Parks and Recreation Commission

Inger Hiller, Chair Sarah Grider, Vice Chair Parks and Recreation Commission Rebecca Dunn Meeting Minutes Shawn L'Esperance Madeline Self Michael Smith Wednesday, March 16, 2022 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. TIMES SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY BE ADJUSTED DUE TO CHANGES TO THE AGENDA. CALL TO ORDER ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair Sarah Grider called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. Council Liaison Caryn Johnson was present, as were Town staff including Jeff Brauer and Maia Aman. No modifications were made to the agenda as presented. Present 6 - Commissioner Rebecca Dunn, Vice Chair Sarah Grider, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, Commissioner Shawn L'Esperance, Commissioner Madeline Self, and Commissioner Madeline Self Not Present 2 - Chair Inger Hiller, and Commissioner Michael Smith 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. TRAVEL TO METZLER FAMILY OPEN SPACE METZLER FAMILY OPEN SPACE UPDATE AND TOUR PRC 2022-004 Metzler Family Open Space Update and Tour Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Brauer provided Commission members and staff a tour of the Metzler Family Open Space. The Robert F. Metzler estate was donated to the Town of Castle Rock in 2021. The 60-acre site features a former homestead generally along Founders Parkway and Crowfoot Valley Road. This gift to the Castle Rock community is one of the largest recent land donations to the Town and among the largest gifts ever received. The Metzler family is credited as some of the first settlers to the area. The original homestead was built in 1899 and features a creamery/milk house, a double garage, a chicken coop, a silo constructed in 1919 and a home with multiple additions. Once the Town received the donation, staff coordinated with a variety of local agencies to collect and catalog historically-significant items. Partners have included the Douglas County Historical Repository, the archivists of the Douglas County Library and the Douglas Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 16, 2022 County School District Foundation. Throughout June and July 2022, contractor Franklin Silo of Pennsylvania will work to straighten the silo. Work is also underway to build trails within the property and connect the site to an adjoining open space. Rebecca Dunn asked what the ultimate goal of the property will be. Jeff explained that staff are currently working to develop trails, construct a parking area and install signage. Future conversations will be held to plan the intended use of the buildings. An 11-acre portion has also been set aside for a potential educational facility. Shawn L’Esperance asked why the donation requested that the Town maintain the milking structure and Jeff explained that it represents the family’s roots and connection to the dairy industry and the Spring Valley Creamery. Madeline Smith asked what the Town plans to do with all of the remaining items. Jeff explained that it partially depends on what is determined as valuable and how much Douglas County would like to preserve. Depending on future direction, significant items may be used to help portray the site’s story as part of a living history farm or within an educational facility on site. TRAVEL TO CENTRAL SERVICE CENTER PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMMENTS No comments were provided at this time. COMMISSION COMMENTS Members thanked Jeff Brauer for the wonderful and informative tour. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:53 p.m.