by Terri Wiebold

When white blankets of snow cover the green turfs of Castle Pines North’s (CPN) open spaces, it is official – sledding season begins! Residents may soon find that perfect sled ride in a new, safer location, with the vision and financial support of a local developer.

Chris Fellows and Lynx Land, LLC, have entered into negotiations with Douglas County regarding the 11-acre parcel of land located at the northeast corner of Monarch Boulevard and Hidden Pointe Boulevard. “We hope to contribute some money and help the community get rights to the property for a sledding hill,” said Fellows.

Traditionally, the northeast corner of Monarch Boulevard and Castle Pines Parkway has been the sledding spot for most CPN residents. As the community has grown, so has the traffic - not only on the sledding hill, but also on the busy streets that surround it.

“Safety for pedestrians near the sledding hill has long been a concern for many,” said Janet Conner, former Master Association Safety Committee leader.? “I pleaded with the Metro District and the County for years to improve pedestrian safety at that location to no avail,” she said.

According to Fellows, only about seven acres of the land is usable to build on, of which South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) has already acquired one-and-a-half acres for its proposed fire station 43. Fellows has agreed to take a portion of SMFR’s $195,000 acquisition price and contribute it to the CPN community to use toward grading and building the sledding hill.

On August 17, 2007, Master Association President Maureen Shul sent a letter to Douglas County offering the Master Association’s support for this amenity in the CPN community. “An alternate sledding hill site would not only provide much needed safety, but it would also be a positive addition to the community at this particular location,” stated Shul.

Additionally, the Castle Pines North Metro District voted to send a similar letter to the County requesting an easement to the property, and the Parks Authority endorsed the project as well.

While children will continue to enjoy sledding at the current hill along Castle Pines Parkway, this new location would offer a safer alternative from traffic.