Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingCherry Hills Village, CO · May 11, 2023
Minutes
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Minutes of the
Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission of the
City of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
Held on Thursday, May 11,2023, at 5:30 p.m.
PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Chair Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Fred Wolfe, Vice Chair Grodinsky, and Commissioners Tory Leviton, Stephanie
Dahi, and Mary Presecan. Also present were Emily Black, Parks Project & Operations
Manager, Jeff Roberts, Parks Operations Supervisor and Monica Castillo, Parks Clerk
Commissioners Chelsea Scott and Kate Murphy were absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The PTRC conducted the Pledge of Allegiance.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Presecan moved, seconded by Commissioner Leviton to approve the
following items on the Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of Minutes — April 13, 2023
The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Tree Adoption Request and b. Tree & Bench Donation Presentation
The Commission elected to review these items first out of respect to the presenters.
Manager Black introduced Harriet LaMair and Jen Purdum of the High Line Canal
Conservancy.
Executive Director Harriet LaMair said the High Line Canal is doing well and additional
protection for the High Line Canal will be forthcoming; Denver Water has always
encouraged the Conservancy to use the High Line Canal in ways that align with the plans
for the High Line to enhance the tree canopy and to enhance the environment for users
along the Canal.
Ms. LaMair presented the request of the tree adoption on the High Line Canal for Torin
Thorsgard of Fort Collins, who passed away in September in a tragic accident. She
explained that his mother, Kyja Thorsgard, reached out to see if there was a way to
organize a tree adoption along the High Line Canal; Torin and his mother Kyja would
walk the High Line Canal ever since he was a baby; Kyja is a runner so she would run
miles and miles of the High Line Canal; she also has many close friends in Cherry Hills
Village, and she lives at University Hills.
Ms. LaMair said she had the pleasure of walking the High Line Canal with Kyja when
she was talking about tree adoption; Kyja instantly gravitated to the area where the owls
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nested, and she remembered looking at all the trees over the years with her son. Ms.
LaMair explained the Conservancy has a tree adoption program that the Commission will
hear more about, but it does not include that tree. The Conservancy reached out to Parks
Operations Supervisor Jeff Roberts, who said the tree is in decent shape; it is in the
corridor owned by Denver Water, and the Conservancy is asking the Commission to
consider this tree adoption prior to the launching of the program. She stated she hoped
that the Commission will respect Kyja’s wishes and the Conservancy’s effort to have this
tree adopted in Torin’s memory. She described the plaque that will be placed on the tree.
Chair Wolfe asked Ms. LaMair if this is an existing tree.
Harriet LaMair replied yes, it is an Austrian Pine. She said she is not sure when the trees
were planted. She recalled an incident where gentleman had removed trees along the
High Line Canal, but he was not authorized to do so; he was required to plant several
trees to replace the trees his arborist removed from the property; Denver Water filed a
lawsuit against him, and she believes this is one of the trees that was planted at that time.
Chair Wolfe said the plaque in memory of Torin cannot be on the tmnk of the tree
because people cannot see it. He asked if it will be on a free-standing poster against the
tree.
Harriet LaMair asked Jen Purdum, Development Manager of the tree adoption program,
to describe the program to the Commissioners.
Ms. Purdum explained the Conservancy decided to place a small hanging wooden heart
with natural twine on the tree and it will hang on the tree for six months. She said the way
the Conservancy will continue to honor people is by having a QR code that will link them
back to a tribute page on the Conservancy’s website, which will include all the stories
about why the trees were adopted by different people. She noted it is up to the donor if
they want to share their story or not; some of the trees will not have a story with them, it
may just say honored to and from.
Chair Wolfe stated the Commission had recently reviewed the criteria for bench and tree
donations within the Village to make sure donors have a connection to the Village.
Ms. Purdum explained when the Conservancy created the Mile Marker program (which is
also a tribute program), they were very deliberate in expressing to people that the High
Line Canal is the original trail and owned by Denver Water; the Conservancy does not
want people to say they want their Mile Marker only if it is in Cherry Hills Village. She
stated that is appropriate for PTRC, but for the High Line Canal the Conservancy will be
doing commemorations for different people regardless of residency; it will be on a first
come, first served basis.
Commissioner Dahi asked once the wooden heart is removed if the information stays up
on the website.
Ms. Purdum said yes, that is key because this is very meaningful to the person who is
adopting the tree or bench; another key component of the program is having a GIS map
link to the website; she explained the information that appears on the website and a
certificate that the donor receives. She explained the heart will hang on the tree for six
months and the benches will be permanently placed.
Commissioner Dahl asked when the Conservancy takes the heart down can someone else
adopt that tree.
Ms. Purdurn explained they could not, it will show on the website as unavailable; the
trees are permanent adoptions, and the benches are for only ten years.
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Chair Wolfe expressed a preference for a permanent sign next to the tree, so people
walking the canal can see who Torin was and remember him rather than having to go to a
website.
Ms. Purdum said the Conservancy would like to do that but has had pushback from local
governments. She stated that Kyja would very much like to have a rock below the tree.
Chair Wolfe said he would take care of it for her.
Jen Purdum said thank you and if the Commission can approve this adoption that would
be so wonderful.
Commissioner Leviton asked what Ms. Purdum meant by the tree request falling outside
of the tree adoption.
Ms. Purdum said the Conservancy has not formally presented the tree and bench
program; PTRC is the first Commission and local government the Conservancy is
bringing the program to.
Commissioner Dahl asked how many trees will be allowed to be adopted every year.
Ms. Purdum said the Conservancy would like to have quite a few trees available; they
have a lot of capacity for trees, but do not have as much capacity for benches; in Cherry
Hills Village, there are some benches that were installed by South Suburban Parks and
Recreation that are now ready for replacement. She explained that South Suburban Parks
and Recreation does not maintain the benches anymore and does not have a record of the
donors; the Conservancy will not be ripping out those benches without trying extremely
hard to track down the donor to see if they would like to contribute to having the new
bench with their name on it first; if not, those would be the sites for new benches.
Ms. LaMair also noted the benches are a six-month process from start to installation; the
Conservancy’s hope would be to build fifteen benches a year. She continued that for the
trees with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, there is a huge interest and people
want to give a gift like this; the Conservancy has about one hundred and thirty-eight trees
and had to make a contingency plan in case a tree does not make it; most of the trees have
been around for about two years and the Conservancy is going to reserve 30% of the trees
so as a tree gets adopted if one does not make it, another one can be offered.
Chair Wolfe said the Commission wants more trees; the Commission had a tree
experience with the property at Quincy and Franklin, so the Commission wants more
trees.
Commissioner Presecan said this absolutely warms her heart; the story and the program
are so great. She does remember that one of the considerations for the tree program was
making sure that there was sufficient irrigation or water supply so the tree could survive.
She asked if there is sufficient irrigation or will the City need to be looking for a way to
get additional irrigation.
Ms. Purdum said in addition to the trees that are being planted within the Village by staff,
the Conservancy has plans for fifty trees per mile that will have five years of truck
irrigation, but some of the jurisdictions are planning irrigation along the canal. She stated
this tree is in good health according to the arborist.
Parks Supervisor Roberts stated that tree does not have any irrigation and has never been
watered.
Commissioner Presecan said it is her understanding that the High Line Canal is supposed
to run two times a year given the studies that were done back in the eighties, so it is
possible that it is sufficiently established.
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Chair Wolfe asked the Commission if they had any other comments.
Vice Chair Grodinsky read the statement of support: “The Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Commission supports the adoption of an existing Austrian Pine by the High Line Canal
Conservancy in memory of Torin Thorsgard.”
Harriet LaMair and Jen Purdum thanked the Commission. Ms. Purdum encouraged the
Commission to visit the Conservancy’s website, since they might have constituents that
would like to participate.
Chair Wolfe thanked Executive Director LaMair, stating if not for her, the High Line
Canal would not be where it is today.
Ms. LaMair said the High Line Canal is in a good place now, and the Commission will be
hearing more soon.
The Commission thanked the presenters for their presentation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Special Events Review
Manager Black recalled at the last meeting the Commission was beginning to review
special events for next year; the Commission is on track to hold the normal events for this
year which will be Movie Night on August 19th and Winter Celebration in December. She
reviewed that at the April 13th meeting, the Commission asked staff to review the
community surveys from the Master Plan to gather any responses related to special
events; staff also looked for dog park responses since that had been another request; there
was one response regarding dog parks in the hundreds of responses received, and there
was not very much feedback related to special events; people said they appreciate the
community events, and others asked for more events. She explained that a page from the
third community survey ranking goals for parks, trails, and open space was included in
packets; the goals were more focused on open space rather than special events.
Manager Black asked if the Commission is interested in having some kind of community
outreach related to special events; there is time to plan through the end of this year if
needed and begin again in January to have a spring event.
Commissioner Dahl described a past event involving tables on a bridle path, and people
would stop at the table, and people stopped at the High Line Conservancy table as well.
Manager Black said that was the Cherry Hills Land Preserve’s Trail Walk.
Commissioner Dahl said it was a well-attended event.
Manager Black said she thinks the trail scavenger hunt will fill that niche; the Trail Walk
event is now held at Quincy Fann rather than on the bridle trails.
Commissioner Leviton asked if the barn party will be held next spring.
Manager Black said it is typically in the fall, but she was not sure if it would be held at
Quincy Fanm
Manager Black said if the scavenger hunt is still the most appealing option, the
Commission can go forward with planning that for next spring.
Vice Chair Grodinsky said he still likes the idea of a fun run/walk that will begin and end
at Quincy Farm.
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Manager Black asked Vice Chair Grodinsky if that was something he wanted PTRC to
hold, or would he like to suggest the idea to the Cherry Hills Land Preserve since they are
programming Quincy Farm. She clarified that this is not to say that PTRC cannot also
hold programs at Quincy Farm.
Chair Wolfe said as time goes on, there are going to be more activities that involve
Quincy Farm; there is a lot of planning, brainstorming, and fundraising behind the scenes
right now for Quincy Farm; he is optimistic about the direction it is going right now.
Commissioner Presecan asked about entry into Quincy Farm; the only entrance she is
aware of is directly off the High Line Canal. She asked if there were other access or entry
points into Quincy Farm. She said one of the items they talked about in respect to the trail
scavenger hunt was trying to stay off the High Line Canal and experience the other trails;
if there was another way to get to Quincy Farm utilizing the Cherry Hills trail system that
did not involve the High Line Canal, that would be fun.
Chair Wolfe described access to the east side of Quincy Farm and noted there are
different rules for the part of the farm that is on the west side of the High Line Canal; it is
more restricted and more protected.
Manager Black clarified about gates and access. She explained the east side of the farm is
open and has set hours listed at both the main entrance of Quincy Farm and at the bridge
off the High Line Canal; the west side is closed to public access.
NEW BUSINESS
b. Dahlia Hollow Play Rock Replacement
Chair Wolfe said the first rocks the Village installed did not hold up very long, and now
the Village would like to replace them to the tune of $25,000 with more rocks.
Commissioner Leviton expressed disbelief that two fake rocks would cost $25,000.
Manager Black explained that the city received a grant of S25,000 from the Metropolitan
Football Stadium District from the sale of the Denver Broncos; all local municipalities in
the Denver Metro area and Boulder also received grants proportionate to the size of the
municipalities; the money needs to be used for a youth activity program, but the city does
not offer youth activity programs; Metropolitan Stadium District did confirm that play
equipment for kids was acceptable.
She noted that staff considered different options; John Meade Park is recently finished, so
Dahlia Hollow was the next option. Manager Black said the play rocks started shedding
fiberglass fibers back in 2018; Parks staff was able to find a coating to keep them from
shedding; the rocks did not have a good warranty and the coating is eventually going to
wear off. She explained the proposal before PTRC is to replace the rocks with something
with a better warranty or something that did not contain fiberglass at all; when the rocks
were closed for repair, staff received a lot of phone calls from people directly in the
neighborhood; the school bus stops there so kids would play on the rocks while they
waited for the bus, and again when they got off the bus after school; the city does have
positive feedback from 2018 that the rocks do get used.
Manager Black explained while this is the proposal the staff has produced for the funds,
since at some point these rocks will need to be replaced, staff is open to diverse types of
play equipment that PTRC may be more interested in. She added that staff does plan to
do community outreach to the neighbors in that neighborhood following PTRC’s input;
if the Commission has a different idea or different play equipment suggestions, then that
can be presented to the community and then to City Council.
Chair Wolfe said he would hope that the city would consider something else; he is
against this.
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Manager Black said she is happy to take other suggestions.
Chair Wolfe said he does not know what the other alternatives are, and it is unfortunate
that the S25,000 is limited to youth play equipment.
Commissioner Leviton asked Chair Wolfe what exactly he is against.
Chair Wolfe said he has a problem with the city feeling like they must provide all these
play areas when people have play areas in their backyards; the city does not need all these
little playgrounds in our parks, which should be lefi as open space.
Manager Black said she is happy to take other suggestions.
Commissioner Leviton asked if there are only two playgrounds in the city.
Manager Black confirmed.
Vice Chair Grodinsky said he does not have an issue with the use of play equipment in
that location, but he has an issue with the idea of purchasing two fake rocks for $25,000,
and said he was sure there must be a better solution. He stated even if it costs $50,000
and the Commission agrees to commit to the additional funds for something that has
better functions and does not seem like a waste of money. He said he likes the idea of a
climbing wall which is a big rock that is larger in proportion and has climbing features.
Commissioner Dahi asked Manager Black will the rocks be replaced with another
fiberglass rock.
Manager Black said the city is looking at different options; glass-fiber reinforced
concrete is the most common material; there are some that have a twenty-year warranty;
there are also options that are poly-fiber reinforced. She said she has just researched
initial pricing and whether there are different options for materials or warranties that
would protect the city better.
Commissioner Dahl said she would like to echo Vice Chair Grodinsky’s comment that
$25,000 seems like an excessive amount, but to be fair she has not priced playground
equipment; she would like to see if there is a better use for the $25,000; she has no
problem using the funds and loves the idea because she has two little boys who would
climb on anything. She continued the community has kids moving in, so she loves the
idea and thinks it would be wonderful. She said she knows the city has more of a natural
landscape versus the bright green, bright yellow playground equipment colors; she would
also like to keep things more natural and would also like to know if people would enjoy
something else in the park.
Commissioner Presecan said as a resident of this district, this park is used all the time; it
is a community meeting point; when her family moved in four years ago, they met other
families there. She stated she would highly support something in this area just knowing
how it is a place of bringing people together. She said she cannot speak of the costs of the
rocks, but she does know they have limited amounts of climbing features that allow kids
to go up different angles. She has two boys as well and they look for unusual ways to
make it more challenging, so it satisfies a need, and it is a central meeting place. She said
to Chair Wolfe if he walked over there any Saturday or Sunday he will see families
gathering there.
Commissioner Presecan asked about the timeline to spend the funds based on the letter
included in the packet.
Manager Black explained there is no specific deadline for spending the funds; the Metro
District will ask all the municipalities in September what the plan is for the funds.
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Manager Black also provided some context for play equipment cost, explaining the
sideways tree climber in John Meade Park cost $21,000.
Commissioner Grodinsky said he just Googled commercial rock-climbing play
equipment for parks and a large climbing boulder costs $22,999.
Manager Black noted that shipping is also a factor as is the cost of disposing of the old
rocks. She clarified that the play surfacing area would be a limit for new equipment, to
avoid the expense of expanding the play surfacing area.
Commissioner Prcsecan said there are two rocks in the park, a small one and a larger one.
She noted the two options provide opportunity for a range of ages for utilization of the
two different structures.
Commissioner Leviton asked whatever happened to actual boulders and rocks that have
been around for millions of years.
Manager Black explained if something is on playground surfacing and is being presented
as a playground, then everything in the playground, including the play surfacing, must
comply with playground safety regulations. She explained real boulders do not meet that
standard and the city would not be protected in the event of a lawsuit; as a municipality it
must follow playground standards.
Commissioner Dahl said her thought is to reach out to residents to see what they want to
see in that area. She suggested getting feedback and seeing if that is what the residents
want within the confines of the area without tearing anything out; she thinks the city can
accomplish it with the budget given.
Manager Black said just to be clear she will research other options. She has listed other
items like play mushrooms where kids can hop back and forth, which is good for smaller
kids. She asked the Commission their preferred next steps for research and outreach.
Chair Wolfe told Manager Black she should plan a meeting in that neighborhood.
Commissioner Presecan suggested going to the bus stop in the morning with pictures of
options to get feedback from families; it would provide a wealth of information.
Manager Black said she loved that idea.
Commissioner Dahl said she liked the idea of producing predefined ideas that fit within
the budget because she is certain that if asked an open-ended question as to what they
want to see it may not fit in the available budget.
Manager Black said she will research other options and bring them to PTRC for the June
meeting.
REPORTS
a. Chair
Chair Wolfe said this is his last meeting; he has been on the Commission for six and a
half years and it has been extremely rewarding for him. He thanked Jeff Roberts for his
cooperation on the trails and said thank you to everybody.
Vice Chair Grodinsky said as a citizen and a member of this Commission and on behalf
of the other Commissions thank you for all your hard work and efforts especially as it
pertains to the trail markers.
Manager Black thanked Chair Wolfe for his service. She noted he left a great legacy with
his trail markers, which have been an excellent change to the trails, and it is going to
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make a difference. She said she is sad that Commissioner Murphy could not be here
tonight because this is also her last meeting; she thanked both Chair Wolfe and
Commissioner Murphy for all of their time.
Commissioner Presecan said please share the Commission’s thanks to Commissioner
Murphy as well.
b. Commissioners
Commissioner Presecan said she knows she has only been here a brief time, but it is
evident that Chair Wolfe not only has the vision but the ability to execute; the community
has benefited and will benefit hugely with the trail markers; she looks forward to getting
to know Chair Wolfe better as she sees him around on the trails.
Commissioner Leviton stated he did go to the City Council meeting last month to protest
the sale of 90 Meade Lane; he thinks it would be a much better idea to just integrate those
two acres by the tree nursery and maybe add a second component to get more community
support such as a community garden although many can garden at their homes.
4t1
Commissioner Leviton also stated he is doing a concert in the park on June at 5 pm
weather permitting and noted the Commission was welcome to attend.
Vice Chair Grodinsky said now that spring has arrived, the city is likely to see more
cyclists out on the trails and he would like to reiterate the fact that he feels like the city
missed an opportunity to regulate electric bicycles and similar vehicles on the trails. He
suggested this is a subject the Commission should revisit.
c. Staff
i. Quincy Farm
Manger Black reported the City received a letter from Colorado Open Lands, the holder
of the conservation easement at Quincy Farm, about management of the west side (which
is closed to the public). She explained that the Cherry Hills Land Preserve is still doing
their annual plan for Quincy Farm for next year; they are focusing on the east side and
the pond. She explained that if PTRC would still like a presentation from Cherry Hills
Land Preserve, she can have them visit after they present to City Council. She noted
CHLP has many events coming up at Quincy Farm which are listed on the
www.guincyfarrn.org website.
ii. Upcoming Events in the Parks
Manager Black said in addition to Commissioner Leviton’s event, the elementary school
has reserved John Meade Park and Alan Hutto Memorial Commons for a week in May;
each class will have their own celebration and the fifth grade will have their continuation
ceremony.
Manager Black also asked PTRC for suggestions for a kids’ movie for Outdoor Movie
Night.
Chair Wolfe said he would like to recognize a new member to the Commission, Laurie
O’Brien. He noted she has been exceptionally good at coming to meetings before her
term officially begins and he welcomed her to the Commission.
Laurie O’Brien thanked the Commission and said she looks forward to it.
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46 p.m. The next meeting ischedu1ed for June 8th at
5:30 p.m.
Chr Fec1/olfe
Parks and Operations Manager
77
Monica 1Castillo
Parks Clerk
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In
Agenda
2450 E. Quincy Avenue City Hall
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE Telephone 303-789-2541
www.cherryhillsvillage.com COLORADO FAX 303-761-9386
Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission Agenda
Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
This meeting will be held in-person at City Hall with no electronic participation.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call of Members
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Audience Participation Period (limit 5 minutes per speaker)
5. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes – April 13th, 2023
6. Unfinished Business
a. Special Events Review
7. New Business
a. Tree Adoption Request (High Line Canal Conservancy)
b. Tree & Bench Donation Presentation (High Line Canal Conservancy)
c. Dahlia Hollow Play Rock Replacement
8. Reports
a. Chair
b. Commissioners
c. Staff
i. Quincy Farm
ii. Upcoming Events in Parks
9. Adjournment
Notice: Agenda is subject to change.
If you will need special assistance in order to attend any of the City’s public meetings, please notify the City of Cherry Hills Village at 303-789-2541, 72 hours in
advance.
Minutes of the
Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission of the
City of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
Held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Chair Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Fred Wolfe, Commissioners Tory Leviton, Kate Murphy, and Mary Presecan. Also
present were Emily Black, Parks Project & Operations Manager, Monica Castillo, Parks
Clerk, and Jeff Roberts, Parks Operations Supervisor.
Vice Chair Aron Grodinsky, Commissioners Chelsea Scott and Stephanie Dahl were
absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The PTRC conducted the Pledge of Allegiance.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
No audience participation, but resident Laura Moodley sent in a letter to suggest an off
leash dog park in CHV.
Manager Black mentioned there has not been any interest from the community in a dog
park. She noted some concerns for the Commission to think about: off-leash dog parks
are not generally pleasant to live next to; if the Commission was to pursue this it would
have to be somewhere that is not adjacent to residential homes; dog parks are loud and
can be a real mess to clean up.
Commissioner Presecan stated that if the city were to consider a dog park, they should
also consider addressing the staff time it will take for maintenance and clean up; the costs
are not just the land but the upkeep, the parking, the security, the surveillance, and the
liability issues. She suggested that staff can send out an open-ended survey to see if the
community and the citizens want to see something else in the city, and what that might
be.
Commissioner Murphy mentioned she is a dog lover, but she is not a fan of open parks
because at times there are aggressive dogs; there are liabilities as well with some dogs not
being vaccinated. She stated she agrees with Commissioner Presecan that staff are
already busy with maintaining trails and maintaining the parks, and on top of that it
would be a huge endeavor for our Village and staff; there are other dog parks people can
go to in the area, as there is a big dog park near Chenango.
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Chair Wolfe asked Manager Black if Laura Moodley would like to come to a meeting to
plead her case; the commission would be glad to listen, and it would give the commission
additional time to think about it.
Manager Black said Ms. Moodley reached out to her a few weeks ago and Manager
Black let her know the PTRC days and times the meetings took place. She will reach out
to Ms. Moodley to let her know she can come speak to the Commission.
Chair Wolfe mentioned this past Monday, he had had it with people walking their dog on
the trails without a leash. He mentioned he was going to speak with the Chief of Police
because he is tired of asking people to put their dogs on a leash when he sees them on the
trail; some of the dogs are big and can be aggressive.
Manager Black said the City Council discussed this at their last meeting; the Chief
advised council members and the public who were watching if they come across an
unleashed dog, to call the Code Enforcement hotline; it helps them to log the complaints
and is part of how they dedicate their resources.
Chair Wolfe said he was going to suggest to the Chief if he could have one of his officers
on a Saturday or a Sunday during the warmer months to be visible on the High Line
Canal around the Dahlia parking lot. He stated that if that happened one time, the word
would get around that the police are paying attention to dogs off leash.
Commissioner Leviton added they could address the speeders too.
Chair Wolfe agreed. He stated that someone had suggested putting a barricade on the
High Line Canal Trail with sawhorses, so bikes would have to slow down and then go
around them.
Manager Black stated she would explain what staff is planning for the High Line Canal
Trail; the Police department has reconfigured their schedules and will have more officers
on duty at any given time, which is going to dedicate more resources to be out on the
trails more often, especially as it warms up. She continued that the city just purchased a
flashing speeding sign that is specific for bicycles, and staff will put it up on the High
Line; staff is installing poles at various locations on the High Line to be able to move the
sign around; staff is wiring the device so it can be used with a solar panel, but once that
process is complete, the sign will be out in various places throughout the summer.
Manager Black said in past Master Plan surveys she does not recall anyone mentioning a
dog park, but she will look back at the surveys to check.
CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Presecan moved, seconded by Commissioner Leviton to approve the
following items on the Consent Agenda:
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a. Approval of Minutes – March 9, 2023
The motion passed unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Interview Questions for Future Commissioners
Chair Wolfe said he thought the questions were good. He stated he did send comments to
Manager Black and hopefully the commission did as well, but he believed the
commission is going in the right direction now.
Manager Black explained Exhibit A is the list of potential interview questions that PTRC
is putting together for council members when they interview applicants; it is not relevant
now as the two openings the Commission will have when Chair Wolfe and
Commissioner Murphy’s terms end this spring have already been filled; these questions
will be for the future use by Council. She asked for any comments, suggestions,
additions, or subtractions.
Commissioner Leviton said he liked all the questions submitted.
Manager Black said she has one suggestion to combine questions 1 & 2 and 4 &11. She
noted the suggested questions were gathered from various Commissioners, so this is a
“great minds think alike” situation. There was no objection from the Commission;
Manager Black stated she will combine those two sets of questions and she thinks City
Council will be happy with these questions.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Special Events Review
Manager Black recalled that staff and the Commission were originally planning a spring
event, but decided at the last discussion to scale it down. She reported that following that
meeting, staff had a conversation with the Public Works Director and City Manager about
the possible spring event; the decision was to wait and spend more time planning with the
Commission to put on a nice event in 2024. She stated that based on the last meeting’s
conversation, the Commission should look at all city events for 2024 to see if PTRC
wanted to evaluate changing any of those events too.
Manager Black explained that this year, staff is still planning Movie Night and Winter
Celebration, but the Commission can consider changing Movie Night for 2024. She noted
she would not recommend changing the Winter Celebration because it is always a
successful event; attendees thank staff during the event and also send complimentary
emails afterward, so the community really loves this event as is.
Chair Wolfe asked how many people attended the Winter Celebration last year.
Parks & Trails Commission
4/13/2023 -3-
Manager Black said there were about 150 people, which is a little lower than it typically
would have been pre-covid; it is taking a little bit of time to bounce back.
Chair Wolfe clarified that Movie Night will be held this year, and the Commission should
still talk about the first two events in terms of when and if they are continued.
Manager Black stated Movie Night is normally on the third Saturday in August, after kids
go back to school; Winter Celebration is always on the second Friday in December, but
staff will check this date this year because it may during Hanukkah; staff will be talking
to City Council to see if they want to alter the date.
Chair Wolfe asked if the Cherry Hills Village Police Foundation will manage the car
show, and if the date had been chosen yet.
Manager Black answered yes, the Police Foundation will manage the show, but she did
not know a date at this time; it is usually in September or October.
Commissioner Presecan said in terms of the Commission taking action to evaluate the
activities they should try to align with what the community is interested in; now is the
time to plan for 2024.
The Commission discussed the idea of a survey or using the Village Crier to do an open
solicitation like “PTRC is accepting ideas and is interested in knowing what the
community would like to see for events”.
Commissioner Presecan suggested this could get a pulse of the community but there
could also be something in the past Master Plan survey; she would encourage staff to do a
community survey to get input; she offered she would be happy to help put together the
survey, if needed.
Commissioner Leviton said that is a clever idea. He stated he still liked the idea of
bringing in the Art Commission for a spring event; to date, there has only been one
performing arts event and he stated he is trying to change that. He continued that since
PTRC is not doing the spring event, as a private citizen, he has decided to have a spring
recital at Alan Hutto Memorial Commons because he thinks music at the park is a great
idea.
Commissioner Murphy mentioned the Commission could have a talent show in the park
and have the kids play musical instruments; she thought there would be a huge turnout
for something like that.
Commissioner Leviton said that is a wonderful use of Alan Hutto Memorial Commons
and that just has not happened yet, so he is going to start privately.
Manager Black mentioned the 75th Anniversary Committee originally intended to do a
talent show, but they became overwhelmed with the planning (and then the Committee
paused during covid), but there has been interest in the past in holding a talent show.
Parks & Trails Commission
4/13/2023 -4-
Commissioner Leviton said plays are not his forte, but it is part of the performing arts.
Commissioner Murphy said Kent Denver does a Coffee House every spring; auditions are
required for it, but they get a variety of performances.
Manager Black asked what information would be helpful to bring to the Commission at
the next meeting because staff expects this to be an ongoing conversation.
Commissioner Leviton said he still likes the idea of a scavenger hunt but that could be a
separate event from the talent show event.
Commissioner Murphy mentioned the scavenger hunt could be as simple as an easter egg
hunt on the trail just around John Meade Park; there are plenty of village trails and it can
be simple.
Commissioner Presecan asked if there was any information in the Master Plan?
Manager Black answered there might be and said she will go through the Master Plan
survey results and pull out what is relevant; this might provide a starting point.
REPORTS
a. Chair
Chair Wolfe mentioned he would like to bring to the Commission’s attention that a group
of residents in Cherrymoor contacted him and they were upset; apparently, there is a golf
event at Cherry Hills County Club this August and the people/volunteers who are
attending will park their cars in St. Mary’s parking lot and then walk on the trail that goes
from St. Mary’s to Quincy Ave.; the neighbors claim in the past there has been a huge
trash issue by people attending the golf event and some of these homes have had break-
ins. Chair Wolfe stated when he went over to the trail to familiarize himself, he ran into a
group of concerned neighbors again who also told him what they thought.
Manager Black explained that the Country Club had a major event permit because of the
number of people attending; this application is handled through the Community
Development Department; Parks staff reviewed the application, but Community
Development is the primary department who approves it. She explained that the parking
lot at St. Mary’s is only for volunteers and not for spectators attending the event.
Chair Wolfe said he had a 30 ft. tape measure with him and measured the width of the
trail, and it is 22 ft. wide. He stated the neighbors would like people to walk out to
University Blvd. and go down the sidewalk; the sidewalk is 8 ft. wide and next to a whole
lot of traffic; he told the neighbors they’re going to lose this one. He said the trails are
public trails, and anybody can walk on the trails anytime they want. He stated he had a
suggestion and passed it on to Councilor Earl Hoellen and Mayor Katy Brown that
construction fences should be put up against the properties that back to the trail that will
Parks & Trails Commission
4/13/2023 -5-
be taken down once the event is over, and there could be more trashcans, one at the
beginning, one in the middle and one at the end of the trail.
Manager Black mentioned that there are conditions on this permit; she and Public Works
Director Jay Goldie had reviewed the application before it went to Council, and it has
been conditionally approved by Council already. She noted it had been months since she
reviewed the application because it came to staff so far in advance, but she believed there
is a screening fence required to be put up, the Club must check for trash, and if the trail
has enough foot traffic that it is degraded or worn down, they must restore it.
Chair Wolfe suggested having a police officer visible in that area just to let people know
that they can’t mess around because the neighbors were very upset.
Manager Black said that topic came up at the City Council meeting because that question
was asked of Chief Lyons, and he said patrol is increased during events like this.
b. Commissioners
Commissioner Leviton said he was upset about the sale of 90 Meade Lane; he thought the
Master Plan specifically states acquiring land and maintaining land as a city priority, not
selling it just to cushion the budget; he did not see why those two acres are just getting
cast away; he is going to the City Council meeting on Tuesday to voice his views.
Chair Wolfe said he thought the city originally acquired that lot to establish a tree
nursery.
Manager Black stated her understanding is it was an investment property at that time.
Chair Wolfe said that ground is worth plus or minus 2.5 million dollars right now which
is coming right into the City.
Commissioner Leviton asked if the city needs it.
Chair Wolfe answered yes, the city needs it.
Commissioner Leviton asked what part of the budget is that expected to go.
Chair Wolfe said he hopes some of it will go to Quincy Farm.
Commissioner Leviton said the City is adamantly holding on to Quincy Farm and parks
but even the two acres is not worth giving up; it is more valuable as is as open space.
Chair Wolfe disagreed and said he does not see it as valuable open space. He said a
beautiful home belongs in that lot because open space in that area doesn’t mean anything.
Commissioner Leviton said it is more wildlife friendly, which is the actual reason he
wants to go to the City Council meeting on Tuesday. He stated he was thrilled about the
Parks & Trails Commission
4/13/2023 -6-
Master Plan’s inclusion of the importance of wildlife corridors; the High Line Canal is
obviously the end-to-end corridor, but there are a lot of other opportunities; his house
gets a lot of passers-through just being two properties over from the canal; he wants to
see wildlife crossing signs to slow some of the cars down.
Commissioner Leviton repeated that the Arts concert in the park is on June 4th at 5 pm
right before dinner so it’s not too hot; it will not be publicly advertised, but he will try to
advertise it somehow.
c. Staff
Manager Black reported the Commission should have received in the mail an invitation
to a silent auction and art tour from the Art Commission; the event is on April 26th; she
encouraged the commissioners to RSVP if they are able to attend.
Manager Black provided an update for Quincy Farm; the Cherry Hills Land Preserve
creates an annual plan for the farm every year; City Council approved the 2023 plan last
year and the City is operating under that plan; CHLP is in the process of working on the
2024 plan; they will be appearing before City Council on May 2nd at a study session to
present their initial concept for the 2024 plan.
Chair Wolfe asked if after CHLP gives their presentation to City Council, can staff invite
them to make the presentation before PTRC.
Manager Black said certainly; the next PTRC meeting is May 11th; she can find out if
they are available to make the presentation at the May meeting; she clarified that PTRC
does not have approval authority and it would be informational only.
Chair Wolfe said commissioners could be asked about Quincy Farm and it is good to be
knowledgeable about what is going on because there has been a lot of work poured into
it.
Manager Black said special event permits are starting to pour in for John Meade Park and
various areas around the city; the Cherry Hills Land Preserve has many spring events
coming up at Quincy Farm. She listed upcoming events and noted they could also be
found on the Quincy Farm website.
Manager Black continued that at John Meade Park, there is an upcoming birthday party
reservation as well as the third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade classes from the
elementary school that have days reserved in a row for one week in May; there are also
family picnics coming up as well and a Master’s Running Association 5k that is hosted
on the trails every year.
Chair Wolfe said he hoped the other commissioners have received the letter regarding
zoning legislation. He explained he had been asked twice about it by some of the
residents; it is an unbelievable issue that anybody could propose that, and everyone is up
Parks & Trails Commission
4/13/2023 -7-
in arms and going to meetings; unfortunately, the governor is pushing the issue. Chair
Wolfe stated people must push back as hard as they can.
Commissioner Presecan said this is really going to affect the Dahlia neighborhood; the
zoning is going to allow someone to knock down a house and put up a fourplex or
apartments in the neighborhood.
Chair Wolfe said if passed, someone could buy the lot at Quincy and Franklin and put up
a fourplex or a six-plex; it is important to be informed because it is going to take local
governing rule and throw it out the window.
Commissioner Presecan asked Manager Black in addition to individuals and City Council
making comments is there a department in the city that is taking the lead on the issue.
Manager Black replied yes, the Community Development Department; Paul Workman is
the director of that department and is the primary contact. She noted Director Workman’s
contact information is on the website and explained where to find it.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for May 11th at
5:30 p.m.
____________________________
Chair Fred Wolfe
____________________________
Emily Black
Parks Project & Operations Manager
____________________________
Monica Castillo
Public Works/Parks Clerk
Parks & Trails Commission
4/13/2023 -8-
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
COLORADO
2450 E. Quincy Avenue Village Center
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Telephone 303-789-2541
www.cherryhillsvillage.com FAX 303-761-9386
ITEM: 6a
MEMORANDUM
TO: MEMBERS OF THE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: EMILY BLACK, PARKS PROJECT & OPERATIONS MANAGER
SUBJECT: SPECIAL EVENTS REVIEW
DATE: MAY 11, 2023
ISSUE
Reviewing City special events for 2024.
DISCUSSION
This year, staff will hold the City’s standard special events (Movie Night in August and Winter
Celebration in December). At this meeting and at upcoming meetings over the summer, PTRC
can re-evaluate a spring event for next year with the time and space for an in-depth discussion.
PTRC can also evaluate the City’s special events overall to determine if additional changes
should be made.
Existing Events and Programs
Existing events and programs currently include:
• Tree Planting Program – Feb.-April
• Spring Cleanup – May
• Movie Night – August
• Winter Celebration – December
The Cherry Hills Village Police Foundation now holds the annual Car Show; that event typically
takes place in September or October.
Movie Night
Movie Night is held in late August, the first Saturday after Cherry Creek schools are back in
session. The event is attended by approximately 100-150 people. The movie is typically G or
PG-rated, so the event is family-friendly. There is pre-movie entertainment; in the past, this has
included pony rides, carnival games, a magic show, bounce castles, or a bubble tower. Staff
serves popcorn, ice cream, and drinks. The budget for Movie Night is $4,000.00.
1
Winter Celebration
Winter Celebration is usually held the second Friday in December and is typically the City’s
best-attended event (150-200 people). It features Santa, a tree lighting by the Mayor, face-
painting, firepits, hayrides with Clydesdales, and games. Last year there was an Elsa (from
Frozen) performer who was a big hit; in 2019, there was a craft table that was also well-received.
The City serves hot cocoa, hot cider, cookies, and chili. The budget for this event is $4,000.00.
Staff strongly suggests leaving most elements of the Winter Celebration in place for future
events, since it is a very successful event in its current format. Residents provide positive
feedback every year thanking the City for holding this event.
Possible Future Spring Event - Scavenger Hunt
PTRC and staff had originally planned to hold a Scavenger Hunt event in May 2023; a summary
of those planning efforts is included as Exhibit A. Following PTRC’s last meeting, staff
workshopped ways to pare down a possible spring event this year based on PTRC’s feedback.
After extensive discussion, including with the Public Works Director and City Manager, staff
decided not to hold a spring event in 2023. The plan had been to create a memorable, quality
event from the start that appeals to a broad audience and that the Commission is excited about. In
order to make sure that goal is achieved, more time and discussion is needed. This meeting and
future meetings can determine the planning for this event, or whether PTRC prefers to hold a
different type of event entirely.
Master Plan Surveys
At the April 13th, 2023 meeting, PTRC asked staff to review the results of the Master Plan
surveys to determine if there was information residents had submitted about preferences or
requests for special events. There were not many responses related to special events; related
excerpts of responses are included as Exhibit B. Staff also reviewed the survey results for
requests regarding dog parks, per PTRC’s suggestion. Out of the 404 responses to the first
community survey, there was only one suggestion for a dog park. There were no requests or
suggestions in the second or third survey rounds.
BUDGET IMPACT
Staff can request updated budget amounts accordingly for 2024 based on PTRC’s determination
about future special events.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests PTRC’s feedback on future special events. This discussion will continue over
several meetings; PTRC can let staff know what additional information is needed for the June
meeting discussion.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A – Possible Scavenger Hunt Event
Exhibit B – Master Plan survey responses related to special events
2
Exhibit A
Possible Scavenger Hunt Event
Saturday in May or June from 9am-noon or 1pm
Two scavenger hunt options:
• Park scavenger hunt within John Meade Park and Alan Hutto Memorial Commons
(shorter and easier for younger kids)
• Trail scavenger hunt – two-hour duration, on the bridle trails – for older kids and adults
Park scavenger hunt:
• Within John Meade Park and Alan Hutto Memorial Commons
• Continuously running all morning – kids can pick up an activity sheet at any time
• Table with prizes (constantly staffed) available throughout the morning
• Give out frisbees as one prize option or with additional better prize
• Need ideas for better kids prizes!
Trails scavenger hunt:
• Registration 9:00-9:30
• Scavenger Hunt: 9:30 start – 11:30pm end
• Option to pre-register online? / Then check in morning of OR register that morning
• Two hours, 10 stations/items to find within bridle trails around JMP and Cherrymoor
• Wildlife stamps or medallions for rubbing at each station
• Passports for stamping/adding rubbings with the descriptions/clues inside on opposite
page
• Needs a table (constantly staffed) for completion within JMP
• Parks staff member on the Gator in Cherrymoor for assistance if needed
• Water station on 4422
• $100 Gift card prizes for 1st, $75 for 2nd, $50 for 3rd for the long scavenger hunt (REI,
Cabela’s, Maggiano’s, Home Depot, Fleet Feet/Boulder Running Co.)
o Team prizes and individual prizes?
Food table (city-provided):
• Donuts
• Coffee
• Juiceboxes
• Granola bars
Food truck for lunch, or ice cream truck?
• Should arrive during the long scavenger hunt
At the park during the entire time frame:
• Lawn games (Spikeball/Slammo), beanbags, ladders
• Flowerpot decorating and seed or seedling planting
Exhibit A
• Facepainters
• Music through the sound system
Staff/volunteer stations:
• JMP: Snack and drink table
• JMP: Registration/prize table for Trail Scavenger Hunt
• JMP: Registration/prize table for Park Scavenger Hunt
• JMP: Kids craft/planting table
• Trails: Water station within Cherrymoor
• Trails: Parks staff on Gator for assistance if needed
Advertising:
• Advertise as a cup-free event – bring your own water bottles! Filling stations will be
available.
• Village Crier – publish in March and April issues
• Social media – Facebook and Nextdoor
Exhibit B
Master Plan Community Survey Responses Related to Special Events
1st Community Survey (Appendix A to the Master Plan)
(search results for “event”: )
• Pg. 18 – 375 – Love the trails and family community events.
• Pg. 27 – 92 - Neighborly interac�on through City events (in response to the ques�on
“Which aspects of the community’s character, if any, do you feel are important to Cherry
Hills Village?”)
• Pg. 158 – 51 – Organize events at these places. Kite flying, frisbee tossing, sack races.
Foster community. (In response to the ques�on “I believe the Master Plan should focus
on improving the following parks and public open space ameni�es:”)
• There were no results for Christmas/winter/movie/car show
2nd Community Survey (Appendix B to the Master Plan)
• There were no results for event/Christmas/winter/movie/car show
3rd Community Survey (Appendix C to the Master Plan)
• See next page for excerpt regarding Parks, Trails, and Open Space goal ranking (one goal
is related to events)
Cherry Hills Village Master Plan Update Third Community Survey
Q9 PTOS Goal #1: Maintain and improve the current system of Village
owned parks, trails and open space. Please choose the Action Item
(below) that you consider the most important to pursue.
Answered: 31 Skipped: 5
Identify and
work to...
Increase open
space...
Continue to
identify and...
Install
additional...
Continue to
work with th...
Identify
locations fo...
When possible,
encourage th...
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Identify and work to preserve natural areas that are important to Village residents. 45.16% 14
Increase open space preservation that may be initiated by private landowners. 19.35% 6
Continue to identify and obtain new funding sources for parks, trails, and open space in the Village Including public and 6.45% 2
private grant funds.
Install additional amenities (shelters, drinking fountains, benches, playgrounds, etc.) in existing parks, based upon the 6.45% 2
interest of residents.
Continue to work with the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission (PTRC) to hold special events and activities in 9.68% 3
Village parks and open space.
Identify locations for and complete improvements for new parks and open spaces, given existing topography, view 9.68% 3
corridors, and access to nearby streets, school facilities, and other Village amenities.
When possible, encourage the design of drainage facilities serving multiple properties that may also serve as open 3.23% 1
space areas.
TOTAL 31
9 / 39
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
COLORADO
2450 E. Quincy Avenue Village Center
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Telephone 303-789-2541
www.cherryhillsvillage.com FAX 303-761-9386
ITEM: 7a
MEMORANDUM
TO: MEMBERS OF THE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: EMILY BLACK, PARKS PROJECT & OPERATIONS MANAGER
SUBJECT: TREE ADOPTION REQUEST
DATE: MAY 11, 2023
ISSUE
Reviewing a request from the High Line Canal Conservancy regarding their Tree Donation
Program.
DISCUSSION
Staff has received the following request from the High Line Canal Conservancy to allow the
adoption of a tree adjacent to the High Line Canal:
“This tree adoption is in memory of Torin Thorsgard of Fort Collins who grew up along the High
Line Canal. Torin went missing during a hiking trip with friends and was later found deceased in
September 2022. His mother, Kyja Thorsgard, is a dear friend of the High Line Canal
Conservancy who is making the adoption request. She has great love for the High Line Canal,
particularly in Cherry Hills Village, where most of her cherished memories with her son were
made. She has shared the following about Torin:
Torin Thorsgard Highline Canal Memorial Tree
My precious son Torin and I shared many happy hours on the High Line Canal. We often
biked, ran and walked the dog on the trail stretching south from Three Pond Park and
Kent Denver. It was our slice of nature and open space in the city.
The bend of the Canal where I would like to adopt the Austrian Pine tree in memorial to
Torin was a favorite spot for us to visit. A giant old cottonwood grows next to the creek
there and a broken limb was a nesting place for Great Horned Owls. The elevated trail
provided an excellent view of the fuzzy and funny owlets. We loved to watch them grow
and to spot the fledglings in the neighboring trees. It would mean so much to me if they
would come to roost in Torin’s tree someday.
1
Torin was inspired by nature, and particularly by water. As an adult, he managed canals,
reservoirs, and water distribution in Fort Collins. He appreciated the historic use of the
High Line Canal for irrigation, and its benefits for water management, wildlife, and
recreation.
The view from Torin’s tree over the meadow and lakes is a spectacular panorama of the
Rocky Mountains. A tree adopted for Torin is a fitting memorial in a deeply special place
for us to honor a beautiful young man.
Kyja Thorsgard”
Adoption Details
The High Line Canal Conservancy will facilitate the tree adoption, collection the donation,
purchase the sign for the tree, and add the tree memorial to the Conservancy’s GIS map. This
adoption is not related to the City’s own Tree Donation Program, which is specific to newly
planted trees in parks and trails.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends supporting this tree adoption through the High Line Canal Conservancy.
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
“The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission supports the adoption of an existing Austrian
Pine by the High Line Canal Conservancy in memory of Torin Thorsgard.”
EXHIBITS
None
2
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
COLORADO
2450 E. Quincy Avenue Village Center
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Telephone 303-789-2541
www.cherryhillsvillage.com FAX 303-761-9386
ITEM: 7b
MEMORANDUM
TO: MEMBERS OF THE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: EMILY BLACK, PARKS PROJECT & OPERATIONS MANAGER
SUBJECT: TREE AND BENCH DONATION PRESENTATION (HIGH LINE CANAL
CONSERVANCY)
DATE: MAY 11, 2023
ISSUE
Announcing the High Line Canal Conservancy’s new Tree Donation Program and Bench
Donation Program.
DISCUSSION
PTRC is familiar with the tree and bench donation programs that the City offers within Cherry
Hills Village. For the past few years, the High Line Canal trail area has not been an available
location for the City’s program, in anticipation of the High Line Canal Conservancy developing
its own programs. A representative of the Conservancy will attend this meeting to announce the
launch of these two programs. The City will continue to offer its own tree and bench donation
programs in all other areas of the village.
RECOMMENDED MOTION
This item is informational only.
EXHIBITS
None
1
CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
COLORADO
2450 E. Quincy Avenue Village Center
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Telephone 303-789-2541
www.cherryhillsvillage.com FAX 303-761-9386
ITEM: 7c
MEMORANDUM
TO: MEMBERS OF THE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: EMILY BLACK, PARKS PROJECT & OPERATIONS MANAGER
SUBJECT: DAHLIA HOLLOW PLAY ROCK REPLACEMENT
DATE: MAY 11, 2023
ISSUE
Considering replacing the play rocks in Dahlia Hollow Park with newer versions.
DISCUSSION
Background
The play rocks in Dahlia Hollow Park were installed in 2014 to create an amenity for visitors.
They are a popular destination for local families. The rocks are made of Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete (GFRC). In 2018, the City received multiple calls stating that the rocks were starting to
shed fiberglass fibers. Staff closed the rocks and contacted the fabricator for a recommendation.
Staff found an appropriate sealant to coat the rocks and seal the fiberglass in. This solution has
worked as a temporary fix.
1
Funding
The City received an unexpected, one-time sum of $25,017.15 last fall from the Metropolitan
Football Stadium District from the sale of the Broncos franchise (Exhibit A). It is meant to be
used for “Youth Activity Programs”. Since the City does not offer active recreation, staff has
confirmed with the District that installations of play equipment for children are an acceptable use
of these funds. There is no deadline to spend the funds; however, the City should have a plan
underway by this September, since the District will request at that time how the funds are going
to be used.
New Play Rocks
Staff proposes using these funds to replace the play rocks in Dahlia Hollow Park with ones that
either do not contain fiberglass or come with a warranty. The rocks are a popular attraction;
when they were closed for safety reasons, the City received many calls asking when the play area
would reopen. Replacing the rocks in-kind would preserve the area that residents enjoy, while
ensuring children can continue to safely play on similar structures well into the future. Staff has
done initial pricing research and determined that two play rocks can be purchased using the
$25,000.00 budget. A small amount may be added to the project budget from the Parks Fund for
disposal of the old rocks. If PTRC approves of this project, staff will present it to City Council
for their consideration and approval.
2
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends using the Metropolitan Football Stadium District funds to replace the play
rocks in Dahlia Hollow Park.
RECOMMENDED MOTION
“I move to approve the replacement of the play rocks in Dahlia Hollow Park using the
Metropolitan Football Stadium District funds.”
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A: Letter from Metropolitan Football Stadium District
3
METROPOLITAN FOOTBALL
STADIUM
1701 Bryant Street, Suite 500 f Denver, CO 80204
DISTRIC
303.244.1002 I fax: 303.244.1003
September 19, 2022
City of Cherry Hills Village
2450 E Quincy Ave.
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80110
dfarmen@cherryhillsvillage.com
Attention: Doug Farmen
The Metropolitan Football Stadium District (MFSD) is contacting you regarding the recent sale of
the Denver Broncos Football Club.
As you may be aware the franchise has recently transferred to new ownership which triggers
components of both the original legislation which created the MFSD and the Lease and
Management Agreement which ties the franchise to the taxpayer owned facility, Empower Field
at Mile High and subsequently to the counties, cities, and towns within our seven-county metro
Denver boundary.
The Metropolitan Football Stadium District Act (the "Act"), and Article 33 of the Lease and
Management Agreement between the MFSD and PDB Sports LTD {PDB), Bronco's ownership,
entitles the MFSD to a one time "Sharing Amount" in connection with the sale of the franchise.
The "Sharing Amount" of the $4.65 billion sale of the Broncos franchise as determined by the
MFSD board, is $41,037,951, which has been duly paid to the MFSD. {Exhibit A attached). The
MFSD Board has elected to distribute these proceeds proportionately to the counties, cities, and
towns in which the tax was collected. Your jurisdiction is one of many which make up the MFSD
in which the tax was charged at one tenth of one percent sales tax from implementation in
January of 2001 and ending 2011. After consulting with the Colorado Department of Revenue it
was determined your proportionate percentage of Sales Tax revenue collected was
0.060961%. Therefore, your portion of the "Sharing Amount" of $41,037,951 is $25,017.15.
Provisions i e subsequent Management Agreement require the funds
to be used CTIVITIY PROGRA our intent that approximately one year from
the allocati he MFSD will re ccounting of how the funds have benefitted
ams in your commu · . We have received numerous media inquiries
llPage
www.mfsd.com
regarding which Youth Activities programs will benefit from these proceeds and we look forward
to hearing about all these great opportunities.
Sincerely,
Raymond T. Baker, Chair MFSD
Matt Sugar, Director of Stadium Affairs
Enclosures: Check, Resolution 2205, Exhibit A Sharing Amount
(The MFSD Act and the Lease and Management can be found at www.mfsd.com
21 Page
METROPOLITAN FOOTBALL STADIUM DISTRICT
RESOLUTION 22- 05
A. PDB Sports, LTD. (“PDB”) and Stadium Management Company, LLC
(“Stadium Company”) intend to sell their respective partnership interests and limited
liability company interests to Belmont Sports, LLC and S. Robson Walton (the ‘Sale”).
B. Under the Metropolitan Football Stadium District Act (the “Act”), and Article
33 of the Lease and Management Agreement dated as of September 3, 1998 between
the Metropolitan Football Stadium District (the “District”) and PDB, as amended and
partially assigned to Stadium Company (the “Lease”), the District is entitled to a “Sharing
Amount” in connection with the Sale.
C. Under the Act and Article 33 of the Lease, the Sharing Amount funds are to
be used for “youth activity programs”.
Therefore, a quorum being present, the following resolution was adopted on a vote ofj
in favor, 0 opposed, with ..j abstentions, on the 5th day of August, 2022.
RESOLVED, the Metropolitan Football Stadium District upon the motion of 4cr--)
and the second of approves:
(a) the Sharing Amount of $41,037,951 under the Act and Article 33 of the
Lease and as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated by reference; and
(b) the distribution of the Sharing Amount funds to the municipalities and
counties within the District, based upon their proportionate share of sales and use tax
paid under the Act; and
the District hereby authorizes the Chairman, any officers, District staff, or their
representatives to disburse the Sharing Amount funds pursuant to, and, and to take such
further action as may be necessary to effectuate the purpose of, this resolution.
24392192
I
EXHIBIT A
Sharing Amount
SALE OF FRANCHISE MFSD SHARING AMOUNT CALCULATION
Effective August 10, 2022
Sales Price (Gross Proceeds from Sale) $ 4,650,000,000
Franchise Debt (247,076,305)
Capital Contributions (with 6% inputed annual return) (2,351,026,144)
Net Profit 2,051,897,551
Sharing Rate 2%
Sharing Amount $ 41,037,951
24392192
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