“Dear Safety Committee:

I was wondering if anyone ever thought of putting a cross walk in across Castle Pines Parkway going from the HOA1 area to the sledding hill area with a flashing caution light? During the snowy season there are so many kids crossing the street (as that neighborhood is the only place to park) over to the sledding hill. People speed down the Parkway and it would be hard to slow down, especially on a dime, in a snowy street to avoid that one kid that darts out in front of someone. It would be a travesty to wait until that accident happened to do something about it.”

- Michelle Blouin-Barton

The Master Association has received numerous comments and complaints regarding the safety of the sled hill area along Castle Pines Parkway. The open space area used for sledding is owned and maintained by the Castle Pines North (CPN) Metro District. In an effort to improve safety for children using the sled hill, the Master Association’s Safety Committee communicated with the Metro District the key areas of concern.

On Thursday, January 18, the Castle Pines Parks Authority held their monthly board meeting and discussed sled hill safety concerns. Together, the Parks Authority, Master Association Safety Committee and Metro District will form a sled hill committee to review possible options to improve safety in the area. Possible ideas could include adding a split-rail fence along Castle Pines Parkway, installing a parking lot area in the open space, or adding sidewalks on the south side of Castle Pines Parkway. The Metro District is also looking at a second possible location for a sled hill near Hidden Pointe.

The Safety Committee is working with Douglas County on available options to improve the area where pedestrians cross Castle Pines Parkway near the sled hill, including a pedestrian crosswalk at that location. Other options such as warning signs, orange cones and signals are also being explored. Until a safer alternative is found, residents can park at the Retreat Park on Tangleoak and walk down the sidewalk to the sled hill area, provided sidewalks are cleared of snow in a timely manner.

“Dear Safety Committe:

What can be done? Many homeowners, especially those living along streets that service our elementary schools have yet to shovel their sidewalks. The situation around Buffalo Ridge Elementary is dangerous as the kids have no place to walk expcept on the road with cars. The snow and snow plows have been gone long enough for these homeowners to take care of their property for the safety of our kids.....”

- Greg Dunn

The Metro District, who owns and maintains the majority of open space in CPN, is responsible for clearing snow from our trails, park parking lots and some sidewalks. The Master Association Safety Committee has expressed concern regarding access to sidewalks along Castle Pines Parkway. The Metro District does not have a formal “snow policy;” however, the snow was removed after numerous phone calls by the Safety Committee. Due to the amount of snow received in December and January, it took the District several days to remove the snow from many areas in CPN. More than $17,000 has been spent on snow removal as a result of the last blizzards.

Sidewalks in front of homes are the responsiblity of the individual homeowner. According to Douglas County Ordinance No. OO-997=006, paved sidwalks fronting or abutting a residence or building must be cleared within 24 hours of any fall of snow, sleet or freezing rain. Violation of this ordinance is punishable by a fine of $50 for each separate violation. Fines are imposed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Please take time to shovel snow from the sidewalks to ensure a safe path of all residents - especially for children in our community.