WEEK OF JUNE 26, 2025
VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 29
FREE
Celebrations of Fourth set across Douglas County Fireworks, food, family fun will be order of the day BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When it comes to Fourth of July celebrations, there’s a cathartic feeling one gets when they take part in local barbecue, games and activities. However, others may want to explore what other towns or cities have to offer. To help plan out an exciting and memorable day, there are numerous ways for families, teens and adults to celebrate Independence Day all day long across Douglas County. Castle Rock
Vehicles parked on town property in Parker must follow posted signage or violations may result in a fine, a summons, a boot or being towed. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Parker offers compromise when towing vehicles on town property Town council approves changes to parking, towing enforcement BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Parker Town Council recently approved changes to the town’s municipal code regarding parking, abandoned vehicles and towing regulations, which allows for vehicles to be towed to a facility within Parker. The town and entities that hold an event permit that’s issued by the town will have the
authority to remove a vehicle that is illegally parked. The vehicle may be relocated to a designated location within the town. Parker Police Chief Jim Tsurapas said the goal is to always find the owner of a vehicle and have them move it before they resort to towing. “A lot of the time, we don’t have that ability or it takes up too much time,” Tsurapas said. For example, Tsurapas said
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that if someone consumed alcohol, and left their vehicle and it’s still there in the morning when the streets are closed, the police would tow that vehicle to a town-owned facility or a predetermined area for the owner to go pick up. This way, the owner of the vehicle wouldn’t incur the storage fees that come with towing a vehicle — the actual tow would be the only cost.. If there is no town facility available, the vehicle could be impounded and the owner would incur those costs, Tsurapas said. “But that would be a last re-
One of Castle Rock’s most exciting free summer events, First Fridays, just so happens to fall on the Fourth of July this year. Starting at 3 p.m. at Festival Park, there will be a 5K for the entire family. Once the workout is complete, reward yourself with some tasty food and beverages from various food trucks, then have some fun exploring activities and games. And if you’re a fan of old-school country and rock n’ roll, then stick around, because at 6 p.m., Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts will be taking the stage. Fireworks are set to start when night falls, between 9-9:30 p.m. Starting with a three-shot salute, the 15-minute show will shoot off from the former Acme Brick facility on Prairie Hawk Drive. Other viewing areas include Metzler Ranch Community Park, Miller Activity Complex, areas of the Red Hawk neighborhood and Rock Park. For weather updates, check facebook. com/crgov. Highlands Ranch
New language adopted in the municipal code prohibits parking on town property when a sign has been posted that restricts: any parking space, parking lot or other designated area for event-only parking; parking altogether during certain times specified by signage when an event is taking place; and parking during a specific period of time. Town staff claim this is nec-
One of the earliest celebrations in the county kicks off at 7:30 a.m. in Highlands Ranch with the annual Independence Day 5K. It doesn’t matter if you are an elite runner or just like to take a casual jog, the 5K is for everyone — including children and furry friends. Starting on Dorchester Street, the course takes participants north to Plaza Drive and back to Town Center South via Broadway and Highlands Ranch Parkway before coming back to Dorchester Street. Along the way, if you spot a hidden red, white and blue kettlebell and bring it to the finish line, you are eligible to win $100. The lucky kettlebell locator won’t be the only winner — medals will be awarded for the top three partici-
SEE PARKING, P12
SEE FIREWORKS, P6
sort,” he said. Additional changes concerning parking
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