Read the stories from the latest issue:
by Lisa Crockett After months of delay, the planned shopping center at the northeast corner of Lagae Road and Castle Pines Parkway has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. The County Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for the center, which is being developed by Minneappolis-based Anxon, Inc. Anxon is ready to start construction.…
by Terri Wiebold According to the Tri-County Health Department, a total of 2,650 Douglas County households participated in Douglas County’s Household Chemical Roundups in 2006, safely disposing of more than 121 tons of hazardous materials. This included 12,825 pounds of pesticides, 150 pounds of mercury-containing devices, 6,204 gallons of hazardous liquids, and more than 91…
by Lisa Crockett Despite several delays in recent months, the construction of a new Walgreens store on the north side of Castle Pines Parkway at Lagae Road is still in the works, though its arrival will be several months – possibly more than a year — later than planned. The County required the developer, Anxon,…
by Terri Wiebold Everything but the kitchen sink – is what Castle Pines North (CPN) residents often pack as they begin the summer pool, picnic and barbecue season. However, outdoor food gatherings would be safer if residents could actually pack the kitchen sink! Food-borne illnesses resulting from cross contamination increase during this season of outdoor…
by Lisa Crockett Voting in an election is always an important way of voicing an opinion. In a local election, where the total number of voters is much smaller than a state or national election, voters have even more power to effect change. Castle Pines North (CPN) will soon be making important decisions about its…
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…
by Lisa Crockett A metering study of the I-25 interchange at Castle Pines Parkway will take place sometime in the fall, although as of press time, no exact dates had been decided. “This metering study won’t require a change in driving habits and most drivers will likely not even know we’re doing the study,” said…
by Terri Wiebold Information provided by United States Postal Service (USPS) New postage rates went into effect on Monday, May 14, including a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 41 cents. Post Offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also one and two-cent stamps for customers who…
by Lisa Crockett Castle Pines North Boy Scout Troop #316 and Troop #637 will hold their annual sprinkler blow-out fundraisers October 13, 14, 20, and 21. Prices for the service vary; contact troops for more information. Scouts will be fully supervised by adults. All proceeds support troop activities. To schedule a blow out with Troop…
CPN kids enjoy making a snow cave (photo by Elean Gersack) by Lane Roberts Mother Nature has been busy in Colorado this winter. Record snowfall across the state has continued to cause slick roads, delayed school days, and frigid tempatures. Castle Pines North (CPN) saw more than 57.6 inches of snow in less than a…
by Lorraine Masonheimer There will be a little something for everyone at the Buddy Center’s first Cat Crawl – 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 box and scratching…
by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, as well as officers from the Douglas County Animal Services Department, responds to calls of dogs or other animals that have been left in vehicles with little or no air flow on hot days. This can prove to be deadly. The following tips are provided by the…
by Terri Wiebold Due to recent sightings of rattlesnakes in Castle Pines North (CPN) neighborhoods, the following information has been compiled by the CPN Master Association and provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife: Prevention – Effective snake control begins with prevention. Make your property an undesirable home for snakes and be prepared for possible…
by Lorraine Masonheimer Improvements to the oldest park in Castle Pines North are set to begin in mid-July. The Metro District Board of Directors recently approved the $100,000 park improvement project. The Retreat Park, located on Tangleoak Lane off of Castle Pines Parkway in The Retreat neighborhood, will now be home to new play ground…
by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Douglas County Recorder’s Office have partnered up to address possible license plate fraud issues. Colorado statute requires that a resident register a vehicle within 30 days of residency in Colorado, even if the vehicle plates are from another state and are not expired. “There…
by Elean Gersack An Old Fashioned Holiday Christmas Boutique will be held Thursday through Saturday, November 15, 16 and 17, at the Castle Pines North (CPN) Community Center. The boutique celebrates twelve years and is a local holiday favorite for CPN residents. Crafters from years past, as well as new crafters, will be on hand…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines Website is Up and Running The Business in the Pines website is up and running. Look up participating businesses, find out about upcoming events, and download membership materials. Check it out at www.businessinthepines.com. And the winner is …. In each issue of The Connection, one Business in the…
Castle Pines North (CPN) is home to a unique abundance of wildlife. As the spring weather approaches, please remember to use caution with small children and pets while outdoors. Last summer, numerous mountain lions were spotted in the community. In addition, it is illegal in Colorado to place or distribute food for coyotes or foxes…
President of the Castle Pines North Metro District Board of Directors, Mark Shively by Terri Wiebold President of the Castle Pines North Metro District (District) Board of Directors, Mark Shively, gave a presentation at the February Master Association meeting educating residents about the function of the Metro District and its vision for the future. What…
Board Election Unfortunately, quorum was not reached at the last Board Election Meeting. This has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 3. There are two positions open. Email Alerts Please make sure you are signed up for the Email Alerts through CPN. Email Contact by email with your name, address and neighborhood. Child at Play Signs…
May 19 What: Tri the Rock Youth Triathlon When: Saturday, May 19 Where: Butterfield Park in Castle Rock On Saturday, May 19, Butterfield Park in Castle Rock will host Tri the Rock, a youth triathlon. Kids ranging in age from five to twelve can participate in this USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event. Children will be…
by Lane Roberts On Thursday, March 1, Douglas County District Court denied Castle Pines Village’s (VILLAGE) motion to dismiss the petition to incorporate filed by Castle Pines North (CPN). In the ruling, Douglas County District Court Judge Vincent R. White presented arguments that CPN was in compliance with the applicable statutes. The motion, filed by…
This v-pan behind the homes on Arco Iris Lane diverts runoff away from residents’ backyards below. Castle Pines North Metro District Parks and Open Space Manager Charlie Fagan stands on the berm and shows how the vpan diverts runoff behind Arco Iris Lane. Photos provided by the CPN Metro District. by David Lichtenstein, Castle Pines…
by Terri Wiebold As Castle Pines North (CPN) welcomes the potential addition of a new fire station in the community, questions have surfaced about what services and capabilities are currently provided by the existing fire station. Fire station 36, located at 421 Castle Pines Parkway, is home to one of two “paramedic engines” operated by…
by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Emergency Management Special Needs Registry is a database containing information about individuals in Douglas County with special needs who may require assistance in the event of a disaster. The information may also be used to assist emergency personnel and volunteers in providing assistance if called to a residence. Participation…
by Lane Roberts The Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District has increased the Capital Improvement fee from $13 to $18 per month for all residents. The increase, which took effect in January, was approved by the Metro District Board of Directors as part of the 2007 annual budget. What is the Capital Improvement Fee? This…
“We value our place in the neighborhood, and we want to be a part of this community.” -Darrell Fuston, General Manager, The Ridge Restaurant by Terri Wiebold Whether dining in the rustic yet elegant dining room, or enjoying the breath taking views from the outdoor patio, The Ridge Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy…
by Terri Wiebold Criminals have, and always will, look for crimes of opportunity to commit against unsuspecting citizens – who in some instances are unaware that they have been victimized until law enforcement or credit card companies contact them. As a result of advances in computer technology, crimes such as identity theft and credit card…
by Lane Roberts Playing at any of the three parks in Castle Pines North (CPN) can be lots of fun for kids – – until they need a restroom. A lack of restroom facilities at CPN parks have been an ongoing problem for as long as the community has existed. On Monday, March 19, the…
The Retreat would like to remind all homeowners of the ACC guidelines for submitting requests for approval. The guidelines can be found on the Retreat website, www.cpnhoa.org/retreat. If you are planning to make any changes or additions to the exterior of your home or property, you must submit a written request for approval a minimum…
The view of the parcel that will become The Canyons across from CPN at I-25 from the Safeway Shopping Center. Photo by Tim Gamble. by Lisa Crockett Major roads in Castle Pines North (CPN) could benefit from the proposed development of “The Canyons,” a planned community on the east side of I-25 and Castle Pines…
Spring Gala – “A Night on Treasure Island” – Saturday, April 21 The American Academy Spring Gala will be held at the Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows on Saturday, April 21. The silent auction, live auction, dinner and dancing event will help raise money for Math, Science and Technology programs, the library, teacher funds,…
by Lane Roberts The first, and oldest, park in Castle Pines North (CPN) is set to receive a face lift. The Castle Pines North Metro District Board of Directors recently approved an upgrade to The Retreat Park. The park, located off Tangleoak Lane in The Retreat neighborhood, was built in the late 1980s. Metro District…
by David Lichtenstein, Castle Pines North Metro District In less than half an hour any resident can learn how to transform a yard into a beautiful landscape that works with our Colorado environment. A free DVD, funded by a grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), makes this possible. The DVD, planned for distribution…
South Metro Fire Rescue Meeting Dates and Times: The South Metro Fire Rescue Board of Directors meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. The meeting location is 9195 E. Mineral Avenue (north of Park Meadows off Chester Boulevard between County Line Road and Dry Creek Road.) Castle Pines North residents are welcome…
CPNII President Shirley Beer Powell (above left) presents South Metro Fire Rescue firefighter Gretta Flatt with certificates for pet resuscitation masks for all stations in Douglas County. Shoshana Powell (below) tries on the pet mask at CPN’s Fire Station 36. by Terri Wiebold “Burn my house down…destroy all of my property…just save my babies! My…
by Lane Roberts Xcel Energy will be installing the second set of power lines along the eastern corridor of Castle Pines North (CPN) in September. According to Anne MacRae, spokesperson for Xcel Energy, all permits for the second set of power lines have been obtained from Douglas County. MacRae said some preliminary groundwork will begin…
Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker – weeklong wildlife camps for ages five to 10: www.wildlifeexperience.org, 720-488-3300. South Suburban Parks & Recreation, various locations in South Suburban district – a large variety of camps for ages five and older: www.ssprd.org, 303-708-9500. Primrose Schools, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker – a variety of themed camps…
by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines North Master Association communications staff boasts its very own world champion! Tim Gamble, HOA-1 resident, CPN Master Assocation webmaster, and staff photographer for The Connection, has recently won second place in a Photoshop contest, ranking him number 62 in the world. “I decided I needed to practice my skills,…
Annual dues invoices for the Castle Pines North Master Association were sent out in February and were due March 31, 2007. All CPN homeowners (with the exception of Hidden Pointe residents) should have received this invoice. This bill is in addition to any individual neighborhood association dues homeowners pay, and it is only billed once…
by Terri Wiebold The Master Association is the community-wide homeowner association (HOA) that unifies and represents all the individual neighborhoods within Castle Pines North (CPN). It is served by a seven-member volunteer board of directors, and has delegates represented from individual neighborhood HOAs. Its primary function is to work as an advocate to resolve community…
Womenade Board Members are pictured clockwise from top left: Debbie Vair, Carla Kenny, Sharon Kollmar, Donna Scott, Jamie Kimbrouogh. Photo by Elean Gersack. by Elean Gersack It is simple enough – women gather for a potluck meal and offer a small donation to help a family or individual in need. From single parents with serious…
Page to Stage Productions Children’s Literary Theatre Tour to Visit Douglas County Libraries The Page to Stage Productions Children’s Literary Theatre tour will visit the Douglas County Libraries in May and June to present the classic fairy tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes. Emperor JB Jones, III, is the richest, meanest, most big-headed man in the…
by Lane Roberts Voting. It is a right often taken for granted; one that defines our nation as a democracy. Whether Republican, Democrat or Independent – – opinions should always be voiced in any election. The Citizens for the Preservation of Castle Pines North (CPN) was formed to launch petition efforts on behalf of the…
New to You Purse Exchange for Warren Village. Pictured from the left, Mary Boettcher, Kim Bevill, Tammy Abramovitz and Tisa Meisel. Photo provided by Tammy Abramovitz. by Elean Gersack Women and children at Warren Village in Denver are looking for a second chance. Since 1974, they have been getting one. A unique family community…
Janet Conner by Terri Wiebold For a small-town girl from Colby, Kansas, Janet Conner has lived a life she never dreamed she would have. It all started when Conner took a job out of college with Wichita-based Cessna Aircraft Company writing its internal newsletter. “My degree was in journalism, so I knew what I was…
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) has acquired the land on the northeast corner of Monarch Boulevard and Hidden Pointe Boulevard. SMFR hopes to complete the new station by 2008. by Terri Wiebold The long-awaited new fire station in Castle Pines North is one step closer to becoming a reality. In February, South Metro Fire Rescue…
by Elean Gersack Business in the Pines is a newly-formed organization bringing businesses and merchants located near I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway together for the future. Benefits of belonging to Business in the Pines include: open communication with other CPN businesses; a small business development center; a complete membership directory; free advertising in the business…
The Super School News Crew from TTE. Pictured back row (left to right): Ms. Harrington, and Amanda. Front row (left to right): Georgia, Ashley, Gabby, Emily and Laura. Photo by Elean Gersack Spanish for “The Night of the Party”, the TTE Silent Auction, will be held on Friday, May 4 at The Marriott at Park…
by Lisa Crockett A community effort to reach an agreement with the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) regarding the use of the Wildcat Trail (pictured above) is still underway; however, at this time the future of the project remains uncertain. Talks between the HRCA and the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association have failed to…