News August 2017
Get More!
Stay Connected in the Ranch With over 100 community and cultural events each year, as well as hundreds of youth and adult fitness and recreation programs and educational opportunities, there is always something going on in Highlands Ranch. We want to make sure you are taking advantage of all of the resources we offer to stay connected and in the know! Our web site at www.HRCAonline.org provides the most comprehensive and up-todate information on HRCA and the community at large. Check back often as programs, events, and schedules change on a daily basis. Be the first to know what’s going on at HRCA by following our social media sites. On Facebook, follow HRCA @HighlandsRanchCommunityAssociation, the Backcountry Wilderness area @HRCABackcountry, HRCA Fitness @HRCAFitness, and the Race Series @HRCARaceSeries. On Instagram, find us @intheranch and on Twitter @HRCAnews. You can subscribe to free monthly e-mail updates to receive critical, timely information, and the latest HRCA happenings. Go to www.HRCAonline.org/Eme to sign up for email updates. Look for HRCA News in your mailbox every month for the latest community announcements, convent-compliance tips, upcoming events, and new recreation programs. The Activity Guide provides residents with programming and event information and is mailed to all Highlands Ranch homes three times a year (January, May, and September). In the event of inclement weather, HRCA has an event hotline to call for information about the cancellation of an event. The number for the hotline is 303-471-8888. Still can’t find what you are looking for? You can always email us at contact@hrcaonline.org or call 303-791-2500.
TRASH – Put a Lid on It! Help keep our neighborhoods safe and clean! Please make sure your trash bins are covered when you set them out for pick up. This will prevent blowing garbage and debris. In addition, with more people using the sidewalks during the summer months, remember to keep your trash bins on the curb and off the sidewalk. After trash has been picked up, trash containers must be properly stored either behind your fence or in your garage. Homeowners who leave containers out will be subject to penalties.
Get HRCA!
10th annual Cotillion This fall, Platinum Protocol and HRCA, in coordination with John D. Williams, are hosting the 10th Annual Cotillion program for 3rd-8th grades. This program has become a Highlands Ranch tradition. With roughly 60 3rd graders, 120 4-5th graders, and 120 6-8th graders, this program is one you don’t want your child to miss. Social dance is incorporated into our programs to break down inhibitions, teach physical respect, develop confidence, establish teamwork and cooperation, reinforce non-verbal and verbal communication, and to teach students how to appropriately interact with the opposite gender in a structured and healthy environment. In today’s competitive society, those with well-developed social skills have a tangible advantage in virtually every aspect of their lives. These skills empower individuals to feel comfortable with themselves and others, to communicate more effectively, promoting personal growth, confidence, leadership and character. Classes run October 22 - December 3. All classes are held at the Wildcat Mountain Auditorium at Southridge. The 6th-8th graders will have their final dinner dance at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, making this an experience they won’t soon forget. More information can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/Cotillion or call 303-471-8928.
Jerry Flannery CEO and General Manager HRCA|news is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Jim Allen Scott Lemmon Brock Norris
Summer is winding down and cooler temperatures are ahead. I can’t believe it is already back-to-school time! Please make sure to pick up our activity guide for the fall programs and get an early start on registration. Remember, if you haven’t been out to experience our Farmers' Market, it is held every Sunday at Town Center through October and you still have plenty of time to stock up on fresh veggies! Hopefully, many of you have had the opportunity to take advantage of the activities this summer that HRCA and our Cultural Affairs Association have sponsored. There are still many events coming up so please check out our web site at www.HRCAonline.org for a full list of activities!
What to do in August: August has plenty of fun activities indeed. HRCA will have
Krystal Woodbury
Film in the Park every Friday of August, except August 25. The event is free and will be held at approximately 8:30 p.m. at Civic Green Park. And cyclists looking for a competitive work out should sign up for the Bike Race Series every Wednesday of the month!
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge
Reminders: Eastridge will be closed for annual maintenance the week of August 19-25.
Melissa Park
303-791-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity for members to check out our other state-of-the-art facilities along with the Backcountry. We kindly ask homeowners to be responsible pet owners by both cleaning up after your pet when walking on the sidewalks, trails and parks; as well as refraining from allowing your dog to utilize neighbor’s yards for pet waste. HRCA enforces the covenants seven days a week. Please help us by keeping up with landscape maintenance along with properly storing your recreational vehicles. These are common and re-occurring issues that are regularly addressed by the Community Improvement Services team and we appreciate everyone doing their part to help with compliance.
Board Appointment: Former Director Dennis Seymour resigned from the Board due to the sale of his home. The Board appointed Krystal Woodbury to serve until the term expires in March of 2018. HRCA would like to thank Dennis for his service to the organization and welcome Krystal as HRCA’s newest Director. Volunteer Shout Out iCanbike: Thank you to the 80 volunteers who showed up to the ninth annual iCan Bike camp from June 12-18 to help those with special needs learn to ride bicycles. Our volunteers make this event possible and we couldn’t do it without them!
Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Copyright ©2017 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.
2 | August 2017
quarterly assessments The 3rd Quarter 2017 assessment invoices have been sent and were due 7/1/2017. Late fees may be charged for any payments not received by the 25th of July to allow for processing time by the 30th of July. If you have any questions, please call 303-4718958. Help HRCA save costs and the environment by signing up for E-Statements. To receive your invoice via email please visit the following link: www.HRCAonline.org/PaperlessOptions.
Community News Neighborhood Impressions First impressions and the general appearance of neighborhoods are greatly influenced by the paint on your home, along with the general maintenance of landscaping. The Community Improvement Services Department is busy surveying and conducting follow ups on both paint and landscape issues.
Paint - Regular, timely painting of your home is a good practice for more reasons than just to avoid receiving a paint notice from HRCA. Nothing perks up a home like a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to get the color approved before buying the paint.
Trees - As neighborhoods mature, diseased and dead tree issues become more widespread. Regular trimming of trees and shrubs is recommended to keep them from becoming overgrown. Removal of dead trees and shrubs is required.
Water - Dry conditions are prevalent throughout Colorado and it is important for all home owners to use water efficiently. Follow these tips to help you reduce the amount of water needed in your landscape: • Water in the late evening to early morning hours. Evaporation loss occurs at a higher rate during the daytime hours. Only water when your yard needs it. • Water the lawn no more than two to three times per week. Deep, infrequent watering promotes deep roots and drought-tolerant grass. • Utilize horticultural best management practices. Aerate in the spring and fall. Fertilize three times during the season: spring, summer, and more importantly, fall. • Perform periodic checks of your irrigation system. Check for leaks and broken sprinkler heads and efficient coverage. Adjust your irrigation run times as the weather changes. • Use the cycle and soak method to reduce wasteful runoff. Break your watering times into five-minute cycles and wait an hour between each cycle to allow the water to soak in. • Install a rain sensor. Rain sensors can be added to your irrigation controller and will automatically shut off your sprinkler system when it rains.
Northridge Renovation Update Renovations at the Recreation Center at Northridge are in full swing! For safety reasons during construction, all rooms at Northridge are unavailable for use or rent. The tot pool is closed for the summer. In addition, the nursery, weight room, cardio room, and track will be closed until the project is completed in early December. Watch our progress and find construction updates online at www.HRCAonline.org/Renovation.
New Board member appointment The Board of Directors has appointed Krystal Woodbury to fill the vacant Director position until the term ends in March of 2018. Krystal is an attorney, shareholder, and Chief Financial Officer of The Law Center P.C., a Highlands Ranchbased law firm and has served on the Development Review Committee since August of 2014. She replaces Dennis Seymour.
Congratulations, Krystal!
HRCAonline.org | 3
HRCA Lifeguard Achieves Golden Guard Recognition Congratulations to Brandon Lail, a guard at Southridge since November 2016, for being recognized as a Jeff Ellis & Associates Golden Guard. This coveted achievement is reserved for those individual lifeguards observed performing their normal job duties while exhibiting behaviors that surpass the expectations of all safety standards in the areas such as swimmer surveillance, professionalism, and vigilance. Only about 1 percent of all lifeguards evaluated at Ellis & Associates client facilities receive this honor annually. “We are excited to recognize lifeguards who are clearly the best of the best. Brandon is a role model for lifeguards everywhere and further underscores the fact that guests at this facility are afforded the highest degree of swimmer protection currently available in the aquatic recreation and amusement industry” said Richard A. Carroll, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. Senior Vice President and COO. Brandon will be starting his senior year at Rock Canyon High School and is a member of the Rock Canyon Fire Science Academy and hopes to become a firefighter/paramedic. Brandon also recently joined the Arapahoe County Search and Rescue team.
ranch updates Want to Hear from Your District Delegate? Opt-in to receive communications from your district delegate. It’s easy! On the HRCA web site, go to “About-Us/Guides-Communication/Keeping-in-Touch.” Click on Delegate Communication link. An email will pop-up. Simply provide your street address in the email and your information will then be added to your District Delegate's email list. Visit the HRCA web site at www.HRCAonline.org and sign up today!
Keeping Your Pets In Line Occasionally, we need to remind canine owners to please be mindful of others. Be aware of your dog’s excessive barking, and when taking your dog for a walk, be courteous; take a bag to clean up after your dog, and keep your pet on a leash at all times when walking in neighborhoods and parks.
Art Encounters – Vote Now for the Peoples’ Choice Award! Highlands Ranch residents are encouraged to visit the seven 2017-2018 Art Encounters sites and then go online to www.HRCAonline.org/ArtEncounters to vote for their favorite. The artist with the most votes in Douglas County will receive a $1,000 award! Make it an interactive experience by using the Otocast app. Otocast is a mobile app platform for narrated audio guides that let people explore and discover local points of interest and learn more about the artists. Load the Otocast app on your phone and experience Art Encounters in Highlands Ranch in a new way!
hIGHLANDS rANCH dAYS Join us at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion, September 7-9, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., when the old west comes to life with a fur trapper, gold panning, life-sized tipi, horse drawn hay rides, a petting zoo, and much more! Entertainment features songs and dance performances by Native Americans, banjo music, and a raptor program. Handson exhibits and mansion tours will also be available. Tickets (available only at the gate) are $5 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $3 for children (ages 2 and under are free). Parking is not available at the Mansion on Saturday, September 10. Free shuttle rides to Highlands Ranch Days will be available on Saturday from Mountain Vista High School to the Mansion starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 7-9 • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • $5 per adult (ages 13 and up), $3 per child (ages 2 and under are free) at the gate • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Drive
4 | August 2017
Upcoming events New! ADULt Swim Join us for a new adults-only event in August! Enjoy a night at the pool and leave the kids at home! For the first time we’ll be offering an adult swim evening at the Eastridge Outdoor Pool. Bring a picnic or stop by the on-site food truck and enjoy a relaxing night at the pool and we will provide a cash bar. There will be a two drink maximum per person. 21+ only, IDs will be checked. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association, which puts on free and low cost cultural activities throughout the year. Support a great cause and soak up some sun! Purchase tickets in advance at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets or at the door. Wednesday, August 2 • 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Eastridge Outdoor Pool • $5 per person • 21+, IDs will be checked
Ladies' fishing on the fly In August, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association will team up with the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited to teach ladies ages 16 and older the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and a field trip. The classroom session is Friday, August 11 at 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The outdoor classroom and field trip is Saturday, August 12 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Expert instructors lead this workshop that covers all of the basics of fly fishing: casting, reading the water, entomology, conservation, tying, knots, landing and releasing, and plenty of hands-on practice. $30 in advance and $35 week of event, if not sold out.• Eastridge
Summer's Sunset Concert Come celebrate the end to another wonderful Highlands Ranch summer with the Highlands Ranch Community Association and Highlands Ranch Metro District’s Summer’s Sunset Concert featuring The Rumour! They’ll be performing all your favorite hits from yesterday to today! Food trucks will be available. Come out and enjoy one of the final nights of summer here in the Ranch! Sorry, no dogs allowed in the park. Thursday, August 24 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd • Free
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets
Film-in-the-park Come and enjoy free family films at Civic Green Park. Set up your chairs and blankets at 7:45 p.m. for an 8:30 p.m. or dusk start-time of all movies. Feel free to bring your favorite picnic dinner or enjoy popcorn and shaved ice each week for purchase. For the showing of Star Wars - The Force Awakens, come dressed as your favorite character and meet Darth Vader and Princess Leia. Bring your cameras! Fridays • 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. • Free • Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd. August 4: August 11: August 18:
Finding Dory Secret Life of Pets Star WarsThe Force Awakens*
*Parental Advisory Sorry, no dogs allowed in the park.
Upcoming events September 3-24 Farmers' Market (Sundays only) 7-9
Highlands Ranch Days
9
Doggie Splash & Pet Expo
23
Oktoberfest Celebration
30
Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
HRCAonline.org | 5
Drop-In Boot Camp Classes! We are over halfway through 2017 and will be closing in on the holiday season before we know it! Get a jump start on your fall and end of the year exercise routine with our exciting boot camp classes. Boot camp classes are now part of the HRCA drop-in fitness program and your regular fitness punch card can be used to attend any and all boot camp classes on the schedule! For those new to a boot camp routine, HRCA offers Boot Camp LITE at Westridge on Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. For the die-hard boot campers HRCA offers the following incredible workouts: Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. at Southridge; TRX Boot Camp Thursdays at 6:00 a.m. at Westridge; and after the workday on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Northridge. Our drop-in fitness schedule can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness. For all things HRCA Fitness, please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HRCAFitness .
Mountain Bike Series and Kids’ Triathlon The HR Race Series looks forward to a busy August with opportunities for both youth and adults! Our annual Splash Mash Dash Kids’ triathlon is the perfect way for your 4-12 year old to try their hand at a non-competitive triathlon! August is also highlighted by our popular Mountain Bike Race Series in the Backcountry with 4 unique Wednesday evening races during the month. We have races and divisions for all abilities and ages, including free races for youth 10 and under. Head over to HRRaceSeries.com for more information!
6 | August 2017
Classes, camps & activities HRCA Girls Basketball League Is your daughter interested in playing basketball? Now is the time to sign up for the Fall HRCA Girls Basketball League! Our girls league consists of a seven game season followed by a season-ending jamboree or single elimination playoffs. Practices are held once per week for one hour and are based on coach availability. Volunteer coaches are needed! For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.
Doubles Anyone? HRCA is once again excited to offer In-House Doubles Tennis Leagues to players at the 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 levels. Registration is customized this year with registration for each level taking place on separate days. Member 2.5 teams may begin to register on August 14, Member 3.0 teams on August 15, and Member 3.5 teams on August 16. The Senior In-House Doubles players will begin their member registration on August 17. Guest Teams (with one or both players being program guests) may register beginning August 28. Don’t miss out on the fun of competing with your partner each week and keeping your game sharp! For more information please email mmccauley@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8940.
Swimming for Fitness & Fun! Try it FREE in September HRCA offers a variety of high-quality adult coached programs for all skill levels from becoming a more proficient lap swimmer to the competitive athlete. Swimming is also a great fitness option with minimal stress for joints. Become part of the HRCA swim community in September, which will be a free drop-in month for new participants for any of our adult swim programs (a $15 savings). Ranch H2O helps increase fitness and teach introductory stroke technique skills. Our lunch time program, Stroke Technique, helps all swimmers to break down strokes and become more efficient in the water. Stepping it up a notch, Mid-Day Masters helps intermediateadvanced swimmers build endurance in all competitive strokes. Power Masters introduces more challenging workouts to increase performance. TriH2O focuses primarily on freestyle and training for triathlon races. Coming this fall will be a new HRCA Masters Competitive Swim Club (COMSA) which will provide opportunities for swimmers looking to enter races or meets! Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim or call 303-471-8942 to learn more and discuss your fitness goals,.
SAT/ACT Test-Prep
The Importance of the Preschool Experience Whether you’re a full time working parent or a stay-at-home parent of a 3-5 year old, it is valuable to consider the importance of the Preschool experience for your child. Research has proven that children develop their most fundamental skills between birth and 5 years. These skills are critical in your child’s overall success as they move into adolescence and adulthood. A diverse learning environment is part of the overall experience. By providing your child an opportunity to develop the essential fine and gross motor, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional skills with children their age, they are better able to cope, self-regulate and be independent. HRCA offers a Preschool program for children ages 2 ½-5 at both Eastridge and Westridge. Our teachers are certified, caring and gentle professionals who will help your child through that experience. For more information, please call 303-471-8814.
End of Summer Camps Before your kids head back to school, give them one more unforgettable experience! For the budding artist, get your child enrolled in the Drawing, Painting and Sculpture class for children ages 6-11 or Media Marvels Glue Sticks class for ages 3-5. For the aspiring chef, try our American Classics class for kids ages 5-7 or Pasta Power for kids ages 7-9. For the little ones, get them soaking up the last of the summer sun in Outdoor Campout, Wet and Wonderful Mystery Theme or Surf into School. For the ambitious engineer or scientist in your family, try JediCraft Game with LEGO® for kids ages 5-12 or Pocket Brick Monsters Camp for kids in grades K-5. For more information, please call 303-471-8928.
Backcountry Camp Season Continues! The majority of the summer Outdoor Discovery Camp will have its final day at Base Camp on August 4, but we’re not closing up by any means. At the corrals, our full-day, week-long horse camp will roll on for two more sessions through August 18 and our Mini Manes (ages 3-4) and Pony Tails (ages 5-6) pony classes are scheduled to continue throughout the fall. And even though our nature camps are done, we’re offering our popular Eco Explorers preschool/pre-k program and home school programs starting in late August. Check out our web site and Facebook pages for dates and registration details!
Therapeutic Recreation Program
HRCA THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS In August, the Therapeutic Recreatin Department will offer Wednesday night sports fun at Southridge Recreation Center. Indoor Soccer time for athletes with special needs will be held from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m., August 2-30. This program encourages team work and sportsmanship while focusing on the skills needed for soccer. Come out and join the fun! Visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR for the most current information. For information about Therapeutic Recreation program offerings, class pricing and availability, or volunteer opportunities please contact 303-471-7043 or email saden@hrcaonline.org.
From July 31 - August 3 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon, HRCA will be hosting the ever-popular ACT test-prep class. Students will learn strategies that will help them raise their overall composite score with a National Board Certified Teacher. This class has been recommended by a number of high school teachers from all four of the Highlands Ranch high schools, so be sure to register now. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Backcountry Happenings Here’s the lowdown on things happening in the Backcountry:
Night in the Backcountry (August 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m.): Discover our Base Camp after-hours. Bring a picnic dinner and spend the evening exploring the Base Camp as a family. $20 per family (all in the same household).
Art, S’mores, & the Outdoors (August 26, 5:00-7:00 p.m.): Create our most popular “Abstract Aspens” project on a natural tile and indulge in a s’more by the campfire.
Off-Trail Horseback Rides (August 20, times vary): Experience a two-hour guided horseback trail ride and venture into the restricted areas of the Backcountry. Watch for wildlife as you ride through the trees and open meadows. All Backcountry Wilderness Area events require advanced registration. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry to register and “like” our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ HRCABackcountry to stay up-to-date with new events and news.
HRCAonline.org | 7
PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures August 5, 12 Northridge Outdoor Pool: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. for Splash, Mash, Dash Kids' Triathlon August 7-12
Northridge - annual maintenance
August 21-26 Eastridge - annual maintenance Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 07/31/17
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).
AUgust Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. August 2, 9, 16, 23 Mountain Bike Race Series August 4
Film in the Park - Finding Dory
August 5
Splash, Mash, Dash Kids' Triathlon
August 6-27
Farmers’ Market (Sundays only)
August 7
Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.
August 10
Jazz at the Mansion (Sold out)
August 11-12
Ladies' Fishing on the Fly
August 11
Film in the Park - Secret Life of Pets
August 15
Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m.
August 18
Film in the Park -
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
August 24
Summer's Sunset Concert - The Rumour
* These meetings are open to our members.