April 23, 2015 VOLU M E 9 1 | I S SUE 36
LakewoodSentinel.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Adventure Point opens
The Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts opened Colorado Adventure Point April 18, at the Hamilton Scout Headquarters, 10455 W. Sixth Ave. The new facility features a two-story rock climbing wall, archery and air rifle shooting range, STEM classrooms and handcraft spaces. The space will aid scouts in earning merit badges, but will also be open to the community, organizations and schools for a variety of uses, including rental space for parties, meetings and classes. For more information, call 303-4555522 or visit coloradoadventurepoint.org.
Above, one of the many features of the Colorado Adventure Point is a HAM radio section, where scouts can learn how to used the devices and communicate with them.
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PHOTOS BY CLARKE READER
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
One of the features of the newly opened Colorado Adventure Point is a two-story climbing wall.
Council’s visit to city greenhouse
By Clarke Reader
creader@colorado communitymendia.com City council visited the Community Resources Department greenhouse and shops during the April 20 study session, and learned about how the division keeps the city looking green.
City council visited the Community Resources Deparment’s greenhouse during the April 20 study session, and learned about how staff keep the city growing. Photo by Clarke Reader
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Housing raises concerns in Jeffco County hits lowest apartment vacancy rate since 1995 By Amy Woodward
Types of plants: The greenhouse monitors the city’s perennials and annuals throughout the year, and ensure that the city’s gardens and landscapes are growing. Staff members said they are currently working on perennials cut backs, seeding and doing weed control.
Preparing for the annual perennial sale: The city’s sale is 8-11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, and greenhouse staff has been growing the plants for this event since October. They select 40 to 50 different varieties, and are including shrubs for the first time this year.
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com
An increase in jobs and a decrease in unemployment rates were among recent updates presented by the Jefferson County Economic Development Commission to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 14. Employment increased 3 percent in Housing continues on Page 15
ECONOMIC HEADLINES A well monitored ecosystem: The greenhouse has temperature monitors that keep plants at the right temperature and humidity (currently it’s around 70 degrees). There is also a system in place that will call staff members in case of problems.
Central irrigation control: Almost all of the city’s irrigation is handled in the central irrigation control room in the Community Resources Department’s shop. In this one location staff can monitor irrigation in the city, and make changes when necessary. “We’ve been acquiring central irrigation equipment since 1989, and right now we’re in the process of getting the most current upgrade to the system,” said Steve Carpenter, urban parks manager.
Hub of activity: The Community Resources shops are home to paint, wood and metal shops, as well as a mechanics area and chemical storage room. Around 37 staff run the shops, as well as fieldwork.
FedEx Corp. announced a new location at RMMA’s Verve Innovation Park. The company plans to construct a 216,000 sq. ft distribution center occupying 26 acres at 112th Ave., west of Simms St. The project brings more than $16 million in new capital investment and 144 jobs to Jeffco. The Empanada Market LLC announced plans to open a manufacturing facility for their successful empanadas. The company will occupy 6,300 sq. ft. in Westminster and plans to hire 30 employees over the next couple of years. The project brings $800,000 of new capital investment to the county. Mountain Toad Brewing, located in Golden, announced plans to build Toad Mesa, a 21,000 sq. ft. production and packaging facility in the Coors Technology Center. The new facility will also include a small tasting room and beer garden. The project will bring an additional 10 jobs and over $800,000 in new capital investment to the county. Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation is relocating their operations from Denver to Arvada. The new 14,750 square foot facility will also house a milk bank. The project will bring 24 jobs and $500,000 in new capital investment to the county.