The eagle has landed! For the first time in many years, there is a

confirmed active Golden Eagle nest on Wildcat Mountain! Following

recommendations from the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, the HRCa is taking steps to ensure the eagle

nest is not disturbed by closing part of the trail system. If the nest is

successful, the trail will remain closed until mid July or august.

Eagles and eagle nests are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection act, a federal

act that prohibits any “take” of eagles. “Take” includes to “disturb” and to “molest” eagles or

eagle nest sites. Fines are severe, up to $100,000 and one year in jail.

The HRCa will keep the public up to date on the nest status through the Backcountry

facebook page and other channels. Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/

HRCaBackcountry. For more information about the trail closure, visit www.hrcaonline.org/

Backcountry and click on Trail Information.

C o n C u s s i o n awa r e n e s s It is conservatively estimated that 1,500 to

2,500 youth athletes visit emergency

rooms for sports-related concussions each year. Concussions pose particular risks to

children and young adults whose brains are still developing and may take longer to recover

after an injury. a young athlete needs plenty of time and proper medical supervision to give

the brain an opportunity to mend.

The Jake Snakenberg youth Concussion act was signed into law on March 29, 2011 and

requires that coaches of all youth organized sports for kids ages 11-18 complete annual

concussion recognition education. The legislation covers middle school-aged athletes and

high school kids because this age range is most at risk for sports-related concussions.

Join us for a free seminar, What Every Parent and Coach Needs to Know About Concussions,

Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Southridge.

P o l i C y C o n s i d e r at i o n sThe Board of Directors will be considering amendments to the Residential Improvement

Guidelines and Site Restrictions, a Covenant Enforcement and Fine Policy, and a Consent

agenda Policy, at their May 17 meeting. For more information, visit the web site.

B u i l d i n g a l i f e s t y l e t h a t y o u w a n t t o l i v e 1

30th Anniversary

The Taste of Highlands Ranch

celebrates 16 years of wine, food,

and fun. The 2011 Taste, benefitting

The Children’s Hospital, features

wine, beer, and spirits from Highlands

WineSeller and sumptuous cuisine

from over 30 area restaurants

including: Boston’s Gourmet Pizza &

Sports Bar, Sweet Tomatoes, Sushi

Nori, Fox and Hound Restaurant,

Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta, Rubio’s

Fresh Mexican Grill, Nicolo’s, Salsa

Brava Fresh Mexican Grill, Maggiano’s

Denver South, Sonoma’s Wine Bar &

Grill, The Makery Cake Co., Nicolo’s,

Farro Italian Restaurant, Lodo’s Bar &

Grill. A silent auction rounds out the

evening.

Friday, May 6, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at

the Recreation Center at Eastridge.

Tickets are $25 for Members and

$30 for Guests and are available by

calling 303-471-8859 or by visiting

any HRCA recreation center. Tickets

will be $30 the day of the event, if not

sold out. You must be 21+ to attend,

ID’s will be checked.

B a C k C o u n t ry H a P P e n i n g s

M a y 2 0 1 1

M a y 2 011

Hrca|newsEnhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership

A N N I V E R S A R Y

tasteof Highlands Ranch

2 M a y 2 0 1 1

GARY DEBUS CoMMUnITy ManaGERHrca|news

is published monthly by the

Highlands ranch community

association, inc.

Hrca|event weather line303-471-8888

BOARD OF DIRECTORSlaura Hopkins 303-478-9103scott lemmon 303-346-1412Brock Norris 720-344-7107Jeff suntken 303-346-0664 Gregory terry 303-329-6199 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

9568 university Blvd.

303-791-8958

RECREATION FACILITIES

303-791-2500

recreation center at Northridge

8801 Broadway

facility Hours: M-f 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

sa. & su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

recreation center at eastridge

9568 university Blvd.

facility Hours: M-f 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

recreation center at Westridge

9650 foothills canyon Blvd.

facility Hours: M-f 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

recreation center at southridge

4800 Mcarthur ranch rd.

facility Hours: M-f 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

sa: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

su: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

copyright © 2011 Highlands ranch community association, inc. all rights reserved.Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands ranch community association, inc, in print or electronically.

URBan SPRaWl anD a SEa oF RooF ToPS? I think not. In the mid-1990’s, a great scientific magazine wrote an article about urban sprawl and used our wonderful community as a bad

example. They truly missed the mark. Most people don’t realize it, but Highlands Ranch is over 34 square miles. The HRCa’s Backcountry Wilderness area makes up 12 square miles of that total. There are very few communities in this country that can boast of an asset like we have here. overall, including the open spaces, parks, etc. within our boundaries, 61% of the 34 square miles is zoned as non-urban land.. as you can tell, the Ranch isn’t just a sea of rooftops. It is a great place to live.

THE BIRDS anD THE BEES okay, it’s time to have that talk. a homeowner in Highlands Ranch may have up to four Chickens (hens only. no roosters are allowed) in Highlands Ranch. approval for your accessory building (hen house) is required by the architectural Committee. For more information, you can visit our web page or call the Covenant Compliance and assistance Department at 303-471-8821. next month we will have an exciting story about the bees; and continue that Birds and the Bees discussion.

CloTHESlInES about once a month, I receive an anonymous letter letting me know the HRCa should allow clotheslines in Highlands Ranch. Since it is kind of hard to reply to an anonymous letter, I will give it a try here and hope the author(s) read the HRCa newsletter for information. The HRCa has allowed clotheslines (with certain restrictions) since we were formed in 1981. architectural Committee approval is not required for temporary or retractable clotheslines or clothes drying structures located in the backyard that have adequate visual screening, and that are taken down or retracted after each use. Please see our web site for more information. I wonder if I’ll get another letter this month?

My FavoRITE EvEnTS Some of my favorite HRCa events happen this time of year, beginning with The Taste of Highlands Ranch on Friday, May 6th. The ever popular Summer Concert Series kicks off on June 2nd with one of our favorites; opie Gone Bad (the Summer Concert refrigerator magnet will be in your HRCa invoice in late May). Don’t forget to try one of the Highlands Ranch Race Series events (from running a triathlon, to mountain biking). The 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Fireworks promises to be bigger and better than ever, and the Highlands Ranch Rodeo will happen in mid-July. There is plenty to do this summer, you just need to get out there and enjoy Highlands Ranch.

CElEBRaTE oUR WESTERn HERITaGE yes, Highlands Ranch is still a working cattle ranch. In cooperation with Clough Cattle Company, the HRCa will be hosting the old West Cattle Branding and Barbeque event on May 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More information can be found on the HRCa web site. Come and see how branding is done and why it is still important for the cattle ranching industry.

GolDEn EaGlES nESTInG In BEaUTIFUl HIGHlanDS RanCH We are excited that the a pair of majestic golden eagles nesting have made it back to the Ranch. Extra precautions are being made to keep them here in a safe environment. Follow our progress on our Facebook page.

Celebrate our 30th anniversary, Highlands Ranch! The Pride of Colorado!

board motionsat the april 19, 2011 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions:

approved the Minutes of action from the March 15, 2011 annual Meeting of Directors.

approved the Minutes of action from the March 15, 2011 Board of Directors meeting.

adopted the following motions as recommended by the architectural Committee:

3 properties for failure to remove unsightly material

4 properties for failure to comply with trash pickup guidelines

2 properties for failure to remove a commercial vehicle/trailer

3 properties for failure to maintain property

1 property for parking a vehicle on a landscape area

1 property for failure to remove a non-compliant accessory building

1 property for failure to maintain fencing

2 properties for failure to remove trash and debris stored on property

2 properties for failure to store away play equipment when not in use

1 property for failure to submit a plan for play equipment

1 property for failure to remove inoperable vehicle

accepted the February 28, 2011 Financial Statements as recommended by the Finance Committee.

amended the date for the Second annual Meeting of Members to May 16.

approved a Request for Proposal for an employee benefit and compensation study.

H r c a o n l i n e . o r g 3

cOMMUNIt Y SERVIcE DAYnEIGHBoRS HElPInG nEIGHBoRS

The Highlands Ranch Community association is partnering

with Cherry Hills Community Church on a large scale

Highlands Ranch community clean up day, Love In Action,

on Sunday, May 15. The day will consist of well over 2,500

volunteers going into the Highlands Ranch community to

help with spring clean up projects such as picking up litter

along major arterial streets, sprucing up homes, recycling electronics at Town Center

north, beautifying the recreation centers and schools, and feeding our Douglas

County police. For more information, visit www.CHCC.org.

hOA NEwSHoW To SavE WInTER KIll GRaSS

a beautiful green lawn is the desire of every homeowner.

Unfortunately, the winter can be very unforgiving to lawns.

When harsh winter winds, ice, and snow attack, it can do

significant damage to our grass. as a result, grass can be

damaged almost beyond repair. However, you can revive grass

which died in the winter and bring life back to your lawn.

1. De-thatch your lawn after the first thaw in early spring. To have a chance to save grass

that died during the winter, you need to be able get to the soil and roots. If the thatch

is less than an inch you can use a simple rake. But if the thatch is more than an inch,

use a power de-thatcher. you can rent one at a local lawn care store.

2. aerate your lawn in order to break up the soil and allow oxygen to reach the roots.

This activity gives your grass a fighting chance for recuperation.

3. Sprinkle the lawn lightly with grass seeds. Try using grass seeds that are adaptable to all

kinds of weather. you may want to consider cool climate turf grass. Consult your local

lawn grass dealer for more information.

4. Fertilize the lawn in order to give nitrogen the chance to promote a healthy green

color in the grass. Fertilization supplies the needed nutrients to keep your grass

healthy. It is a key practice in good lawn maintenance and should always be done in

the early fall and early spring.

5. Give your lawn a good watering. Water needs to soak into the soil all the way down

to the grass roots. This technique offers the best chance for reviving your grass. you

should be able to see a gradual improvement in about two weeks.

fYI | QUaRTERly aSSESSMEnTSFirst Quarter assessments of $127 were due april 2011. The HRCa encourages the use of the direct debit program to pay your quarterly assessments, please visit www.HRCaonline.org for more information. Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-791-8958. Thank you!

BacKcouNtry trail riDesSummer is here, and with it, many new

educational programs and activities in

the Backcountry. Horseback Trail Rides

begin Memorial Day with an exciting

new riding area. Check the web site

or activity Guide for all the great new

Backcountry programs.

e-Me: MeaNWHile BacK @ tHe raNcHSubscribe to this informative monthly email

update to receive the latest HRCa happenings

and exclusive coupons! visit www.HRCaonline.

org and click on the e-Me icon.

July 4tH ParaDe. . . We WaNt you!Show your community pride and showcase

your business or organization by entering the

30th anniversary July 4th Parade! For more

information, visit www.HRCaonline.org/

events.

Hrca receiVes silVer iNterNatioNal aQuatic safety aWarD

The HRCa is proud to announce it

has been awarded the prestigious

“Silver International aquatic

Safety award.” Earning this award

demonstrates that the aquatic

facilities consistently exceed industry

standards in risk management and epitomize aquatic safety

excellence. International aquatic Safety awards are conferred

to deserving aquatic facilities by Jeff Ellis & associates, Inc. -

International aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants.

These awards are based on the results of random audits

throughout the year. all Ellis & associates client facilities are

top performers and represent the finest and safest aquatic

facilities in the world. as such, it is of particular note when Ellis

& associates facilities perform so well that they are granted an

International aquatic Safety award.

4 M a y 2 0 1 1

Hrca VoluNteer of tHe MoNtH

Dave Hiltman – Dave has been

a volunteer for the HRCa for

five years as a coach for youth

sports. Dave volunteers because

he believes it is important for

everyone to contribute in their

community. He says, “We all

have a responsibility to make

our community a better place. I want the kids I am coaching to

have an opportunity to play and develop a passion for sports.”

Dave’s favorite HRCa program is youth Football and he

enjoys the recreation centers. Thank you, Dave, for your

commitment to the community!

volUnTEERIshowcaseDeleGate of tHe MoNtH

Monica Wasden– Monica has

been a District Delegate for seven

years, and chair of the Delegates

for six years. She served on the

25th anniversary Parade

committee and helped make the

parade an annual tradition.

Monica believes you get out of life

what you put in. She is dedicated to, and loves this community

and wants to help make it the best place to live for generations

to come. Having lived in Highlands Ranch for over 17 years she

has had the opportunity to visit all areas of Highlands Ranch, but

loves the views from Wildcat Mountain the most.

est. 1981

30 TH ANNIVERSARY

4th of JulyHIGHLANDS RANCH

Parade

UPCoMInGIevents

Please check the web site for the most current event information and prices.

• Home Improvement Expo – Saturday april 30 & Sunday May 1, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00

p.m., Eastridge, Free and open to the Public. looking for home improvement ideas?

Seeking decorating ideas? Head over to the Home Improvement Expo to explore the

options available to you right here in Highlands Ranch as various suppliers showcase

their services and products.

• Cinco de Mayo 5K and Duathlon – Saturday, May 7, Duathlon start time: 6:00 a.m.,

5K start time: 8:30 a.m., Southridge. Come on out for our 5th annual Cinco de Mayo

5K and our 2nd annual Cinco du Mayo Duathlon. Stick around for a great post race

party, raffle prizes, and awards. visit highlandsranchraceseries.com for pricing.

• Old West Cattle Branding – Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1;00 p.m., Backcountry

Wilderness area, $15 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Experience the RanCH in

Highlands Ranch with roping activities, chicken scramble, marshmallow roasting, cow

pie toss and more! Includes BBQ lunch and beverages.

Hrca farMers’ & street MarKetThe HRCa is partnering with Denver Farmers’ Market to

bring our annual Farmers’ Market and the HRCa Street

Market to Highlands Ranch. The Farmers’ Market season

starts with a plethora of sauces, pastas, flowers, breads, and

more. as produce comes in-season, the market explodes

with all the colors, smells, and varieties of Colorado’s bounty.

Select the freshest in breads, fruits, and vegetables for your

family to enjoy all season long. you may pick up a Colorado Farm Fresh Directory

at any recreational facility. Come treasure hunting at the HRCa Street Market. If

the HRCa Farmers’ Market doesn’t have it, the HRCa Street Market will! There’s

something for everyone.

Sundays, May 1 – October 30 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South

H r c a o n l i n e . o r g 5

HooKeD oN f isHiNGExperts from the Colorado Division of Wildlife will lead

this fun and educational class for ages 6 to 11. They will

instruct on the art of angling and ecology, then it is on to

the pond to fish! Everything is provided and each child gets

to keep their own rod and reel! This class always sells out

fast, so don’t hesitate. Call today for tickets. Class will run

rain, snow, or shine!

Saturday, May 14 • 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. • Redstone Park Pond • $9 Member,

$11 Guest, $15 everyone day of event, if not sold out.

CULTURE ON THE GREEN

The Highlands Ranch Cultural affairs

association and Highlands Ranch

Metro District proudly present Culture

on the Green 2011. Set outdoors

at Civic Green Park, this series will

pair a beautiful outdoor setting for

an experience that is sure to delight

all ages. The series kicks off with the

International Youth Ballet performing

Cinderella. Bring a blanket and a picnic

dinner for a great evening under the

stars.

Fridays, May 20, June 10, July 15, aug

26 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. • Civic Green

Park • Free • Sorry, no dogs allowed.

COMPUTER/ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

you can properly and safely dispose

of old electronic components. Get rid

of all that old computer clutter and do

your part for a clean, safe environment!

visit the web site for details on what is

recyclable. Donations are accepted.

Sunday, May 15 • 11:00 a.m. –

3:00 p.m. • Kaiser Permanente

Building lot, lucent & Highlands

Ranch Parkway

S P R I N G B OA R D D I V I N G P R O G R A M

The Mile High Dive Club, Colorado’s top ranked olympic style diving club, and the

HRCa have teamed up to offer training for ages six and up, from the beginner to the elite

level diver. Divers learn how to do tuck dives and somersaults in the four diving directions

as well as the correct technique to enter the air and the water to maximize scores and

avoid injury. Classes are offered Monday and Wednesday evenings at northridge. For

more information or to register, visit the web site or contact 303-471-8935 or dball@

hrcaonline.org.

2 011 f I t N E S S c h A l l E N G E R E c E P t I O N on Tuesday, March 29, Fitness/Personal Training

held a reception to announce the winners of the 5th

annual Fitness Challenge. This year’s couples winner

was John and Shirley Kane, trained by Justin William.

They lost a combined weight of 73.6 pounds. The

overall male winner was Ken Rouleau, trained by Justin

Williams. Ken lost 9.6 pounds. The overall top female

winner was Shawna Geiger, trained by Tzvia amon.

Shawna lost 17.2 pounds. This year’s challenge had 66

participants. Max Muscle Sports nutrition sponsored the event and food was provided

by local restaurants. For more information, visit www.HRCaonline.org/fitness and click on

Personal Training.

t h E R A P E U t I c R E c R E A t I O N faMily fuN NiGHt

The Therapeutic Recreation Program is inviting the families we serve, our valued

volunteers, and community supporters to our Family Fun night for all ages at Southridge,

Friday, May 13, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The free event includes cooking, hip hop, and Tae Kwon

Do demos; fun and games; a resource fair; and the TR village Market.

S U M M E R S P O R t S l E A G U E S Kinder Basketball Future basketball players ages 3-5 will learn basic skills in a fun

atmosphere. Fridays or Saturdays in May at Eastridge.

Men’s Indoor Soccer league Summer leagues are taking team registrations for the May/

June league. Games are played on Wednesday nights starting May 11.

Summer Pee Wee Soccer league This four-week league is perfect for the beginner player

ages 5-7. Practices are once a week; games are on Saturday mornings at Cresthill Middle

School. First week of practices begin the week of May 30.

6 M a y 2 0 1 1

sPecial forces Boot

caMP early a .M. suMMer

cHalleNGe BeGiNs May 9

This popular annual challenge is new

and improved! Work out six days a

week for six weeks to achieve your

personal fitness goals. Monday-Friday

classes are at Eastridge from 6:00 to

7:00 a.m. The new Saturday class is at

northridge from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

For details, visit www.HRCaonline.

org/fitness and click on Specialty

Classes or call 303-471-7048.

Get MotiVateD to

WorK WitH a PersoNal

traiNer at tHe Hrca

Two new Summer Personal Training

programs allow you to work

economically with an HRCa Personal

Trainer. These programs are great

for ages eight and up and are for new

or existing personal training clients.

Check out the details at www.

HRCaonline.org/personaltraining or

call 303-471-7044.

RECREaTIonIsports & fitness

Ken Rouleau, John & Shirley Kane, Shawna Geiger

H r c a o n l i n e . o r g 7

s u m m e r C a m P snow is the time to start thinking about

what camps are available for your child

this summer. The HRCa offers a wide

variety of opportunities to suit every

age and interest!

To inspire the artistic side, enroll your

child in our KampKadoodle art Programs, Summer art Camps by

Kidzart or our new Crafty Camp for children ages 5-7.

Don’t miss out on the popular Summer Break Chef’s Camp, or the

Summer Dance Camp for children ages 5-8.

We are offering the Engineering Classes with lEGo® again this

summer with an advanced session called Engineering Challenge with

lEGo®.

We have added some new Tumbling Camps this year. Sign your

3-7 year old up for Rock and Roll Camp or Flip and Dip Camp for

tumbling, crafts, and swimming.

This summer brings the return of our Splash Into Summer series.

With Monday Madness, Terrific Tuesday, Wet and Wonderful and

Friday Fun, these programs for your 3-6 year old are bound to have

them splashing, singing, and having a great summer.

For your school-age child, consider the Eastridge Discovery Camp

for ages 5-8 or our Southridge adventure Camp for ages 9-12.

Westridge Day Camp offers a drop-in camp for ages 5-12. These

camps run Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and are

wonderful alternatives to staying home this summer! For more

information call 303-471-8928.

Despite the cold mornings, summer will be here before we know it!

We have added some wonderful programs in which you may enroll

yourself or your child to celebrate the season.

If you or your child has an interest in art, get those paintbrushes

moving! With art classes for ages 2½ to adult, we offer something

for everyone like Wild Kingdom or Heroes and villains for older

kids. or try a Card Making or Beading class yourself.

Consider getting a little messy in a pottery class and introducing your

child to fun themes like Baby animals or Circus adventures through

the art of clay. or take a Beginning Wheel class with a friend.

If getting in the kitchen sounds fun,

enroll in a themed cooking class like

Taco night or Cooking for Parents. If

it’s your child who enjoys cooking up

something exciting, then enroll them in

our new Kitchen Chemistry Workshop.

We have also added some fun toe tapping classes! Irish Step

Dancing begins this month for children ages 6-12 years.

Kick off the summer right! For more information, call 303-471-8853.

n e w f o r s u m m e r : a rt, P o t t e ry, C o o k i n g , d a n C e

If your child enjoys being the center of conversation at the dinner

table or leading a group of friends in an activity, consider enrolling

in our summer theatre program. These classes explore the fun of

acting while teaching children important life lessons on speaking

in front of groups of people, being a team player, communicating

confidently, and learning adapting and coping skills.

Charlotte’s Web for ages 5-8 and Peter Pan for ages 9-12 begin

in May.

The Summer Break Theatre Camps are wonderful week-long

options. The Knights of the RaD Table for ages 5-12 runs July

11–16. Toys! runs July 25–30. Space is filling up, so act quickly! For

more information call 303-471-8853.

l i g H t s , C a m e r a . . . a C t i o n !

EDUCaTIonIyouth & adult

9568 University BoulevardHighlands Ranch, CO 80126303-791-2500

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGE PAIDHIGHLANDS RANCH CO

PERMIT#170

facility closures

May 2-7 Westridge closed for Annual Maintenance

May 6 Eastridge Basketball Courts close0 at 7:00 a.m. Entire facility

closed at 4:30 p.m. for the Taste of Highlands Ranch.

May 30 All facilities close at 9:00 p.m. for Memorial Day holiday.

May 1 Home improvement expo

May 1 farmer’s Market & street Market begin

May 6 the taste of Highlands ranch

May 7 cinco de Mayo 5K and Duathlon

May 9 Board Working session* 6:00 p.m.

May 14 Hooked on fishing

May 14 old West cattle Branding

May 15 computer/electronics recycling

May 17 RAC & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. (Recreation Advisory Committee - monthly Meeting of Delegates)

May 20 culture on the Green – international Youth Ballet performs Cinderella

May 24 What every Parent and coach Needs to Know about concussions - Free Seminar

* These meetings are at Eastridge and open to our members.

The HRCA’s ability to bring events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

community partnersMay |events For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org

Hrca outDoor Pools oPeNiNG

all Hrca outdoor pools will be open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.,

May 27-May 30. the regular summer hours begin tuesday, May

31. Visit the web site for complete outdoor pools schedules.