WEEK OF JUNE 26, 2025
VOLUME 80 | ISSUE 36
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Thornton mulls strict rules for sex offenders Proposed rule sets limits on living near schools, pools and playgrounds BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
The fast-casual, chef-driven restaurant specializes in wood-fired rotisserie chicken with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients that are responsibly raised and ethically sourced, the news release states. Lawn games like cornhole, ping pong, Jenga and life-sized Battleship add to the playful energy, while rooftop seating with three unique event spaces (two indoors and one open-air) offers courtside and mountain views. Additional reservable spaces like The Roost and The Boardwalk on the main dining floor, plus two bier gardens and a game yard, make the venue perfect for everything from relaxed evenings to private celebrations and team outings, the news release states. The Thornton location’s indoor court building features an open-air design, with garage doors throughout the space that open halfway to seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. It will be the first Chicken N Pickle to include windows overlooking the indoor courts, bringing in dynamic new energy and flow to the space, the news release states.
City officials are working on clarifying where sexually violent predators can live in Thornton. Currently, any sexual offender is required by the Colorado Sexual Offender Registration Act to register with the Thornton Police Department. Earlier this year, the council reviewed residency restrictions that have been implemented in other Colorado cities for sexually violent predators. Council then told staff members to draft an amendment to an ordinance incorporating residency restrictions on that group, according to a staff report to the city council. Thornton Police Division Commander Chad Parker presented the proposed amendments to the city council study session Tuesday night. In Colorado, sexually violent predators are a class of registered sex offenders considered to be at higher risk than other sex offenders, because they have committed more serious crimes, Parker said. Thornton currently has four sexually violent predators registered in the city, said Parker, adding they would not be affected by the ordinance change. The proposed code amendments would make it unlawful for a known sexually violent predator to live within 100 feet of any city-recognized space – such as a park, playground, school, ball field, childcare center, library, recreation center, swimming pool or any property located adjacent to any designated school bus stop. It would also make it unlawful for any person to lease or rent any portion of any property to a sexually violent predator with the knowledge that it will be used as a permanent or temporary residence.
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Chicken N Pickle opens its venue in Thornton June 24. COURTESY PHOTO
Chicken N Pickle opens new location in Thornton Chicken N Pickle’s three opening in Thornton’s The Grove shopping center BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
A national chain that specializes in showcasing America’s two favorite pastimes – eating chicken and playing pickleball – is opening its three-acre site in Thornton on June 24. Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/outdoor pickleball entertainment complex with locations across the country. Its newest venture is being unveiled in The Grove shopping center near I-25 and 144th Avenue. The facility marks the first pickleball-dedicated venue in the Thornton area. Chicken N Pickle CEO Brad Clarke says that the enterprise is more than just a place to play pickleball and is an all-inone destination for food, fun and community connection. The expansive complex blends profes-
sional-grade pickleball courts with a chefdriven restaurant, a lively sports bar and a variety of games and gathering spaces. Whether guests can compete, connect or simply kick back, the Thornton venue will deliver an experience designed to bring people together across seasons, ages and interests, Clarke said in a news release. “We’re thrilled to bring Chicken N Pickle to Thornton, a community that reflects our desire to offer a space where families, friends and colleagues can create memories and connect through playful experiences,” said Clarke. “Colorado’s active, outdoorsy spirit and Thornton’s strong sense of community make it the ideal place for our next venue. We believe in the power of shared celebrations, whether it’s over a delicious meal, a refreshing beverage or a spirited game, to foster human connection and support our neighbors.” Spanning more than three acres and over 45,000 square feet, the complex features eight professional-grade pickleball courts, including six indoor and two covered outdoor courts, for casual games or competitive play, according to the news release.
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