Table of Contents Chapter 1 Plan Overview Purpose & Mission.....................................................................................................................................5 Planning Process & Methodology.......................................................................................................6 Related Planning Efforts.........................................................................................................................6 How Plan Will Be Used.............................................................................................................................7
Chapter 2 Highlands Ranch Outdoors Today Community Description.........................................................................................................................9 Community Demographics................................................................................................................ 10 Administrative Section Overview..................................................................................................... 11 Facilities Section Overview................................................................................................................. 12 Fleet Section Overview........................................................................................................................ 13 Forestry Section Overview.................................................................................................................. 14 Highlands Ranch Mansion Overview.............................................................................................. 15 Open Space Section Overview.......................................................................................................... 16 Park Services Section Overview........................................................................................................ 19 Parks Maintenance Section Overview............................................................................................ 20 Parkways Section Overview............................................................................................................... 21 Park Planning & Development Section Overview...................................................................... 24 Recreation Services Section Overview........................................................................................... 25 Facilities Inventory................................................................................................................................. 27 Park Acres & Inventory.......................................................................................................................... 28 Cooperative Use Inventory................................................................................................................. 62 Open Space Inventory.......................................................................................................................... 71 Trails Inventory........................................................................................................................................ 76 Recreation Programs Inventory........................................................................................................ 78 Recreation Facilities Inventory.......................................................................................................... 80
Chapter 3 Highlands Ranch Outdoors Tomorrow 2015-2018 Strategic Plan - Goals and Actions............................................................................. 82
Appendices Douglas County Demographic Summary 2014..........................................................................92 Parkway Action Plan..............................................................................................................................93 Recreation Program Participant Report...................................................................................... 116 SWOT Analysis Notes......................................................................................................................... 118
Available Online The following documents are available at www.highlandsranch.org/HROplan ●● District Boundary Map ●● Douglas County School District – Cooperative Use Agreements ●● Field & Park Use Guidelines ●● Highlands Ranch Outdoors Map
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●● Open Space & Ranger Scope of Services ●● PROS Facts ●● Parks Maintenance Standards ●● 2014 Community Survey Results
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Plan Overview
Purpose & Mission The first Highlands Ranch Outdoors Plan was adopted in 2001. The Plan served as the “green print� for developing and managing the Highlands Ranch parks, recreation, open space, trails and parkways programs and facilities. The Plan was prepared over a two and one half-year period, with extensive input from a wide range of individuals and groups. The District also conducted a community-wide random-sample survey to collect citizen input. The 2001 Plan was updated in 2014-2015. The 2015 Highlands Ranch Outdoors Plan will serve as the strategic plan to guide the management, priorities, goals and actions of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department between 2015 and 2018. The strategic plan should be updated in 2018-2019.
Highlands Ranch Metro District Mission Statement Committed to providing quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for the community of Highlands Ranch.
Vision To lead cooperative efforts to assure quality, responsive service and support to our community in the creation and management of: yy Parks and Recreation yy Cultural Activities yy Open Space yy Fire and Emergency Services yy Public Works We will ensure wise use of our resources by encouraging citizen involvement and public/private collaboration.
Guiding Principles In fulfilling our Vision, we will be: yy Respectful yy Responsive yy Innovative
yy Collaborative yy Honest
Staff of the Highlands Ranch Metro District provides the following services: yy Construction of major roads yy Installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads yy Installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads yy Construction and maintenance of parks and trails yy Youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs yy Management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas
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yy Construction of storm drainage facilities yy Emergency and fire protection services through a contract with the City of Littleton yy Water and wastewater services through a contract with Centennial Water and Sanitation District yy Operation of the Highlands Ranch Mansion yy Senior Outreach Services yy Community events and volunteer program
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Facilities Section Overview Section Responsibilities
STAFFING The Facilities section is staffed by: 1 Supervisor 5 Technicians 2 Seasonal staff
The Facilities section oversees the construction, maintenance, and replacement of parking lots, lighting, rest rooms, shelters, playgrounds, basketball courts, parkway fence, and skate parks throughout the park and open space system. The section also performs general maintenance on the Northridge Satellite Service Center and the overall maintenance of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Service Center along with filling work order requests from other sections. Specific responsibilities include: yy PROS Service Center: routine maintenance including HVAC, roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, security and fire protection yy Northridge Service Center general repairs yy 42 miles of parkway cedar fence repair and staining yy Fence replacement program yy Installation of seasonal holiday lighting at community entries and two service buildings yy Crack sealing and general maintenance repairs of 19 park parking lots yy Maintenance of parking lot lighting systems  yy Maintenance of lighting systems at 18 entries yy Maintenance of lighting for walkways, shelters and restrooms in 17 parks yy General maintenance of the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument at Civic Green Park including tile installation and lighting system yy Maintenance, safety inspections, and replacement of 19 playgrounds yy Repairs, as needed, to 10 basketball courts yy Repair and routine maintenance of the Redstone Park and Tanks Park skate parks yy Routine pumping of 22 vault restrooms (both parks and elementary school fields) yy Maintenance of three plumbed restrooms at Falcon, Northridge and Civic Green Parks yy Vandalism repairs throughout the parks and open space system yy Graffiti removal yy Maintenance of 117 neighborhood monument walls/signs yy Maintenance of six community entry monuments yy Maintenance of the Highlands Ranch Mansion A complete inventory is included in the Parks Maintenance section inventory.
Staffing Staff is multi-disciplined in many trades including certifications in playground safety, plumbing, electrical, painting, playground component installation, playground surface installation, retaining wall installation, concrete flatwork, roofing, minor HVAC repairs and controls, graffiti removal, wood framing, security systems and fire alarm maintenance. Staff spends roughly 65 percent of the time maintaining existing facilities and the remainder replacing or building new facilities. Facility staff administers and manages several capital projects that have been contracted due to the scope and size of the project. Examples include: yy Phased replacement of the cedar fence with TREX Seclusions fence; 10 miles completed to date. yy Overlay and/or replacements of park parking lots when required yy Vault restroom replacement yy Roof replacements on existing shelters and service centers Highlands Ranch Outdoors 2015 Plan Update
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Highlands Ranch Mansion Overview Once part of a vast ranching empire, the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion is located within the future 250 acre Highlands Ranch Historic Park that includes a working ranch. The Mansion is surrounded by historic barns, a bunkhouse, ranch houses, corrals, pastures and the iconic windmill. The Mansion features architecture and decor from a range of historic periods, representing the many families that lived there.
STAFFING The Mansion section is staffed by: 1 Mansion Manager 1 Sales & Service Coordinator 1 Event Facilities Coordinator 1 Part-Time Administrative Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator
The 27,000-square-foot Mansion has been home to cattle barons, oil tycoons, prominent Denver socialites, as well as political and business leaders who helped create the Colorado we know today. This western estate offers spectacular views of the Front Range. It is a unique setting for elegant indoor and outdoor weddings and receptions, holiday parties, as well as business meetings. The Mansion is open to the public on a regular basis for historic tours, community events, cultural, interpretive and educational events and programs. Renovated in 2011, the Mansion opened in June 2012. The Metro District owns and operates the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion.
Section Responsibilities Mansion staff oversees the programming and maintenance of this public facility, including: yy Private rental events – 67 annually yy District sponsored community events – 12 annually yy District hosted meetings and workshops – 18 annually yy Volunteer docent program yy Public tours / open hours – 88 tour days annually yy Historic, educational and cultural programs - 2 annually yy Visitors – 4,000 annually
Funding The Mansion’s budget is a special revenue fund established to collect and dispense funds for the specific purpose of operating the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Revenues are collected from: yy Rental fees for private events: These fees have been established consistent with the surrounding market for similar events. Current fees range from $2,000 to $6,000. yy Liquor sales: Net revenue from liquor sales from private events. yy Catering fees: Kitchen catering fees of 10 percent are assessed to third party caterers using the facility. yy Ticket sales: For community events yy Fees for extra setup, chair rental, etc. yy Investment income generated from a $4 million endowment established from previously collected system development fees that the primary developer, Shea Homes, has agreed to be used for this endowment. This funding was earmarked in an agreement with the developer to establish the endowment to assist with funding the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mansion.
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Highlands Ranch Outdoors Today 2016 is the fourth full year of operation. The 2016 proposed budget continues to be based on the general assumptions from the long range business plan for the facility, which has proven to be a valuable tool. The business plan is updated on an annual basis to reflect actual experience for both revenue and expense patterns as well as usage. The proposed budget is based on pre-rentals for 2016 as of August 31, 2015. A portion of the fund balance is assigned to create a reserve for repairs. Currently, approximately 10 percent of the rental revenues are being assigned annually. It is anticipated that in 2016 staff will prepare a more detailed analysis of the reserve requirement in order to refine the annual set aside.
2016 MANSION BUDGET Revenue
$585,060
Expenditures
$524,930
Reserve for Repairs
$160,673
Endowment
$4,000,000
Trends, Challenges, Needs ●● In December 2015 responsibility for managing the Mansion was transferred to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space department. ●● As of January 2016 we are in the process of hiring a new Mansion Manager and Administrative Assistant. ●● In 2016 we will be conducting a comprehensive review of all Mansion goals, programs, operations and maintenance needs to set future priorities and goals.
Open Space Section Overview Section Responsibilities
STAFFING The Open Space section is staffed by: 1 Supervisor 4 Technicians 4 Park Rangers
The Open Space section oversees approximately 2,577 acres of natural areas, providing a range of facilities including: yy 57.35 miles of paved and natural yy 1 natural area park surface trails yy Cheese Ranch interpretive area and windmill yy 3 community gardens yy 3 soft-surface parking lots yy 95 trailside benches yy 4 dog parks yy 98 trash receptacles yy 6 recreational ponds yy 124 dog bag dispensers yy 106-acre equestrian area yy 279 rules signs Open Space staff provides construction, management and maintenance operations for the Metro District’s trails and natural areas. Staff assignments include independently managed programs and team-based maintenance responsibilities including: yy Water quality yy Fisheries yy Noxious weed management yy Trail maintenance, repair and replacement yy Oversight of maintenance contracts àà Trail shoulder and fence line mowing àà Storm drain overflow rock tracts àà Supplemental herbicide application and spot mowing yy Community garden maintenance
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Highlands Ranch Outdoors Today yy Management of a 73-mile interface between private property and Metro District natural areas yy Dog park management yy Native vegetation management for three orchards yy Mosquito control yy Weekly systemwide maintenance checks and monitoring The Open Space section is responsible for the maintenance of various properties and trail systems through recreational license agreements and easements with partnering agencies. These include: yy United States Army Corps of Engineers – Spring Gulch Equestrian Area (106 acres), and Spring Gulch Pond (14 acres) yy Douglas County School District – 11 space parking lot for Spring Gulch Pond yy Denver Water – High Line Canal Trail, 7 miles yy Highwoods HOA/ Highlands Ranch Community Association – Grand View Trail, .5 miles yy Settlers Village HOA – Big Dry Creek Trail, .5 miles Staff supervises the court appointed community service program in partnership with both Douglas and Arapahoe County. This program provides the Metro District with approximately 1,000 labor hours annually, providing trash clean-up services in the natural areas and other duties as assigned. Staff is Wildland Fire Red Card certified and supports Littleton Fire Rescue with communication, access and tactical assistance. Staff administers the Metro District’s Eagle Scout program, providing mentorship and project opportunities for prospective Eagle Scouts. Open Space staff also works closely with Community Relations, Engineering and Park Planning staff to coordinate three annual community volunteer events. These events include Renew the Ranch, the National Fishing Day Derby and National Trails Day. The Open Space section is primarily funded through the general fund, but is also supported by the stormwater fee program to assist the sections noxious weed management program, and minor trail crossing repair improvements. Approximately $75,000 is spent annually on privately contracted services for efficiency purposes and specialized tasks.
Park Ranger Responsibilities Metro District Park Rangers are commissioned by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to enforce Title 18, Unlawful Conduct on Public Property, Title 42, Parking Infractions, and County Ordinance R-999-117 Dog at Large. Park rangers enforce the Metro District’s parks and open space rules on: yy yy yy yy yy
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2,577 acres of natural areas 74 miles of trail 24 parks (200 acres) 82 sports fields 2 skate parks
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yy 83 miles of parkway yy Monitor sports field use activity, approximately 1,100 annual shelter reservations, and 1.96 million visitor days
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Park Services Section Overview Section Responsibilities The Park Services section maintains and coordinates all use of the park and school sports fields, park shelters, special events in our parks and Shea Stadium. Sports fields and shelters are scheduled for a calendar year beginning January 1. Designated priority users may submit requests for events and field use prior to the general public or non- priority users. Priority use is determined by Field Use Guidelines (see appendix). This section also manages the community event signs. STAFFING The Park Services section is staffed by: 1 Supervisor 4 Sports Field Technicians 3 Park Service Technicians 1 Reservation Specialist
Shea Stadium and elementary school sports fields are managed through a joint use agreement with the Douglas County School District. Enhanced maintenance and site improvements are the responsibility of the Metro District (see appendix). The section has two primary functions: yy Sport field maintenance and preparation yy Trash and cleaning services for parks, restrooms and shelters, reservation and event preparation
Staffing Park Services staff reports to the Recreation & Park Services Manager. Seasonal staffing levels vary with both long term and short term staff, with the majority of staff scheduled between June and August.
Funding Park Services is funded as a special revenue fund. The Park Services budget is designated with both recoverable and non-recoverable expenses. The non-recoverable costs are associated with staff, and supplies with trash services for parks and cleaning of restrooms and shelters. Recoverable services are attributed to those expenses associated with sports field maintenance and preparation, special event coordination and shelter reservation services. Recoverable targets are 100 percent of costs. Field use, field preparation, shelter and event fees are evaluated and adjusted annually. The 2014 total budget for Park Services was $641,960 offset by anticipated revenues of $479,601
Trends, Challenges, Needs ●● Assigned field use has been at capacity (prime use hours – Mon. to Fri. 4 - 8 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m) over the last ten years. Field use on Sundays has increased due to expanded programming by priority users, but remains the sole available day for ongoing use by non-priority users. On average, 80 percent of the requested hours by user groups are actually assigned. The remaining 20 percent of hours needed to address participation numbers are received by other field providers or program participation is limited. ●● Shelter reservations and special events hours continue to show growth. Civic Green Park hosts most of the events during the year and shelter reservations at Civic Green are nearly 25 percent of all reservations annually.
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Parkways Section Overview Section Responsibilities
STAFFING The Parkways section is staffed by: 1 Supervisor 6 Technicians 4 Seasonal staff
The Parkways section manages and maintains the linear landscaping along the major arterial roads in Highlands Ranch. The parkways provide attractive edges and windows into the community, along with sidewalks for pedestrians and bike lanes. They provide an enjoyable experience for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. The parkways help define the community while enhancing property values and providing homeowners with a green buffer between their homes and high traffic roadways. The consistent appearance of the landscape, fences and other amenities of our parkways are a unique feature in the region. Almost equal to the financial investment in parks is the amount that has been spent on parkways. Approximately $13 million was spent on parkways and approximately $15 million on parks and trails since 1998. There are more trees along the community’s parkways than in all of its parks. The trees have matured over the years, creating an important urban forest. This resulted from the early planning decision to tie the community together with green corridors along major streets. The Metro District made an early commitment to plant and maintain the rights of way of all commercial properties along the parkways. Another component of the parkways is the fence that serves as a backdrop to the landscaping. The Metro District owns and maintains 42 miles of fence along the parkways. The fence replacement program began in 2007 and to date 10 miles have been replaced leaving 32 miles to be replaced over the next 17 years. Within the parkways are nine community entry areas and five large planted medians. The community entries consist of large monument signs and smaller wall monuments along with special landscaped areas. These community entries define the entry and welcome people to Highlands Ranch.
PARKWAY FACTS Acres of turf grass and shrub beds
285
Trees
12,100
Sprinkler heads
30,700
Miles of bike lanes
Miles of sidewalk The character of the parkways changes Miles of landscaping throughout the community. At high points, arMiles of fence terial roads cross pine tree-covered ridges and Community entries there are distant views of the mountains and downtown Denver. At the low points, parkPlanted medians ways cross open space valleys and there are views up and down drainage ways to native vegetation, such as stately cottonwoods, riparian and wetland areas.
65 83 57 42 9 5
Staffing Landscape maintenance contractors are used for 28 weeks of the peak growing season, typically between April and October each year. They provide basic landscape services while technicians from Parkways, Forestry, Facilities and others as needed, perform the specialized and technical tasks that protect and preserve the valuable assets that exist on the parkways. Additionally, specialized contractors are used to build, repair and restore parkway landscaping.
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Highlands Ranch Outdoors Today Metro District staff is responsible for: yy Operation of all parkway irrigation systems yy Managing a water budget of 27 inches per year, same as the residential budget yy Checking, adjusting sprinklers bi-weekly yy Irrigation system repairs, renovations and upgrades yy Snow removal on sidewalks yy Trees: pruning, spraying, removals, replacements yy Landscape renovation projects yy Managing utility contractors working in the parkways yy Winterizing irrigation systems yy Litter pick up – year round yy Flower bed maintenance yy Coordination with commercial property owners and HOAs yy Fence repair and replacement yy Maintenance of community event signs yy Enforcement of temporary signs rules and regulations The parkway system is divided into thirteen maintenance areas/schedules. The Metro District contracts some elements of the parkway maintenance to commercial landscape companies. Annually there are five to seven different contractors working for the Metro District to maintain the thirteen schedules. The landscape contractors work between April and October. Landscape maintenance contractor’s responsibilities include: yy Weekly mowing (April – October) yy Weed control in sidewalks and yy Edging and trimming, every three curbs weeks yy Shrub bed weeding, plant removal, shrub pruning yy Annual fertilization yy Weed spraying twice per year yy Rock tracts weed spraying yy Litter pick up weekly yy Transition zones: mow, trim, edge yy Remove tree suckers weekly every three weeks yy Aeration twice per year
Funding The Parkways section is funded by the general fund. The 2015 budget was $2,840,375.
Trends, Challenges, Needs
PARKWAYS BUDGET Personnel and operations
$715,200
Water budget
$786,000
Landscape contracts $718,000 The parkways, located along the maFacilities personnel and operations (50%) $251,600 jor roadways, are the harshest growing environment in the system, creating many Fence maintenance $42,000 challenges to keeping grass, shrubs and Forestry personnel and operations (75%) $328,575 trees thriving and healthy. Combined with Total Expenditures $2,840,375 the difficult growing environment is the age of the irrigation systems and landscape materials with many of the parkways built over thirty years ago. Challenges include: ●● Harsh environment, wind, sun and ice exposure, extreme temperatures, drought, snow plow damage ●● Magnesium Chloride ●● Steep slopes ●● Poor soils and drainage ●● Along curbs: sand, gravel and Magnesium Chloride make it difficult to maintain healthy turf. Turf often dies and invasive weeds take over. The sand
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●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●
and gravels shift into the turf, eventually raising the level of the turf leaving an unsightly lip on the curb. Litter Aging irrigation systems Aging plant materials Growing list of landscaped areas that need renovation Staffing levels Contractor qualifications and costs Damage by utility contractors Resources versus expectations Water conservation Degrading curb, gutter and attached sidewalks (Douglas County’s responsibility) Coordination of improvements within the county right of way Damage by snowplowing; roads and sidewalks Damaged or deteriorating utility boxes (Utility company responsibility)
Opportunities include: ●● Working on the Parkway Action Plan as a team, reviewing current maintenance practices and updating to meet today’s challenges ●● Developing list of acceptable plant materials for parkways: hardy, drought tolerant trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials ●● Updating irrigation systems using newer technology and converting to watering by flow system versus timed system ●● Staff training: horticultural practices, irrigation technologies, contract management ●● Expanded use of contractors to enhance maintenance levels ●● Updated landscape maintenance contract specifications
2014 Citizen Survey Results In 2014 the Metro District conducted a citizen survey, which included several questions regarding the parkway landscape. Following are the results of the questions regarding the parkway program. Citizens rated the quality of parkway landscape maintenance very high, with a rating of 86 percent excellent or good. This is an increase from a rating of 74 percent excellent or good in the 2005 survey. Nearly all residents, 94 percent, agreed that the parkway landscape was well maintained and attractive. Just over half of the respondents agreed that some areas of the parkway landscape needed to be maintained at a higher level and about half agreed that some areas needed to be renovated. Only 14 percent agreed that the parkway landscape was not well maintained and needed improvement.
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Park Planning & Development Section Overview Section Responsibilities
STAFFING The Planning section is staffed by: 1 Park Planning and Facilities Manager 1 Park Project Coordinator
The Parks Planning section performs park, park facilities, open space trails, and parkway planning ensuring technical competence and compliance with all current guidelines, codes, and criteria as mandated by the Department of Regulatory Agencies, state and local permitting agencies, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the functional, aesthetic, and accessible use of public land and facilities. It also manages the planning for repair/renovation/replacement of these amenities as required. This section oversees the Facilities section that is in charge of the ongoing preventative maintenance of these amenities. Most planning tasks include collaboration with state and local agencies, stakeholders, special interest groups, and adjacent residential property owners affected by new park, trail, facility, and parkway development. Implementation of projects include master planning, board presentations, construction document preparation and bidding, administration and inspection of construction and conveyance of projects to Park, Parkway, Recreation, Forestry, Open Space, and facilities for maintenance and management. All of these duties more specifically relate to: yy New capital projects including parks, trails, parkways, and 42 miles of parkway fence replacement yy New facility construction or existing facility renovations including shelters, restrooms, service centers, skate parks, playgrounds, and special features at Civic Green Park yy Renovation of existing parks yy Assistance with preparation of easements and license agreements pertaining to use and maintenance of amenities where required yy Entry and neighborhood monuments yy Highway monuments yy Landscaped medians yy Parking lots and parking lot lighting yy Ten basketball courts yy Two skate parks yy Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument at Civic Green Park yy Highlands Ranch Mansion parking, lighting, gazebo and gates yy Holiday lighting Staff is multi-disciplined in many trades including Landscape Architecture, construction details, playground programming and design, landscape, irrigation and lighting design, grading and erosion control design, trail and sidewalk design, recreational facilities site planning, parking lot design, and collaboration with Public Works Department on projects that affect parkway improvements. Staff spends roughly 50 percent of the time planning upgrades or renovation of existing facilities and 50 percent for the remainder for the construction of new facilities. This percentage will change more to the former as the all the planned parks, trails, parkways, and facilities are completed.
Funding The section’s annual budget is $237,400 and is funded from the General Fund. Capital construction is funded through the Facilities Plan, Major Repair Fund, the Conservation Trust Fund, or contributions from Douglas County or grants.
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Recreation Services Section Overview Section Responsibilities
STAFFING The Recreation Services section is staffed by: 1 Recreation Supervisor 2 Recreation Coordinators 1 Recreation Administrative Assistant 1 Senior Outreach Coordinator
The Recreation Services section oversees and administers outdoor recreation programs including youth and adult sport leagues, camps, clinics, outdoor education, older adult sports, Senior Outreach services and programs, and a variety of events and activities that support these programs. Programs offered are generally supported and held on sports fields within the park system and fields at elementary schools that are managed under agreement with the Douglas County School District. This section’s staff also uses and helps maintain, through joint use agreements, Douglas County School District facilities, Plum Creek Academy and Shea Stadium. In addition to Metro District offered leagues, lessons and camps we work with several partner program providers who contract or lease facilities with the Metro District to offer additional instructional programs, leagues and camps. Examples of partner programs include: yy Skyhawks sports camps yy The Links Golf Course lessons yy WASA kickball
yy Yoga in the Park yy Lebsack Tennis Center yy Plum Creek Stables
Program marketing relies on the following: yy Metro District Messenger – mailed three times annually to all residences yy E-mail – RecTrac, e-Messenger Participant evaluations regarding programs and services are conducted at the end of each program or season. Participant evaluations, program content and market value are reviewed and adjusted annually. Consistently, program evaluations have showed an 85-90 percent very good or excellent overall rating for both youth and adult programs. Other facilities operated and maintained by this section include a six-station batting cage and an eight-court tennis facility. These facilities are operated seasonally from March to October. Programs and operations are administered through the use of seasonal and part-time employees and contractual and lease agreements.
Senior Outreach Services Programs The Senior Outreach program provides information about resources for senior adults and their families, including referrals to services, educational programs and community events. Programs include both educational and recreation programs such as 50 and Better Together. Programs are held at various community facilities including recreation centers, library and other locations. Senior Outreach Services works closely with other agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations that provide senior services. Senior Outreach Services is funded through the general fund. Until 2014 the coordinator position was partially funded by Douglas County. The budget includes the coordinator’s salary and a small amount for program supplies and materials.
Staffing Recreation and Senior Outreach staff reports to the Recreation & Park Services Manager.
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Funding Recreation Services is funded as a special revenue fund. The overall recreation administration and program budget is targeted to recover 100 percent of operating expenses through user and participant fees, and supplemented through sponsorships. This cost recovery target has met or exceeded budgeted revenues since 2000. Programs fees are reviewed and adjusted annually to accommodate growth or changes in program areas. The 2014 total budget for Recreation Services was $955,229, offset by anticipated revenues of $1,014,000.
Trends, Challenges, Needs ●● There has been steady growth in most program areas over the last eight years. There are indications that this growth has reached its peak with some programs declining slightly for participation in recreation level sports. Specific program area trends are noted in the program inventories. ●● Senior Outreach programs have been identified as one of the board of directors long-range goals. To date, programs and events have been offered in the areas of education and recreation. Emphasis has been on the development of partnerships with community providers who serve seniors and their families. Development of an email/phone database of Highlands Ranch services is a priority, as well as the distribution of outreach material to organizations and community portals/websites. Nationally, it is recognized that the changing demographics of communities, with the aging baby boomer generation will need to address a much different kind of senior adult than in past generations. Programs and services will need to be designed for a more active generation of seniors with emphasis on health, fitness, wellness and sports programs and opportunities to be involved in the community.
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NORTHRIDGE PARK 8800 S. Broadway Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 Community Park Size: 15 acres Year Built: 1982 Shelters: Shelter #1 is located adjacent to the parking lot and playground. It features six picnic tables and a BBQ grill. An additional seven tables and three grills are nearby. Shelter #1 accommodates groups up to 75. Shelter #2 is located adjacent to ballfields #1 and #2 at the east end of the park. It features four picnic tables and a BBQ grill. Shelter #2 accommodates groups up to 40. Sports Fields:
Three skinned baseball/softball fields, four multi-use sports fields and one basketball court.
Amenities:
Shelters Drinking fountain BBQ grills Restrooms Electrical outlets
Playground with sand/water play Picnic tables Sports fields Basketball court Bleachers and covered dugouts
Concession Area: Use of this amenity is by special permit only.
Parking:
Two parking lots, shared with HRCA, with 383 spaces.
Support Facilities: Maintenance shop and storage
Suggested Improvements: ●● 2014 planning for park renovation complete. ●● 2015-17 renovation construction to include: restroom remodel, park entry and landscape improvements, ballfield fences, ballfield improvements, irrigation system renovation, trail widening and access improvements to meet ADA requirements. ADA Assessment Improvements: ●● TBD
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS - COOPERATIVE USE AGREEMENTS Arrowwood Elementary 10345 Arrowwood Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Platte River Academy 4085 Lark Sparrow Street Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Bear Canyon Elementary 9660 Salford Lane Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Plum Creek Academy 9340 Commerce Center Street Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Copper Mesa Elementary 3501 Poston Parkway Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Redstone Elementary 9970 Glenstone Circle Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Cougar Run Elementary 8780 Venneford Ranch Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Saddle Ranch Elementary 805 W. English Sparrow Trail Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Coyote Creek Elementary 2861 Baneberry Court Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Sand Creek Elementary 8898 S. Maplewood Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Eldorado Elementary 1305 Timbervale Trail Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Shea Stadium 3270 Redstone Park Circle Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Fox Creek Elementary 6585 Collegiate Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Stone Mountain Elementary 10625 Weathersfield Way Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Heritage Elementary 3350 Summit View Parkway Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Summit View Elementary 10200 S. Piedmont Drive. Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Northridge Elementary 555 South Park Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Trailblazer Elementary 9760 W. Hackberry Lane Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
The following elementary schools have shelters that may be reserved: Fox Creek, Sand Creek, Summit View, Trailblazer All elementary schools have one multi-use sports field. (Except Plum Creek Academy) The following elementary schools have outdoor restrooms: Coyote Creek, Eldorado, Fox Creek, Heritage, Redstone, Trailblazer
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HIGHLANDS RANCH METRO DISTRICT TRAILS (1996-2014) Open Space Concrete Trails
Trail Mileage
Year Built
Plum Valley Trail - 8ft.
1.80
1993
Spring Gulch Trail - 8ft.
2.52
1993
Vista Trail - Town Center Dr. - 8ft.
0.74
1999
Marcy Gulch Trail -North - 8ft.
0.51
1999
Marcy Gulch Trail -South - 8ft.
1.73
1994
Saddle Ranch Trail - 8ft.
0.53
2001
West Fork Trail - 6ft.
1.43
1982
Diamond K Trail - 6ft.
0.28
1988
Diamond K Trail - 8ft.
1.61
1988
Diamond K Trail-Mansion - 8ft.
0.43
1989
Kistler Trail - 8ft.
0.60
2001
Northridge Trail - 6ft.
0.26
1984
Northridge Trail - 8ft.
0.30
1982
Vista Trail-Northridge - 8ft.
0.51
2001
Dad Clark Trail - 6ft.
2.76
1984
Middle Fork Trail-N. of Pkwy - 8ft.
1.86
1989
Dad Clark Trail - 8ft.
0.91
1989
Middle Fork Trail - 8ft
1.19
1985
Dad Clark - 8ft.
0.83
2000
Mountain Vista Trail - 8ft.
0.50
2001
Dad Clark Trail - 8ft.
0.51
2011
Dad Clark Trail - 8ft.
1.27
1984
Dad Clark Trail - 8ft.
1.01
2000
Dad Clark Trail - 8ft.
0.70
2002
East Fork Trail - 8ft.
0.92
2001
Vista Trail -Cougar - 8ft.
0.35
1995
Vista Trail - 8ft.
0.68
1995
Vista Trail -Falcon - 8ft.
0.65
1990
Weeping Willow - 8ft.
0.12
1986
Cheese Ranch Trail - 8ft.
1.96
1990
Big Dry Trail - 8ft.
2.75
1990
Grandview Trail - 8ft.
1.93
2000
West Big Dry - 8ft.
0.55
2003
E. Big Dry Trail - 8ft.
1.43
1990
West Fork Big Dry - 8ft
0.75
2007
East Fork Big Dry Creek
0.77
2010
Total Miles
37.65
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HIGHLANDS RANCH METRO DISTRICT TRAILS (CONTINUED) Centennial Trail (concrete)
Trail Mileage
C470 – Broadway – 10 ft.
2.20
Total Miles
2.20
Open Space Crusher Fine Trails
Trail Mileage
Cougar Trail
0.09
Foothills Trail
2.70
Plum Valley Trail
0.19
High Line Canal Trail
4.70
Wildcat Trail
3.19
Grandview Trail
0.57
Marcy Trail
1.10
Dad Clark High Point
0.35
West Fork Big Dry Trail
1.43
East West Trail
1.72
Historic Trail
1.46
Total
17.50
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Comprehensive tennis programs are offered by the current lessee at Lebsack Tennis Center (Performance Tennis Management). Contracted program offerings for kickball leagues are in partnership with WASA Sports. New programming includes pickleball lessons at Tanks Park, added in 2014 Environmental Education – Programs are coordinated by recreation staff and the majority of these are conducted by the park ranger staff. Nature Camp is the most successful of these programs reaching capacity annually. Other programs, such as Hunter’s Education and the newly offered horseback program added in 2015, are conducted by independent contractors. Other ongoing programs include Trash for Treasures, a volunteer based open space or park trash pickup program, and the Park Host volunteer program.
Features ●● The majority of programs are held on sports fields in Metro District parks or at elementary school fields as part of a joint use agreement with Douglas County School District. ●● Nature programs and coach trainings are held at the Metro District offices or the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Service Center.
Suggested Improvements ●● Program participants are surveyed at the end of each season/program and suggestions and input are evaluated for incorporation into programs. Generally, the overall ratings for programs average 85 percent very good or excellent responses. ●● There has been a lack of programming for senior adults and future opportunities are noted for the addition of 50+ (senior) programming in the sports and wellness areas. ●● The addition of pickleball courts in 2014 and the anticipated leagues, clinics & social programs will create programs geared at this demographic. ●● Wellness programs and opportunities for hiking or walking groups. ●● Nature program growth with the addition of potential future facilities such as Fly’n B House or the Young House. ●● Target Marketing – Currently various methods of program marketing are used including three Messenger issues, bulk emails, Facebook and Twitter. New avenues to target participants for nature programs and senior adults are needed.
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Senior Outreach Services ●● Information and referral services for senior adults and their families. ●● 50 and Better Together program for networking, social and recreation activities and a monthly speaker series. ●● Outreach community events. ●● Education programs throughout the year. ●● Partnership development and resource collections. Status: Annually evaluated and adjusted for content, rules, fees, participation levels and revenue and expenses. ADA Assessment & Improvements ●● Individual requests for ADA accommodations for program access are made as needed or required on a case by case basis. ●● Notifications for ADA accommodations are incorporated in the registration form, on website pages and acknowledged annually in the first issue of the Messenger. ●● Further steps are needed to provide large print options on webpages and assistance for people with hearing loss during public meetings.
Recreation Facilities Inventory Batter Up – Batting Cages Located in Redstone Park - Six cages – variable speeds Description of Existing Conditions: ●● Batter Up! was originally built on property in Redstone Park through a lease agreement in 2002. After six years, the Metro District bought out the lease agreement and began operating in 2009. The annual budget is $42,000. ●● Batter Up! is operated March through October, seven days a week, weather permitting. ●● Sports Field staff is responsible for maintenance of the MasterPitch pitching machines and general maintenance. ●● Netting replacement was installed in 2015. ●● Balls are replaced approximately every three years. ●● Staffing levels: Two to three seasonal part-time employees. ●● Winch to lower net installed in 2014. ●● Lease buyout is anticipated to be paid back in 2019 to the general fund. Program Elements: ●● Tokens, punch cards and cage rentals are available. ●● Marketing is focused on adult softball players and Metro District youth baseball teams. Suggested Site Improvements: None ADA Assessment & Improvements: ●● Cage entry – pipe lip and width ●● Ramp slope & handrails ●● Counter height ●● Accessible parking slope Status: Developed Highlands Ranch Outdoors 2015 Plan Update
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Highlands Ranch Outdoors Tomorrow
ACTIONS
2016
Conduct public meetings and gather public input
2017
2018
X
Develop demonstration projects for community to see
X
X
Lead
Funding
Director, Plan Mgr., Pks/Pkwys Mgr.
TBD
see above
TBD
GIS Staff, Pkwy Supr.
n/a
GIS Mapping Complete parkways mapping in GIS
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GOAL: Planning for Future, Possible Expanded Programs, Services, Facilities and Partnerships KEY FINDINGS ●● Overall, residents are generally satisfied with the amount of amenities available to them, especially with the amount of neighborhood parks, playgrounds and trails. A small minority felt there could be more outdoor sports courts, dog parks or community gardens. ●● Most residents (83%) felt it was at least “somewhat” important for Wildcat Regional Park to be built. About 4 in 10 residents were in “strong” support of the Metro District leading the planning process and developing the park in phases. ●● Of the seven significant programs funded from the major repair fund, residents indicated the following order of priorities: Streetlight repair/replacement, playground and park restroom replacement, park renovation and upgrades, fence replacement along major roads, landscape and irrigation renovation along major roads, community entries landscaping and signage renovations, renovation of C-470 monument signs. There was no strong support for acceleration of any of these programs. ●● Several important and significant opportunities in coming years for new capital projects and expansion of services: Capital Projects: àà Innovations in playground designs and park amenities àà Wildcat Regional Park àà Historic Park – additional 204 acres, and ranch buildings àà Chum Howe House àà The Big Idea: park, ice arena, public building/senior space àà Parkway renovation and conversion projects àà Three undeveloped school sites àà Phase ll - Fly’n B House interior àà Trail connection to Chatfield State Park Programs and Services: àà Senior Services and programs àà Historic Interpretive Plan: programs, displays, etc àà Programming of Fly’n B House, Chum Howe House and Historic Park ranch buildings Senior Adult Programs and Services: àà Residents felt it is important for the Metro District, in partnership with other agencies, to provide a variety of services and programs for older adults. At the top of the list with about 8 in 10 indicating it as “essential” or “very important” were health, fitness and sports programs. àà Slightly fewer, about three quarters of residents, indicated health and wellness services and programs and services related to transportation as essential or very important. àà A full service senior center and small gathering places for seniors were viewed as the least important services or program, but still, a majority of respondents felt these were at least very important to the community. ●● Need for additional sports fields was identified including artificial turf and lighted fields. ●● The Metro District should continue to take every opportunity to partner with Douglas County. ●● Schools on joint use of facilities and development of new facilities. ●● Need for additional community gardens were identified. ●● Need for additional tennis facilities were identified. ●● Historic Interpretive Plan. ●● Assure adequate resources for operations and maintenance of all new services, programs and facilities.
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Department of Community Development Community and Resource Services
www.douglas.co.us
Douglas County Demographic Summary 2014 Population The Douglas County population estimate for January 1, 2014 is 302,464 persons, a 2.3% increase from the previous year’s estimate of 295,682. Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Douglas County increased 62.4%, which made Douglas County the fastest growing county in Colorado, and the 16th fastest growing county in the nation. The population age 65 and over increased 177.8% during the same time. Seniors now make up 7.1% of the population, compared to 4.2% in 2000. By the year 2030, seniors are expected to be 20% of the total County population. Permit Trends Permits issued for new housing in all of Douglas County increased 7.7% compared to 2012, with 2,679 housing units permitted in 2013. The amount of new commercial space permitted in 2013 was an 80% increase over 2012. Some notable examples of the new commercial construction in 2013 are the Charles Schwab office campus in Lone Tree with over 500,000 square feet of space, seven new flex buildings totaling nearly 400,000 square feet located throughout the County, and the addition to Sky Ridge Medical Center. Residential Development Douglas County added 2,488 new housing units in 2013, which was a 2.3% increase in the County’s housing stock. The County’s total housing stock as of January 1, 2014, is 112,354 units. Single family detached houses account for 78% of that total. The incorporated cities and towns in Douglas County contain 41% of the total housing stock. Ninety percent of all housing units are located in the urban-designated areas of the County, which is 18% of the total land area of the County. Residential Sales The median price of all homes sold in Douglas County in the third quarter of 2013 was $339,900, which is an 8.6% increase compared to the same quarter last year. The number of sales of newly built and existing single-family houses, townhouses, and condominiums in 2013 increased 31% compared to 2012. The total number of foreclosure filings initiated in 2013 decreased 50% from 2012 for a total of 769. Annual Income The 2012 average annual wage for jobs located in Douglas County was $60,989, which was a 15% increase from the previous year. When the industry of Management of Companies and Enterprises is excluded from the total, the 2012 average annual wage is $50,163, which is a 4.6% increase from 2011. According to the 2012 American Community Survey, the median household income in Douglas County was $95,324, which ranks 9th in the nation for highest median household income among counties with populations of 65,000 or more. The 2012 American Community Survey also shows that 4.7% of the population has incomes below the poverty level. Annual Employment The number of jobs located in Douglas County increased 4.4% from 2011 to 2012, bringing the average annual total to 95,223 jobs. The retail trade industry continues to be the County’s largest employer in 2012 with 16.6% of jobs, followed by government (11.7%), accommodation and food services (10.6%), and professional and technical services (10.3%).
100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104 303.660.7460 Highlands Ranch Outdoors 2015 Plan Update
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Parkways Action Plan May 12, 2015
Contents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Overview of the Parkways Program .............................................................. Definition of Parkway Renovations and Conversions.................................. 2014 Citizen Survey Results ........................................................................... Parkway Tour Notes......................................................................................... Inventory of Irrigation and Landscape Renovation Needs .......................... Updated Parkway Maps and Inventories ....................................................... Recommendations ........................................................................................... Appendices.......................................................................................................
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1.
Overview of the Parkways Program
The Parkways create linear parks along the arterial roads in Highlands Ranch and provide attractive edges and windows into the community along with sidewalks for pedestrians and bike lanes. They provide an enjoyable experience for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists and help define the community while enhancing property values. The consistent appearance of the landscape, fences and other amenities of our parkways are a unique feature in the region and reinforce that all of Highlands Ranch is part of a comprehensive plan. Almost equal to the financial investment in parks is what has been spent on parkways. From the community’s start through 2014, approximately $21 million was spent on parkways and approximately $32 million on parks and trails. There are more trees along the community’s parkways than in all of its parks. The trees have matured over the years creating an important urban forest. This resulted from the early planning decision to tie the community together with green corridors along the major streets. Unlike other communities, the Metro District made an early commitment to plant and maintain the rights of way adjacent to all commercial properties in addition to the landscape along the arterial roads adjacent to residential development. Today these commercial areas are consistently attractive and fit well within the parkways. Another component of the parkways is the fence that serves as a backdrop to the parkway landscape. The Metro District agreed to accept fence along the arterial roads that was initially installed by the developer. We own and maintain forty two miles of fence along the parkways. With the aging of the fence, a fence replacement program was started in 2007 and to date we have replaced 10 miles leaving 32 miles to be replaced over the next 17 years. Within the parkways are nine community entry areas and five large planted medians that define the entry into Highlands Ranch. The community entries consist of large monument signs and smaller wall monuments along with special landscaped areas.
The character of the parkways changes as they traverse the community. At high points, arterial roads cross pine tree covered ridges with distant views of the mountains and downtown Denver. At the low points, parkways cross open space valleys and there are views up and down drainage ways to native vegetation, such as stately cottonwoods, riparian and wetland areas.
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Parkway Facts • • • • • • • • •
Acres of turf grass and shrub beds.............. 285 Trees ...................................................... 12,100 Sprinkler heads....................................... 30,700 Miles of bike lanes within roadways .............. 65 Miles of sidewalk ........................................... 83 Miles of landscaping ...................................... 57 Miles of fence ................................................ 42 Community entries........................................... 9 Planted medians.............................................. 5
Staffing Landscape maintenance contractors are used for 28 weeks of the peak growing season, typically between April and October of each year. They provide basic landscape services while District staff from Parkways, Forestry, Facilities sections and others as needed, perform the specialized and technical tasks that protect and preserve the valuable assets that exist on the parkways. Additionally, specialized contractors are used to construct, repair and restore parkway landscaping. The Parkways section is staffed by: • • •
One Section Supervisor Six Parkway Technicians Seasonal staff
Parkways staff is responsible for: •
• • • • • • •
Operation of all the parkway irrigation systems that includes: • Managing a water budget of 27” per year • Checking, adjusting sprinklers • Irrigation system repairs, renovations and upgrades • Winterizing irrigation systems Managing and inspecting the work of landscape contractors Landscape renovation projects Conducting locates for utility contractors Managing and inspecting utility contractors working in the parkways Litter pick up – year round Flower bed maintenance Coordination with commercial property owners and HOAs
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In addition, other District staff assists with: • Snow removal on sidewalks • Trees: pruning, spraying, removals, replacement • Fence repair and replacement The parkway system is divided into thirteen maintenance areas/schedules. The District contracts out some elements of the parkway maintenance to commercial landscape companies. Annually there are five to seven different contractors working for the District to maintain the thirteen schedules. The landscape contractors work between April and October. Landscape maintenance contractor’s responsibilities: • • • • • • • • • • •
Weekly mowing (April – October) Edging and trimming, every three weeks Annual fertilization Weed spraying twice per year Litter pick up weekly Remove tree suckers weekly Aeration twice per year Weed control in sidewalks and curbs Shrub bed weeding, plant removal, shrub pruning Rock tracts weed spraying Transition zones: mow, trim, edge every three weeks
Parkways Budget The Parkways section is funded by the general fund. The 2015 budget is $2,218,200. • • •
Personnel and operations..........................$714,200 Water budget .............................................$786,000 Landscape maintenance contracts............$718,000 $2,218,200
Other expenditures in the parkways program include: • Facilities personnel and operations (50%) $251,600 • Fence maintenance $ 42,000 • Forestry personnel and operations (75%) $328,575 $622,175 $2,840,375
Total Expenditures
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Challenges The parkways, located along the arterial roads, are the most difficult areas that we maintain, creating many challenges to keeping grass, shrubs and trees healthy and thriving. Combined with the difficult growing environment is the age of the irrigation systems and landscape materials with many of the parkways built over thirty years ago. Maintenance challenges include: • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Harsh environment, wind, sun and ice exposure, air pollutants, hot and cold temperatures, and drought Magnesium chloride Steep slopes Poor soils and drainage Drainage from residential and commercial properties onto parkways causing damage to landscape and algae growth and ice build up on sidewalks Along curbs: sand, gravel and magnesium chloride make it difficult to maintain healthy turf. Turf often dies and invasive weeds take over. The sand and gravels shift into the turf eventually raising the level of the turf leaving an unsightly lip on the curb. Damage to turf from snow plows along curbs and sidewalks Litter Aging irrigation systems, many designed and installed prior to water budgets Aging plant materials Growing list of landscaped areas that need renovation Damage by utility contractors Water conservation Damaged curb, gutter and attached sidewalks (Douglas County responsibility) Coordination of improvements within the County right of way Damaged or deteriorating utility boxes (utility company responsibility) Graffiti on utility boxes Temporary signs that are placed in parkways Vehicle accidents; damage to landscape, trees and fence Homeowners dumping yard debris and trash over fence into parkways
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Opportunities • • • • • •
2.
Working on the Parkway Action Plan as a team to review current maintenance practices and updating to meet today’s challenges Developing updated list of acceptable plant materials for parkways: hardy, drought and salt tolerant trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials Updating irrigation systems using newer technology and converting to watering by flow system versus timed system Staff training: horticultural practices, irrigation technologies, contract management Expanded use of contractors to enhance maintenance levels Updated landscape maintenance contract specifications
Definition of Parkway Renovations and Conversions
Throughout this document we use the terms renovation and conversion. Renovation refers to the repair and renovation of the existing landscape design. Conversion refers to the conversion of irrigated turf to sustainable low water use plants and other landscape materials.
3.
2014 Citizen Survey Results
In 2014 the District conducted a citizen survey which included several questions regarding the parkway landscape. Following are the results of the questions having to do with the Parkways Program.
Citizens rated the quality of parkway landscape maintenance very high, with a rating of 86% excellent or good. This is an increase from a rating of 74% excellent or good in the 2005 survey. Nearly all residents, 94%, agreed that the parkway landscape was well maintained and attractive. Just over half of the respondents agreed that some areas of the parkway landscape needed to be maintained at a higher level and about half agreed that some areas needed to be renovated. Only 14% agreed that the parkway landscape was not well maintained and needed improvement.
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4.
Parkway Tour Notes
In August and September of 2014 staff walked all of our parkway landscape to assess the condition of the landscape and discuss strategies for improving the appearance of the parkways. The walking tours gave Parkways staff an opportunity to share with other PROS staff and managers detailed information about the challenges and needs in the program. Parkways staff is intimately familiar with the condition of the irrigation systems and landscape and their insight and recommendations are incorporated into this plan. Following are the key themes and findings from the parkway tours. •
Focus on Basics: During our walking tours we repeatedly talked about the importance of “doing the basics well”. Our parkway contractors do well with mowing, edging, weed control and blowing off sidewalks and gutters. They are not skilled at shrub bed maintenance, nor do we have staff resources to maintain the shrub beds. As a result of not investing in the maintenance of the shrub beds over the years many of them need to be re-designed, renovated, or removed. Shrub beds require a higher level of maintenance and in many areas we may want to reduce the number and size of the beds. Our Forestry staff does an excellent job of caring for the trees but does not have the staff resources to enlarge tree beds and keep up with a regular cycle of mulching in all of the tree wells and beds. As the trees have grown, many of the beds need to be enlarged and mulched to help retain moisture and keep mowing equipment away from the trees. We need to stay focused on the basics: turf health, mowing and trimming, blowing off sidewalks and gutters, tree care, shrub bed maintenance and regular mulching of tree wells and planting beds. Irrigation Systems: Throughout the parkways, irrigation systems need to be audited to determine if they are working efficiently. Many of the irrigation systems where installed in the early days of development, before water budgets, and are not efficient by today’s standards. Trees and plant materials have matured and are blocking sprinkler heads in many areas and irrigation systems need to be adjusted to better water large trees and shrubs. Many of the systems need to be updated, repaired or renovated. If irrigation systems are not working effectively or efficiently it will be a waste of money to renovate landscaping. In 2014 – 2015 we were able to upgrade the remaining (145) irrigation controllers in the parkways and parks using savings from the 2014 water budget. The new controllers and upgraded technologies will help us to change from watering by time to watering by flow. The controllers report to our central computer when we have problems and breaks in the system.
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•
Commercial Properties: The Metro District made an early commitment to fund the installation of parkway landscape and maintain the landscape in the rights of way of commercial properties adjacent to the parkways. The landscaping on the perimeter and interior of the commercial centers is owned and maintained by multiple parties. Property owners and contractors are not familiar with the “boundaries” of the property the District maintains and what they are responsible for which creates a great deal of confusion for property owners, maintenance contractors and our staff. There are several situations where landscape contractors are duplicating maintenance work and/or not taking care of areas they are responsible for. With the aging landscape materials and maturing trees in the parkways, commercial property owners frequently ask for landscape and irrigation renovations or upgrades that we are not able to provide due to budget and staff limitations. As the trees in the parkway landscape along commercial properties mature they are blocking signage and visibility into commercial areas. Commercial signs frequently block irrigation spray patterns causing plant materials to not be watered. We frequently receive calls from commercial property owners asking for trees to be removed or limbed to improve visibility to businesses. Staff recommends that we revisit the District’s policy of maintaining parkway landscape in commercial areas and the feasibility of turning the landscape maintenance back to the commercial property owners with reimbursement from the District to assure maintenance is done to our standards. While this would not necessarily be a cost saving measure it may free up some of our staff time to focus on other parkway projects.
•
Landscape Maintenance Contract Specifications Parkways staff is working on a detailed review of all parkway landscape areas to provide an updated map and inventory of the areas. With this information we will update the specifications in the landscape maintenance contracts to clearly outline the maintenance requirements and expectations in each schedule. Landscape maintenance contracts are put out to bid every two years. We will be re-bidding the contracts in late 2015 for review and approval in the 2016 budget.
We will also evaluate adding tasks to the maintenance contracts (example: mulching, small area renovations, seeding etc.) that will upgrade and enhance the appearance of the parkways. These include maintenance tasks that we do not have adequate staff to perform. The evaluation will include the financial impact of adding tasks to the contracts.
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•
Contract Management and Inspection Program Parkways staff needs to develop an updated inspection program to monitor the work of our landscape contractors. Parkways staff needs additional training and experience in the areas of contract management and inspections.
•
Landscape Renovations Several areas along the parkways need updating and renovation of irrigation systems and landscaping. In the appendix is an inventory of “perennial” problem areas that need renovation. As environmental conditions change and the irrigation systems and landscape materials age this list will change. A good example of the ever changing conditions in the parkway landscape is the number of trees and juniper shrubs that were damaged and killed in the early freeze that occurred in September 2014. Currently we have one staff member responsible for renovation projects. Parkway renovation projects are funded from the Operation Repair and Renovation Account (ORRA) which is also used to fund other repair and renovation projects in the PROS Department. In the 2015 budget the Board approved an additional $50,000 from the Major Repair Fund for renovations. With the staff resources and funding that we currently have a program needs to be developed to identify high priority parkway renovation projects on an annual basis. Forestry Program There are over 12,000 trees in the parkways. Our Forestry staff is responsible for all tree care: pest control and management, winter watering, pruning, removal and replacement. The majority of parkway trees are maturing and much larger than when they were first planted taking more resources to maintain. Drought cycles, early season freezes before dormancy, inadequate irrigation and the harsh growing environment along the parkways make for unusual challenges to maintaining our urban forest.
•
Landscape Conversions The landscaping standard for parkways was adopted in 1994 and is described in the “Guidelines for Parkway Improvements along Arterial Roads”. The landscape design includes turf grass, trees and shrub beds. Over the years there have been designs proposed to plant some new landscape areas of the parkways to more native, drought tolerant and lower maintenance plants and materials. These proposals were not selected by the Board because of concerns over these areas having a different appearance than the rest of the community.
•
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It is time to reevaluate the original parkway landscape design standards and study the feasibility of converting some of the landscape to designs, plants and materials that require less water and maintenance. Input from the community needs to be gathered to assess if there is support for this change. District Property Versus Maintenance Easement: The District owns parkway tracts which give us the latitude to maintain, renovate or change landscape. In other areas the parkway landscape is on private property and county right of way and the District has maintenance easements for the parkway landscape. The easements on private property may limit our ability to modify or convert landscape.
•
Staff Training Parkways and Forestry staff is responsible for some of our most valuable assets. They must be knowledgeable and experienced to manage all components of the parkways including turf care, plant and tree care, irrigation systems, water management, and contract management. Staff identified the need to make a greater investment in their training so they can stay current with the industry and changing technologies.
•
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5.
Inventory of Irrigation and Landscape Renovation Needs
There are several areas throughout the parkway system that are “perennial� problem areas and very difficult to maintain. A detailed inventory of these areas can be found in the appendix. These areas need to be evaluated for renovation or possible conversion to more sustainable designs and materials. These perennial problem areas are caused by a variety of factors including outdated irrigation systems, exposure, inappropriate plant materials, and poor soils.
6.
Updated Parkway Maps and Inventories
Parkways staff began a significant project of updating all of the parkway maps and inventories. Each of thirteen maintenance schedules is broken down into several smaller areas that are then mapped and inventoried to give detailed information about the total acreage, total irrigated turf, area of shrub and mulch beds, linear feet of sidewalk and curb lines, number of trees, area of transition zones and landscape along collector streets.
The updated mapping and inventory will take several more months to complete. The information will be invaluable as we update contract specifications and prepare to re-bid the contracts in 2015, to estimate the cost of additional maintenance tasks, and to estimate renovation and conversion costs. The new maps will be added to the GIS program. An example of the updated maps and inventory are included in the appendix.
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7.
Recommendations
The parkway landscape program has many different components. Based on our evaluation of the current program we have identified the following recommendations that we should focus on in making improvements to the current condition of the landscape and our maintenance practices. This section is divided into recommendations for changes to the Parkway program that can be made without additional funding and changes and improvements that can be made with additional funding. Without Additional Funding 1. Focus on Basics Keep staff and contractors focused on the basics: well maintained and efficient irrigation systems, turf health, mowing and trimming, blowing off sidewalks and gutters, tree care and pruning, shrub bed maintenance and regular mulching of tree wells and planting beds. 2. Parkway Landscape Plant List Parkways staff, Parks horticulture, and Forestry staff have been working together to evaluate the perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees that are most suitable for planting in the parkway landscape. Based on our experience, in this harsh growing environment, only select plant materials do well. As we move forward with renovating or converting different areas, plantings should be selected from this list. 3. Improvements to Contract Management and Inspection Program We typically have between five to seven contractors working for us to maintain the thirteen different maintenance schedules. Managing this many contractors and their field staff is a challenge.
Parkway Technicians are responsible for managing the water budget in each of their sections and the majority of their time is focused on inspecting and repairing irrigation systems. While they can oversee some of the landscape contractors work, their priority work, inspecting and repairing irrigation systems, sometimes causing contract inspections and management to become a lower priority.
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Changes and improvements to the contract management and inspection program will include: a. Regular combined inspections of the schedules by the Parkway Supervisor and the technician responsible for a particular schedule b. Regular inspections of the schedules with the Parkway Supervisor and contractor c. Requirement of contractor to fill out and submit weekly inspection forms to assure they are closely supervising and monitoring their field staff’s work and/or weekly inspection by our staff with written reports d. Training for Forestry staff about the contract specifications so they can identify any issues they see when working in the parkways 4. Staff Training Needs Parkways staff has identified the need to have additional cross training in the areas of: a. General forestry and tree care b. Plant identification and care c. Water requirement for shrubs and trees d. Contract management These are all trainings that we can provide in-house and our Parkways, Forestry and Parks Supervisors will work together to provide this training to our Parkways staff. 5. Recommendation for Renovation and Conversion Projects: In-house or Contracted Current staffing levels, equipment and resources allow us to do small renovation and conversion projects. A project taking forty hours or less can be done inhouse with existing staff. Larger projects taking more than forty hours need to be contracted. Currently we have one staff position in Parkways dedicated to landscape renovation projects. This position needs to be focused on working with contractors and establishing a rotating schedule for shrub care, pruning and replacement; overseeing contractors work to re-seed areas, address smaller “pop up” projects and requests from residents; enlarging and mulching tree beds; and assisting Parkways Technicians with irrigation repair projects when needed. Small renovation projects need to be identified and prioritized on an annual basis and submitted for review and funding from the ORRA fund.
Larger renovation and conversion projects need to be identified and prioritized annually for review and funding from the Major Repair Fund. In 2015 the Board budgeted $50,000 for these projects.
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With Additional Funding: 1. Evaluation of Maintenance Contract Specifications: Proposed Changes Costs for parkway landscape maintenance increase every year and in order to keep the maintenance contracts within budget we have to be careful about additional specifications/tasks being added to the contracts as that will increase costs as well. In 2014 the District conducted a citizen survey which included several questions regarding the parkway landscape. Following are the results of the questions having to do with the Parkways Program. Citizens rated the quality of parkway landscape maintenance very high, with a rating of 86% excellent or good. This is an increase from a rating of 74% excellent or good in the 2005 survey. Nearly all residents, 94%, agreed that the parkway landscape was well maintained and attractive. Just over half of the respondents agreed that some areas of the parkway landscape needed to be maintained at a higher level and about half agreed that some areas needed to be renovated. Only 14% agreed that the parkway landscape was not well maintained and needed improvement. Based on the survey results staff does not recommend additional funding for parkway maintenance contracts at this time. If, in the future, a decision is made to allocate more money to the parkway maintenance program we recommend adding the following tasks to the maintenance contracts: a. Shrub Beds Our parkway contractors do well with mowing, edging, weed control and blowing off sidewalks and gutters. They are not skilled at shrub bed maintenance, nor do we have staff resources to maintain the shrub beds. As a result of not investing in the maintenance of the shrub beds over the years many of them need to be redesigned, renovated, or removed. Shrub beds require a higher level of maintenance and in many areas we may want to reduce the number and size of the beds.
Within the parkway landscape are over 20 acres of shrub beds containing over 50,000 shrubs. Maintenance contracts currently include the specifications for the following shrub bed maintenance tasks: • Annual rejuvenation (cutting back) of ornamental grasses, roses, perennials and shrubs • Removal of dead shrubs and dead wood pruning
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We recommend adding the following specifications to the maintenance contracts to upgrade the appearance of the shrub beds: • •
Annual winter pruning (January or February) General clean-up of shrub beds
b. Tree and Bed Mulching A regular program of re-applying new mulch in tree wells and shrub beds every 3-4 years beds would make a dramatic difference in the appearance of the parkways. Mulch keeps the weeds down, keeps contractors away from the trees with their mowing and trimming equipment, and helps keep moisture at the base of the trees year around. Staff does a significant amount of mulching every year but we currently do not have the staff resources to keep up with all of the mulching that needs to be done and to maintain a regular rotation of mulching all tree wells and shrub beds every 3-4 years.
c. Seeding Every year many areas of parkway turf need re-seeding due to winter kill and other damage to the turf. We recommend adding to the maintenance contracts a specification to aerate, top dress and over seed where needed early in the season. The re-seeding needs to be done early in the spring and at this busy time of year we do not have adequate staff resources or equipment to do this work.
d. Additional Services We recommend adding an additional week in early spring to clean up and/or November for an end of season clean up to remove leaves, and fallen debris from trees, litter removal, and final mowing. In the past, in order to control costs, we have eliminated three mowing and edgings. Parkways staff work very closely with our maintenance contractors to build a strong partnership. The contractors share a great deal of information with us about the market, industry trends and labor issues. The feedback we receive from contractors is that, over the years, as we have reduced the contracts to basic mow, trim and edge, their chance for a profit margin has being reduced.
2. Additional Funding for Landscape Renovations and Conversions Increase the funding for landscape renovations and conversions to accelerate the program.
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Pending Further Discussion and Study 1. Commercial Properties Staff recommends that we revisit the District’s policy of maintaining parkway landscape in commercial areas and the feasibility of turning the landscape maintenance back to the commercial property owners with reimbursement from the District to assure maintenance is done to our standards. While this would not necessarily be a cost saving measure it may free up some of our staff time to focus on other parkway projects. We are currently working on an agreement with Town Center North for maintenance of the landscape adjacent to the roads and this may be a good model for future agreements with commercial property owners. 2. Conversion of Landscaping to Alternative Design, Grasses, Plants and Materials There is growing interest in evaluating the current parkway landscape design standards and the feasibility of converting some of the landscape to designs, plants and materials that require less water and maintenance. Sustainable landscape designs have improved greatly over the last two decades. This trend in alternative landscape creation is attuned to regional environments and driven by an interest in resource conservation. Within the Front Range corridor newer developments, malls and streetscapes have created beautiful landscapes which address the paired needs to reduce water consumption and maintenance efforts.
There are many advantages for conversion to more sustainable landscapes. Water savings are the primarily advantage. . Changes in landscape maintenance programs can provide further savings over conventional maintenance costs. In general, mowing frequencies, fertilizer applications and herbicide use can be reduced, depending on the conversion type selected. Experts from: Sustainable Landscape Conversion Design and Irrigation, Denver Water, 2011, Deborah Keammerer, Dorothy Borland Highlands Ranch Outdoors 2015 Plan Update
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Conversion of high water usage turf grass to less water consumptive and lower maintenance treatments is possible and can provide significant savings in water usage. Such conversions can also provide an opportunity for older landscapes to better serve the current and projected land use patterns. Opportunities for more drought tolerant redesign include the use of alternative turf grasses, restoration of regional native grasslands, and conversion of portions of traditional landscapes to mulched beds with ornamental grasses or shrubs for greater visual diversity.
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If the Board of Directors is interested in moving in this direction there are three recommended steps that could be taken initially to evaluate the feasibility of converting some of the parkway landscape to a more sustainable design: 1. As we move forward with parkway renovation projects evaluate areas in the parkway landscape that are slated for repairs and renovation to determine if the area can be converted to a more sustainable design and irrigation system. 2. Work with the Centennial Water and Sanitation District to create a demonstration project taking an area of bluegrass and converting to a more sustainable design. This would give us an opportunity to study the upfront costs of landscape conversion, savings in maintenance, reduction in water use and give residents an example of alternatives to the existing landscape design. 3. Develop a public information campaign about sustainable landscape design and gather public input to assess if there is support for this change in the parkway landscape.
Summary of Recommendations Without Additional Funding: 1. Focus on the basics 2. Parkway landscape plant list 3. Implement improvements to contract management and inspection program 4. Complete staff training 5. Annual identification and prioritization of small and large contracted renovation/conversion projects for funding With Additional Funding: 1. Evaluate costs of additional tasks for addition to contract specifications 2. Additional funding for landscape renovations and conversions
Pending Further Discussion and Study: 1. Revaluate policy of maintaining parkway landscape in commercial areas 2. Conversion of landscaping to alternative designs, grasses, plants and materials
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8.
Appendices: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Cost of Renovation and Conversions Additions to Landscape Maintenance Contracts – Cost Estimates Inventory of Perennial Problem Areas Recommend Plants for Parkway Landscapes Example of Updated Parkway Map and Inventory
Appendices #1
Cost of Renovation and Conversions
Estimated Costs for Renovation and Conversion of Perennial Problem Areas: Minimum Renovation
Aerate, seed, top-dress with organics*
$0.35 Sq. Ft.
$15,246 per acre
Mid-Level Renovation
Sod removal, soil amendment, new sod*
$2.00 Sq. Ft.
$87,120 per acre
Complete Renovation
Total renovation to include: removal of all materials, amend, re-grade, irrigation renovation, sod*
$4.75 - $6.50 Sq. Ft.
$206,910 – $283,140 per acre
$3.50 –$4.50 Sq. Ft.
$152,460 – $196,000 per acre
Complete Redesign; irrigation Conversion modifications; removal of turf and plant materials; soil amendment – seed bed prep; re-seeding – mulching; weed control
*Costs are based on contractor costs for comparable repairs, new installations or renovations of existing landscape Definitions: Renovation = Repair and renovation of existing landscape design
Conversion = Conversion of irrigated turf to sustainable low water use plants
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Appendices #2
Additions to Landscape Maintenance Contracts: Cost Estimates Cost Complete system renovation estimated at $0.45 / per square foot (Based on estimates for Northridge Park renovation)
Comments Parkway renovations most likely higher due to limited work hours, terrain and traffic control.
Maintenance Contracts Changes
TBD 2016 contract costs will certainly rise. Bidding with unit costs will allow us to pick and choose additional or expanded levels of services. Parkways and Forestry staff have reviewed the Technical Specifications and recommended some minor changes for 2015. Staff will be meeting with contractors to seek their input for 2016 contracts. Staff will propose that start and end dates be widened to provide early season prep and late season leaf cleaning.
•
Mulching
Contractor’s Estimate $18 per tree
Estimate to mulch one deciduous tree with 6’ diameter ring – requires 1/3 yard of mulch purchased by the District
•
Mulching
Contractor’s Estimate $22 per tree
Estimate to mulch one deciduous tree with 6’ diameter ring – requires 1/3 yard of mulch purchased by the contractor
•
Seeding
$0.29 / per square foot For areas less than 1000 square feet
Includes aeration of area 4 times in crisscross Pattern, seeding and ¼” of specified top dressing material. The District would purchase the seed
•
Seeding
$0.21 per / square foot For areas 1000 square feet or larger
Includes aeration of area 4 times in crisscross Pattern, seeding and ¼” of specified top dressing material. The District would purchase the seed.
•
Shrub Pruning
Cost of contracts could increase by 8% – 10%
Based on prior year’s contracts, two weeks of the contract season was needed to complete the pruning.
Action Item Irrigation System Upgrades
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Appendices #4
Recommend Plants for Parkway Landscapes
Listed below is a table of plants that have proven to be reliable in the District’s parkway landscapes and many of these have performed well since the earliest landscapes were installed in the community. This table also includes new plants recommended by PROS staffs that have proven hardy and reliable in other municipal settings along the frontrange. While many plants are subject to cyclical damage by insect, disease, extreme weather fluctuations, careful and thoughtful plant selection and placement will help ensure an attractive and diverse landscape of hardy and reliable plants. Trees Deciduous and Coniferous
Shrubs
Broadleaf Evergreens
Cool Season Ornamental Grasses
Perennials, Bulbs and Ground Covers
Alder
Apache Plume
Euyonomous
Blue Avina
Apple/Crabapple
Barberry
Leadplant
Buckeye
Birch
Catalpa Elm Filbert Fir Hawthornes Honeylocust Horse-Chestnut
Buckthorn Burning Bush Chokeberry Coralberry Currant Dogwood Flowering Almond Forsythia
Low Grow Junipers Mahonia Manzanita
Karl Forester Reed Grass Little Bluestem
Black-Eyed Susan Blue Fescue
Kentucky Coffee Tree Linden Maple Oak Pear Pine Spruce
Butterfly Bush Daffodils Daylillies Echinacea English Ivy Gaillardia Ice Plant Jupiters Beard
Honeysuckle Lavendar Lilac (Korean) Mockorange Mountain Mahogany Ninebark Potentilla Rabbitbrush Rose of Sharon Russian Sage Serviceberry Shrub Roses Siberian Peashrub Spirea Viburnum
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Miscanthus Ruby Muhly Switchgrass
Blue Flax
Mahonia Repens Pachysandra Penstemon Salvia (Blue) Santolina Verbena Virginia Creeper Yarrow
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Appendices #5
Example of Updated Parkway Map and Inventory
Parkways staff are working to update the inventory and maps for all parkway areas. This is an example of the mapping and inventorying that is being completed. Foothills Canyon - 2 High Cliff Place to Gold Rush Schedule A Total Area Irrigated Turf Area Shrub Bed / Mulch Bed / Rock Tract Area Sidewalk Linear Feet - Edging Curb Line Linear feet -Edging Fence Line Linear Feet Total Number of Trees Conifers Deciduous Conifers in Beds Deciduous in Beds Transition Zone Area Collector Street - Linear Feet
14,750 12,102 2,630 1,100 0 1,030 29 0 21 8 0 0 0
Foothills Canyon - 2 High Cliff Place to Gold Rush
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Recreation Program Participant Report Program
Adult Flag Football (15) Adult Flag Football (15) Adult Flag Football (15) Adult Golf 101 Adult Softball (14) Adult Softball (14) Adult Softball (14) Bocce Ball - Learn to Play Bocce Ball - Mixed League Bocce Ball -Learn to Play Bocce Ball -Mixed League Bocce Ball - Learn to Play Bocce Ball - Mixed League CARA Cross Country CARA LAX CARA Youth Track & Field Diamond Club Baseball Camp Diamond Club Baseball Clinic Diamond Club Baseball Clinic Diamond Club Softball Clinic Diamond Club Softball Clinic Diamond Club Coaches Clinic Elitch Gardens Golf Tournament Gravity Challenge Healthy Steps Hershey Track & Field Hunter Safety/Ed Hunter Safety/Ed Hunter Safety/Ed Intro to LAX Intro to LAX Intro to LAX Intro to Youth Field Hockey Intro to Youth Field Hockey Intro to Youth Field Hockey Intro to Youth Volleyball Youth Volleyball LAX Camp LAX Preseason Clinic Nature Ed-Ventures Nature Ed-Ventures Nature Ed-Ventures Nature Ed-Ventures Pickleball -Learn to Play Preseason Flag FB Camp Preseason Flag FB Camp Punt, Pass & Kick Rockies Skills Challenge Highlands Ranch Outdoors 2015 Plan Update
Season
Spring Summer Fall Summer Spring Summer Fall Summer Summer Spring Spring Fall Fall Fall Spring Summer Summer Spring Summer Spring Summer Summer Summer Fall Spring Ongoing Summer Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Spring Summer Fall Summer Summer Summer Spring Winter Spring Summer Fall Summer Spring Summer Fall Summer
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Participants
Teams
2013 180
2014 135
2013 12
165 22 1596 2310 1750 6 12 5
135 28 700 2282 1785 13 18 9 12 4 9 34 62 189 18 69 55 22 33
11
9
114 165 125
101 163 119
13 13 33 93 154 80 66
5 72 144 36 15 38
40 23 50
2014 9
5
29 113 14 43 57 40 40 29 36 44
Canceled
51 58 25 23 22 76 288 74 119 124
26 26 12 24 178 140 8 89 64 Rain Out
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Program
Ruler of the Railzz Skateboarding Lessons Skateboarding Lessons Skyhawks Sport Camps Trash for Treasures Warrior's LAX WASA Kickball WASA Kickball WASA Kickball Youth Competitive Baseball (12) Youth Flag Football Youth Flag Football Youth Flag Football Tournament Youth Kickball League Youth Rugby Youth T-ball, Baseball, Softball Youth Umpire Training Youth Weekday T-ball Club Total
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Fall Spring Summer Summer Ongoing Spring Spring Summer Fall Fall Spring Fall Fall Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer
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Participants 2013 30 34 30 905 465 93
2014 35 27 47 918 262 137
850 621 958 290 45 62 2989 65 158 15,325
768 735 967 380 19 55 2763 94 227 14,167
Teams 2013
2014
8
71 65 92 29
64 74 101 38
258
241
16 958
23 955
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SWOT Analysis Notes Stakeholders Meeting, April 14, 2015 Attendees: Rich Cosgrove, Douglas County School District Mark Giebel, Highlands Ranch Community Association John Gleason, Warriors Steve Johnson, Chief Deputy, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Ken Joseph, Highlands Ranch Community Association Mike Lupton, Warriors Jamie Noebel, Highlands Ranch Community Association Justin Olson, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Jared Spires, REAL Mark Taylor, Performance Tennis Management April 30, 2015 meeting Randy Burkhart, Douglas County Parks, Trails and Facilities Curt Sloan, Douglas County Parks, Trails and Facilities
Strengths: • • • • • •
• • • • •
• • • •
Parks, trails and open space Smart growth - having public meetings Communications methods Accessibility Noxious weed control Partnering with other agencies - DCSD and HRMD facilities - Partnering with schools, fields, restrooms, scheduling - trail connections from schools to trails - easements High maintenance standards Safe fields Recreation programs; good variety Amount of recreation opportunities Continuity of staff, institutional memory is critical. When Carolyn leaves who will have the knowledge and history of programs and user groups? Succession planning should be done Ranger availability (LOS) and working with CPW. Park Rangers are fabulous. No other community compares Working with HRMD staff Use sport organizations as a resource on getting information to participants/families about where to park at various parks Highlands Ranch values the wildlife and wildlife habitat in the community
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Weaknesses: • • • • • • • • • • • •
•
•
Parkway landscape appearance Dog park improvements, but not sure exactly what that would be Poop bags left on side of trails Field availability - demand is high - never enough fields to meet demand Conflict with school field use - more sport specific needs Billing system for field use is cumbersome Succession planning / change of employees Need more tennis playback walls - demand is growing Demand for ice rinks - could partner with school district. They have land but no money Lack of synthetic fields Wildcat Regional Park - develop sooner than later - billing program for fields Parking near residences - lack of parking or parking control - expectations of homeowners in area, that public wouldn’t park in their neighborhoods Redstone in fall - parking, people don’t want to walk - better signs needed - participants need better information on parking - sports groups monitoring parking wouldn’t be received well DC Sheriff great at responding to parking calls, concerns
Opportunities: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Focus on partnerships More sports fields Ice rinks More participation for tennis at Wildcat Regional Park Pickleball, fastest growing sport in America Partnering with Children’s Hospital Staffed first aid station at Redstone to handle minor injuries Training for parents Grant partnering with sports groups New light technology - less maintenance Energy alternatives - charging stations Large, competitive pool facility - Partnering with DC schools
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• • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
Water conservation Xeric along parkways - flowering plants Adding lights with synthetic fields Lights at tennis facilities Partnerships in general Partnership with schools on three vacant school sites for fields, community gardens and other needs With more fields could host more tournaments etc. Economic benefit to the community Do we need more community gardens? Partner with schools Use of indoor school facilities for activities, seniors etc Tennis: Aging population, players Colorado Tennis continues to grow Competition with HRCA programs is making both programs better New indoor courts in Parker, competition for players Opportunity to partner with schools to resurface and light school courts Sports training opportunities to collaborate with REAL, Warriors etc: concussion training, coaches training, education for parents etc Safety at parks and ballfields is top priority: lightening detection, concussion management etc REAL – building their own complex Water conservation: artificial turf, converting parkway landscape, more solar lighting etc. LED lighting for sports fields and parking lots Douglas County, Santa Fe Corridor Improvement Plan; Highline Canal Trail underpass Highline Canal Trail connection to Chatfield State Park, planning with Douglas County Douglas County, Highlands Heritage Park, two new lighted, synthetic soccer fields
Threats: • •
Growth - i.e., Sterling Ranch, surrounding communities, county population - how to accommodate safety / Liability - lighting protection
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