At about the same time that CPN started to look at building a Recreation Center in Castle Pines North, the Town of Castle Rock independently started a separate project to investigate whether Castle Rock should build a second recreation center to relieve overcrowding at their existing center, and to have capacity to serve Castle Rock's growing population.

Castle Rock built their existing center over 10 years ago, when their population was about 9,000. Now that their population exceeds 23,000, the existing center has become overcrowded, and it will not be able to handle the town's future population, which will exceed 80,000. Castle Rock's Recreation Department has indicated that if a second center is not built, they will be forced to cut back on recreation programs. They are currently giving preference for many programs to Town of Castle Rock residents, and at some point may restrict non-residents.

Castle Rock's process for considering the second center has followed many of the same steps that CPN has done in putting together a proposal for a recreation center. Castle Rock had public meetings, conducted a survey of residents, and formed a citizen committee to develop a proposal.

Castle Rock had originally planned to put the issue on the November 5 ballot, however they have now deferred the vote until at least April 2003, because have not yet reached consensus on what to include in the facility. They are debating whether the lap-lane swimming pool should be a standard 25-yard pool as is used for high-school competitions (as is proposed for CPN's Center), or if they should build a 50-meter "Olympic sized" pool that could be used for large regional or statewide swim meets. They are also debating whether to include an indoor ice arena.

An 855-acre parcel critical to wildlife as a corridor was donated by DuPont and preserved as open space. It creates a link all the way from Pike National Forest, through Roxborough State Park and other protected lands across US 85.

A proposed second Town recreation center is moving forward as the Parks & Recreation Department continues to weigh input from residents and consider site location options.

To date, Parks & Recreation has hosted three public meetings, six user-group meetings and forrned a steering committee as part of an effort to propose a second recreation center on the November 2002 ballot. The Town is also reviewing proposals for possible site locations.

"We've heard a lot of diverse opinions," says Parks and Recreation Director Rob Hanna, "and we're also seeing some common themes emerging. People clearly want a facility that will provide appropriate diversions for the youth in this community. And they want a new facility that's easily accessible by our trail and bike system." Hanna said a preference is also emerging for additional gym and leisure pool space, and noted there is considerable support for a number of programs and facilities not currently offered.

The site, services and programs will be evaluated and identified in June. For more information, to learn about meeting schedules, or to get involved, contact Debbie McMillan at 303-814-7444 or go to www.townofcastlerock.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rec Center:
[please note: the article's use of the term "we" refers to the town of Castle Rock]

Do we need an additional recreation/community facility?
Yes. The population of Castle Rock has grown from 8,500 to 23,000 since the current recreation center was built in 1988. Currently, an average of 1,050 people visit the recreation center each day either to work out or to participate in one of the center's programs. Already, the center is unable to meet the demand for aquatics, athletics, gym space, and many of our programs.

What will happen if a second recreation center is not built?
Castle Rock residents and youth will have to drive to the Denver area for many of their recreational needs, new program development will cease, and peo- pie will need to look elsewhere to swim, use the gym, or work out in the fitness room. Plus, no new youth programs could be developed.

What will be included in this new facility?
That's up to you. The Parks and Recreation Department is conducting several public meetings and user group meetings to hear all ideas regarding possible amenities and needs for the new center. Every effort is being made to solicit as much input as possible. For a meeting schedule call Debbie MeMillan at 303-814-7444 or go to www.townofcastlerock.org.

How would it be funded?
A new facility in 2005 would require November 2002 voter approval to issue and finance bonds and exempt the new facility from TABOR limits.

Where will it be located?
We are currently evaluating several potential locations and are considering several criteria including land cost and availability, as well as ease of access. In addition, we may identify additional sites for future expansion of recreational services.

(Reprinted from the Castle Rock Communicator, Spring 2002 edition)

Plans along the southern border of Highlands Ranch

Douglas County is hosting two public meetings regarding the future "Wildcat Regional Park" that the County will build along the southern border of Highlands Ranch, southwest of the new middle school/high school site, between Monarch and Daniels Park Road. This will be a large (202 acres) "active park" that will have league-play ball fields and other amenities.

The April 29 meeting will have two draft concept plans for the public to give input on, and then a proposed plan will be shown at the June 17 meeting. The county will then will finalize the design.

Construction could begin in 2004.

When and Where: Monday, April 29, 2002, and 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Arrowwood Elementary School, Highlands Ranch.

For questions on this County meeting, call Douglas County Parks Dept. at 303-660-7495, or email Parks Director Ron Benson.

DC Planning Meetings for HR park: Wildcat Regional Park

Douglas County is hosting two public meetings regarding the future "Wildcat Regional Park" that the County will build along the southern border of Highlands Ranch, southwest of the new middle school/high school site, between Monarch and Daniels Park Road. This will be a large (202 acres) "active park" that will have league-play ball fields and other amenities.

The April 29 meeting will have two draft concept plans for the public to give input on, and then a proposed plan will be shown at the June 17 meeting. The county will then will finalize the design.

Castle Pines North Homeowners Association
Copyright © 2001-2002 Castle Pines North Homeowners Association
All rights reserved.

Telephone and Fax:
303-482-3078

Address:
CPN Association, Inc.
7402 Yorkshire Drive
Castle Rock, Colorado 80104

Contact the Castle Pines North Homeowners Association (CPNHOA) by e-mail.