To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Update: Town America 250 - Colorado 150 Initiatives
Body
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Discussion
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood, being referenced in short as America 250 - Colorado 150 or simply, 250/150. The Town of Castle Rock has numerous initiatives planned to mark these occasions. The purpose of this memo is to update Council on the Town’s 250/150 plans to date.
Branding
Staff has developed a logo to brand local 250/150 initiatives. This logo will be used to spread awareness of America 250 - Colorado 150 in Castle Rock through various displays at Town facilities - especially within Downtown. It will also be included when promoting local events, as well as on promotional items, including apparel, car decals and event giveaways.
Additional historical and patriotic displays have been installed, like the 250/150-themed banners on the east side of the parking garage south of Town Hall, which the Public Art Commission selected. Flags, flowers and more will help deck the Town in red, white, blue and Colorado gold this year.
Grants
Town Council has already awarded six grants totaling $67,021 to service contract entities and other nonprofit partners, to support patriotic displays and events for the community during 2026. The Town has also opened up an opportunity for residents to apply for $500 mini-grants to hold neighborhood-level celebrations of America 250 - Colorado 150. Within the first week, more than 10 applications were submitted, indicating solid interest in this program.
The original intent was to offer up to 20 mini-grants. However, since the larger grant programs did not use their full $90,000 budget, staff intends to extend the total of mini grants to accommodate demands from valid applicants up to the total grants program budget. Many proposals received thus far are for block parties from May through August. Other proposals include a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a tree-planting event. Applications have already come in from within five of the Town’s six election districts, so staff expects these funds to be used for celebrations by residents throughout the community. Interested residents can learn more and apply at CRgov.com/NeighborhoodGrants.
Public art
As approved by Council, Big Drive - three large-scale sculptures of a bull, a cow and a calf - will be installed at Rock Park Open Space ahead of Western Heritage Welcome Week as part of the Town’s 250/150 celebrations.
Special events
The Town will host special events to mark America 250 - Colorado 150, beginning on June 14, Flag Day. Celebrations will continue on July 4, with a celebration at Festival Park that includes music, face painting, a pie bake-off and fireworks, of course. A third event is planned on Aug. 1, Colorado Day, when festivities will include a corn hole tournament. That night, Fitz and The Tantrums - whose co-lead vocalist Noelle Scaggs was born in Denver - will play a paid concert at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park. Early ticket sales for the concert have been strong; tickets remain available at CRgov.com/Concerts.
In addition to these events, other celebrations of 250/150 will occur in Castle Rock - particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Additional information about ways to join in the celebrations will be shared at CRgov.com/250150Events as this season approaches.
Star lighting
Council at its February 3 meeting directed staff to light the Star in Rock Park from July 4 to August 1 in observance of America 250 - Colorado 150. The Keepers of the Star from the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department will make this happen.
Time capsule
The Town recently launched a time capsule project, to culminate with the capsule’s burial at the Castle Rock Sports Center in July. Between now and then, local fourth graders - and the community at large - will be invited to contribute to the capsule. The Town has reached out to teachers, to ask their fourth grade classes to write a letter to themselves 50 years in the future. In April and May, residents will be asked to submit postcards and videos to be included in the capsule.
Other contents that will be placed in the capsule include various Town memorabilia and publications. A plaque that will sit atop the capsule once it is buried will direct that it be opened in 2076, upon the 300th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 200th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood.
Staff welcomes Council’s ideas and input relative to these and any additional America 250 - Colorado 150 initiatives the Town wishes to undertake in 2026.