The CPN Master Association will plant a tree in Castle Pines North to honor Royann Cygan’s commitment to the community and her service to the Castle Pines Parks Authority.

by Terri Wiebold

The Castle Pines Parks Authority says goodbye to one of the community’s greatest advocates for parks and recreation. Members of the Parks Authority lamented the departure of Royann Cygan from the Board in April:

“Royann was a very positive member of the Parks Authority who always looked for the best and most cost effective solutions to the challenges we faced;” “There was no better advocate for careful, detailed planning than Royann;” “Royann’s replacement has very large shoes to fill;” “Royann was a mentor and an inspiration on this Board;” “She will be terribly missed.”

Although she will remain a resident and an active member in the CPN community, Cygan has stepped away from her eight-years of contributions to the Parks Authority.

“When I look at the history of Castle Pines North, I try to imagine the community with just one small park (Retreat Park) and no 40-acre Coyote Ridge Park,” reflects Cygan. “I don’t know of any other community where residents have participated and invested directly (through Master Association dues) in improving recreational opportunities that were sadly set aside in the build-out of the community,” she said. “Those working on the Parks Authority have a heart for this community, and together with officials of the new City, they have an opportunity to build on that proud past.”

Joining the Parks Authority to represent the Master Association are Anna Malinson and alternate, David Necker. Former Master Association alternate and now-city council member, Kim Hoffman, will take the new seat of City representative on the Parks Authority, with Council member Jennifer Havercroft as alternate. Also stepping in is Douglas County parks planner and former County alternate, Randy Burkhardt, who will replace retiring Ron Benson as the County representative.

Among all the changes, one thing has remained ever constant – the priority to bring a new park to Castle Pines North. As the new representative settles in, progress to fund and build Lagae Park continues forward and the new board has a full docket ahead.