Read the stories from the latest issue:
by Lorraine Masonheimer Esperanza, a peninsula of 58 homes nestled in a valley between WinterBerry and Tapadero, is a gated community developed by Richmond Homes. The signature gates recently received medallions with a cursive “E” at Esperanza’s entrance located at Monarch Boulevard and Esperanza Drive. Mike Dunker has served as president of the Homeowners Association…
by Lisa Crockett The planned Ridgegate interchange, located South of Lincoln and north of the Surrey Ridge exit was slated to begin construction in June, but has been temporarily put on hold. The Ridgegate project will handle the increase in traffic that will result from the planned closure of exit 191 and the Surrey Ridge…
Article submitted by the Castle Crocs Swim Team Castle Pines North children spent the hot summer days working on swim stroke development, connecting with neighborhood friends, and improving times for the reward of a Castle Cones ice cream cone. Having competed in five dual meets, the Crocs were proud to bring home three wins. In…
Xcel North-South Powerline Corridor by Lane Roberts Xcel Energy is set to begin construction at the Daniel’s Park substation the week of August 6. Initial work on the project includes the installation of grading, erosion and sedimentation control measures approved by Douglas County. Grading at the substation is scheduled for the week of August 13.…
by Lane Roberts As of press time, Douglas County District Court was set to hold a brief hearing on the “Revenue Sharing and Settlement Agreement” between Castle Pines North (CPN) and Castle Pines Village (VILLAGE). The agreement, heard by the court on July 25, was signed on June 7 by representatives from both CPN and…
by Elean Gersack Amazing Animals – Pangi the Parrott, Drifter the Dog and Mudslinger the Pot Belly Pig – wowed the crowd in HOA2 on Sunday, June 10. The animals performed with their trainer, John Vincent. The HOA2 Social Committee sponsored this free event for their neighborhood. Mudslinger the Pot Belly Pig (above) jumps the…
The new CPN bakery also sells gifts, greeting cards and books. (photo by Lorraine Masonheimer) The Bundt Shoppe 7437 Village Square Drive—Castle Pines North Telephone – 303-814-0149 Web – www.thebundtshoppe.com Open – Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost $3.25—$38.95 by Lorraine Masonheimer Castle Pine North’s (CPN)…
by Elean Gersack Effective June 1, 2007, Jason Ortman, O.D., assumed Castle Pines Family Eye Care from prior owner, Jeffrey Butts, O.D., who has relocated outside of Colorado. During the past five years, Dr. Ortman practiced in Lakewood, Colorado. He completed undergraduate studies at Indiana University and received his Doctor of Optometry at The Ohio…
by Lisa Crockett The Citizens for the Preservation of Castle Pines North committee (CPNPC) is a group of citizens working together to advocate and inform all residents of Castle Pines North (CPN) of all the facts pertaining to the question of incorporation. CPNPC welcomes participation from any concerned citizens in CPN in the following areas:…
Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver by Terri Wiebold A citizen’s committee formed by Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver recently presented two recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration as ballot issues for this November 2007 election: The LEA (Law Enforcement Authority) Mill Levy should be increased 1.5 mills (from 4.5 to 6.0) for…
Saturday, August 11 – Shea Stadium, located at 3720 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 22 – Castle Rock Utilities Building, 175 Kellogg Drive, Castle Rock – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For maps to the drop-off locations or for more information about what items will and will…
Michaels Craft Store is just one of many new shopping options under construction in Castle Rock’s northern quadrant. (photo by Lisa Crockett) by Lisa Crockett Whether looking to cash a check, knit a sweater or build an addition to a home, new shopping options in Castle Rock abound. A flurry of construction in Castle Rock’s…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Daniel’s Gate residents recently asked the Metro District to relocate the “vault” restroom facility planned for Daniel’s Gate Park to lessen the impact for homes in the area. The original site placed the facility next to the parking lot. In June, the Metro District Board of Directors unanimously agreed to move the…
CONSUMER BULLETIN August 21, 2007 SEX OFFENDER NOTICES Homeowners throughout Colorado are finding notices taped to their doors stating that a known sex offender has moved into their neighborhood. The notice directs them to a website, www.neighborhoodredalert.com. The website offers for a fee to notify you when a sex offender moves into your neighborhood. The…
by Terri Wiebold South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) has undergone some major changes in the past few months, but one change is of particular interest and benefit to residents in the Castle Pines North (CPN) community. On July 15, the ambulance once based at Station 36 – located at 421 Castle Pines Parkway – returned…
The Douglas/Elbert Task Force, a non-profit agency providing emergency assistance to those at risk of homelessness, needs volunteers in its Thrift Store and Food Bank. Task Force volunteers work in Thrift Store donations intake, sort, price and stock store merchandise, cashier and assist in the Food Bank. Volunteers receive training, mentoring, store discounts, gifts certificates…
Information provided by the Castle Pines North Metro District July 30, 2007 The Castle Pines North Metro District is sending you this brief update on activity that you may be noticing in your neighborhood. In addition to supplying continual behind-the-scenes water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure services, the District maintains recreational and aesthetic amenities enjoyed…
by Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association presented its annual Summer Movie in the Park on August 25, at Coyote Ridge Park. The movie, co-sponsored by Dr. Andrew Dunbar of Castle Pines Orthodontics, featured the 2006 version of “Charlotte’s Web”. Families brought sleeping bags, blankets, and chairs and sat back to enjoy…
by Terri Wiebold Earlier this year, The Connection reported on a new cellular tower proposed to be built at the south end of The Ridge Golf Course parking lot. The 19-inch diameter, 35-foot tall tower was designed with a shoe-box style light mounted near the top, similar to those found in grocery store parking lots.…
by Terri Wiebold The Kiwanis Club of Castle Pines will host its third annual golf tournament at The Ridge Golf Course in Castle Pines North on Thursday, September 13. The cost is $200 per person, which includes an amazing day of golf and an awards dinner at The Ridge Restaurant. Proceeds from the tournament go…
by Elean Gersack The Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association will present the 2007 Summer Movie in the Park, featuring “Charlotte’s Web” at Coyote Ridge Park on Saturday, August 25. The movie will begin around 8:30 p.m. This 2006 G-rated version, starring Dakota Fanning, is a remake of the story by E.B. White. Bring the…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wendy Manitta Holmes Director of Public Affairs Douglas County (303) 880-7785 OR Susan Baird Denver Parks and Recreation (720) 913-0617 August 22 Event Hosted By Douglas County and Denver Parks and Recreation Castle Rock, CO……A jewel in the crown of the Denver Mountain Parks System in Douglas County…
Carl Lowman, new Metro District Board Member (photo by Tim Gamble) by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District Board of Directors recently appointed Carl Lowman as a volunteer member-at-large replacing Jonette Brown Eyes who recently moved from the community. Lowman’s term expires in May 2008. “We received many qualified applicants and they…
The Slash & Mulch Program drop-off is at the Plum Creek Wastewater Authority, located at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock. Visit http://www.douglas.co.us/publicworks/operations/ documents/8.5x14_Flyer_Slash_Mulch.pdf for information or call the Douglas County Operations Division at 303-660-7480. Remaining 2007 Slash & Mulch dates and times for 2007 are as follows: Saturday, August 4 – 8 a.m. to…
by Lane Roberts After months of careful research and evaluation, CH2M HILL OMI will present the final results of the long-awaited economic feasibility study in August. Results of the “Revenue Sharing and Settlement Agreement” were included in the final numbers recently completed by CH2M HILL OMI. Community forum dates and locations were not finalized as…
by Lisa Crockett Personal training and fundraising do not often intersect. When the annual Rock Slide race needed a new coordinator, Jenny Brett, member of the Wildcat Mountain Elementary PTO, seemed tailor-made for the job. “As a personal trainer and a parent, I love the mission of the race,” said Brett. Bringing families and the…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North Metro District Board of Directors recently voted to approve an $18,000 landscaping project in the Esperanza “S” curve open space. The Board awarded the contract to Rainbow Landscape, the lowest of three bidders, to add 30 trees, 59 shrubs, bark mulch, edging, native grass seed and temporary irrigation…
(Photos provided by the Denver Dumb Friends League) Wag ‘n Trail – Support the Buddy Center The Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) will present Wag ‘n Trail on Saturday, September 15, at the Glendale Farm Open Space located at I-25 and Surrey Ridge. Proceeds from the 1.6 mile hike will beneift The Buddy Center in…
by Lane Roberts Summer in Castle Pines North – – what better place to be a kid? Thoughout the community, children of all ages have enjoyed many activities. From soaking up the sun at neighborhood pools, riding bikes, playing at CPN parks, or attending many exciting community events – – it has been a great…
by Elean Gersack Introducing Bubble Goddess Bath Company Bubble Goddess Bath Company provides “Natural Bath Products for Your Inner Goddess.” Natural and organic bath products created and manufactured right here in Castle Pines North are a great choice for the whole family and those with dry, sensitive skin. Visit Bubble Goddess Bath Company at Market…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The fledgling blades of native grasses clinging to the side of the eroding WinterBerry hill just received a lifeline. In June, the Metro District Board of Directors approved a $20,000 hillside erosion project for the WinterBerry community located at Monarch Boulevard and Buffalo Trail. The twenty-five homes affected back to Buffalo Trail…
Castle Pines North Master Association President Maureen Shul On July 12, 2007, CPN Master Association President Maureen Shul received a special commendation award from Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver for her involvement in Project Lifesaver. Shul was instrumental in bringing this program to Douglas County and now, statewide. She has volunteered countless hours toward this…
CPN resident Jeremy Gamble (right) earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do with the help of friend Taylor Moudy. by Lisa Crockett Taking a test is not something that most kids would think of as fun, but for Castle Pines North (CPN) resident Jeremy Gamble, it is just part of a process he enjoys.…
Business in the Pines board members include: (Pictured above left to right) Jessica Schwartz, Branch Supervisor – 1stBank of Douglas County, Carla Kenny, Administrator – Business in the Pines Association (former-Officio), Julie Sequeira, Owner/President – Julie Sequeira Agency / American Family Insurance, Shelly Kliner, Broker Associate – Prestige Real Estate, Sharon Kollmar, Administrator – Business…
Business in the Pines will host this year’s OctoberFest in Castle Pines North (CPN). Mark the calendar for Saturday, October 13, and plan to attend this annual CPN tradition. Food, drinks, vendors and activities make this a great family outing. Vendors interested in booth space should contact Carla Kenny at Contact by email.
Dust off the hat and boots and head down to Castle Rock for the annual Douglas County Fair and Rodeo. For more than 65 years, this event has attracted folks from far and wide. This year, the rodeo will be held August 3 to August 12 and will feature a host of activities including rodeos,…
by Lisa Crockett Representatives from Village Homes are working hard to get the building process underway on the site known as “CC-20” at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. The site has been undergoing grading and infrastructure improvements since spring and Village Homes is eager to begin the first phase of the…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The Metro District Board of Directors recently voted to delay the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center Xeriscape project originally scheduled to begin in July. Metro District Vice President Bruce Thompson recommended the delay of the $120,000 water-wise landscaping project until residents vote on incorporation. To learn more, contact the Metro District…
by Terri Wiebold Until funding for a permanent library facility in Castle Pines North (CPN) is approved (see article front page), CPN residents continue to regularly visit the Douglas County Library District’s Bookmobile. The Bookmobile has a collection of more than 3,000 items, but has complete access to everything within the Douglas County Library system.…
If you or a family member is a United States veteran, The Connection would like to hear from you. Send the name, branch of service, and location of deployment to Contact by email. The October-November newsletter will list Castle Pines North residents that have served in past wars to observe Veterans Day on November 11.
by Lisa Crockett The Castle Pines Parkway interchange will soon be part of a metering light study conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). “We’ll be looking at every interchange on I-25 between County Line Road and Wilcox/Wolfensberger in Castle Rock,” said CDOT Spokesperson Bob Wilson. Douglas County’s growing population means increasing backups on…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines North Wine & Spirits and Canyon Ridge Chiropractic celebrated a joint re-grand opening on Saturday, June 23. Both businesses are located in the King Sooper’s Shopping Center in Castle Pines North. The businesses provided free barbecue and lots of free give-aways to residents who stopped by for…
by Lisa Crockett The wheels of progress are moving slowly but surely for one church in Castle Pines North (CPN). Castle Pines Community Church announced plans to build a new church in Surrey Ridge more than a year ago, but has spent many months correcting several technical aspects of the design. In June, the final…
CPN residents and visitors took to the streets for Market in the Pines on June 9 and July 14. Two additional Markets are planned for August 11 and September 8. (photo by Tim Gamble.) by Elean Gersack Market in the Pines debuted in Castle Pines North (CPN) on Saturday, June 9 and then had a…
Castle Rock Star Lighting November 2005 by Lane Roberts Congratulations to the Town of Castle Rock. Family Circle magazine recently selected the Town of Castle Rock as one of the “10 best Towns for Families” in the United States. The article, which appeared in the August edition of the magazine, shares the results of the…
County Commissioner Melanie Worley and other community leaders cut the ribbon officially opening the new trail extension. (photo by Jeremy Gamble) by Terri Wiebold The possibility that Douglas County residents might someday be able to travel from Parker to Durango via a trail system is one step closer to reality, according to Douglas County Parks…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Background – – In the last five years, Xcel Energy has applied and been granted two expansions to increase voltage in the Castle Pines North (CPN) transmission corridors. In 2005, Xcel requested a significant increase in audible noise levels for the second expansion. Bruce Thompson, as a board member of the Master…
by Lisa Crockett Douglas County residents received a newsletter this summer entitled Douglas County Connection, which reports funding sources and expenditures on road projects from 1996 to 2006. The newsletter details road and bridge funding, road sales and use tax, as well as other quality of life issues relating to roads in Douglas County. The…
New Kindergartner Sam C. heads to class, ably assisted by fourth-grade teacher Karen Kolibaba. (photo by Lisa Crockett) Timber Trail Elementary School, Castle Pines North’s (CPN) year-round school, has been bustling with kids all summer long. Other neighborhood schools – American Academy (founded by CPN parents and temporarily based in Lone Tree), Buffalo Ridge Elementary,…
by Elean Gersack On Saturday, June 9, Market in the Pines debuted in Castle Pines North (CPN). With open-air shopping and artisan vendors, Market in the Pines is a monthly summer event created by the Business in the Pines Association. According to Business in the Pines Vice-President, Carla Kenny, having the first market was a…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Before looking into hiring a lawn service, scheduling sprinkler repair, or deciding which company will perform annual maintenance for the air conditioner, check out the “Who to Hire” section of Castle Pines North (CPN) website. There are a multitude of listings for air conditioning repair, basement finishing, pet grooming, and more –…
by Lisa Crockett Cherokee Ranch and Castle, a historic location in Douglas County, has opened its second season of music and drama. The property is located in Sedalia and was sold in 1996 by its owner, Mildred “Tweet” Kimball, to Douglas County as a conservation easement. The property is home to a Scottish-style castle, which…
Developer Chris Fellows presents plans for Lagae Ranch at the Master Association board meeting. by Lane Roberts The Master Association Board of Directors has offically adopted a resolution to publicly support the development of Lagae Ranch in Castle Pines North (CPN). The 240-acre parcel, located behind King Soopers and adjacent to HOA1, is owned by…
by Lorraine Masonheimer There will be a little something for everyone at the Buddy Center’s first Cat Crawl on June 16 – including adoption, face painting, carnival games, food and beverages, shopping for that special feline, and classes about cat behavior. Staff specialists will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about litter…
by Lorraine Masonheimer The Castle Pines North Metro District’s three-phased Xeriscape project begins in July at the Community Center, located at 7404 Yorkshire Drive. The Metro District Board recently allocated $120,000 to the venture which will take two and half months to complete. The plan introduces low water use perennial shrubs and native grasses, along…
Dave Fraser, News2’s Chief Meteorologist and parent of a Timber Trail student, runs the live auction at the school’s fundraiser, “La Noche de la Fiesta.” Fraser is flanked by TTE’s outgoing principal, Lisa Phillips (right) and new principal, Michelle Radke (left.) The event raised money for science and reading programs as well as assemblies and…
by Elean Gersack Get fit and have fun with the little ones at the same time. Stroller Bods meets every Tuesday and Thursday at the Retreat Park in Castle Pines from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The Retreat Park is located just off of Tangleoak Lane and Castle Pines Parkway. From I-25 and Castle Pines…
by Terri Wiebold Construction is underway of a new and innovative meal preparation company in Castle Pines North, and Greenbriar resident Kay Lynn Anderson is the driving force behind it. Entrée Vous is a franchise that began in 2003 as a place for individuals or groups to prepare nutritious meals in a clean and friendly…
Scrub oak clearing begins in the Pine Ridge open space. by Terri Wiebold Nestled amid some of the most beautiful topography in the area – Daniel’s Park, The Sanctuary, Cherokee Ranch, and The Ridge Golf Course – residents in the Pine Ridge neighborhood of Castle Pines North enjoy the breathtaking scenery and abundant surrounding landscapes,…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Castle Pines Community Church will host vacation bible school June 25-29, 9 a.m. to noon, age three to fifth grade. The event will take place at Timber Trail Elementary, 690 W. Castle Pines Parkway. To register online, go to www.castlepineschurch.org or call 303-663-9755. Christ the King and Epiphany Lutheran Church will present…
by Lisa Crockett The Alpert Corporation (Alpert), developer of The Canyons, has cleared the first major hurdle in its long journey toward build-out. The Douglas County Commissioners approved the sketch plan for the new community, which will be located east and south of Castle Pines Parkway (CPN) across I-25. The sketch plan is the first…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North (CPN) and the thousands of acres of open space surrounding the community are home to nearly 10,000 people, a varied collection of pets, countless deer, elk, rabbits, raccoons and the predators that prey on these creatures. While mountain lions are generally elusive animals which typically avoid human contact, CPN…
by Lane Roberts The Master Association has received reports of rattlesnake sightings in yards in the Serena neighborhood of Daniel’s Gate. Snakes come out of hibernation in May and June as the weather warms and rely mostly on rodents for food. Rattlesnake babies have venom and are dangerous from birth. Please use caution with small…
by Lane Roberts As of press time, negotiations between Castle Pines North (CPN) and Castle Pines Village (VILLAGE) were still underway. The two communities, both vying for the same business district in its proposed incorporation boundaries, recently filed a “request to stay” on both petitions in Douglas County District Court. “The intent of the court…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines kicks off summer with a fresh alternative to shopping. Like a farmer’s market with a twist, Market in the Pines will offer an array of selections such as garden accessories, clothing, jewelry, flowers, epicurean delights, produce and more. “We have unique and up-scale items to sell to our…
Parks and Open Space Manager Charlie Fagan, right, Metro District board members and WinterBerry homeowners discuss the eroding hillside on Buffalo Trail. Article and photos Lorraine Masonheimer Morning sun crested over the WinterBerry hillside, warming the sparse, fledgling blades of native grasses. The few clumps of grass that grow here cling to the steep slope—a…
Douglas County Library Bookmobile by Lisa Crockett Douglas County’s Director of Libraries, Jamie LaRue, is looking to add value to the Castle Pines North (CPN) community by giving it a new 6,500 square foot facility on the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. LaRue outlined his plans for the new CPN library, as…
by Terri Wiebold When the Cherokee Ranch fire in 2003 came within 100 yards of Pine Ridge open space and forced the evacuation of much of the Castle Pines North community, the Pine Ridge Homeowner’s Association (HOA) formed a committee to expand upon the basic Wildfire Mitigation Plan originally written for its developer in 1999.…
The view is changing at the northeast corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway as Village Homes begins retail and residential construction. (photo by TimGamble.) by Lisa Crockett Bulldozers are grading dirt and clearing debris on the land at the corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard in preparation for the development that…
