October 9 , 2001 - Open letter from CPNHOA Master Association President, Linda Nuzum

• Are we ready?
• What would the rec center include?
• Where would it be located?
• How much would a rec center cost?
• How would we pay for a rec center?
• When would we see higher dues?
• How will the decision be made?
• How can you participate?

While opinions on a question like this will never be unanimous, the overwhelming response from community residents has been to say, "YES! " and "How soon can it open?" A lot of work needs to be done before we can decide whether (or when) we should build a community recreation center, but that work has begun, and a decision will be made in 2002.

Unlike Highlands Ranch, where every resident must pay equally for their Recreation Centers, CPN would split the costs between dues (which would begin in 2002), and additional fees for those who actually use the facility. The Parks Authority, the Master Association, and the Metro District have begun the work needed to determine if it is feasible for our community to not only build, but to operate a recreation center. This article addresses some questions about the plan.

How to be involved and make sure your opinion counts: Please take the time to read this article, take the online rec center survey.

Attend the Master Association's Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 8, 7:00 pm at the CPN Community Center.

This all depends on the community's preferences and costs.

Community surveys consistently give top priority to indoor, year-round swimming pools - a lap pool, and kids pool (including a slide). Other top-priorities: weight and exercise equipment; exercise programs; kids and adult programs; and a gym. Other items on the "wish" list include a climbing wall, running track, and racquetball courts. Outdoor activities could include tennis courts, a roller hockey court, and inline skating and skateboard areas, in addition to ball fields and a playground. We'll need to work on designs and costs then decide what is feasible. Interested residents have a chance to provide their thoughts on what should be included, via the web-site poll and an advisory group that will be formed, as was done with the "Kid's Focus Group" that selected the playground equipment for the new Coyote Ridge Park.

It would be adjacent to the Community Center, north of Castle Pines Parkway and east of Yorkshire, where the Parks Authority is currently assembling land for another community park. To avoid traffic impacts on surrounding neighbors, access would be available only via a new intersection from Castle Pines Parkway (between Yorkshire and the Charter School), and parking would be allowed only in a lot that would be built inside the park area.

The experiences of similar recreation centers provide estimates that can be used to begin planning. Over the next several months, specific numbers will be gathered for construction, financing, operating and maintenance costs.

The recent growth in new homes and commercial businesses in our area, while distressing to many, has greatly improved the financial condition of our community. CPN residents should start to see personal benefits next year, through reduced Metro District taxes. The Metro District's proposed budget (scheduled for approval in December) reflects a significant cut in the mill levy for 2002. The tax on a $300,000 home, for example, could drop by as much as $450 per year compared to our existing tax rate. There is also a "community" benefit to the changing financial picture: CPN can continue past it's historic focus on water and sewer bonds, and look at other investments that are needed in the community. Construction of a Rec Center would be financed through what is essentially a mortgage on the property. Homeowners would NOT be personally at risk to pay the debt balance in the event of a default. But like any mortgage, we would need to demonstrate a reliable source of income to make payments.

To cover this commitment, the CPN Master Association would raise dues by $115 next year, for a new total of $215 per home per year (which also covers all of the other services provided by the Master Association, including this newsletter, the community web site and email alerts, and community social events). Residents who wish to use the recreation center would pay additional membership or user fees, that would bring a CPN family's total cost of using the rec center (dues plus fees) within the range that was discussed in last year's CPN newsletter (up to $450 per year). By comparison, a CPN family of four who buys an annual pass to the Castle Rock recreation center currently pays the non-resident fee of $610 per year, and every Highlands Ranch homeowner must pay $345 in annual Recreation Center dues, whether they use the facilities or not.

The Master Association's Board will be voting on November 29 to set dues at $215, effective in 2002. Extra dues assessed for a rec center could be returned (or applied to future dues) if the research shows that the center is not feasible. This action will allow CPN to qualify for a loan (one of the critical factors in determining feasibility). This process is similar to obtaining a personal mortgage - you must qualify based on your current income, not on a promise that if you get the loan, you intend to get a better job. 

CPN's Parks Authority, which brings together representatives from the Master Association and Metro District, will decide whether to proceed with the rec center after all aspects of feasibility have been evaluated, including costs, revenue sources, and the ability to maintain and manage the center. 

Many CPN residents have already voiced their opinion. While there will never be unanimity on a decision such as this one, this proposal was put on the table because a huge proportion of residents have asked for it. Last year's Parks Authority survey showed 75% support for a rec center and for dues funding of up to $450 per year.

The September web site poll, and conversations with neighbors, continue to show strong support. We want EVERYONE's voice to be heard, so please, if you have not already done so, share your thoughts on having a rec center, and what facilities you would use:

• Talk with your neighborhood's Master Association representative.
• If you haven't already taken the rec center website poll, make time to take it now. If you know of someone who doesn't have internet access, call (303) 482-3078 to receive a copy.
• Attend the Master Association's Annual Meeting on November 8th.

There will also be opportunity for further input as more details become available.