: Parents, enjoy a night out after you drop the kids off with us for a fun astronomy program! Send your kiddo with a picnic dinner and all of their questions about the night sky. We'll play games, eat dinner around the campfire, and roast s'mores before an astronomy viewing where we'll identify constellations and explore their origin stories.
Turkey Hike, April 30: The Backcountry Wilderness Area is teeming with wildlife enjoying life on our13-square mile conservation property! Head out into the reserved areas with our seasoned naturalists to observe wildlife in their natural habitat and explore part of the property otherwise not accessible to the public.
JUMP, FLIP, AND REACH FOR THE STARS! With Spring well under way, now is a wonderful time to introduce a new activity to your child or help them get back into one they might have left behind during COVID. March 28 begins a new session of gymnastics at our partner location, Active Athletics. These classes help your child with increased flexibility, improved motor skill development, improved concentration, developed attention and strength. Classes run at a variety of times throughout the week to meet busy family schedules. Join this community to be healthy, fit, and active. For more information, email Hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.
SUMMER AT CAMP BACKCOUNTRY IS NEARLY FULL! Get out your binoculars and set your sights on Summer 2022 at Camp Backcountry! A summer full of outdoor adventure, exploring, art, and horse experiences is on the distant horizon. Many of our session weeks are already full, but you can always join a waitlist as families' summer plans change. If you are already registered, keep an eye out for emails from our team to get all of the paperwork and details squared away before the end-ofschool-year rush. Learn more at www.campbackcountry.org.
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
FACILITY AND OTHER CLOSURES April 4-9
Westridge Recreation Center closed for annual maintenance.
April 16
Northridge Park closed for the Easter Egg Hunt
April 17
All Recreation Centers closed for Easter
April 19
Southridge Basketball Courts and track closed for Volunteer Fair
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 3/31/22
Community Partners The HRCA’s ability to bring events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).
APRIL EVENTS
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. April 3 - Oct 30 Farmers Market (Sundays only)
April 6
UCHealth Series - Screenings: What to get and When
April 8
Dueling Pianos
April 11
Board Working Session* 5:30 p.m.
April 16
Easter Egg Hunt
April 19
Volunteer Fair
April 19
Delegate & Board Meeting* 5:30 p.m.
April 25
Pottery Sale at Southridge
April 29
Comedy Night
* These meetings are open to our members.