Rebecca Dunn, Chair

Cat Evans, Vice Chair

Robert Coltin

Parks and Recreation Commission

Meeting Minutes

Scott Dowis

Jessica Kallweit

Craig Kinnunen

Melissa Lindsay

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

5:00 PM

Central Service Center

1400 Caprice Drive

Castle Rock, CO 80109

Note: This meeting is open to the public. Three or more Council members may also

attend this meeting, during which the items listed herein will be discussed. If you are

unable to access any portion of these materials due to a disability as defined under

Colorado House Bill 21-1110, please call us at 303-663-4440, email the Town’s

accessibility team at accessibility@CRgov.com or submit an accommodation request

form at CRgov.com/A11yRequest.

TIMES SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY BE ADJUSTED DUE TO CHANGES TO THE AGENDA.

CALL TO ORDER

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA

Commission Chair Rebecca Dunn called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. Staff in

attendance included Jeff Brauer, Bob Maloney, Mike Kilman, Jennifer Martin, Brian

Peterson and Maia Yates.

5 -

Present

Chair Rebecca Dunn, Commissioner Robert Coltin, Commissioner Cat Evans,

Commissioner Melissa Lindsay, and Commissioner Craig Kinnunen

2 - Commissioner Scott Dowis, and Commissioner Jessica Kallweit

Not Present

PUBLIC COMMENT

DURING THIS TIME, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION AND STAFF

ON ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA. COMMENTS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN FOUR

(4) MINUTES.

None.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

PRC 2025-013

Approval of the Minutes

5 -

Yes:

Chair Dunn, Commissioner Coltin, Commissioner Evans, Commissioner Lindsay, and

Commissioner Kinnunen

2 - Commissioner Dowis, and Commissioner Kallweit

Not Present:

AGENDA ITEMS

PRC 2025-014

Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Update

Jeff Brauer, Parks and Recreation Director, provided an update on Lost Canyon

Ranch Open Space (LCROS). He reminded members that the property was

purchased in 2024 with financial participation from Great Outdoors Colorado,

Douglas County, the Douglas Land Conservancy and the Conservation Trust

Fund. The 681-acre site lies in southeast Castle Rock and is characterized by a

deep canyon formed by Willow Creek, steep rugged terrain, Castle Rock

conglomerate formations and interspersed grasslands. Preserving this open

space aligns with the community’s priorities of preserving open space. Earlier this

year, the Town completed a master and management plan, both approved by DLC

as part of the purchase agreement. With these approvals, the Town is preparing to

begin phased implementation with an initial $2 million to cover trail development,

road work, basic trailhead infrastructure and traffic calming measures.

Jeff described the site’s natural and cultural significance, noting both its ecological

value and archaeological importance. The property contains Willow Creek and

seasonal ponds, supports diverse wildlife and holds significant cultural history,

including recreational use dating back over 8,000 years. The plans include 15

miles of soft-surface trails designed to minimize environmental impact, with two

main trailheads scheduled to open in 2025-Creekside, with about 40 parking

spaces, and Cattleman’s, with about 120 spaces. Trail names such as Lost

Moccasin, Bootleggers Loop, and Echoes of Ancestors reflect the site’s history

and archaeology. The Commission discussed trail connectivity, with Jeff

confirming that networks will interconnect. The master plan designates the

property as hiking-only, with no bikes or dogs allowed, based on public input and

resource protection.

Rebecca Dunn asked for clarification on funding, and Jeff explained that the $2

million is included in the upcoming budget to be reviewed by Town Council, with

individual contracts to follow for trails, road maintenance, traffic calming and

signage. The goal is to open the property to the public in 2026.

Rebecca also asked if the structures on site will remain. Jeff noted that they will be

carefully evaluated and confirmed that the caretaker residence had already been

removed. While additional development ideas such as a nature center or

therapeutic riding facilities have been proposed, they will not be included in the first

phase of improvements.

Craig Kinnunen inquired about the potential for expanding use beyond hiking, but

Jeff emphasized that the ecological value and community input strongly support

restricting to hiking only at this time. He also noted the importance of keeping

visitors on designated trails for safety and preservation.

Melissa Lindsay asked about excavation funding, and Jeff noted that while not

currently available, the site has already revealed valuable findings. The

Commission discussed archaeological protection, including the Franktown Cave

site, which will not have a designated trail in order to safeguard resources.

Cat Evans asked about the state park connection trail, which Jeff explained would

be a rugged 0.75-mile trail that has been supported verbally by state park

leadership. Commission members discussed Council concerns about state park

access and traffic impacts, with Jeff noting measures will be put into place to

hopefully mitigate these issues.

In closing, Jeff explained that next steps include Town Council’s budget approval

over the next two months, which will allow phase one work to proceed. Overall, the

update reflected the significant cultural, ecological, and recreational value of Lost

Canyon Ranch Open Space and the thoughtful planning being undertaken to

ensure it serves both present and future generations.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS

During staff updates, Jeff Brauer highlighted several upcoming community events,

including town council open houses in different districts and the State of the Town

address on September 30 at Cantril School. He noted that full details are available

online at CRgov.com/Events.

Brian Peterson reported on several projects in progress. At Emerald Park,

construction is underway on two new stairways providing access from Emerald

Drive and the bocce area to the park, with natural stone designs. A shade shelter

near the pickleball court is planned for installation early next year as well.

In addition, four new outdoor table tennis tables are will be installed this fall, with

Rebecca asking about their durability and Cat inquiring about potential leagues.

Jeff confirmed that the tables will be made out of metal and that leagues are not

currently planned.

Brian also updated the Commission on the Butterfield Park cell tower project with

T-Mobile, which will involve a separate structure adjacent to the pool house.

Although approval is still pending on T-Mobile's TESC, construction is expected to

begin soon and be completed before the next summer pool season. The

installation occurs through a lease agreement approved by Town Council that

does generate revenue for the department.

Brian further reported that construction had begun on the Sports Development

Center, a long-anticipated project that has now reached major excavation

milestones. He also shared that work is underway on the new Santa Fe Quarry

Trail in Red Hawk, with flagging already started and completion expected by the

end of the month so the trail vendor can transition focus to LCROS. Rebecca

asked about nearby resident-installed trails, and Jeff confirmed one had been

created along the property line.

Bob Maloney reported on progress at Philip S. Miller Park and the Miller Activity

Complex, including the installation of a new LED sign, upcoming work scheduled

for the parking lot, replacement of the indoor arena’s synthetic carpet following

base repairs, and landscaping improvements at both the park and in the Plum

Creek Parkway islands. He also noted preparations are underway for holiday light

displays and the purchase of a new lift to aid in installations. Baldwin Park will

soon receive a new playground as well.

Mike Kilman shared updates from the events division, noting that this year’s event

season achieved the second-highest ticket sales on record, averaging 1,600

attendees per event. The special events committee is preparing to process more

than 100 permit requests, and planning is already underway for next year’s major

milestone celebrations. Remaining events this season include the final Tunes for

Trails concert, National Public Lands Day volunteer activities at Metzler Open

Space, and the Glow Dance fundraiser at Philip S. Miller Park to support

therapeutic recreation programs.

Maia Yates provided an update from the Public Art Commission’s Tiny Art Quest

program, which features 22 student-created miniature installations displayed in

and around Festival Park for a yearlong scavenger-hunt experience for kids.

Maia also shared that Jeff Brauer has been awarded the prestigious Fellow Award

from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). This recognition

honors his outstanding leadership, dedication to the field, mentorship of peers, and

significant contributions to advancing parks and recreation in Colorado, reflecting

his deep impact on both the profession and the community.

COMMISSION COMMENTS

Melissa Lindsay shared that a friend had asked about the playground at Metzler

Ranch Community Park and whether there were plans to update the equipment.

Bob Maloney responded that while there are no immediate plans for replacement,

the playground is regularly maintained, and replacement is generally based on

safety assessments and longer-term timelines. New equipment will likely be

installed five to ten years out.

Craig Kinnunen noted that the trail on the west side of Quarry Mesa Open Space

has become eroded and asked if improvements were planned. Jeff Brauer

confirmed that staff would take note of the concern and assess the condition of the

trail for potential future action.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.