Contracts to improve Mitchell Gulch Park and a requirement for no-grass ColoradoScapes for new homes’ front lawns were approved; and work to explore a potential new sports development center is moving forward following Town Council’s Oct. 18 meeting.
Here is a closer look:
- Mitchell Gulch Park improvements – Mitchell Gulch Park in Founders Village was constructed more than 25 years ago. It does not have paved parking and its playground needs replacement.
A recently developed master plan for the park calls for these improvements to be made, along with the addition of a bike pump track, tennis courts, a pavilion, an all-season restroom, lighting and a more water-efficient irrigation system.
To facilitate these improvements, Town Council approved three contracts: 1) A $3.5 million contract with Colorado Designscapes to complete the majority of the work; 2) An $821,000 agreement with Renner Sport Surfaces to install six tennis courts at the park; and 3) A $393,000 agreement with Landscape Structures for the new playground equipment.
In all, these contracts and others approved administratively represent an investment of $5.2 million to improve this park so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
A renovation project kickoff will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Mitchell Gulch Park, 200 Mikelson Blvd. The event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided.
Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1450?meta_id=191593
- Potential sports development center – Town Council has been discussing the potential of an indoor Town sports development center as part of the Brickyard project that’s proposed at the former Acme Brick facility on Prairie Hawk Drive. On Tuesday, Council approved two steps to continue moving this possibility forward.
First, Council approved entering into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with CD-Acme LLC/Confluence Companies – which built Downtown’s Riverwalk and Encore developments – to signal the Town’s formal pursuit of the project. Council also authorized an agreement with architecture firm Barker Rinker Seacat to complete a schematic design for the potential facility.
The memorandum of understanding does not have an immediate cost, while the architectural services will cost about $577,000. If Town Council decides not to move forward with the project as contemplated, much of the design proposed could be applied to another site.
The potential sports development center is presently being contemplated as a 132,000-square-foot facility, with the potential for an addition of 50,000 square feet. It would include five hard courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball at the outset with the potential for two in the future, along with a large weights and fitness space, an indoor adventure track, two to four fitness rooms, a large event space and other gathering areas, party and therapy rooms, and support space. An aquatics area would include a 25-yard-by-25-meter pool with spectator seating and a warmup pool.
For the Brickyard project to move forward, the land it would occupy must be rezoned. Confluence Companies is separately pursuing that action. If approved, a lease agreement for the sports development center – with full financial details – and an agreement to finalize the sports development center’s design would be brought back to Town Council.
Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1450?meta_id=191623
- ColoradoScape requirements – Conservation is critical to securing water for Castle Rock’s future. With that in mind, Town Council approved an ordinance that for new homes permitted for construction after Jan. 1, 2023, will prohibit grass in front lawns – instead requiring water-wise ColoradoScapes – and will allow no more than 500 square feet of irrigated turf in backyards. Council approved the ordinance on first reading last month.
The requirements do not apply to existing homes. Since new homes with ColoradoScaped front and back yards will impose less demand on the Town’s water system, the Town will incentivize builders to install landscaping in both areas with reduced water system development fees. The new requirements could reduce outdoor water use Townwide by about 50% once Castle Rock is fully built out.
Watch the presentation and Council discussion: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1450?meta_id=191561
Also on Tuesday’s agenda, Council approved a $1 million agreement with Front Range Fire Apparatus to purchase a new pumper truck for the future fire station in the Terrain area. That station is expected to open in 2025-26, and the lead time for these trucks is presently about 30 months.
Council also approved a $1.2 million agreement with Schmidt Construction to build a trailhead parking lot off of East Allen Street with 54 stalls to serve the Town’s new Metzler Family Open Space. The parking lot is expected to be completed in February 2023. Finally, Council approved awarding a $25,000 historic preservation grant to the Castle Rock Chamber Foundation to help fund new siding for the historical Chamber building at 420 Jerry St.
Coming up
The next regular Town Council meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 1. Visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments between Oct. 27 and Nov.1 to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak via videoconference during the meeting. The meeting will be available live at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting. In-person attendance will also be available.
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