Read the stories from the latest issue:
Due to the high growth rate in Douglas County, many schools are struggling with overcrowding even while maintaining a four-track calendar. In the 2005 school year, DCSD gained 3000 students; this is the largest single year increase ever experienced in the District. With the enrollment trends, the DCSD must manage to build schools to meet…
The first Timber Trail Elementary Silent Auction will be held Sunday, March 19th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Sonoma’z Grill at the Marriott Denver South, 10345 Park Meadows Drive. There will be hors d’ouvres, live entertainment, a cash bar, and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Timber Trail’s Science and “Read to Succeed” programs. Contact Christine…
NOTE: “The application deadline for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept. Community Safety Volunteer Program has been extended to March 31, 2006.” Citizens interested in applying for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Community Safety Volunteer Program must submit applications for the April academy by March 31, 2006. Applications are available online at www.dcsheriff.net or at the Sheriff’s…
The CPN community consists of more than 30 individual neighborhood HOAs, each with its own Board of Directors, set of covenants (rules and regulations), Management Company, and dues billing. Each board determines the priorities for its particular neighborhood. The services provided by the individual HOAs vary, but many include: trash collection; maintenance of common areas,…
“April showers bring May flowers,” obviously doesn’t apply to a typical springtime in the Rockies. In fact, most Colorado natives will tell you that if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait an hour and it will change. Residents of this beautiful state experience year-round sunshine, low humidity, and a semi-arid climate. Newcomers may…
With the beginning of the 2006-07 school year, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) will be moving to a year-round four-track school calendar. TTE opened its doors with a traditional calendar in the fall of 2003. At that time, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) projected a calendar change to four-tracks by 2005. To avoid switching to…
Colorado school report cards have been published in the local media, and across the board CPN schools performed at the top. Compared to other districts in the state, the entire Douglas County School District DCSD ranked with top performing schools in 2005. The report is based on two different categories – overall academic performance, which…
Philip S. Miller Library, located at 100 S. Wilcox Street in Castle Rock, will be featuring the works of local artists from February 10th to March 31st. An opening night reception will be held on Friday, February 10th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Castle Pines North resident Mary Williams will have four pieces of…
The Douglas County School District uses tracks and mobile classrooms to manage the peaks in growth of student populations as neighborhoods grow and mature, as do other Colorado School Districts. Switching to tracks allows the school to enroll 25 percent more students. This pattern of growth compares to a bell curve. When the school is…
For years it has been widely known that Castle Pines Parkway will some day connect Castle Pines North with Parker. In fact, Douglas County has plans that link Parker’s Stroh Road with Castle Pines Parkway at Exit 188 east of Interstate 25. The problem with the existing plans has been aligning the road across the…
Coaches who need a field for team practice this spring should make sure to contact the Castle Pines North Metro District and reserve one of the three locations. CPN has three fields available to all residents including: The Retreat Park, Daniel’s Gate Park, and Coyote Ridge Park. Several soccer, baseball, softball, football and lacrosse teams…
Non-stop snowfalls are bringing record-breaking numbers of tourists to the Rocky Mountains for some of the best skiing seen in years. Just in time for the flocks of spring break skiers heading to the mountains for fresh powder, Colorado has a new choice in low cost airlines at Denver International Airport. Whether flying in to…
Cindi Leitch, learning specialist from Timber Trail Elementary (TTE), was recently chosen as the finalist to represent the Rock Canyon feeder area at the upcoming Apple Awards. Leitch was picked as one of seven finalists from 60 Apple Award nominees from schools throughout Douglas County. Leitch started with TTE as a member of the core…
The American Academy PTO will sponsor an inaugural Spring Gala and Auction to benefit the students of American Academy. The event is set for Saturday, April 29, at the Marriott Denver South on 10345 Park Meadows Drive. The theme is “An Evening Under the Stars” and is the premier fundraising event for the school. With…
On Tuesday, February 14, 2006, a mountain lion was spotted near Daniel’s Gate. The large cat was seen slinking through the grass on the northwest side of Monarch Boulevard between the Daniel’s Gate subdivision and Rocky Heights Middle School. Other sightings have also been reported in the same area. Mountain lions are most active between…
Summer may be months away, but local sport leagues are already filling fast! Here are just a few of the local sports organizations that serve the Castle Pines North area. Castle Rock Recreation Some of the summer leagues being offered at the Castle Rock Recreation Center include baseball, t-ball, softball, and summer swim team. The…
Looking for a unique and special way to spend Mother’s Day? The Cherokee Ranch and Castle will be hosting two Mother’s Day teas this May. Reservations fill quickly and early booking is encouraged. Spend the day with Mom touring the romanticized replica of a Scottish Castle and the unique collection of artifacts housed in its…
In 2005, the Castle Pines North Master Association began monitoring public safety dispatch calls for the community. Information is gathered monthly from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and complied in nine categories which include: traffic, accidents, DUIs and road hazards; suspicious vehicles, incidents or person; residential and commerical alarms; rescued, lost or animal complaints;…
Know a mother who gives freely of herself and her time for others, but may not take time to pamper herself? Interested in bringing a smile to her face in a whole new way? Castle Pines Family Dentistry wants to help. They are currently accepting nominations for their 2006 Mother’s Day Smile Makeover. The doctors…
For many, Spring Break will fall sometime in March. Many Castle Pines North residents are looking for activities that will entertain the whole family. Here are a number of options close to home, as well as to CPN’s north and south. Recreation Sir Bouncealots and Castle Crafts Café is located at 3194 N Industrial Way…
Barry Meigs, the principal of Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) for the past five years, announced in November, 2005 that he is retiring at the end of the 2006 school year. In his career at BRE, Meigs counts the improvement of the school’s curriculum as one of his accomplishments. “Our curriculum is aligned better. That means…
The mast arms are up, the control boxes are in, but no lights are in operation at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Yorkshire Drive. According to Douglas County Public Works Principal Traffic Engineer, Alex Larson, “best case scenario is for the light to be operational in two to three weeks.” In the beginning…
The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) newspaper staff took home the title of class 3A State champions for their 2004-2005 volume of “The Rock.” In total, RCHS won five first-place awards and five second-place awards, including second in the “Best of Show” competition in class 4A. With 800 students attending RCHS, the school will be…
The Canyons development, which lies to the east of Castle Pines North across Interstate-25, is divided into two separate sections. The northern portion extends from the Castle Pines Parkway interchange south to Crowfoot Valley Road. Canyons South fills the land between Crowfoot Valley Road and the new Pradera neighborhood. The sketch plan for the 2,043-acre…
Extreme spring weather fluctuations can harm bulbs and perennials that are laying dormant underground. What happens during the drastic weather changes in late winter and early spring is referred to as “frost-heaving.” Frost-heaving occurs when garden soils expand and contract through the process of freezing and thawing. If this continues, eventually plant roots and new…
The second annual Holiday Carriage Rides, brought to you by the Castle Pines North Master Association, sold out in just three days! “The event was such a hit last year that we added additional nights and rides this year”, said Carla Kenny, Social Events Planner for the CPN Master Association. “With temperatures hitting the single…
The next Castle Pines North new residents Welcome Coffee is set for March 1st at 7 p.m., at BB’s Coffee House in Village Square Shopping Center. The quarterly Welcome Coffees, presented by the CPN Master Association, are designed to communicate important facts and information to all new residents, and to welcome them to our community.…
Vinny DiPasquale’s life is a little slower these days after his almost 1,400 mile journey to Gulfport, Mississippi last December to deliver toys to an elementary school housing victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 15-year-old Rock Canyon High School student undertook the project to earn his Eagle Scout badge from Troop 316 in Castle Pines. Vinny…
The CPN Master Association is a community-wide HOA that unifies and represents all the individual neighborhoods within the community, while enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents. The Master Association communicates important information to the community via newsletter (“The Connection”), web site (www.cpnhoa.org), and e-mail alerts. This area saw major improvements last year,…
Who: Students, teachers, parents, families, and the public are invited to attend What: A celebration of the various visual and performing arts represented at RCHS When: Thursday, February 23: 7:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Rock Canyon High School, 5810 McArthur Road Why: Students, parents, teachers, an…
T-Mobile to Join CPN Cellular Upgrades T-Mobile is improving cellular phone service to the CPN community by installing a new 45-foot “monopine” tower disguised as a pine tree, similar to the one pictured on the left. Area Development Manager for T-Mobile, Darcy Rushing-Estes, is working with the Douglas County Planning, Zoning and Building Departments to…
As of press time, the new traffic signal at Castle Pines Parkway and Yorkshire Drive was being installed. In early 2005, construction began on the long-awaited traffic signal. Upon completion, the new traffic signal will feature video detection to trigger the left turn lane, as well as a countdown timer for safer pedestrian traffic. Special…
The Castle Pines North Metro District recently began construction of a new skateboard park located north of the main parking area at Coyote Ridge Park. According to Metro District Parks and Open Space Manager Charlie Fagan, “Skateboarding is one of the top three most requested park needs. It gives kids and adults a controlled, safe…
The Rocky Heights Nighthawks Gold team was recently crowned the 2005 State Middle School Champions of Inline Hockey. The Gold team, in an undefeated season, won the title from last year’s champions, ThunderRidge Middle School in an 8-4 win in December. Pictured above are CPN residents (from left to right) Thomas Hernandez, defenseman Gold team,…
Residents’ Task Force Examines Possible Uses of Undeveloped Parcels Castle Pines North is close to the end of home building; however, there are many questions about the various undeveloped parcels throughout CPN and adjacent areas. New CPN Completion Task Force Formed Recently, a Community Completion Task Force comprised of CPN residents was formed to examine…
HOA board members and managers have been busy implementing a new State law that requires HOAs to adhere to certain guidelines about how they operate – including requirements for enhanced communication, annual disclosures, and mandatory written policies and procedures, to name a few. SB100 was passed by the Colorado Legislature in 2005, and is now…
Castle View Park, a 21-acre park project at Castle Pines Parkway and Yorkshire Drive, was delayed last fall due to land acquision issues. The Castle Pines North Metro District has now obtained one of the two missing parcels needed for Castle View. In late December, 5.3 acres of land was transferred to the Metro District…
Jamie Moore, Emergency Management Director for Douglas County, will be speaking at the next Master Association meeting on Thursday, February 16th at 7 p.m., at the Community Center. All CPN residents are welcome to attend. Moore will be discussing emergency notification procedures, evacuations and other key Homeland Security information. HOA delegates and board members are…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recently released information about an attempted Mail Box Cluster theft in Highlands Ranch. Although not specific to CPN, the press release is a good reminder for residents to take precautions with regard to mail. For tips on how to better protect your mail click here.
One child goes missing in the United States every 40 seconds, 24-hours-a-day, 365 days per year. Last November, two attempted child abductions were reported in Douglas County. These incidents occurred in the Towns of Castle Rock and Parker; but children everywhere should consistently be reminded of the dangers that confront them daily. One Castle Rock…
The Performing Arts Department of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) will present the classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical, The Sound Of Music, in March. This is the first major musical to be staged at RCHS, and many faculty, professionals and students will be a part of this historic event. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m.…
Buffalo Ridge Elementary Buffalos Timber Trail Elementary Timber Wolves Chants of “TIMBER TRAIL” and “B-R-E” filled the packed gym of Rock Canyon High School Thursday January 26. Families waited in line to purchase tickets to watch the teacher and staff of Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) face off on the kickball…
Highland Heritage Regional Park 9651 S Quebec – Littleton, CO 80130 Fairgrounds Regional Park 500 Fairgrounds Drive – Castle Rock, CO 80104 Challenger Regional Park 17299 E. Lincoln Avenue – Parker, CO 80134 Red Stone Park Santa Fe and Highlands Ranch Parkway – for more information on this park call the Highlands Ranch Metro District…
In early 2005, construction began on the long-waited traffic light at the intersection of Yorkshire and Castle Pines Parkway, and the first months of 2006 will bring about its completion. Residents’ inquiries into the project began when the median on Yorkshire Drive at the Royal Hill entrance was removed and HOA1 relocated the trees from…
Meet the McDowells Hailey, Scott, Theresa, and Logan Castle Pines North will soon be the new home for Castle Cones Ice Cream and Cakes, holding its grand opening Valentines Day, the shop will feature soft serve ice cream and ice cream products. Each week, the shop will feature a fruit-flavored sherbet. Customers looking for lunch…
Castle Pines North families with children starting kindergarten in the 2006-2007 school year mark your calendars. Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) are enrolling kindergarteners the week of January 24. Children must be five-years-old by September 15 in order to be eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall. Families with a kindergartener…
Denver, CO (December 1, 2005) – How can you make a difference for thousands of homeless pets in our community? Tune in and pledge your support for the Dumb Friends League 8th annual Pledges for Pets Telethon, presented by Hill’s Science Diet®, on Sunday, January 29, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on KTVD-TV/UPN20. In…
Dear Douglas County Neighbor: As your Sheriff, I would like to inform you of certain criminal activities that are occurring throughout Douglas County. The most common type of burglary that we are seeing in Douglas County are burglaries associated with open garage doors or doors at a residence that are not locked or secured. The…
Three State Parks in Douglas County are under an open fire ban. Chatfield, Roxborough, and Castlewood Canyon State Parks all fall under the guidelines issued in the ban. All outdoor fires, such as campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, fireworks and any other activity that poses a considerable risk of starting a fire are prohibited…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for its assistance in identifying a check forgery suspect. The Suspect has been targeting local King Soopers and Wal-Mart’s in Douglas County and surrounding areas. The suspect is described as: White male In his 30’s 6’02” 230lbs Tattoo on his left hand Possibly associated with a…
The weather in Colorado is a representation of extremes. The winter months of January and February can be some of the state’s driest, while March and April bring record breaking snow falls. To date, this year has been no exception. The dry windy conditions that have been blowing across the state are not only causing…
“The application deadline for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Dept. Community Safety Volunteer Program has been extended to March 15, 2006.” Beginning in April 2006, citizens interested in volunteering in the area of public safety will have the opportunity to participate in a new program through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The Community Safety Volunteer Program…
Douglas County started installing the poles for the long-waited traffic light at the intersection of Yorkshire and Castle Pines Parkway.
Rocky Heights Inline Hockey Club Plays for State Championship Congratulations to 30 Rocky Heights students for a great season playing in the Colorado Middle School Inline Hockey League. Two of the club’s teams will be playing in the State Finals this Saturday, December 10th at Express Sports, 8412 N. Huron St. in Thorton, CO. The…
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is once again playing Santa and helping families in need this holiday season with their annual fundraiser “Christmas for Kids”. Deputies delivered gifts to nearly 30 families and over 100 children as well as supplies that were collected for the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center on December 14th and…
During the last two weeks of November, two attempted child abductions were reported in Douglas County. One of these incidents occurred on November 22nd, in Castle Rock near the vicinity of South Elementary. The other incident occurred near Legacy Point Elementary in Parker, the week of November 26th. According to a recent letter from Larry…
CONTACT #1: Public Information Officer, Lt. Alan Stanton, 303-660-7586, pgr. 303-208-5233 CONTACT #2: RELEASE DATE: 12/15/05 RELEASE TIME: 1:15 p.m. CASE NUMBER: WHAT: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Drug Violations at Mountain Vista High School Involving Juveniles who were in Possession. NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO – On December 15, 2005, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office…
Used cars, signs for ski lift tickets, even huge yard art statues have been for sale in the vacant lot found just off the I-25 interchange at the Castle Pines Parkway exit. This parcel of land is privately owned and is under the zoning jurisdiction of Douglas County. Prior to the overpass reconstruction at I-25,…
Victory has been running rampant in Douglas County! Two local high schools sent their football teams to the State Championship playoffs for both the 4A and 5A divisions Saturday, December 3rd at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium. ThunderRidge won its second consecutive State Championship Title for the 4A division. Douglas County High School, for…
Residents of the community recently met with Ron Skarka, Vice President of Planning for Village Homes to discuss alternatives for CC-20. The meeting was precipitated by a letter from the Castle Pines North Metro District to Village Homes. Village Homes and Pinark, LLC, the owners of the 15.7 acres of land on the northwest corner…
Castle Pines North Residents are invited to join Christ the King Church each Sunday through Christmas as they explore the wonders of the world of “Narnia,” based on C.S. Lewis’ classic book, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The series will begin November 27 and end on Christmas Day. “I believe there is an…
County Planner Brad Mueller has left the Douglas County Planning Department. Mueller, who served Douglas County for six years and worked on many projects both for Castle Pines North and other areas that directly affect the community. Most recently, Mueller worked on the CC-20 parcel at the corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway.…
The Castle Rock Recreation Center’s expansion and improvement plan has been progressing during the past two years, and is almost complete. Enhancements expected to be completed this year include a remodeled and expanded circuit room, free weight room, cardiovascular area, family changing room, and a two-story addition. “The two-story addition includes three new toddler rooms…
Master Association Thursday, December 8, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 7 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m. and other meetings typically every third Thursday. Metro District Board Monday, December 19, 7 p.m. Monday, January 16, 7 p.m. Monday, February 20, 7 p.m. and every third Monday Parks Authority Thursday, December…
On the night of November 15, the BP station and convenience store, located in Castle Pines North on Debbie Lane, officially changed hands and is now owned by Conoco. British energy giant BP, is completely withdrawing from the entire state of Colorado. According to the Conoco manager, James Thatcher, the gas station and convenience store…
Tucked in a dell just to the east of I-25 at Exit 191 sits an 1800s ranch house and barn that passing vehicles may notice when traveling the interstate. This vintage ranch is a piece of Douglas County’s past. Schweiger Ranch, also known as the Happy Canyon Ranch, was recognized for the history the land…
The Cherokee Ranch and Castle is hosting annual holiday teas again this December. Traditionally, holiday teas at the Castle sellout by mid-July, but there are still a few spots available for the teas being held on December 21st and 23rd. All teas include scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, pastries, and sweets, as…
Travelers on E-470 will need some extra change in their car beginning January 1, 2006. Most toll booths along E-470 will increase by 25 cents. Ten booths currently charge 75 cents and will not see an increase in the coming year. The rates at the five main toll plazas, along with 22 ramp toll booths…
Parents juggle work schedules with valuable family time constantly. The desire to stay home with young children and the need to head off to a job outside the home plagues many families where both parents have jobs away from home. Castle Pines North residents, Lee Ann and Bryan Hilgendorf were no strangers to these struggles.…
In November, members of the Castle Pines North CC-20 Committee met with Ron Skarka, Vice President of Planning for Village Homes. Village Homes has withdrawn previously submitted development plans due to community objections. CC-20 is the 15.7 acres of commercially-zoned land on the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, owned by Village…