North Meadows exteNsioN construction to begin

subMit it4 etrakit 4 build it new online building permit process

Codered CoNNeCtioN when it matters most

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A magazine for everyone who calls Castle Rock homeA magazine for everyone who calls Castle Rock home

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NorthmEAdOWSexteNsioNConstruction starts this spring 4

eCoNoMiCdEvELOpmENTfuNdRewarding business performance 6- 9

yourTOWNfiNaNCesAddressing public safety needs 8 - 9

buildiNgmiLLERParkPhase one to open in 2014 14

getThEalertCounty partners for CodeRED 16

New year

where to call:

A publication of the Castle Rock Community Relations DivisionDEsignED by Karen Mcgrath Community Relations Creative services supervisor

ExECutivE EDitoR Fritz sprague Deputy town Manager

EDitoRs Kristin Accola Management Analyst

Karen Mcgrath Community Relations Creative services supervisor

Caroline Kipp Community Relations specialist

PhotogRAPhy Mark sims and Karen Mcgrath. Rueter-hess photography by Jackie shumaker, Fire photos by tim tonge.

on the cover: Castle Rock is a great place to spend the holiday season with your family.

focus

e M e r g e N C y M a s s N o t i f i C a t i o N Life can change with just a moment’s notice, make sure you are connected to emergency personnel. To register, visit CRgov.com/Codered.

i can’t believe that 2012 is nearly over. Let me be among the first to wish you a Merry Christmas.

What a year 2013 is shaping up to be for the town of Castle Rock. We’ll be breaking ground on the north Meadows Extension and starting construction on Philip s. Miller Park. We’ll also make good headway in securing long-term water, with the opening of the Plum Creek Water Purification Facility and by taking more steps toward importing other renewable water resources.

of course we’ll continue our focus on public safety. to maintain the high quality and levels of service you expect, we will grow our Police and Fire staffs for the first time since 2006. Your Town is in a good financial position, and we recently put in place a plan that balances our budget for the next three years. Read more about that plan, and the town’s 2013 budget, on pages 8 and 9.

Maybe more exciting to your family is Downtown’s new Rink at the Rock, which is featured on page 18. the rink concept was created and implemented through volunteer members of the Downtown Development Authority and will complement the official opening of this holiday season. the rink opened as part of our starlighting tradition, adding to the unique memories we all make as families and neighbors in Castle Rock.

i’m certainly glad for my family – especially this time of year. i’m also thankful to live and lead in a place that gets recognized time and time again as one of the country’s best small cities – most recently named No. 16 by CNNMoney magazine. Now, I might be a bit biased, but i consider Castle Rock the very best place on all of those lists.

My thanks to all who contribute to the great sense of community we have here, and especially to those who volunteer their time throughout the year. May god bless you and show favor on each of you and your families in this new year.

Mayor Paul Donahue

to New information source

Remember that old banner system across north Wilcox street? the town now has a new messaging system in place that is more reliable and easier to maintain. A new LED sign outside of town hall promotes events, activities and programs sponsored by the town, Douglas County, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, Castle Rock Downtown Development Authority and the

Downtown Merchants Association, which all helped fund the sign.

Other nonprofit organizations also have an opportunity to use the sign. information on that process is posted online, CRgov.com/townled.

No Knock in Townto help residents deter unwanted solicitation, the town is now distributing “no Knock” stickers to residents who register for the town’s “no Knock” list. Commercial solicitors are prohibited under town Code from knocking at addresses on the list or where the sticker or other no solicitation signs are displayed. Learn more, register or request at sticker online, Crgov.com/noknock.

Unique photo opthe Public Art Commission’s Picture this! effort aims to construct artful frames that outline the town’s signature Rock, creating the perfect photo opportunity. A new frame was created through a partnership between the Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department and the Castle Rock senior Center and now stands outside the Recreation Center. This frame is the second in this effort. Another frame stands outside town hall.

home sweet homeJob growth, business climate, income tax rates, schools and overall quality of life make Castle Rock one of the best places in the u.s. to live, according to CnnMoney magazine. up from its No. 19 ranking in 2011, Castle Rock came in at No. 16 this year. the magazine highlighted job and business growth within the town.

Safe at schoolResponding to parent concerns about speeds in the area, a new reduced-speed zone will be established on Coachline Road near Clear sky Elementary and the trailblazer Way/ Foothills Drive intersection. the zone will be marked with

solar-powered, flashing signals that will operate in the morning and afternoon

as students are traveling to and from school. installation

is scheduled for completion by December.

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Green light for roadway construction in 2013in partnership with Douglas County and the Colorado Department of transportation, the town’s largest ever roadway project is continuing to take shape. Construction on the north Meadows Extension, which will connect the Meadows to u.s. highway 85 and interstate 25, is planned to start in 2013.

the roadway will provide a much-needed northern access to The Meadows. It will also relieve traffic congestion along Founders/Meadows Parkway at the u.s. 85 and i-25 intersections. this project is the town’s no. 1 transportation priority.

the interchange with i-25 will be about 1 mile north of the existing Founders/Meadows Parkway exit.

the new u.s. 85 interchange will be at Castlegate Drive, near the outlets at Castle Rock and the Pines apartments. original plans included only the north ramps – a southbound off-ramp and a northbound on-ramp to U.S. 85. However, to provide users the most flexibility with access choices, the town is pursuing the completion of the south ramps. the addition of the northbound off-ramp and southbound

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NorthMeadows

on-ramp to u.s. 85 may occur with this project as a result of additional funding support being pursued by the town.

in the initial phase, there will be one travel lane in each direction on the new roadway, with plans in place to add one additional lane in each direction when traffic warrants. The future expansion will be funded in part by Castle Rock Development Co., which developed the Meadows.

As of late october, the town had gained right-of-entry from affected property owners, meaning crews can access the project area to perform the final soil tests necessary for design completion.

the town had also met with representatives from the Meadows hoA to gather input on sound barrier location options for the new road. the goal is to mitigate sound concerns without altering current natural landscaping and in accordance with the federally approved Environmental Assessment.

the town will host a community meeting in early 2013 to gather additional input on the project’s look and feel, which will include appearance of planned sound barrier walls.

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exteNsioNNorthMeadows

Residents can watch their mail, CRgov.com/nME and the town’s Facebook page for updates.

the estimated costs of this initial phase is about $50 million with $20 million coming from 2005 voter-approved bond proceeds. the rest of the funding will come from the town’s transportation Fund and contributions from Douglas County, Castle Rock Development Co. and CDot.

Castle Rock voters in 2005 approved a $30 million bond issue to build three new transportation routes around town. Collectively, they are called the tAP projects, or transportation Action Plan projects. the first two, which are now part of Plum Creek Parkway, were completed in 2009.

As with the first two TAP projects, the Town will publish an online project newsletter starting in 2013 at CRgov.com/taP.

This project is a partnership among:

Part of the Town’s vision is to be a standalone community where residents can live and work. the Castle Rock Economic Partnership – an award-winning collaboration

among the town, Castle Rock Economic Development Council, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Castle Rock Downtown Alliance – works to take

that vision closer to reality by attracting and growing businesses here.

“Castle Rock has created a very business-friendly environment and is serious about creating primary jobs in the community, and we are now on many companies’ radars when they are considering new locations,” said Wes King,

chairman of the Castle Rock EDC.

through the Economic Partnership, the town last year created a new Economic Development Performance Fund, to use in incentivizing businesses to open their doors here.

The businesses that are benefitting from the fund aren’t simply getting a handout from the town. they have to perform, and that means providing jobs and services.

“We are investing in our existing businesses, as well as welcoming new business to Castle Rock. these businesses bring in new revenue and keep revenue from leaving our community,” Mayor Paul Donahue said. “bottom line: they create jobs for our citizens, expand our tax base, make significant capital investments in Castle Rock and spur new office, industrial and retail expansion in our community.”

this page presents some recent examples of the Economic Development Performance Fund at work. Learn more at CastleRockEDC.com.

digitalGlobeserviCes 316 Wilcox St.

They offered: 12 high-paying, executive-level positions

The Town offered: 50 percent waiver of town fees up to $2,500; jobs incentive up to $27,500; total not to exceed $30,000

this company specializes in digital marketing focused on generating high value to customers on behalf of their clients and partners. Examples include search engine optimization,

lead generation and mobile application technology. the company is relocating its global headquarters from Washington D.C. to Castle Rock. “Colorado was on the top of our list, and from the moment

we started working with the Castle Rock EDC, Castle Rock Downtown Development Authority and the town of Castle

Rock, they demonstrated their desire to have us in the community, and they made our decision easy,” CEo

Jeff Cox said. “We are excited for what the future holds. Recruiting our top-level management team to Colorado

and Castle Rock was the easy part.”

economic deve lopment fund

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roCkymountainexCavatiNg 1173 and 1199 Atchison Way

They offered: 50 new positions, 10 of which will be permanent and based in Castle Rock

The Town offered: 50 percent building fee reduction, not to exceed $35,000; job creation incentive not to exceed $20,000; total not to exceed $55,000

this general contractor performs dirt, pipe, concrete and construction management. the company is consolidating its yard and shop spaces, the latter of which presently is in Louviers, Colo., into a new location on Atchison Way. the new 8,000-square-foot office building and 8,000 to 10,000-square-foot shop will allow the firm to hire some 50 new employees – 10 of which will be permanent jobs in Castle Rock. “We could not be more excited about our expansion in our home community,” President/CEo Chris Weems said. “honestly, we looked at options outside of Castle Rock, but after we evaluated everything, we felt the right choice for RME was to expand our business here.”

holidayinnexPress 610 Genoa Way

They offered: 15 full-time and five part-time positions, plus improved services for Castle Rock

The Town offered: 28 percent rebate for development permits and fees, not to exceed $99,000

This 80-room hotel will offer different amenities from what currently exists in Castle Rock, filling a market niche in the community. It will have a dedicated boardroom and 1,400 to 2,500 square feet in conference space.

douglasCountyfirearMs 1155 Park st.

They offered: 18 full-time positions by the end of 2014

The Town offered: 50 percent rebate on building and permit fees, not to exceed $24,000; 25 percent share-back of increased sales tax not to exceed four years or $75,000; total not to exceed $99,000

The firm’s new 8,000-square-foot location will feature several shooting ranges, expanded retail firearms sales and a gun club. the club had 200 members before the range even opened its doors. “We knew Castle Rock was going to be a great market for us, because we started our business here and have been growing quickly since we opened,” said owner Josh barton. “thanks to the support of the EDC and the town ... their support of our expanding local business is awesome.”

economic deve lopment fundrewards performance

C R g o v. c o m

> >>> >>focus on five priorities continues with 2013 budget

Because your Town government made tough decisions to effectively weather the recession, the Town will begin addressing needs and priority projects in 2013, without increasing taxes or charging new fees.

The proposed 2013 budget continues focus on five priorities: securing renewable water; completing the north Meadows Extension; providing outstanding public health and safety services; creating jobs and improving the business climate; and constructing Philip s. Miller Park Phase one. Additional proposed priorities include planning for a new fieldhouse; updating the Vision 2020 and 2020 Comprehensive Plan; i-25 corridor planning; and maintaining high-quality town services.

Council was expected to adopt the budget Dec. 4 – around the time this magazine arrives in your mail.

if adopted as proposed, the owner of a $300,000 house still will only pay about $40 per year to the town for the wide range of services it provides. 2013 highlights include:

> Finalizing agreements with two long-term water providers > Adding a third ambulance, with six new staff, to the Fire and Rescue Department > growing the Police Department by six positions

the total proposed budget includes $196.3 million in expenditures and $158.2 million in revenues. the use of $41 million in accumulated cash savings – mostly for water projects, Miller Park Phase one and the north Meadows Extension – would offset that difference. Property taxes are expected to make up only about $1 million, or less than 1 percent, of the town’s total 2013 revenues. visit CRgov.com/2013budget for details.

balancing Financial PrioritiesS E T T i N G A d i R E C T i O N F O R T h E F U T U R EWhen approving the 2013 budget, Town Council also considered a three-year financial plan that outlines how the Town will address level of service issues and complete planned projects as the community continues to move from recession into recovery.

the plan prioritizes needs, resulting in a balanced budget each year without raising taxes. the planning process included a look at town Council goals, priorities and policies, along with results from the 2011 community survey, and input from boards and commissions.

the good news is that services will be improved, and projects that have gone unfunded will be undertaken, including increasing public safety staffing levels for the first time since 2006. The truth is that the plan is limited to what is presently known and will have to be continually updated between now and 2015, as better information is obtained. view the plan at CRgov.com/balancedPlan.

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long-term water pipeline

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Public safety numbers drive needs

Additional information about the Fire department’s study also is online, CRgov.com/firelos.

Read the police department’s entire levels of service analysis at CRgov.com/Policelos.

Castle rock fire and rescue Chief art Morales

Castle rock Police Chief Jack Cauley

the level of enhancement to the town’s public safety departments over the next three years is based in statistical science.

Careful analysis was conducted to determine the appropriate staffing levels for the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue and Police departments’ needs.

As part of its recent national accreditation process, the Fire and Rescue Department staff studied response data going back to 2007 – including the precise location of more than 17,000 incidents. With the assistance of new analysis software, they mapped the incidents and corresponding response times to the quarter-square-mile. A gap in service delivery was identified in the Founders Village area that a third ambulance could help resolve.

that recommendation is going forward in 2013. It will include six new full-time staff members for the department – three firefighter/emergency medical technicians and three firefighter/paramedics. It also will involve renovation of Fire station 153 in order to accommodate the additional personnel. the new ambulance should be fully operational by summer 2013.

the Police Department, meanwhile, completed a data- driven analysis of levels of service, benchmarked with other agencies. the study found that while Castle Rock remains a safe community, the Police Department’s Investigations Division does not have the staff needed to appropriately investigate and proactively address crime within the community. Over the next three years, two staff members are planned for addition in that area.

The Patrol and Traffic staffs also plan to grow over the next three years – by four and two staff members, respectively – to allow for more flexibility, greater coverage and improved response times. Additionally, two officers are anticipated for assignment to community policing, to work with residents and the business community to identify and solve problems.

Finally, the department plans to add another emergency call dispatcher, to provide necessary staffing relief, for a total of 11 new positions planned for 2013-2015.

six of the Police positions are slated for approval with the 2013 budget. the other positions will be in the 2014 and 2015 budget proposals.

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Online program allows 24-hour access to building permit applications and informationFrom shopping to booking travel to reading the latest news, these days, there isn’t much that can’t be accomplished online. And starting in 2013, builders in Castle Rock will be able to complete most of their building permit process online, too.

the program, called etRAKit, means any builder – from the do-it-yourself deck enthusiast to the general contractor of a major business – can complete most of what the town requires for building permits online.

builders will be able to research permits via the Web. they can also check for a registered contractor, check the status of an inspection, see if a permit has been issued or schedule an inspection.

etRAKit can be accessed at CRgov.com/building. there, customers can create an account, login and

view all the information they need by clicking the etRAKit link.

“This effort is really about customer service,” said Assistant Development services Director heather vidlock. “Development is an important part of the town’s future, and we want to make the process more user-friendly while keeping to our town’s vision of responsible growth.”

still, the electronic nature won’t take away from quality customer service. Builders who would like to come in to file paperwork can. inside Development services at town hall, 100 n. Wilcox st., will be a new kiosk where customers can scan in documents and file necessary plans and paperwork electronically, with the help of Town staff available right there.

At least one builder that constructs homes in town is excited about the new permitting system.

“the building department actively seeks to make its process-es more efficient and homebuilder-friendly,” said Oakwood homes Director of operations shaun Winkler. “the new electronic process will save all of us time and money and make Castle Rock a more attractive place to build homes. We are happy to support their efforts in any way possible.”

CRgov.com/building

d E v E L O p m E N T S E R v i C E SetRAKit ON ThE RiGhT TRACK4TO bUiLdiNG bETTER

towN PrePared for wiNterlet it snow.

ice breakerin Colorado, snow often gives way to ice. The Town’s winter road priority is providing safe mobility on high-volume streets for emergency response vehicles and other traffic.

To meet this goal and combat ice, the Town in February purchased a new machine. Called the Arctic Shark, the ice-breaking machine breaks up the ice so it can be removed with less environmental

impact than chemical approaches.

Now, the Arctic Shark is proving its worth. Without the device, road crews cleared about 5 lane miles of ice in January. in February,

the machine helped clear nearly 40 lane miles of ice, essentially paying for itself in one month of use. 11

Ensuring the safest travel conditions possible for the driving public and emergency personnel is a priority for the town, and it is a team effort. When it snows during the height of the season, employees from numerous departments – Public Works, Parks and Recreation and utilities – are on the road in more than 20 vehicles, clearing the way for motorists.

the town’s snow-removal policy states that when it snows 4 inches or more between nov. 15 and March 15, crews will clear roads around-the-clock throughout town and in neighborhoods. Main thoroughfares and school bus routes are the town’s main priority and will be plowed for every snow event. one lane in residential areas will also be plowed when 4 inches of snow or more accumulates during that four-month window.

in addition, the town’s Parks Division removes snow from public properties, including buildings with public access, and bicycling and walking paths. this maintenance begins after 2 inches of snow accumulation.

For snow events outside of the four-month window, plows will be deployed into residential areas for 8 inches of snow or more.

Residents can monitor snowplow progress through town and get an estimated time of arrival in their area with the town’s online snowplow tracker, CRgov.com/plowtracker. in addition, the town will provide regular updates on its homepage, CRgov.com, and on its Facebook page and twitter handle, @CRgov.

While the snow may come in with a blast overnight, being prepared takes effort and planning. In late summer, Public Works crews test and repair all snow-removal equipment.

“We are very prepared for snow this year,” said Dave Frost, town street operations and maintenance manager. “it’s important. the community relies on us.”

once plowing needs are addressed, the town’s focus shifts to ice management, as needed. A newly acquired piece of equipment helps make ice removal quicker and more efficient.

still, the town needs residents’ help. Property owners are legally required to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours after 2 inches of snow or more falls. Do not place snow from driveways, sidewalks or private property into public rights of way or in water quality ponds, and remember, snowplow drivers have the right of way on the roads.

the town also requests property owners be good neighbors. Please lend a hand, and help neighbors who are unable to shovel. Clear snow from nearby fire hydrants, so they are accessible for emergency response, even after significant accumulations.

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2006 – Adopted Water Resources Strategic master plan, which set the goal of 75 percent renewable water by the time the Town reaches build-out population; accordingly adjusted water rates and fees

2008 – broke ground on expanded Rueter-hess Reservoir

2009 – Started to investigate the WiSE agreement

Securing renewable water through partnershipsFinal negotiations are under way with the two groups that are poised to provide the Town with a significant amount of the water that it needs to accomplish its long-term water goals.

town Council in october voted in favor of pursuing a combination of water providers for the town’s next long-term water project. Town staff now is engaged in negotiations with the WISE partnership and Stillwater Resources, which could result in renewable water being imported into town within a couple of years.

The effort is part of the Town’s Legacy Water Projects, which aim to get the Town to a 75 percent renewable water supply by the time it reaches its build-out population of 100,000 residents.

“The challenges and opportunities of all four proposals were carefully considered by Town staff and a team of water experts,” said town Water Resources Manager heather beasley. “this combination of WisE and stillwater Resources gives the town the best value and gets us closer to our renewable water goals.”

Contracting with the two providers will offer the Town a secure, flexible and diverse water supply. The solution will provide one-half to two-thirds of the water – 3,000 to 4,000 acre-feet – that the town anticipates needing at build out. The actual amount secured will depend on the final agreements negotiated. A typical Castle Rock household uses about one-half an acre-foot of water per year.

“These negotiations … are the next step to get the Town to a renewable water supply in a financially responsible and efficient manner, using partnerships and existing resources,” said Mayor Paul Donahue.

the Castle Rock utilities Commission, comprised of resident volunteers, supported this concept. the solution will be funded through user charges and fees – a study will determine the actual rates, once project details are finalized.

town Council in June decided it was not in favor of pursuing a property tax to fund the projects, because it would put an unequal funding burden on business owners over homeowners. Additionally, a property tax would not consider a customer’s actual water usage in determining their total water costs.

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About the WiSE agreement• partnership among Aurora Water, denver Water and the

South metro Water Supply Authority

• permanent but variable water source through regional partnership

• Lower up-front capital costs than other options

• many agreements need to be finalized for WiSE to work, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorization to store WiSE water in Rueter-hess Reservoir

About Stillwater Resources• Lower water rights costs than other options; can defer development

to spread out costs over a larger customer base

• Public and private partnership possibilities exist

• May require replacement of water into Box Elder Creek

2011 – developed a request for proposals to compare available water supply options in a public, transparent process; started construction on plum Creek Water purification Facility

2012 – Opened Rueter-hess Reservoir and began negotiations with WiSE and Stillwater to import renewable water to Castle Rock

2013 – Will finalize and approve agreements with WiSE and Stillwater and open the plum Creek Water purification Facility

2013 water rates updateWater rates in Castle Rock would rise only slightly next year for the average resident, and some water-related fees would decrease, under a proposal that Town Council will finalize in December.

A five-year rate plan adopted for 2011 to 2015 had called for residential water rates to rise 3.4 percent for 2013. Increases in growth, water demands and wastewater flows, along with revised cost projections and healthy reserves, have led Castle Rock Water to ask for an increase of only .9 percent, or less than $10 per year, for residential customers. Commercial rates would increase by slightly more, but still would be lower than initially projected.

irrigation-only customers (typically homeowners associations) actually would pay less next year than in 2012 under the proposal. Water system fees for new homes also would go down under the plan, by about 7 percent – from $21,818 to $20,312. that fee had initially been expected to increase by 3.3 percent.

now that the town is pursuing a 3,000 to 4,000 acre-foot renewable water solution, a new water rates and fees study is being completed. through 2017, residential water rates are expected to increase 1.5 to 2 percent annually. Look for additional information on the results of the rates study in summer 2013.

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i d E A S S W i N G i N T O m O T i O N i N 2 0 1 3the town’s new 225-acre park, along Plum Creek Parkway south of the Meadows, is continuing to take shape. town Council made two key decisions in 2012, setting the framework for Philip s. Miller Park to open in 2014.

in september, town Council allocated $10 million for Miller Park Phase one, which will include necessary infrastructure such as roadways and pipelines, along with unique park features including an outdoor amphitheater, pond, indoor event space, adventure playground and more. Funding will come from fees on new development, Conservation trust Fund revenues, general Fund reserves and the Philip s. Miller trust Fund.

in late october, Council accelerated the project by choosing to use a construction manager/general contractor for the park’s development. this approach means one contractor will coordinate all aspects of construction. The benefits of using

this approach are that the park will open at the earliest possible date, and construction may coincide with that of a new fieldhouse.

Cost is a significant factor in the Town’s choice to go with a general contractor, which will set a “guaranteed maximum price” for the project, giving the Town more financial certainty.

Town staff will request bids for a general contractor, with a presentation to Council anticipated in early 2013.

of all the town’s park initiatives, this park has the highest priority and is one of the Town’s five focuses for developing the 2013 budget and three-year balanced financial plan. (see pages 8 and 9.)

For more information on miller park and to keep up with developments, visit CRgov.com/PsMPark.

pARKS ANdRECREATiONearns top honorPartnerships, community support, and doing more with less while providing high levels of service to all residents brought the national spotlight to Castle Rock again this year.

the Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department in october accepted the national Recreation and Parks Administration’s 2012 gold Medal Award.

the award honors communities throughout the united states that demonstrate long-range planning, resource management, voluntarism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition.

Each agency is evaluated on its ability to address the needs of those it serves through the collective energies of residents, staff and elected officials. Castle Rock won for Class IV, for communities with populations between 25,000 and 50,000.

“We’ve always known our Parks and Recreation Department is first class,” said Councilman Mark heath, who serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission. “This award is further testament to our staff’s hard work every day to make our parks and recreation opportunities the top-notch amenities we all enjoy.”

Watch the video the town submitted for the award on the town’s Facebook page.

2012

by the numbers• Volunteers gave more than 36,000 hours to the Town in 2011.

• Castle Rock dedicates 8 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents.

• Participation in SilverSneakers® programs has increased 176 percent since 2007.

• The Town has 19 developed parks and 51 miles of trails. An additional 50 miles of trails are planned.

• There are more than 1,700 fitness classes offered annually at the Castle Rock Recreation Center and through other partner organizations.

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life can change in a moment– make sure you are connected

It’s important for emergency response personnel to be able to connect with residents during an emergency. Changes in technology are allowing governments to do so in more ways than ever before. In an effort to take advantage of new geo-tracking programs and to continue to ensure accurate crisis communication with residents, the Castle Rock Police and Fire and Rescue departments, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and all other Douglas County emergency agencies have transitioned to a new mass notification system called CodeRED. When a 12-year old boy went missing in Castle Rock earlier this fall, it took just one phone call and less than 20 minutes to find him.

the town’s new emergency alert system, called CodeRED, was activated when Castle Rock Police received the call about the missing boy. A resident who received the CodeRED alert on her home phone looked out her window, found the boy and called police.

CodeRED is a high-speed telephone emergency notification system that allows public safety personnel to send messages directly to residents – whether they are home or away – during an emergency. it uses geo-tracking to target specific areas with prerecorded phone messages, emails or texts.

through a Countywide partnership, all agencies within Douglas County started using this system oct. 1.

CodeRED alerts will be implemented in emergency situations such as police activity in the area, an Amber Alert, wildfires or other emergency incidents. Because weather changes so rapidly in Colorado, Douglas County and its municipalities chose not to use this system to issue weather alerts. the County-wide 911 Authority encourages residents to stay tuned to weather radios and local media for information during severe weather.

Residents can sign up using landlines, or cell phone numbers and emails, because dispatch centers can also use CodeRED to send messages via text message or email. Required information includes: First and last name, street address (no P.O. Boxes), city, state, ZIP code and primary phone number. Data will be kept confidential.

to sign up, visit CRgov.com/Codered.

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sign up todaycRgov.com/codeRed Questions? 303-663-6100 or police@cRgov.com

when will Codered be used? Any message regarding the safety of the community will be disseminated using CodeRED, with the exception of severe weather. Messages could include evacuation notices, police activity or fire emergencies.

why won’t i get a call about severe weather? Weather in Colorado shifts so rapidly that a message via this system may not be effective. Instead, the County and its municipalities encourage residents to stay tuned to NOAA weather radios and local media during severe weather situations.

what if i do not have the internet? the town encourages residents to talk to their family, friends and neighbors for help using the internet to sign up. in addition, emergency response personnel will be at public events throughout the County to help residents sign up.

will my phone number automatically be included? though contact information will be transferred from the County’s former system to the new system, it is suggested that all residents sign up for the new system.

do i need to renew my registration at any time? Renewals are not necessary as long as contact information does not change. users who move must reregister.

what should i do if i receive a Codered message? Listen carefully to the entire message. you will have the option to repeat the message by pressing any key. Do not call 911 for further information unless directed to do so or unless you need immediate aid from the Police or Fire department. nonemergency calls into dispatch could overload the system.

i have a landline, and it does not work when the power goes out. how will the system be able to contact me? Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone – and be sure to turn on the ringer. in addition, the CodeRED sign-up form allows you to indicate both a primary and alternate phone number. Cell phone and/or work phone numbers can be entered as alternate phone numbers. both primary and alternate phone numbers will be contacted when a notification is sent.

what happens if the line is busy? CodeRED will try two more times to connect. it will not interrupt the call in progress. if it reaches an answering machine, it will leave a message.

how reliable is this system? According to national averages, emergency notification systems connect with users 70 percent of the time. CodeRED has been tested in the County, and reports are showing it connects an average of 85 percent of the time. Cell tower connections and technology issues impact these statistics.

how is this system being funded? the Douglas County Emergency telephone service Authority, which is funded by a monthly 70 cent phone surcharge on all cell phones and landlines within the County, will pay for the system.

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As you give to friends and family this year, why not give back to your town, too? shopping in Castle Rock helps your local community thrive. Local business owners appreciate your support. When you shop with them, you’re helping to maintain the charming character and small-town feel that residents love about Castle Rock.

And, shopping at any of our retail stores – independent or larger, national chains – generates sales tax and enhances employment opportunities for those living in the community. the town’s budget is derived, in large part, from sales tax revenues, allowing the town to provide a wide range of services to residents.

so, forget the boring experience of shopping online, and don’t spend extra on gas by heading into Denver – experience the many different businesses that are open for you, locally.

Residents can begin a new holiday tradition this year by visiting Downtown’s newest amenity, Rink at the Rock.

the 50-by-100-foot rink – located at 414 n. Perry st., next to finn•lafleur – opened during the 77th annual Starlighting ceremony in november and will remain open through early February. It offers open skating, ice skating lessons, broomball, special events and other activities. skates are available for rental, and there is an admission fee to access the ice. visit RinkAttheRock.com for rate information and a complete activity schedule.

the Downtown Development Authority, working closely with the town and the community, successfully assembled a public-private partnership to take the ice rink from vision to reality. Located just beneath our town’s iconic Rock, the rink adds to Downtown’s charm. it also creates another entertainment opportunity in town, which we know our residents seek.

the space where the rink sits, which a permanent structure shades from the sun, will continue to host activities after the ice melts. During the remainder of the year, small concerts, cultural activities, outdoor markets, movie nights and more will be scheduled.

Questions about the rink or the year-round programming? Contact Charlene Meeker, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, charlene@castlerockedc.com or 303-688-7488.

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skate shopin Castle Rock