NEWSLETTER February 2024
HRCA EVENT/WEATHER LINE 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303-471-8958 Jim Allen Dan DeBacco Kurt Huffman Melissa Park Monica Wasden RECREATION CENTER AT EASTRIDGE 303-471-8858 9568 S. University Blvd. Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 303-471-8958 Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. RECREATION CENTER AT NORTHRIDGE 303-471-8950 8800 S. Broadway Monday - Friday: 5 a.m - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. RECREATION CENTER AT SOUTHRIDGE 303-471-7020 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. RECREATION CENTER AT WESTRIDGE 720-348-8202 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. HRCA NEWSLETTER is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2024 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.
HRCA BOARD AND DELEGATE ELECTIONS Highlands Ranch has all the amenities of a town, but its governance is unique. Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community, with HRCA providing community leadership, first-class recreation facilities, events, architectural control and covenant enforcement. HRCA also owns and manages the Backcountry Wilderness Area. To ensure HRCA continues to run successfully, a five-member Board of Directors is elected to govern the HRCA. District Delegates elect and recommend to the Board various matters outlined in the Community Declaration. The Board serves three-year staggered terms and sets policies for the HRCA. Your Delegate is your voice for neighborhood and HRCA matters. Delegates meet monthly and recommend essential issues impacting our community to the Board of Directors. HRCA's annual elections for Directors and District Delegates is approaching. (continued on page. 2)
2024 Summer CAMPS
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION
Summer will be here soon, and HRCA is here to help you plan activities. The 2024 summer camp registration will open on Monday, February 19. All registration will be online, and a printable PDF version of all camp options will be available on Saturday, February 10, for download at HRCAonline.org/camps. Registration for summer at Camp Backcountry is now open! Camp Backcountry kids ages 7-13 will spend a week(s) of their summer exploring, learning, and playing in the outdoors in four camp types: nature, horse, art, and girls-only. For more information, visit Campbackcountry.org. We look forward to partnering with our residents again this year to offer another successful year of summer programming options.
COMMUNITY NEWS
SNOW REMOVAL IN HIGHLANDS RANCH
MIKE BAILEY Dear Highlands Ranch residents, February is a month associated with fondness and adoration, and there are many ways to get involved in our community and show your love for HRCA, including the annual District Delegate Election, one of my favorite happenings of the year. Are you aware that HRCA has 94 delegate districts and that each delegate is a homeowner whom HRCA members elect? HRCA District Delegates meet monthly to discuss various topics about the Community Association. District Delegates cast votes on behalf of HRCA members within their district on essential issues such as amending and approving the community bylaws, creating rules and regulations for the use and operation of the recreational facilities, proposing increases or reductions for the recreation function common assessments necessary for the operation of the recreation centers and proposing and reviewing improvements to the recreational facilities. The delegate election concludes annually in April, and the 2024 election will occur for all even numbered and vacant districts. If you want to run for District Delegate, please email Theresa Hill at theresa.hill@HRCAonline.org. The HRCA encourages all members to please take the time to vote for the candidate running in their district when they receive the proxy card in the mail. Doing so will help to ensure delegates get the votes they need to be elected appropriately. HRCA provides other opportunities to show your passion for the community during the upcoming month; our committees review, approve and recommend to the Board of Directors. Highlands Ranch homeowners represent our various committees and frequently seek new members. For information about joining an HRCA committee or if you are interested in learning about or becoming a District Delegate, please visit the HRCA website at HRCAonline.org/leadership. I appreciate the unique ways our community members express their passion for HRCA, and I wish you a month filled with happiness and good health. My Best, Mike Bailey
HRCA BOARD AND DELEGATE ELECTIONS (continued from page.1) District Delegates will elect three Directors on Tuesday, March 19, during the Annual Meeting of the Delegates. Each district's constituents will elect Delegates for our even-numbered and vacant districts during the Annual Meeting of the members on Tuesday, April 16. Because your vote is essential, be on the lookout for your ballot that will arrive in the mail prior to elections. For more information, visit HRCAonline.org/Leadership. If you are interested in running for a Board of Directors position, please submit your forms by January 26, 2024. To express interest in running for an even-numbered or vacant Delegate District, please email Theresa Hill, at theresa.hill@hrcaonline.org, by Friday, March 1, or visit HRCAonline.org/Elections. Find your Delegate by accessing the District Delegate map at HRCAonline.org/DistrictMap.
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STREETS REMOVAL TIMELINE Begins at snowfall SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES Approximately 2,400 lane miles including: - Major arterial roads - Collector roads - Residential streets - Cul-de-sacs PRIORITIES 1) Major arterial roads 2) Collector roads (streets connection major artertial roads to residential streets) 3) Residential streets 4) Cul-de-sacs
TRAILS & PARKWAY SIDEWALKS REMOVAL TIMELINE Three inches of snow has accumulated and/or it is likely to remain on the ground for more than 24 hours. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES 150 miles of hard surface trails and sidewalks including: - 38 miles of hard surface trails - 112 miles of sidewalks along arterial roads - Metro District buildings PRIORITIES 1) Essential Metro District buildings 2) Sidewalks and hard surface trails 3) Parking lots at community and neighborhood parks RESIDENTIAL SIDEWALKS REMOVAL TIMELINE Removal required within 24 hours after snow fall ends. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES - Sidewalks in front of and along the sides of your home - Adjacent mailboxes - Adjacent fire hydrants FOR INFO OR TO REPORT A PROBLEM Douglas County Public Works 303-660-7480 douglas.co.us/road-work/ snow-and-ice-removal The Highlands Ranch Metro District 303-791-2710 highlandsranch.org
COMMUNITY NEWS ASSESSMENTS & COVENANTS ASSESSMENT UPDATES: Beginning January 1, 2024, association dues increased from $165 to $168 in total, quarterly for all Highlands Ranch residents. Administrative Assessments decreased from $73.44 to $63 annually. If you have signed up for fixed auto payments, you must adjust the payment to account for the increase. You can do this directly through your Zego account or your personal bank account. Please find more information on our assessment pages on HRCAonline.org/assessments.
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HOA GUIDELINES REGARDING HOLIDAY DECOR Singing Santas, inflatable Griches, twinkling lights and front door wreaths are enjoyable during the holiday season but now that the holidays are over the CIS department would like to remind you that all holiday lights and decorations, including clips attached to the home must be removed. The Residential Improvement Guidelines, Section 2.44 Lights and Lighting state: Holiday lighting and decorations do not require approval. It is recommended that they not be installed more than 30 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 30 days following the holiday. We appreciate your cooperation and if there are any questions, please contact the CIS Department.
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RESTROOM RENOVATION
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The renovation of the stretching area bathrooms at Eastridge is complete. The bathroom renovation includes upgraded flooring, wall tiles, lighting, fixtures and doors. We are excited for everyone to see the completed project!
ASSESSMENTS
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9568 S. University Blvd Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 303-471-8958 contactus@hrcaonline.org HRCAonline.org/Assessments
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTH - EMPOWERING YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH Begin your 2024 fitness journey and join us for an informative virtual event on cardiovascular health presented by UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. In this engaging webinar, you will learn about valuable insights, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to help you achieve optimal cardiovascular health. You'll learn about the latest research, discover lifestyle changes that make a significant impact, and gain a deeper understanding of how to make heart-healthy choices in your everyday life. • Wednesday, February 7 • 6 - 7 p.m. • Registration is free, but required • Zoom
CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR
METRO COLLABORATION In 2023, the HRCA celebrated its new partnership with the Metro District by collaborating on three HRCA community events including the Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks, Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days and Holiday in the Ranch. These events were created to further connect our community and by partnering, we continue to create inclusive events that are more cost efficient, share resources and bring our organizations together for the benefit of the community. HRCA is excited to collaborate with the Metro District on many more exciting and successful events in 2024.
In 2024, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is collaborating with the Great Wall Chinese Academy to commemorate the Chinese New Year in welcoming the Year of the Dragon. Immerse yourself in the festivities featuring traditional music, captivating Chinese dragon and lion dances, storytelling folk dances, and captivating demonstrations of Chinese martial arts, including Kung Fu. The performers showcase a blend of skillful school-age individuals and seasoned professionals. In addition to the performances, we invite you to experience the Cultural Fair, spread across Southridge, that offers a variety of experiences like shops, calligraphy, art displays, vibrant costumes and refreshments that are available for purchase.
2023 Fourth of July Parade
• Saturday, February 10 • Cultural Fair | Free | 12 - 4 p.m. • Performance | $10 | 2 - 3 p.m. • Registration is requested, if not sold out • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
COMEDY SHOWCASE Why not enjoy top-notch comedy in your community? Join us for a night of laughter at our Comedy Showcase featuring seven outstanding comedians, including Derrick Rush, Tracy Kellett, Jeff Kohen, Stacy Pederson, David Testroet, Andrea Vahl, and Cori Dech. These talented performers promise to deliver a memorable evening filled with clever observations and infectious humor. A cash bar is available. Participants must be 21+ to attend, ID's will be checked. • Friday, February 16 • 6:30 - 8 p.m. • $25 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
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2023 Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days
2023 Holiday in the Ranch
UPCOMING EVENTS WINTER CULTURAL SERIES Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing artistry of the Winter Cultural Series. Our upcoming showcase highlights Ballet Ariel, a company that infuses the beauty of classical ballet with a contemporary, narrative vision. They will be performing a captivating, ballet form of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Renowned artist René Heredia, a pioneer in the evolution of Flamenco guitar and dance in the United States, takes the stage. As a recipient of numerous awards, Heredia has left an indelible mark as a performer, teacher, choreographer, educator, mentor, composer and recording artist. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these two exceptional performances! • Thursday, February 29: Ballet Ariel • Thursday, March 28: René Heredia • 6:30 - 8 p.m. • $12 for adult, $10 for senior/child/military • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
COLD CASES & COCKTAILS Unleash your true crime fascination! Join us for an extraordinary event as we explore the intricate motivations behind the serial killer, Scott Kimball. While many of the victims have been located, one still remains missing. Gain insight into this notorious serial killer through the eyes of the victims' families. This event will be led by retired agent Jonny Grusing, who collaborated with the BAU, the FBI's profiling unit, and various law enforcement agencies on this case. Sit back, sip on a cocktail and dive into this chilling case. Don't miss this exciting, unique event! A cash bar is available. Participants must be 21+ to attend, ID's will be checked. • Friday, March 15 • 6:30 - 8 p.m. • $25 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
SPRING BAZAAR Spring is in the air and the Highlands Ranch Community Association Spring Craft Bazaar is back! Visit with more than 100 vendors displaying and selling unique, highquality products. This one-of-a-kind marketplace includes photography, original art, sculpture, ceramics, specialty food, precious jewelry, gems and more! The Bazaar is guaranteed to please and everything is priced to sell. • Saturday, March 16 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Free to attend • Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 S. University Blvd.
COFFEE WITH A COP DECORATE AN EGG An opportunity to meet your local Douglas County Sheriff Deputies awaits. Spring is just around the corner, so drop by and decorate an egg with our local deputies! The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with HRCA to provide the community with the opportunity to have conversations with our local law enforcement. These gatherings give residents and business owners a chance to connect with the deputies in a relaxed atmosphere. Each of these events are free and great for all ages! • Wednesday, March 27 • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Free to attend • Westridge Recreation Center 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.
UPCOMING EVENTS: March 6: Your Health with UCHealth Sports Medicine Sprains & Strains March 9: Princess Tea Party with Snow White and the Evil Queen (SOLD OUT) March 15: Cold Cases & Cocktails March 16: St. Patrick's Day 5K Spring Craft Bazaar March 27: Coffee with a Cop - Decorate an Egg March 28: Winter Cultural Series: René Heredia
EVENTS Check the website for the most current event information and to purchase tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
HRCAonline.org/Events HRCAonline.org/Tickets HRCA EVENT/WEATHER LINE 303-471-8888
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CLASSES & ACTIVITIES PEAKS SWIM CHALLENGE Are you new to lap swimming and want to join a fun workout group? PEAKS is for you! Do you know how to lap swim, but feel you are not ready for a Masters swim class? PEAKS is for you! Each one-hour workout is designed for the beginning lap swimmer (level 1) and will be more challenging for intermediate/advanced swimmers (level 2/3). • Monday, February 5 - Thursday, March 20 • Mondays and Wednesdays | 10 - 11 a.m. • Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 S. University Blvd.
DO ELK IN THE BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA MIGRATE? The simple answer is no, migration is defined as a large physical movement across long distances. Elk that summer in the mountains usually retreat into lower elevations, but the elk in the Backcountry Wilderness Area are mostly year-round residents. For the full story visit our Backcountry Field Notes blog at HRCAbackcountryblog.org/elkmigration.
ADULT SWIM WORKOUT GROUPS Were you a high school swimmer and looking to get your form back? Did you swim in college and want a great workout group with experienced coaches? Are you a triathlete looking for tips to improve your technique? Join one of our coached workout classes. Purchase a punch pass online or at the Northridge Front Desk. Bring your swimsuit and goggles and get your swim on! Classes meet weekly. Check the website for updated class times.
FEBRUARY SAMPLINGS This month we are offering a variety of classes for you and your family to try! For adults, try something new like calligraphy, knitting, drawing and painting, watercolor, Zen doodle, Cowboy Cha Cha couples dance, hand building pottery, wheel pottery or financials seminars. For children, we offer a number of fun classes like cooking classes, (Sweetheart Treats), ballet classes, music classes (Music Together and Crocodile Rock), clay creations pottery, and numerous other classes. These classes are a wonderful way to engage your child in something new, fun and challenging. For more information, please email Alecia Hindman at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SWEETHEART DANCE Dance the night away at the Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Dance. Music, entertainment, refreshments, photo booth, and tons of fun! Requires an ISP. • Friday, February 23 • 7 - 9 p.m. • $16 | $18 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
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THREE BACKCOUNTRY PROGRAMS TO TRY IN FEBRUARY Base Camp Exploration Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Experience the wonders of winter in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Come out to Base Camp to spend some quality time with our animals, walk the Discovery Trail, and do some winter activities before making a delicious cup of hot chocolate from our hot chocolate bar! Sunshine & Storytime Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m. Join us for a nature-themed storytime in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Basic Horsemanship Saturday, February 24, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gain confidence around horses before getting into the saddle. This 1.5-hour class will teach you how to catch and hand-walk a horse, read their body language, and learn about the equipment needed to groom and saddle our equine friends. Visit HRCAonline.org/backcountry for details and registration.
CLASSES & ACTIVITIES ST. PATRICK'S DAY 5K Join in the festive spirit of the St. Patrick's Day 5K, a 3.1mile walk-jog to take place on Saturday, March 16. This family-friendly event welcomes both seasoned runners and beginners, offering a morning of fun, fitness, and Irish cheer. Participants will receive a custom-themed race t-shirt, complimentary post-run, hot pancake breakfast, cold beer (21+) and more. • Saturday, March 16 • 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. • Adults $45+ | 12 & Under $30+ • Town Center South - 9615 Dorchester St
RACE SERIES' CRESCENDO COMBO Take on the Crescendo Combo and boost your running skills! Over the course of the year, you’ll tackle longer distances, starting with two 5K's of your choice (3.1 miles each), the Wildcat Mountain 10K (6.2 miles), and finishing with the Backcountry Wilderness Half (13.1 miles).
YOUTH INDOOR FLAG FOOTBALL Coloradoans know that April showers bring May...SNOW! Don’t let Mother Nature determine your child’s flag football season. Get out of the cold and join the HRCA Indoor Flag Football League. The league is for boys and girls grades 3-8 and features six games plus a season-ending tournament with one hour practice per week. The season kicks off Monday, April 8, and runs through Saturday, June 8. The registration deadline is Friday, March 15. For more information or to volunteer coach please contact Heather Harmon at heather. harmon@hrcaonline.org 303-471-7039. Remember at the Westridge indoor turf it’s always sunny and 70 degrees!
The cost to join is $185, which covers the entry fee for these races and includes a special gift. This challenge is open to athletes aged 13+, but you must register by Wednesday, May 1.
INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL LESSONS! The health benefits of pickleball are well known, including improvements in heart health, enhanched muscle and bone strength, and increased balance and coordination. With these advantages in mind, why not take your game to the next level? In addition to beginner-level lessons, HRCA is now offering intermediate-level pickleball lessons! These classes are taught by our certified pickleball pro on Tuesdays, from 12 - 1 p.m., in the Northridge gym. For more information or to register, call the HRCA pickleball hotline at 303-471-8996. Remember - you don't have to be a pro to spice it up on the pickleball court!
EMBRACE THE RIDE! Escape the winter chill and transform your fitness routine with HRCA's invigorating indoor cycle classes! As the temperature drops, crank up the heat in our state-of-the-art cycling studio at Westridge. Join a community of like-minded individuals, pedal to the beat of energizing music, and melt away the winter blues. Expert instructors will guide you through exhilarating rides designed to torch calories, boost your mood, and keep you in top shape all season long. Don't let the cold weather slow you down – pedal your way to a healthier, happier you with our dynamic indoor cycle classes. For more information contact Hannah Yeager at hannah.yeager@hrcaonline.org.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPRING FLOWER FUNDRAISER Don't miss our annual spring flower sale. Choose from a variety of gorgeous potted flowers to enjoy all summer long! Select from patio pots and hanging baskets suitable for sun or shade. All proceeds support HRCA's Therapeutic Recreation Program for people with disabilities - a beautiful win-win! Order yours today and collect them from the Westridge Recreation Center on Saturday, May 4, just in time for Mother's Day and graduations. Don't wait - the deadline to order is Valentine's Day.
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
FACILITY CLOSURES February 11
All recreation centers will close at 5 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.
Check the website for the most up-to-date closure information.
FEBRUARY EVENTS For event details, visit page 5 or HRCAonline.org. February 2 - 3
Father and Daughter Sweetheart Ball
February 7
Your Health with UCHealth Empowering Your Cardiovascular Health
February 12
Board Working Session*
February 16
Comedy Showcase
February 20
Delegate & Board Meeting*
February 23
Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Dance
February 29
Winter Cultural Series: Ballet Ariel
* These meetings are open to our members.
PERMIT #170
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 1/31/24
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).