To Report Neighborhood Incidents or Other Unusual Activities Contact - Emergency Number: 911 Always call 911 for crimes in progress or emergency situations. Douglas County Sheriff’s Traffic Safety Hotline: 303-660-7539 Use this number for ongoing traffic problems. Be sure to record location, days, times and nature of the problem. Douglas County Sheriff’s Dispatch Number: 303-660-7500 Use this number for immediate situations. Be willing to press charges, go to court etc. Also be able to visually identify driver or suspect.

by Terri Wiebold

In the August - September issue of The Connection, a Serena neighborhood resident wrote a letter to the editor expressing concern about complaints from neighbors relating to activities occurring after hours at the Skateboard Park at Coyote Ridge.

A member of the North Lynx Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors also wrote a letter to the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association on the same issue. These voices were heard, and many others joined in to make some positive changes for residents living near the skateboard park.

On July 31, a meeting was held at the CPN community center to address residents’ concerns about safety issues at the park. Representatives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), the Castle Pines North Metro District, and the CPN Master Association were present, as well as approximately 15 concerned homeowners. Issues relating to speeding, road access, vandalism, noise, landscaping, and signage were discussed as areas of possible improvement at the park.

As a result of the meeting, many positive changes have been made and residents are pleased with the progress to date which includes:

• Access to dirt road (owned by Xcel) closed with landscaping rocks Speed study conducted on Serena and speed signs to be posted
  
  
• DCSO “Smart Trailer” (records vehicle speeds) placed on Serena on several occasions
  
  
• Community radar program being evaluated – North Lynx residents to participate
  
  
• Increased DCSO patrols during all hours, day and night
  
  
• Community Safety Volunteer Program increased patrols
  
  
• Damaged signage replaced
  
  
• Community education about who to call under what circumstances provided to residents
  

According to North Lynx Board of Directors member Anna Mallinson, “Prior to the meeting, we were calling the police at least once a week for problems.” Mallinson said that since the meeting, “I certainly have not had to call the police – not once.” She also noticed some residents had posted No Trespassing and Private Property signs, which may have helped with some of the issues.

Residents are still being encouraged to call the DCSO and report problems, even if there is a possibility the activity will no longer be occurring when deputies arrive. “It is important to document the incident, even if no enforcement action is taken,” said Patrol Division Lieutenant Denes.

While there may still be work to be done, residents are pleased with the overall progress achieved from the meeting. Together, members of the community took time to get involved, and joined forces for a common goal.

For skateboard park concerns, please contact Metro District Manager Charlie Fagan at 303-688-8550, ext. 20.