T O W N O F C A S T L E R O C K

A magazine for everyone who calls Castle Rock home

INVEST IN CASTLE ROCK we’ve got business together

CROSSTOwN CONNECTION new roads move motorists

YOuR TOwN strategic choices

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

Last year, the Town began challenging staff members to treat their workplaces more like home and turn off lights and electronics when not in use as part of the Town’s Project Green environmental initiative. Thermostats in Town buildings also were raised a couple degrees in warm weather and lowered in cool weather in hopes of saving energy and money.

Those goals were met. By the end of 2010, the effort resulted in an electricity savings of 7 percent over 2008 and a cost savings of 12 percent, or $62,000. Overall, the Town used 416,025 fewer kilowatt-hours of energy. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, that is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling 101 tons of waste instead of sending it to the landfill.

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WE’vE gOTBuSINESSTOgEThERINVEST economic partnership 4-5

YOuR TOWN,STRATEgICChOiCESMaking it work together 9-13

FROm A FiREFighTiNgfAmILY Volunteer supports CRFD 14-15

ExCELLENCEExISTSSee for yourself at Red Hawk Ridge 16-17

AROuNd ThEROCKUpdates on legacy committee, election 19

YOuRTOwNCOuNCiLMeet your representatives 20-23

ROAdwORKTransportation Action Plan update 24-25

ONLiNEREdESIgNTown website is improved 26-27

WhEN iTRAINSStormwater Division protects water 28

BiTTERSWEETgOOdBYEReed, Lehnen leave office 30

ThiNgSTO dOEvents in Castle Rock 31

A publication of the Castle Rock Community Relations Division staff:DESIGNED By Karen McGrath, Senior Community Relations Specialist

ExECUTIVE EDITOR Fritz Sprague, Deputy Town Manager

EDITORS Kim Mutchler, Community Relations Manager

Kristin Zagurski, Community Relations Specialist

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Shannon Watkins

PHOTOGRAPHy Mark Sims, Karen McGrath, Kristin Zagurski, Tim Tonge, Jackie Shukmaker, Ted Spring, Kim Mutchler

On the cover: Swimming at Butterfield Crossing Pool

Pleased to greet you.Thanks for making your way online to read the summer 2010 edition of Outlook magazine. Hard copies were not sent to all Castle Rock households this year in an effort to save money and paper. CRgov.com/outlook is the new home for the magazine. Look in the fall for 2010’s second edition of Outlook.

The year is sure to be full of meaningful decisions, as the Town is in the process of rolling out its 2010 Strategic Plan. The 14-point plan – driven by the Town’s mission of ensuring public health and safety – helps preserve residents’ quality of life and keep Castle Rock the special place so many have grown to love.

One reason for that love is that we have many great escapes in easy reach. Escape into the pages of this magazine or get lost in the Town’s new website – you’ll be amazed by the great information you can find. Or, escape to the Town parks, open space and trails. Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course and the East Plum Creek Trail are two spots in particular you won’t want to miss. Read about them, and much more, in this issue.

Ryan Reilly Mayor

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wHERE TO CALL

Register bikes to prevent heartachePrevent some of the heartache that could come with losing a bicycle by registering it with the Castle Rock Police Department. If you do, police quickly will know to whom to return your bike to if it’s reported missing. Registration is free and can be completed at the front desk of the Police Department, 100 Perry St. you’ll need your bike’s make, model, color and serial number, along with your contact information, to complete the form.

help the Town while you learnHelp the Town earn income while furthering your education by signing up for Arapahoe Community College classes via CRgov.com/acc. Any time someone registers via that link, the Town receives a portion of the fee to use toward recreation programs. The college’s web-based classes cover topics including computer skills, foreign languages, personal enrichment and test preparation. Most cost $99.

maintenance helps preserve roadway assetsThough the Town has been cutting back on expenses, it’s still important to maintain Castle Rock’s roadway assets. That’s why Town Council has approved $2.75 million in repairs to roads and sidewalks throughout Town during 2010. The work already has begun and will continue through late August. To find out more, including whether your area will be impacted, visit CRgov.com/pmp.

License Fido to avoid a fineIf you have a dog or cat 6 months or older, it must be licensed through the Town. Licensing costs $10 per year for spayed and neutered animals and $20 per year for those that are not. Licenses are valid for up to three years from the date of issue or through when the pet’s rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier. Failure to license a pet could result in a summons or fine.

Animal control/nonemergency Police 303-663-6100

Building permits 720-733-3527

Business licenses 720-733-2227

Chamber of Commerce 303-688-4597

Code enforcement 720-733-3559

douglas County government 303-660-7400

douglas County Libraries 303-791-7323

Elections/voter information 303-660-1367

Fire department nonemergency 303-660-1066

main Town number 303-660-1015

municipal Court 303-663-6133

Park rental 720-733-2260

Public Works/potholes 720-733-2462

Recreation Center 303-660-1036

Red hawk Ridge golf Course 720-733-3500

Town bus service 303-814-6407

Town Council agendas/meeting information 303-660-1367

Town employment 720-733-2218

utility/water billing 303-660-1373

Water conservation 720-733-6000

By working together, the partnership makes doing business in Castle Rock easy.

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

A partnership that makes senseThe Town long has worked closely with community partners, including the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council and – more recently – the Downtown Development Authority.

The cooperation among those entities was formalized last year, with the formation of the Castle Rock Economic Partnership.

That group is working to expand the sales tax base in Castle Rock by aggressively pursuing new businesses. It also is working with existing retail centers to maximize sales tax collections. Additional benefits of economic development include more shopping and dining options for residents from both local and national firms.

“The speed and predictability of the development process, as well as the stock of existing real estate in Castle Rock, are strongly connected to the partners’ ability to attract and retain high-quality businesses,” said Frank Gray, president/CEO of the Castle Rock EDC. “Having this formal partnership in place enhances communication and cooperation across our team, as well as in the private sector, and takes Castle Rock to the next level in terms of business-friendliness.”

Business recruitment is just one component of the partnership’s activity. The group also has been working on community branding and marketing and on business support services. Examples of the latter include the implementation of an Economic Gardening program for startup businesses.

“It’s not enough to simply get businesses here. We also have to do all we can to help them thrive,” said Chamber President Pam Ridler. “Programs like the Economic

Gardeners help provide expert planning, marketing and business savvy to new business owners to keep them on the path toward success.”

By working together, the partnership makes doing business in Castle Rock easy. In the short time it has existed, the partnership has been a party to many success stories. Read about a couple of them on the next page.

In addition, the Economic Development Council of Colorado recently named the Town 2010 Best Large Community for Economic Development. The partnership was cited as a key reason the Town won the award.

Those looking to open a business should not hesitate to INVEST in Castle Rock – we’ve got business together.

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denmark manufacturer selects Castle RockAluwind chose Castle Rock in March as its first location for expansion into the United States.

The Denmark-based company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of parts for the wind turbine industry. Its focus is on the advantages provided by aluminum.

Thirty initial employees are expected to begin work here by mid-summer. Plans call for the company to eventually occupy 80,000 square feet of industrial space and to add up to 75 additional workers.

Aluwind selected Castle Rock for its proximity to key industry partners. That selection further connects Castle Rock to the New Energy Economy.

Web-based wedding company makes Castle Rock new homeThe online wedding-planning service mywedding.com moved its corporate headquarters to Castle Rock this year.

The company, founded in Washington in 2002, brought with it 20 high-paying jobs in sales, marketing and management.

Among the reasons the company cited for bringing its headquarters to Castle Rock were proximity to two major markets in Denver and Colorado Springs; access to a highly skilled workforce; and the great quality of life Castle Rock provides its residents.

The website offers local guides, free wedding websites and online tools – including RSVP management, registries, guest e-mailing and expert advice and tips – to couples planning weddings.

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O U T LO O K 2 0 1 066

R E C Y C L E d R O u T i N E

Police workouts – much More with LessDoing more with less has become a common reality across the country and in the Town of Castle Rock, given the economic slowdown.

Some members of the Town Police Department have extended the theme of thriftiness into their fitness routine with what they call the “More With Less Workout.”

Officers are “always trying to come up with more and better ways to work out,” said Sgt. Sam Varela. While discussing workout options one day, someone mentioned the possibility of incorporating old tractor tires into the Police Department’s fitness equipment inventory.

All the fitness equipment officers use has been donated or purchased by officers with personal funds, since there isn’t a budget for fitness equipment.

The More With Less Workout takes the frugality a step further by using items people typically would have to pay to dispose of.

The first piece for the workout – a tractor tire donated last summer – was a “piece of junk,” Varela said.

The crew’s collection has since grown to include tires of every size – from lawnmower tires up to 400- to 500-pound tractor tires – as well as chains, old fire hoses and old steel bars.

It all combines to help form a workout Varela called “killer” and “intense.”

frugal fitness

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It was … demanding and rigorous, it was my kind of workout.

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R E C Y C L E d R O u T i N EA group of about eight regulars completes the grueling workout at least once a week – weather permitting – in the police station’s parking lot. They pull up someone’s car and blast music during the workout, which typically includes six different exercises, done three times each, and lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

Examples of their exercises:

• Flipping a 400-pound tire, jumping in it, jumping out of it and flipping it again

• Doing pull-ups on a ladder tied to an armor truck

• Pulling a tire with a hose tied to it across the parking lot

• Lifting two tires connected by a steel bar above their heads for

“clean and jerks”

• Making “waves” with tow chains for a minute at a time

• Running back and forth across the lot, passing tires back and forth as they go

“you name it, we’ve come up with it,” Varela said.

The group of mostly Emergency Response Team members even has had some fitness enthusiasts from outside the Police Department’s ranks join in the workout, including the owner of a local martial arts studio

and the neighbor of one officer.

Martial arts instructor Scott Carroll has completed the workout three times.

“It was … demanding and rigorous,” he said. “It was my kind of workout.”

His favorite exercise was the tractor tire flips, but he couldn’t take those back to the martial arts school. The exercises did help his training, he said.

The hard work has paid off for the officers, too, Varela said. This year’s SWAT fitness test had some of the best results ever. It’s great for camaraderie, too.

“The great benefit of it is, you get all these guys working out together,” Varela said.

“It costs us nothing, and it’s all out of recycled stuff.”

frugal fitness

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It was … demanding and rigorous, it was my kind of workout.

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O U T LO O K 2 0 1 08

The Town is one of the few full-service municipalities in the Front Range. Providing such services using existing sales tax revenues, user fees and the minimal property tax is challenging – even in the best of economic times.

As detailed in the following pages, several choices will need to be made in accordance with the Strategic Plan to assure the quality of life our residents have come to expect.

B u d g E T u p d AT E

Property tax paid on a $300,000 home in Castle Rock for 2009.

Entity Tax rate Tax amount

dC schools 4.6500% $1,110.42

dC gov’t 1.8744 447.61

dC libraries 0.4044 96.57

Town 0.1705 40.72

disabilities 0.1000 23.88

Cemetery 0.0167 3.99

Where does your tax money go?The average Castle Rock homeowner pays the Town only $40 a year in property tax.

you may think you’re paying more. However, the rest of your property taxes go to the schools, libraries, County, cemetery and metro districts. Town of Castle Rock receives about $1 million in property tax revenue annually.

The Town’s largest source of revenue is sales tax – a revenue source that has been stagnant or declining over the last four years during the recession.

That means that 2010 sales tax revenues are essentially the same as in 2007, which is why the Town has had to reduce spending. We do not project much, if any, revenue growth this year or in 2011.

Another major source of Town revenue is fees paid on new development. Revenue in that area has fallen dramatically since the peak year, 2005, when $32.1 million was collected. Last year, that same source brought the Town only $8.2 million in revenue.

Budget reductions related to the decline in these revenues have included the deferral, downsizing, reduction or elimination of planned capital improvement projects over the past five years.

BREAKiNg iT dOWN

AVERAgE pROpERTY TAxES TO THE TOwN

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The Town received developmenttaxes and fees =

=

2005

2010

$33.1 million

$8.2million

The Town anticipates developmenttaxes and fees

developmenT Taxes & fees

Castle Rock residents have much to be proud of and to enjoy. The quality of life here is second to none, and maintaining that quality of life is important

to everyone.

The choices your Town government makes directly impact the livability of the community.

These choices affect the quality of the parks in your neighborhood and the availability of

Town open space and trails. They impact the safety of Town roadways and the reliability of

police and fire protection and ambulance service. Another major component contributing

to Castle Rock’s quality of life is the Town’s need to secure a reliable long-term source

of water.

A major recession began affecting the country – and the Town of Castle Rock – in 2007.

Since then, Town revenues have been stagnant or declining. As a result, all the services the

Town had been providing – like some recreation and transit services – no longer fit into

the budget.

Many difficult decisions were reached as the Town made nearly $40 million

in cuts leading up to this year:

• Staff positions have been reduced by 13 percent since 2007

• No additional full-time police, fire/ambulance, streets

or parks maintenance positions have been added since 2006

• Recreation and transit services were reduced

• Employees’ pay is frozen this year, and two unpaid furlough

days occurred last year

More tough choices are still to come. Like families locally and

nationwide, the Town has had to rethink its priorities and establish new expectations

within its existing budget. To do that, Town Council adopted a new Strategic Plan.

Core public health and safety services now drive the Town’s annual budgeting and

planning processes. Town Council has established a 14-point strategic direction for the

Town that will best preserve residents’ quality of life and help keep Castle Rock the

charming community so many have grown to love.

Some elements of the plan have more immediate impacts than others. Being aware

of these elements now will best prepare residents for the other changes and choices

that are to come.

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 010

The Town’s portion of the local sales and use tax is scheduled to revert to 4.0 percent from 3.6 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2011. This voter-approved change will increase Town revenue by $2.1 million annually. The Town plans to use this money to support public health and safety services that have been impacted by the slow economy.

1995 sales and use tax

sTaTe CounTy Town ToTal

2.9 + 0.17 + 4.0 = 7.07%

1996: voTeR-appRoved 0.4% Town sales tax decrease through 2010

sTaTe CounTy Town ToTal

2.9 + 1.0 + 3.6 = 7.5%

2007: voTeR-appRoved extension of 0.4% County roads tax through 2030

2011: voTeR-appRoved return to 4.0% Town sales tax

sTaTe CounTy Town ToTal

2.9 + 1.0 + 4.0 = 7.9%

• In 1995, Douglas County voters approved 0.83 percent in sales and use tax increases. Of that tax, 0.4 percent was designated for use on roads, effective through 2010.

• Not wanting the total sales tax in Castle Rock to increase to 7.9 percent, Town Council proposed – and Castle Rock voters approved in 1995 – a 0.4 percent reduction to the Town’s portion of the tax, also effective through 2010.

• Since voters extended the County’s sales tax to 2030 and the Town’s reduction will expire at the end of this year, the Town’s portion of the sales and use tax will return, as scheduled, to 4 percent Jan. 1, 2011.

• This will raise the total sales and use tax in Castle Rock from 7.5 percent to 7.9 percent – an additional 4 cents on every $10 spent.

The history behind this scheduled tax increase:

2.9% State

1.0% County

4.0% Town

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4 CENTS.Such a small amount, you might leave it behind in the penny tray at the store.

But what if 4 cents made a big difference to the quality of life in Castle Rock?

it can.Sales and use tax in Castle Rock is set to go from 7.5 percent to 7.9 percent Jan. 1, 2011, due to decisions by Castle Rock voters. That represents an increase of 4 cents on every $10 spent.

On everyday purchases, the impact will be small. But to the Town, the change will mark a revenue increase of $2.1 million annually.

That money will go directly back into the community, as the Town uses it to support public health and safety services – police, fire and rescue, road maintenance (including snow removal) and park safety – that have been impacted by the slow economy.

Sales tax is the Town’s largest source of tax revenue. Even with the additional revenue figured into financial models, the Town will fall short of the funding needed to maintain its current service levels over the next two decades.

This planned tax increase will help stave off cuts to core services and help sustain the levels of service the Town currently provides.

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 01212 O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

Long-term wATERInsufficient financial capability exists to pay for the Town’s long-term water plan.

The plan is necessary to ensure the community’s long-term water source as a fundamental element of ensuring public health, safety and economic viability.

The Town currently relies on groundwater, which is expensive and nonrenewable. A shift needs to be made to a renewable surface water system.

Town Council will, therefore, plan on submitting to voters a property tax increase and debt authorization dedicated to securing the Town’s long-term water supply. The timing of this election will depend on specific renewable water projects.

Pending further analysis, the property tax increase proposal is expected to be a minimum of 10 mills, perhaps higher. That would generate annual revenues of approximately $6.5 to $7 million annually and cost the owner of a $300,000 home approximately $250 per year.

This dedicated property tax increase would be in addition to necessary continued increases in monthly water rates and fees on new development. However, a property tax increase would

moderate those future increases to some extent.

Also, whether part of this property tax election or a separate election, Town Council will request voters to approve a permanent TABOR de-Brucing of all water revenues.

Funding for pARKS ANd RECREATIONTown Council will restructure the use of the current, voter-approved .25 percent sales and use tax for parks and recreation, beginning this year.

Presently, 100 percent of these revenues are used in support of recreation. Pending further analysis, the amount used for recreation will be reduced and shifted to ensuring the safe operation of Town parks, which includes

maintaining playground equipment and athletic fields to reduce risk of injury.

To achieve this, Recreation Center fees will need to be increased, and services reduced. Implementation is under way.

The Town is not planning to expand the Recreation Center, nor to build additional facilities, unless there is a source of additional revenues to build and maintain a new facility.

Increased efforts will be made to make use of private, metro district, homeowners associations and/or regional facilities to meet the community’s recreation wants and needs.

Should Town Council and/or the community find over time that this revised plan for the existing Recreation Center is not effective or otherwise unacceptable, a tax proposal could be submitted to the voters for consideration.

A revised plan for park and open space priorities already has been completed.

The plan calls for the development of a neighborhood park in Castle Oaks before shifting the focus to large, regional projects. Open space will be acquired when possible, though funding limitations for park development and open space acquisitions exist.

Capital, operating and maintenance costs all will be considered. Until the plan is adopted, no new funding will be budgeted for new park development or additional open space preservation.

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the future of puBLIC TRANSITGeneral tax dollars have been shifted away from transit services as the Town focuses on its mission of ensuring public health and safety.

Town Council had considered putting a question on the November 2010 ballot so residents could choose whether they wanted to support public transit service in Town. Council recently decided that the focus on public health and safety should continue and that a transit election should not be held this year.

The discussion on future transit funding will be reengaged as part of the 2011 budget process this fall.

expanding the TAx BASEThe Town will invest in effective economic development activities to aggressively pursue expansion of the tax base.

Sales tax provides the bulk of the revenue the Town needs to provide core services, like police and fire protection and road and park maintenance.

The Town expects about $24 million in sales tax revenue this year. That’s compared to about $1 million in property tax revenue. (For a $300,000 home, the Town receives about $40 annually in property tax. The rest goes to the schools, libraries, the County, cemetery and metro districts.)

Unfortunately, all major sources of Town revenue have been declining or stagnant during the past four years as the recession has swept through the country.

Attracting and retaining new businesses is critical to the Town’s continued ability to provide the outstanding community services it strives to deliver. In addition, economic development efforts bring more jobs into the community, strengthening the local economy. This also benefits residents by providing more shopping and dining options.

The Town’s ability to pay for new capital improvements is connected to economic development, as the Town relies on development-related revenues to pay for these projects. Development-related revenues also are needed to ensure properly constructed buildings and infrastructure.

Other than increasing taxes and development fees, the only way to increase revenue from these sources is to expand the tax base.

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volunteer

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fire chasercontribution to the community

Firefighting is in Brett Bonomo’s blood. yet, his career is in high-tech communications.

He experiences the best of both worlds by serving as a volunteer firefighter/emergency medical technician for the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department.

The Fire Department has had volunteers since its beginning in 1892 – 11 years after the Town was founded.

Prior to 1993, the only paid positions were chief and fire marshal. The first career firefighter was hired in ’93, and there were about 30 volunteers at that time. The number of volunteers began to trickle down at that point, as paid members were added to keep up with call and service demands of the Town’s growing population.

Today, the department has 70 career members, and Bonomo is the only volunteer firefighter. Two support services volunteers also serve the department.

Firefighting is a family tradition for Bonomo, who lives in Castle Rock with his wife and two children. His father has been involved in the fire service for more than 30 years and now is president of the fire district in Morris, Ill. “As a kid, I responded

with my dad to the firehouse on every interesting call that I couldn’t get to by running or riding my bike,” he said.

In addition, Bonomo’s grandfather was an assistant chief at a fire department in Illinois for about 50 years. His uncle and cousin now are chief and lieutenant, respectively, at that department. And that’s just his father’s side of the family. His mother’s side of the family also is littered with firefighters and fire officers. “The fire service is engrained in our family heritage,” he said. “It was only a matter of time before I got involved.”

He did so in 2004, when he joined the Town department as a volunteer. To do so, he had to obtain several state and local certifications on topics including hazmat awareness, wildland fires and CPR. He also had to commit to serving

at least 36 hours a month.

Like all Town firefighters, Bonomo is assigned to a particular shift, engine company and lieutenant. When on duty, he typically arrives at the firehouse in late afternoon, after work, and spends the night. Sometimes, if his schedule allows, he works 24-hour shifts.

As a volunteer, Bonomo is held to the same performance standards as a career firefighter. He completes yearly goal-setting and performance reviews with his lieutenant and is required to attend quarterly training. On top of that, he has continued his education, and he has made it a personal goal to obtain at least one new certification each year. He also occasionally trains at other area fire departments so he can be as valuable a team member as possible.

15 C R g o v. c o m 2 0 1 0

fire chaser

“”

My experience … is humbling, because the firefighters here are so skilled at what they do.

Because he is a volunteer, Bonomo cannot take the place of a career firefighter on a call. His presence increases his crew’s efficiency by adding an additional responder at no additional cost to the Town.

Bonomo’s day job as a microwave radio salesman leads him to work with many public safety agencies across the country. That experience has revealed to him that his colleagues in Castle Rock are among the best at what they do in the country.

“Being the only active volunteer on a career fire department is incredibly unique and, perhaps, the most rewarding scenario I can imagine,” he said. “My experience … is humbling, because the firefighters here are so skilled at what they do.”

“Just knowing that the community is relying on us to be there when they need help and being able to respond with such a quality crew is rewarding enough for me.”

The Fire Department currently is revamping its volunteer program and, until that is done, no new applications are being accepted. Visit CRgov.com/fire for more information on the department and for updates on volunteer opportunities.

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topSWiNg • PuTT • EAT • LAughShOP • PLAY • gET OuTSidEREd hAWK RidgE hAS iT ALL

4. H A V E A B A L L . Whether you’re planning a golf outing or a retirement celebration, Red Hawk Ridge is a great place to party. Let us plan for your group a full-service tournament or a gathering at our grill. Either one with be carried out with the utmost attention to detail and customer service.

5. S H O p f O R g E A R . The Pro Shop at Red Hawk Ridge is open year-round and carries merchandise from the top brands in golf, including Nike, Titleist, Oakley, Callaway and FootJoy. Gift certificates are offered, and there usually is a sales rack full of discounted goods, so you won’t need to hunt for bargains.

16 O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

Simply Spectacular

Top 10 reasons why your Town golf course, Red Hawk Ridge, should be the next place you play a round or kick back.1. u N m A T C H E d C O N d I T I O N S .

Designed by award-winning course architect Jim Engh, Red Hawk Ridge features extreme elevation changes, rolling terrain and dramatic vistas. Combined with the abundant wildlife, native scrub oak and grasses and beautifully manicured greens, the course offers one of the best playing experiences around.

2. R E S I d E N T p E R K S . Castle Rock residents enjoy cheaper greens fees, no matter the day of the week or time of day. They also can book tee times up to eight days in advance, as opposed to seven days for nonresidents. Take advantage of this being your hometown course. Make sure to check out the new nine-hole rates, which are great for those in a time crunch.

3. g O O d V I E w S , C O L d B R E w S . The course’s Clubhouse Grill offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads and sandwich-style entrees during summer months, along with extensive beverage selections. The mountain views are awesome from both inside the grill and from its expansive patio, and the happy hour prices are hard to beat. Take-out is available for those nights when you don’t feel like firing up the oven, and there’s even a new kids menu for the tots.

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SWiNg • PuTT • EAT • LAughShOP • PLAY • gET OuTSidEREd hAWK RidgE hAS iT ALL

6. L E A R N T H E g A m E . Want to get into golf for personal or professional reasons, but don’t have anyone to teach you the ropes? Let us help. Private, group and corporate lessons are available at good prices from our Professional Golf Association-certified staff members.

7. m A K E N E w f R I E N d S . Red Hawk Ridge has active Men’s and Ladies’ clubs. Both offer tournaments and formats for all levels and abilities. They’re also a great way to meet new people, experience competitive golf and learn more about the game.

8. f u N f A m I LY T I m E . The course’s summertime Parent-Child Nights offer families the chance to play nine holes together. Food is provided, as are range balls to help get everyone warmed up. Join in the fun to make memories that will last a lifetime. Family golf rates also are available any day after 5 p.m. – $30 for adults and $10 for juniors (17 and under) to play nine holes together.

9. C O u p L E S T I m E , T O O . Get a sitter and enjoy golf and dinner for two during Couples’ Night Out events throughout the summer. The format varies each time, and prizes are awarded. The best part is, even the loser doesn’t have to clean up the kitchen.

10. g E T T H E K I d S I N T O T H E g A m E . Red Hawk Ridge’s summer Junior Golf Academy is one of Colorado’s top junior golf programs. It offers many classes and leagues to meet the skills of any skill level. The 2010 academy filled up fast, so be sure to sign up early for 2011.

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O U T LO O K 2 0 1 018

Preserving Castle Rock’s community character is an important goal for the Town.It’s with that goal in mind that the Town recently created a program to honor outstanding building and site design that is consistent with the Town’s character.

Town Council, Planning Commission leaders and the Development Services director in February recognized the recipients of the inaugural 2009 Town Design Awards.

These eight projects honored represent outstanding examples of design, from which Town residents and visitors alike benefit:

Historic Preservation – Sears House, 213 Cantril St. Represents “preservation of historic architectural details to portray the history and heritage of Castle Rock.”

Environmental Project – Joyce Homes’ Feathergrass Development in The Meadows. “Provides a great example of how sustainability techniques and use of modern building materials can be incorporated into a tract home development.”

Residential Remodel – Mikelson Home, 695 N. Lewis St. “Represents an excellent use of old and new construction techniques while respecting the heritage and history of the property.”

Community Center – The Grange, 3692 Meadows Blvd. Incorporated modern construction techniques while using a barn-style building “to enhance the heritage of ranching previously conducted on the property.”

Business Building – Spiral Pointe, 103 Fourth St. “Respects the history and heritage of Castle Rock’s Council-approved design guidelines while incorporating modern construction materials and innovative design elements.”

Commercial/Industrial Site Development – Sunset Stone, 702 Prairie Hawk Drive. “Represents a unique and inspiring solution to a metal industrial building and site expansion.”

Public Facility – Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St. Reused and upgraded an abandoned structure in the downtown core, which was “critical to restoring the health and vitality of our community character and heritage.”

Community Project – Skate Park at Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Road. Promotes social interaction and provides users “with a safe and fun environment to exercise and enjoy outdoor activities.”

2009TOWNDESIGNAWARDS

Sears House Joyce Homes mikelson Home The grange

Spiral pointe Sunset Stone philip S. miller Library Skate park at metzler Ranch

19 C R g o v. c o m

Castle Rock voters in April approved two changes to the Town Charter, which will simplify the Town Council election process starting next year.

The first change will transition Councilmembers from two-year terms to four-year terms. The second will transition the frequency of redistricting from every three years to every six years.

The Community Leadership Group – comprised of former Mayors and Councilmembers and others active in Castle Rock – brought forth the changes after interviewing former Mayors and Councilmembers.

The group said the fact that a new Councilmember could be elected every year under the two-year term structure was disruptive.

The switch to four-year terms will reduce those disruptions. It also will save the Town about $20,000 each year it does not have to hold an election.

The change to four-year terms means that after next year, the Town no longer will hold elections in odd-numbered years.

Councilmembers elected in 2011 will serve three years, and those in 2012 and thereafter, four years. Therefore, elections will be held only in even-numbered years to provide for staggered terms.

Also as part of that change, the appointments for Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem will be effective for two years rather than one starting next year.

The change in redistricting also is being made to help reduce disruption and confusion.

Redistricting only in odd years – and never in an election year – gives prospective Council candidates at least a year to plan for the next election.

Like the term length change, the redistricting change will be phased in. Redistricting already occurred this year. As a result of the ballot question passing, the next redistricting will occur in 2015 and then every six years thereafter.

C h A R T E R C h A N g E S

C O u N C i L terms

Philip S. Miller Local banker and philanthropist Philip S. Miller left a lot of money behind when he passed away in 1995.

The Town is one of several entities that benefits annually from the Philip S. Miller Perpetual Charitable Trust. Children’s Hospital in Denver, Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children in Tampa, Fla., Douglas County, the Douglas County Libraries, Douglas County High School, the Castle Rock Fire Department, the Douglas County 4-H Council and the Douglas County Fair Association also receive funding each year thanks to Miller and wife Jerry’s generous nature.

For the Town, the monies have helped fund numerous community events. They also have been used for public art acquisitions and to put on the Town’s annual July 4 celebrations.

While these projects have been wonderful for the community, Town Council last year decided part of the Town’s trust monies should be used on a project that would leave a lasting legacy to the Millers.

A committee of local high school students, community members and representatives of the Town, County and libraries has been formed with a mission of recommending a legacy project to Town Council.

youth, and opportunities for them, were of great importance to the Millers, so the students are an integral part of the committee. They are soliciting feedback from their peers on what would be the best way to permanently honor the Millers.

The committee is reviewing a number of potential projects and ideas. The group intends to present its recommendation for the project to Town Council by the end of the summer.

Look for an update on the Philip S. Miller legacy project in the fall 2010 edition of Outlook.

C O m m i T T E E A i m S T O h O N O R m i L L E R ’ S L E g A C Y

mayorDISTRICT3

Ryan Reilly Parts of Red Hawk and parts of The MeadowsRyan first elected to Council in 2005. his current term ends in April 2011.

Ryan Reilly’s first year as Mayor is his last year on Town Council, as term limits will prevent him from running again next year.

He has seen good times and not-so-good times since joining Council in 2005.

Among the good: Opening four parks, acquiring several pieces of open space, building two major roads and moving forward with the Town’s long-term water plan, including buying into the Rueter-Hess reservoir in Parker.

The 2010 Strategic Plan (detailed elsewhere in this issue) reflects the Town’s current, less rosy realities. Sticking to that plan and keeping the Town on an even keel are among Ryan’s biggest goals as Mayor.

When he is not representing the Town, Ryan keeps busy working as an independent software developer, building web-based management information systems for the federal government, and trying to keep up with his 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter.

His family, which also includes his wife, Emily, lives in The Meadows. The Reillys enjoy the same aspects of Castle Rock as many other families: the trails, the small-town charm and the fact that it’s close enough to a big city, yet far enough away, too.

They also enjoy faraway places and recently returned from a family vacation spent relaxing in Puerto Vallarta.

“That’s the first vacation we’ve taken in a long time where we’ve done nothing,” he said.

Contact Ryan at rreilly@CRgov.com.

20

councilmembersIf the Town of Castle Rock were a business, Town Council would be its board of directors. Council provides strategic direction for Town staff, led by Town Manager Mark Stevens – the Town’s “CEO.” Stevens oversees a workforce of about 350 full-time employees.

In addition to steering the course for the Town, Council also represents the voices of individual residents. Residents are encouraged to contact their Council representatives with any concerns or questions. Find the members’ contact information at CRgov.com/council.

Council consists of seven members, including the Mayor. Each Councilmember represents the district – or neighborhood – in which he lives. This year brought Castle Rock a new Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and two new Councilmembers. Meet them and the rest of Council on the following pages. The two new members are profiled in the blue columns.

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

21

DISTRICT2

DISTRICT1

Brian Logan The Woodlands, Metzler Ranch and Diamond RidgeBrian first elected to Council in 2010. his current term ends April 2012.

Brian Logan LOVES Colorado.

The native left his home state for three years, and now that he’s back, he will never take his home for granted, he said.

Brian was born in Denver, grew up in Littleton and lived in Castle Rock briefly as a middle-schooler. “I have loved Castle Rock since then and have always dreamed of moving back. When my wife and I were discussing locations for her dental office, I didn’t have a lot of say, but I did insist that it would be in Castle Rock.”

Brian, Sara, Brian’s son Marcus, 6, and four-legged family members Daisy (a chihuahua mix) and Jake (a yellow lab) live in Sapphire Pointe. Brian says he aspires to be the man his dogs think he is.

Though he gravitated toward business classes as a high-schooler, Brian found his career in the outdoors that he loves. He earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management and worked for the National Forest Service and Colorado State University before going to work with a company that provides nuisance wildlife control.

The outdoors also is where Brian recreates. He enjoys trout fishing and hunting as well as ice hockey, softball and golf.

A newcomer to Council, he hopes to learn as much as he can about the Town, its operations, its role and its challenges.

Contact Brian at blogan@CRgov.com

mayor

Paul Donahue The MeadowsPaul first elected to Council in 2008. his current term ends April 2012.

After one term as District 1’s Town Council representative, Paul Donahue sees “a leaner, more efficient Town that is learning to do more with less.”

“Town employees have worked hard to cut expenses and still give great customer service,” he said, “and I am proud of their accomplishments.”

To help with the “revenue crunch” the recession has brought, Paul would like to see more residential and business growth in Castle Rock during his second term.

“I’d like to see more businesses and corporations take advantage of our family atmosphere and bring jobs and convenience to our residents,” he said. “This would … allow us to free up funds for desperately needed repair and maintenance on our streets and equipment.”

Paul serves as Council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce and as the alternate to the Castle Rock Economic Development Council, positioning him well to help make those goals realities.

He sees Council’s biggest challenge as balancing the budget and maintaining the levels of service to which residents have become accustomed.

The best thing about Castle Rock, he said, is the small-town charm.

He, wife, Jennifer, and boys Tanner, 16, Aidan, 14, and Mac, 12, soak in plenty of that charm – particularly at the boys baseball, basketball, track and soccer activities.

Paul has lived in Castle Rock since 1996. He works as a financial adviser with Edward Jones.

Contact Paul at pdonahue@CRgov.com.

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

Chip Wilson Downtown core area and Castle NorthChip first elected to Council in 2008. his current term ends April 2012.

In Latin, pro tem, or pro tempore means “for the time being.”

For the time being, Chip Wilson is Castle Rock’s Mayor Pro Tem. Council appointed him to the position for a year in April.

Being Mayor Pro Tem means that Chip acts as Mayor in the absence of Mayor Ryan Reilly.

“I just thought it was the next logical step to help shape the policy in Castle Rock,” Chip said of his new role.

Chip, a manager with United Airlines, has lived just outside the Craig and Gould area since 1995 with his wife, Terry, and their children, Emily, 12, and Will, 9.

Chip is a native of Massachusetts. He joined the Army after graduating high school and served until after the Gulf War.

He has served as the Council representative for District 4 – which includes Downtown, Castle Highlands and Castle North – since 2008. He is the Council liaison to the Downtown Development Authority, which focuses on making Downtown a destination.

During the next year, Chip said he hopes to see the trend of doing more with less get reversed.

“I’d like to see the pendulum swing and restore a lot of the things we’ve had to take out of our five-year plan,” he said. “I’m tired of doing more with less.”

Contact Chip at chipwilson@CRgov.com.

Mitch Dulleck Founders VillageAfter serving as an appointed Councilman to fill a vacancy, mitch first elected to Council in 2005. his current term ends April 2011.

Before he was a Town Councilman, Mitch Dulleck was a Town Planning Commission member.

Having served the Town in both capacities, Mitch now views working with the Town’s 12 boards and commissions one of the best parts of being a Councilman.

“I think it’s really important that we have the volunteer commissions that help us do our jobs on Town Council,” he said.

There also are aspects of the job he could take or leave. Namely: “THE BUDGET.”

Mitch’s family hasn’t grown since he moved to Founders Village 11 years ago, but he and wife, Kristal’s, two children have grown up; Mackenzie, 14, just graduated from Mesa Middle School and will be a freshman next year at Castle View High School, and Tyler, 17, will be a senior next year at Castle View.

Father and son spend a lot of time together at the lacrosse field – Tyler plays, and Mitch is the junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant coach. Though his day job is working as a senior telecommunications analyst.

Heading into his last year on Council (term limits will prevent him from running again when his seat comes up for election next spring), Mitch has a goal he would like to accomplish before moving on: He would like to see movement toward completing one of the two potential regional parks in Town – either the one on the south side of The Meadows or the one on the northeast end of Town.

Contact Mitch at mdulleck@CRgov.com.

DISTRICT5

m

ayor pro tem

DISTRICT4

22 O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

DISTRICT7

Clark Hammelman Plum Creek, Crystal Valley and South Castle RockClark first elected to Council in 2010. his current term ends April 2012.

Keeping up on personal finance, investing and tax preparation issues are among Clark Hammelman’s hobbies.

So it’s no wonder he wants to be involved with and supportive of economic development work being done in Town as one of Castle Rock’s newest Councilmembers.

Clark has the expertise to back up his interest. He has more than 30 years of public policy and business experience, including work at major telephone companies and five years of service on the Town Planning Commission. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a Master of Business Administration.

The Iowa native lived in New york city, New Jersey, Omaha, Neb., and Washington, D.C., before landing in Littleton in 1987. Clark, wife, Carol, and their now-grown children lived there until Clark retired in 2003. Empty-nesters by then, the couple traveled across the country for a year before selecting Castle Rock – “the best place to live in metro Denver” – as their new home in 2004.

In addition to his financial hobbies, Clark likes to hike, bike, read and travel. He also enjoys working on projects around the house – including a backyard Koi pond he built and maintains.

Perhaps his newest pastime is being a granddad. Granddaughter Ella was born March 24.

Contact Clark at chammelman@CRgov.com.

Joe Procopio – East Founders Village and Castlewood RanchJoe first elected to Council in 2008. his current term expires April 2011.

Outlook readers may remember that Councilman Joe Procopio is a corporate executive, attorney, substitute teacher and lacrosse coach.

He also is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, who completed three combat tours in Vietnam and whose last assignment as a Navy officer was as head of strategy for the Navy in Europe.

Let’s add another unique role to the ever-growing list: gourmet cook.

Joe attended cooking school in Denver once or twice a week for three years before heading to Sicily and Tuscany for additional culinary education.

He used the knowledge to prepare a fundraiser dinner for Opera Colorado. The menu included fava bean soup, lobster ravioli with saffron sauce, pepper-encrusted tenderloin with Marsala sauce and pistachio gelato with chocolate sauce and orange zest.

The spread earned him a standing ovation from all three dining rooms – and the Opera $2,400. “Fun, but exhausting,” Joe said of the experience.

Need to know more? Joe also has recently helped get a new church going in town, Emmaus Anglican.

The father of two and grandfather of six has lived in Castle Rock since 1998. At first, he said, he focused on the physical beauty here. But since, he has realized that the people are what make Castle Rock great.

He sees Council’s biggest challenges as managing growth responsibly; enhancing the transportation networks; and securing a sustainable water supply for the Town.

He wants Castle Rock to remain “a place to live, love and be happy.”

Contact Joe at joepro@CRgov.com.

DISTRICT6

2424 O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

southeast arterial connection road

CONNECTiON

25 C R g o v. c o m

Creek Parkway but also a new railroad bridge to separate rail traffic from vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the reconstruction of the Plum Creek Parkway interchange with Interstate 25.

The Town worked in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation on the interchange reconstruction, which marked the second-largest construction project CDOT was involved with throughout the entire state last year.

The end result of the work has been easier and safer travel across southern Castle Rock. About 2,400 trips are made daily on the new western segment of Plum Creek Parkway, and that number only stands to grow as knowledge of the road increases and the surrounding area fills out.

Both projects were finished on or before schedule and at or under budget. The Southeast Arterial Connection Road cost $7.4 million, and the roadway and bridge on the Southwest Arterial Connection Road project, $11.6 million. The Town also contributed $10 million toward the reconstruction of the interchange.

Much of the funding for the projects came from the voter-approved 2005 Transportation Action Plan bond issue. The North Meadows Extension also is part of that program. Read more about all three TAP projects at CRgov.com/tap.

Plum Creek Parkway grew by about 2 miles last year, with the completion of the Southeast and Southwest Arterial Connection Roads.

The road now spans all the way from Ridge Road in eastern Castle Rock to Wolfensberger Road on the Town’s west side. And in June, an 8-foot-wide multiuse path lining the entire stretch was completed, providing safe and easy cross-Town travel for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Southeast Arterial Connection Road opened last August and now is traveled by about 4,000 vehicles a day. The roadway has several unique features, including a roundabout at the intersection with Ridge Road; a trail underpass where the road crosses a drainageway; and a wildlife crossing to help preserve the habitat of the animals that roam the area. Attractive retaining walls and landscaping were installed to ensure the road blends in with its surroundings.

The Southwest Arterial Connection Road, which opened in December, not only included the new segment of Plum

crosstownNew roads safely move motorists, showcase natural beauty

southwest arterial connection road

26 O U T LO O K 2 0 1 0

A new CRgov.com went online at the end of November, providing visitors with a simpler, cleaner and more inviting website that is easier to navigate.

Town staff worked for nearly a year on the site, which was funded by cutting production of “Castle Rock View,” the Town’s Emmy Award-winning monthly television news magazine.

Staff researched other sites, studied user trends, held focus groups and conducted a survey in order to develop the best site possible. The Innovation and Technology and Community Relations divisions led the project, but representatives from each Town department participated in creating the site.

The resulting site has five focus areas: Living In, Town Government, Doing Business, Visiting and I Want To… The broader focus was added to help spur revenue and tourism in Town and to make the site an even better resource for residents.

“you’ll see it’s not the typical government platform. It’s clean, easy-to-use, and its functionality is state-of-the-art,” said Deputy Town Manager Fritz Sprague, who spearheaded the project. “We want to be accessible to residents and businesses, and we hope this helps to streamline many processes.”

The site has more interactivity than the previous site, which was developed in 2003. Short, informational videos are scattered throughout the pages along with forms that allow users to conduct business such as registering for Water Wiser classes.

Links to the Town’s social networking platforms are prominent on each page, and a snowplow-tracking system and local business directory are among the new features that were not available on the previous CRgov.com. Also part of the new site is an Emergency Alert button, which will notify users of emergencies relating to public safety, severe weather and more.

The site is dynamic and continues to change each day. In fact, the ease of adding, deleting and changing the content is one of the main advantages of the new site.

CivicPlus, the company that built the site, has nearly 500 clients, many of which are local governments. The firm’s expertise was helpful in analyzing trends to prioritize which services were given the most accessible and visible spots on the site.

Subscribers to the Town’s previous site have been transferred over to this site. If you would like to subscribe to receive information on news, events and emergency alerts through the new site, go to the blue area across the bottom of the homepage. Click Subscribe and follow the instructions.

To make suggestions for the site, use the Report A Concern button or e-mail communityrelations@CRgov.com.

LiviNg iN TOWN gOvERNmENT dOiNg BuSiNESS viSiTiNg i WANT TO

RELY on us

you can’t see it now, but it can appear in seconds in case of an emergency. It’s the Emergency Alerts button on CRgov.com. In an emergency – tornado warnings, blizzards, Amber Alerts and more – it will appear on the lower right side of each page, above the image of Castle Rock. It will blink to draw web users’ attention, and users can click it to learn more about the emergency.

CATCH up on Town Council

It’s not always easy to make it to Town Hall Tuesday nights to attend Town Council meetings. Keep informed of the latest action by watching the meetings on the web at CRgov.com/council (follow the link on the left). Regular meetings can be watched the day afterward. Look for live streaming Council meetings to be added to the site soon.

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SHOp local

Buying online may be easy, but supporting local businesses also means supporting your community through sales tax. The Town has made it easier to find businesses to meet all your needs by creating a business directory at CRgov.com/411. The directory includes all businesses that hold a Town business license. It can be searched alphabetically or by category.

INfORmATION at your fingertips

See the Town from a bird’s-eye view and find information on election districts, permitted property uses, snow plowing route priorities and more using the interactive maps at CRgov.com/gis. Follow the links to GIS interactive maps midway down the page.

TALK to us

Spot a pothole? See weeds that need mowing? Know of an animal control issue that should be addressed? Report your concern to the Town via the Report A Concern button on CRgov.com.

LiviNg iN TOWN gOvERNmENT dOiNg BuSiNESS viSiTiNg i WANT TO

C R g o v. c o m

CRgov com

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 028

rainsStormwater division focuses on safe waterways and community responsibility

Everyone has seen water rushing down a street and into a storm drain during a heavy rain or as the sun shines down and melts piles of snow.

Most people don’t put a lot of thought into what happens to that water, but about 10 men and women who work for the Town do – they make up the Utilities Department’s Stormwater Division.

In addition to properly directing stormwater, the team works on flood control, water quality protection and waterway management.

The Clean Water Act and Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain regulations govern a lot of their work. Another driver of projects is the Town’s Stormwater Master Plan, adopted in 2004.

About 10 projects outlined in the plan have been completed. Another 120 remain on the list.

One example is the recently completed Sellars Gulch tributary stabilization (pictured below).

The team worked to put a grade-control structure in the highly erosive area in the stream, protecting the sewer system in the area and also the South Gilbert Street Bridge.

The waterway now is stable and able to sustain a large flood without damage to adjacent properties or the bridge. The work also should keep a trail crossing in the area above water, to pedestrians’ delight.

Sellars Gulch makes up just a fraction of the 54 square miles of creeks and drainageways the division manages, the most predominant of which is the East Plum Creek.

During the past several years, the division has developed plans for all those drainages, including identifying areas that could potentially have long-term problems due to existing and future development.

In addition to this broader waterway management, the stormwater staff works with individual residents on drainage problems. The Town does not fix those problems but helps residents understand them and points them toward resources to address the issues.

Another way the division works with the public is on water quality protection education.

Recently, this has been accomplished through an advertising campaign formed out of a unique local partnership called the Cooperative for Local Environmental Awareness and Responsibility, or CLEAR for short.

Learn more about how everyday actions can affect water quality at onethingisclear.org.

When it

29 C R g o v. c o m

The sparkle in the crown jewel of the Town’s trails system now is a bit brighter.

A 1-mile southward extension of the East Plum Creek Trail was completed early this year.

The new stretch extends south from near the Downtown parking garage on Third Street and parallels the East Plum Creek until the trail’s end near the Safeway on South Perry Street.

The new segment is easily reachable from Downtown’s Festival Park and also has access points on Fair and Wilcox streets. It provides users a close-up look at the unique creek-side habitat within Downtown Castle Rock.

With the segment’s completion, the East Plum Creek Trail spans nearly 6 miles between Castle Rock Middle School and South Perry Street.

Plans call for the trail to be extended even further south in the future.

vOLuNTEERS

While walking on the East Plum Creek Trail one day, a Town employee noticed many of the colorful, hand-painted tiles decorating the Perry Street underpass had been broken by vandals.

She wondered what could be done to replace the tiles, which were painted by area residents during the 2000 Artfest.

Around the same time, 17-year-old Josh Ryan of Castle Rock (pictured) was looking for an Eagle Scout service project.

The Town staffer who noticed the broken tiles notified the Parks and Recreation Department’s volunteer coordinator of the need for the tiles’ restoration. The coordinator mentioned the dilemma to Josh, and his project was born.

Josh’s project consisted of three parts: 1) Removing the stones that lined the trail, which the vandals had been using to break the tiles (Town Parks staffers filled in the void that was left with concrete); 2) Removing the 80 or so broken tiles on the underpass; and 3) Installing new tiles in place of the broken tiles.

The entire community pitched in to help Josh with part three. The Town partnered with Josh to sponsor pottery labs at which residents painted tiles for Josh to add to the underpass.

Jackie Gray and her children Skyler, 8, and Tanner, 5, (pictured) were among those who participated.

The craft-loving mom painted Castle Rock on her tile. Skyler decorated her tile with a deer in the woods, and Tanner painted a train on his.

“My kids had a blast painting at the Rec Center and wanted to do more,” Jackie said. “We thought this was a pretty cool project and enjoyed it very much.”

The kids especially enjoy seeing their tiles while riding bikes on the East Plum Creek Trail with their dad, Kevin.

“They always get a kick out of seeing their artwork,” Jackie said. “I just think it’s great to be able to leave our mark in different, creative ways. It’s also exciting to show friends and family.”

Take a trail break

add color

O U T LO O K 2 0 1 030

TimEMayor Randy Reed and former Mayor Pro Tem and District 6 Councilman Douglas Lehnen stepped down after April’s election due to term limits established by state law.

Several representatives from the local business and government sectors and from regionwide cooperatives attended the pair’s last meeting

to recap their successes and wish them well.

“We come to the meetings because we have a personal agenda,” local land developer

Martin Redeker told the pair. “you guys came because you

became a part of the Town, with the Town’s interests in mind.”

While in office, the two saw infrastructure projects including the Front Street Flyover, Southeast and Southwest Arterial Connection Roads and Festival, Gemstone, Rhyolite Regional and Bison parks completed. They also helped plan for the Town’s

long-term water needs, including the

construction of the Ray Waterman Regional

Water Treatment Plant and the purchase of

storage capacity in the Rueter-Hess Reservoir.

Both served as liaisons to numerous boards and commissions. Reed represented the Town on the Metro Mayors Caucus, Douglas County youth Initiative and Partnership of Douglas County Governments, among others, and Lehnen on the Denver Regional Council of Governments, South Metro Water Authority and Rocky Mountain Rail Authority.

Both were regarded as strong supporters of the local business community as well. Lynn Myers, director of economic development for the South East Business Partnership, said the two did a “fabulous job.” “you’ve been leaders in a challenging economic time with thoughtfulness and humor and led a great Council and great staff,” she said.

When he took the mic, Lehnen thanked his wife, Karen, and also the Town staff for the great job it did during his tenure. Reed joined him in thanking staff, his wife, Hattie, and also his fellow Councilmembers.

“It’s been my absolute pleasure and honor to serve on the Town Council here,” Reed said. “I’m very happy that I chose to go on this endeavor and more happy that the people voted me in to do that and that my fellow Council people gave me the honor of being the Mayor for four years.”

former mayor randy reed

With much applause and appreciation – and with a few laughs, too – Castle Rock bid a bittersweet farewell in April to its two most experienced Town Councilmembers.

31 C R g o v. c o mSOuRCES: CRgov.com, CastleRock.org, DowntownCastleRock.com, DCLibraries.org and Douglas.co.us/eventscenter

mid-JuLY

10-11 Relay for Life, 24 hours, Douglas County Fairgrounds.

10 Starlight Summer Movie No. 2, “Star Trek”, 6:30-10 p.m., Festival Park. Street festival at 6:30 p.m., movie at dusk.

17 Rhyolite Downhill youth cycling race, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Rhyolite Regional Park.

21 Music in The Meadows, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Butterfield Crossing Park.

24 Keep Douglas County Green electronics recycling and sensitive document shred-a-thon, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Burt.com Stadium, 11901 Newlin Gulch Road, Parker.

24 Castle Rock WineFest, noon-6 p.m., The Grange.

24 Castle Rock ‘n’ Rollers roller derby bout, 6 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds.

30 Teen fashion design contest runway show, 7-8:30 p.m., Philip S. Miller Library.

The Castle Rock farmer’s market is back! saturdays from July 10 through oct. 2, 8 a.m. - noon. Buy the region’s freshest produce and sample great homemade salsas and sauces, honey and herbs!

AuguST

1-8 Douglas County Fair and Rodeo, Douglas County Fairgrounds. Visit douglascountyfairandrodeo.com for full details.

4 Music in The Meadows, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Butterfield Crossing Park.

7 Douglas County Fair Parade, 10 a.m., Downtown Castle Rock.

8 Fido Fest, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Festival Park.

14 Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., 3270 Redstone Park Circle in Highlands Ranch.

15 Centura Health groundbreaking and community celebration, 1-4 p.m., Centura Health at The Meadows.

21 Fall Frenzy youth triathlon, 8 a.m., Paintbrush Park and The Grange.

21 Ride the Ridge youth cyclocross race, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Memmen Ridge Open Space.

21 Pedal the Moon moonlight bike ride, 8:30 p.m., East Plum Creek Trail.

SEPTEmBER

4 Starlight Summer Movie No. 3, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” 6:30-10 p.m., Festival Park. Street festival at 6:30 p.m., movie at dusk.

11 Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Castle Rock Utilities Building.

11 Pooch Plunge, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Butterfield Crossing Pool.

11-12 Castle Rock Artfest, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m Sunday, Downtown Castle Rock.

17 Sassy Soiree fashion show and auction to benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds.

23 Water Wiser workshop, 9-11:30 a.m., Town Hall.

24 Author reception for One Book, One Castle Rock, after library hours, Philip S. Miller Library. This year’s book is “The Christopher Killer” by Alane Ferguson of Elizabeth.

25 Castle Rock ‘n’ Rollers roller derby bout, 6 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds.

OCTOBER

1-3 Castle Rock Film Festival, times vary, Douglas County Fairgrounds. Visit castlerockfilmfestival.com for tickets and other details.

1-3 Quilt exhibit, all day, Philip S. Miller Library.

2 Oktoberfest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Festival Park.

15 Front Range art reception, 6-8:30 p.m., Philip S. Miller Library. Featuring art works by local artists, which will be on exhibit Oct. 9-Nov. 3.

23 Punkin’ Chuckin’, 9 a.m.-noon, location TBD in The Meadows.

23 Spooktacular festival, 1-3 p.m., Recreation Center.

23 Castle Rock ‘n’ Rollers roller derby bout, 6 p.m., Douglas County Fairgrounds.

29 Trick or Treat Street, 2-5 p.m., Downtown Castle Rock. Trick-or-treating at Downtown shops and a costume contest and more at Festival Park.

30 Pumpkinfest, 1-3 p.m., The Grange.

E v E N T Sin Castle Rock

Get out and enjoy the

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

PRSRT STDU.S.POSTAGE

PaidCASTLE ROCK, CO

PERMIT NO. 26

Wonder what it’s like180 fEET uNdER wATER?Well, this is your opportunity to see – no scuba gear required. Castle Rock residents are invited to take a self-guided driving tour of Rueter-Hess Reservoir – before it’s filled with water.

Rueter-Hess is key to Castle Rock’s long-term water supply. The Town has partnered with Parker Water and Sanitation District, Castle Pines North Metro District and the Stonegate Valley Metro District on the project, scheduled for completion in 2012. This will be one of the biggest water-supply reservoirs to be constructed, in Colorado and along the Front Range in decades.

We’ll have exhibits and water experts on hand to answer your questions. We hope you join us:

Rueter-hess Reservoir 9343 Newlin Gulch Road

Parker

Saturday, Aug. 7 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Reservations are not required. Visit CRgov.com/rhtour for updates, maps and more details. Please note: If it rains, this event will be canceled.