Rebecca Dunn, Chair  
Michael Smith, Vice Chair  
Scott Dowis  
Parks and Recreation Commission  
Meeting Minutes  
Jessica Kallweit  
Melissa Lindsay  
Karly Morkes  
Wednesday, April 16, 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  
Chair Rebecca Dunn called the meeting to order at approximately 5 p.m. Staff in  
attendance included Jeff Brauer, Jeff Smullen, Mike Kilman, Brian Peterson,  
Jennifer Martin and Maia Yates. Council Liaison Tim Dietz was also present.  
8 -  
Present  
Chair Rebecca Dunn, Chair Rebecca Dunn, Commissioner Michael Smith, Commissioner  
Scott Dowis, Commissioner Scott Dowis, Commissioner Jessica Kallweit, Commissioner  
Jessica Kallweit, and Commissioner Melissa Lindsay  
1 - Commissioner Karly Morkes  
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 2025-001  
Approval of the Minutes  
Vice Chair Mike Smith motioned to approve the draft meeting minutes, and  
member Melissa Lindsay seconded. The motion passed unanimously.  
"I move to approve the meeting minutes as presented."  
5 -  
Yes:  
Chair Dunn, Chair Dunn, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Dowis, and Commissioner  
Lindsay  
2 - Commissioner Kallweit, and Commissioner Morkes  
Not Present:  
AGENDA ITEMS  
PRC 2025-002  
Public Art Updates  
Maia Yates presented upcoming public art initiatives, including new Douglas  
County Art Encounters sculptures and an overview of a proposed Art and Culture  
Grant Program. The Art Encounters installations are scheduled for spring and will  
feature six sculptures placed at various locations throughout Castle Rock. The  
proposed grant program would offer annual funding opportunities to local nonprofit  
organizations, businesses, artists, and educators to enhance public access to art,  
celebrate community character, and expand student engagement with the arts.  
Once approved, the grant application cycle would go live in May, with projects  
launching throughout the year into next year.  
PRC 2025-003  
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Master Planning Update  
.Body  
___________________________________________________________  
_____________________  
Executive Summary  
Staff will provide Commission members and staff with an update on the  
master planning process for Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space.  
Jeff Smullen provided a comprehensive update on the Lost Canyon Ranch Master  
Plan, part of the Town’s agreement with Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) and  
Douglas County Open Space (DCOS). Key highlights included:  
- Collaboration with Wenk Associates and public engagement, including  
neighborhood-specific meetings.  
- Key planning components: trail access, trail network design (approx. 15 miles of  
single-track), buffers around neighborhood edges, signage, fencing, and restricted  
uses.  
- Wildlife conservation remains a priority-no dogs or mountain bikes will be allowed  
to support habitat preservation.  
- Trailhead access improvements are planned, including road surfacing and  
drainage enhancements.  
- Cultural and educational opportunities, including potential for a nature center or  
outdoor classroom programming.  
- Ongoing coordination with Castlewood Canyon State Park for a potential  
connector trail.  
- Artifacts from the Franktown Cave may be temporarily displayed at Town Hall in  
June.  
- Discussion of equine therapy opportunities and structural improvements needed  
for the existing stables and ranch house.  
- Security enhancements being considered, including gate cameras and IT  
coordination.  
- DLC must approve events or uses outside the designated building envelopes.  
- Public comments and feedback show strong support for conservation-first  
approach.  
Commissioners expressed support for the master plan’s priorities, with emphasis  
on education, ecological integrity, and accessibility. Council Liaison Tim Dietz  
noted support for traffic calming and conservation measures; member Jessica  
Kallweit emphasized educational potential akin to programs at Metzler Ranch and  
Waterton Canyon.  
Next steps include seeking approval of the Master Plan through Commission and  
DLC endorsement in June, followed by Town Council approval in July. Once  
approved, contractors will proceed with work to place trails and build amenities  
and access.  
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS  
Staff provided updates on various initiatives:  
- Brickyard Urban Renewal Authority: Development agreement approved by Town  
Council; Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and shareback structure explained. Staff  
now working with multiple taxing districts to approve the URA, and is still awaiting  
the library district's approval.  
- Emerald Park: Ongoing tree plantings occurred to provide screening to nearby  
residents adjacent to the parking lot. Staff also provided the update that they are  
working with contractors to place a staired walkway to connect the sidewalk to the  
park, as also requested by neighbors.  
- Centennial Park: Basketball and tennis court construction has continued, with  
post-tensioned concrete poured. Top coating and striping to follow after curing  
period.  
- Sports Center Preconstruction: Staff are meeting with Acme Brick and  
subcontractors to prepare for the approval and groundbreaking on the proposed  
Sports Development Center; long-lead items have been preordered with the hopes  
of getting ahead of tariffs and potential increased costs.  
- Crystal Valley Disc Golf: Department contractor has completed a course  
redesign in response to property transfer. The transfer would release existing  
school district property to a developer; approximately eight holes were relocated.  
- Summer Concert Series: Season tickets sold out and concerts are scheduled for  
June 21, July 11, July 19, Aug. 9 and Aug. 30. First Fridays and Tunes for Trails  
lineups also announced.  
- Accreditation: Preparation is underway for reaccreditation in January 2026. The  
Town is one of only 213 accredited agencies nationally. Staff also presenting at the  
National Park and Recreation Association Conference.  
- Town Boards and Commissions Applications: Applications will remain open  
through April 28. Interviews anticipated around May 14. Commissioner Michael  
Smith will term out; Scott Dowis eligible to reapply.  
COMMISSION COMMENTS  
Chair Rebecca Dunn inquired about the reopening timeline for the south end of the  
Plum Creek Trail. Staff confirmed the trail is scheduled to reopen on June 1.  
Commission member Scott Dowis asked for an update on the parcel of land  
located near the new Costco. Staff shared that Town Council has expressed  
interest in potentially locating a Gold Crown facility on the site. The Parks Advisory  
Board has committed to supporting funding for the project, and it will soon be  
evaluated by the County Commissioners, along with their proposed Zebulon  
Sports Complex. Final decisions will depend on funding availability and  
confirmation of the selected site. An additional group has also expressed interest  
and is completing research for a proposed ice facility, potentially on the same site.  
Staff will continue to provide updates as progress is made on these proposed  
recreation facilities.  
ADJOURN  
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:24 p.m.