Plus the 40-year History of JeffCo Open Space & 15 …...Enjoy the Community Calendar at Autumn / Winter 2012-13 • Views 7 City and Mountain Views • Autumn/Winter 2012-13 Notable

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

Plus the 40-year History of JeffCo Open Space

& 15 Notable Neighbors

2 Views • Autumn / Winter 2012-13

If you’re going to live in Colorado...live in Colorado.

Life at the foot of the foothills

A village tucked away in the hills between Green Mountain and Red Rocks. Featuring an expanded selection of homes ranging from the

mid $300s to over $1 million. Models open daily.

Just off West C-470 at Alameda Parkway.

303-790-6611 MySolterra.com

Brookfield Residential, 2012 Brookfield reserves the right to modify or change terms and information at any time without notice.

Autumn / Winter 2012-13 • Views 3



TASTE OF DENMARKEUROPEAN STYLE BAKERY

1901 So. Kipling St., Lakewood, CO 80227

(at Jewell Ave.) 303-987-8283

Award-winning master-baker Ronny Tronoe and his wife Diana Honoe arrived from Copenhagen 14 years ago and have created the most popular bakery in the metro area!

www.TasteOfDenmark.net

Best of South JeffCoArthur Murray • www.ColoradoDanceStudios.comRed Rocks Country Club • www.RedRocksCountryClub.orgTaste of Denmark • www.TassteOfDenmark.netWhite Fence Farm • www.WFF-co.comBear Creek Lake Park • 303-697-6159 • www.Lakewood.org Boating, Fishing, Camping, Swim Beach, Water Ski, Wind Surfing, Picnicking, Horse Stables


Jefferson County land preservation now totals 40% of the entire 773 square miles! The extraordinary variety of parks and recreation began with federal preservation in 1906-58. Denver then created Mountain Parks 1912-40 and JeffCo citizens voted to pay a half cent sales tax in 1972 to support a world class Open Space program. Many cities, developers, and special districts have preserved even more. We briefly explore how this came about in this edition. Views struggled to provide a “Best Of JeffCo” for each area. There are too many small businesses, recreation, entertainment organizations to list. So, we mention a few to stimulate your gratitude in JeffCo:

Jefferson Symphony Orchestra is 60 years old in 2012! www.Jeffersonsymphonyorchestra.org JeffCo Westernaires began in 1945 www.westernairs.org Jefferson County Library is awesome www.jefferson.lib.co.us.First Bank has impeccable integrity www.efirstbank.com Red Rocks Community College now enrolls nearly 9,000There are dozens more for you to add to this list. We therefore recom-mend keeping this in mind during this mean and dirty election time. It is better to be grateful than focus on fear and greed. In addition to gratitude for the quality of life we have here, we recommend that you carefully vote for QUALIFIED people who understand the complexity of managing government in a messy democracy! —Carole Lomond

Publisher/Editor/Writer/Photographer/Ad sales/JanitorCarole Lomond

Graphic DesignDavid Robison (ColoraDream.com)Gary Hall (GreystrokeCreative.com)

Copy Editor Joan Colton (jmcoltoncommunications.com)

Mail or email feature ideas or a free subscription request to: Views Publishing Company, Inc.25958 Genesee Trail Rd, PMB 334

Golden, Colorado 80401-5742Voice 303-526-2420 • Fax 303-526-2486

[email protected]

City and Mountain Views

Tracy Saraduke, RN, M.Ac.Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy

Evergreen, Colorado • www.acuwebpage.com

3082 Evergreen Parkway, Suite 2Evergreen, Colorado 80439

(La Plaza - East side of CO74)

303-670-9181www.acuwebpage.com

Tracy specializes in acupuncture, an Eastern form of medical treatment for all health conditions. Her experience in nursing and acupuncture provides a broad understanding of the human body and the treatments to create a balanced, healthy individual. Acupuncture releases “trapped” or obstructed Qi (circulation), the root cause of most diseases. Tracy has practiced acupuncture in Evergreen for 15 years, providing over 13,000 treatments.

“I find the root of my patients’ conditions, solving not only the obvious issues, but going deeper to balance, harmonize and integrate functions of the body. Most people have a label of their condition; when they step into my office, I look beneath the label then, treat the underlying problem.”

Tracy is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Acupuncture, and post-graduate work in Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy. She trained in structural acupuncture, Japanese Medical Acupuncture, Toyohari Acupuncture, and Meridian Flexibility. She worked as an emergency room nurse for over 10 years.

Tracy teaches Acupuncture Workout on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Physical Therapy.

City and Mountain Views is a community news-magazine published since 1993 by and for residents of Jefferson County, Colorado. Local interviews, history, and community news informs more than 150,000 readers of 50,000 copies by mail or picked up at Jefferson County public libraries, offices of the five Chambers of Commerce, Barnes & Noble at Denver West and other select retailers.

The entire contents of Issue #98 (Autumn/Winter) are copyright © 2012, all rights reserved (unless otherwise specified) by Views Publishing Company, Inc. (a Colorado Corporation), which is not responsible for advertiser representations.

Jefferson County residents and businesses

can gain a FREE subscription at www.CityMtnViews.com

Subscriptions are available for $15 to out of county addresses.

Enjoy the Community Calendar at www.CityMtnViews.com


City and Mountain Views • Autumn/Winter 2012-13

Notable Neighbors8 Marjorie Sloan, Mayor 12 Cabrini orphans 13 Lesly Dahlkempter22 Castagna, Lkwd HS36 5 Chambers of Commerce 37 Scott Storey 40 Angela & Roger Rayne 48 Brian Zoril, Foothills Firechief 51 Jackie Bell EAPL 54 Lynne Patton, Silouettes 54 Randy Little JBGTV.com

Legendary16-21 Denver Mountain Parks 26-31 JeffCo Open Space 30 Great Outdoors Colorado34-35 Federal Center 52 Dinosaur Ridge & Tricratops Trail53 Mother Cabrini Shrine53 MALT, Evergreen Audubon, CCLC 53 Colorado Mountain Club

Arts & Letters38 Scramble Campbell 41 Vicki Renfro 56 Betsy Henry, Zen Mama56 Theodore Borrillo, Elitch Theatre58 Iverson - Rocky Flats 59 Warden, Funiculars

Business Profiles 10 Golden Solar 11 Eurotech 23 Full Moon Books 24 Desert Gems 42 Evergreen Vacuum 46 Brook Forest Inn 61 Peck House

BUZZ5 Best of S.JeffCo 9 Best of Golden; 14 Most Liveable!23 Lakewood, Parks & Recreation 38 Best of Morrison 45 Best of Evergreen & Bergen Park 49 Best of Genesee & Lookout Mountain59 BUZZ, JeffCo’s Commission

60 Editorial: Democracy is Messy Tighe for BCC, Vote YES 3A 3B

www.citymtnviews.com

pg 48 Brian Zoril

pg 38 Scramble Campbell

pg 22 Castagna, Kakewood High

pg 16-21 Denver Mountain Parks

pg 52 Tricratops Trail

pg 34-35 Denver Federal Center


Notable Neighbor

Marjorie Sloan, Mayor of Golden

The elected Mayor of Golden is not a politician. Rather than ego-centered on power, Marjorie Sloan is kind, sincere, intelligent and humble. She became a lawyer with plenty of court of appeals experience after her two sons, Trey and Mark, were full-time students. She has been a nurturing wife for Dr. Dendy Sloan, a Colorado School of Mines professor since 1975 when they moved to Golden. After volunteering plenty of community service, she was elected to Golden City Council in 2007 and Mayor in 2011.

Sloan donates 60 hours a week to consistently support protecting Golden’s heritage, economic health and quality of life by demonstrating transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. During this current recession, the town’s credit ratings improved, revenues rose, and the reserve fund grew. Golden’s streets are more safe and accessible. A pedestrian-friendly bridge over Highway 58 and new bike paths have been completed. More open space land has been preserved and preparation for future light rail is in process. Golden hosted the first USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2011.

“We’ve managed growth and change with strict enforcement of the 1% growth limit, adoption of height limits and architectural standards for downtown, rejection of inappropriate annexation requests, supporting residents to craft their own neighborhood plans, developing of the long-term Golden Vision 2030, and a new

Comprehensive Plan,” said Sloan. “Golden residents love living here. We want affordable housing for working families and senior citizens. We value our heritage, open space, the amazing Clear Creek passing through. We do not support increasing huge amounts of traffic for a beltway. We simply do not believe that more is better. Improving Highway 93 would not be like the C-470s.”

Sloan worked to “kill CDOT’s plan for a six-lane highspeed superhighway plowing through the valley. We secured a commitment from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete a full environmental analysis comparing the toll highway proposal to Golden’s bikeway proposal. The proposed beltway is a stone-throw away from Triceratops Trail, a National Natural Landmark.”

Residents support improving water quality, recycling, and development of a solar thermal system at the community center. Golden was the first Territorial Capitol of Colorado in 1862 and continues to enjoy an extraordinary degree of community involvement in 2012. Sloan’s Campaign Committee:

Casey and Gina Brown, Monica and Bart Buhlig, Matt Burde, Gene Child, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Preston Driggers, Pamela Gould, Marv Kay, Hal and Helen Leith, Pat Reid, Jacob Smith, Diane and Henry Tiberi, and Meg Van Ness

Family photo by MosPortraits.com


Chelsea of London

Lingerie

1203 Washington AvenueHistoric Downtown Golden

303-271-9565www.TheChelseaGirl.com

Gift wrap & certificates available

Marty and Shelly Staebell2124 Ford Street

Historic downtown Golden, CO 80401

303-273-2929 • 303-273-0520 faxwww.staebellinsurancegroup.com

[email protected]

Staebell Insurance GroupLet us do the Shopping for You!

Home • Auto • Business • Life

AcuityThe HartfordMetLifeNavigatorsProgressive ZurichDairyland

State AutoCapitolAlliedCNA TravelersSafecoChubb

American Modern

Gifts for Everyone!

Old FashionedService is Our Gift to You

Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pmSun. 10am-5pm

1212 Washington Ave.Golden

303-279-0200

• Colorado & Coors®

Souvenirs• Willow Tree® Angels• Bearington Bears• Greeting Cards & Candles• Webkinz®

Gifts for

Best of Golden Avenue Gifts www.AvenueGiftsOfGolden.com Chelsea of London www.TheChelseaGirl.com Foothills Art Center www.foothillsartcenter.orgGolden History Museums www.GoldenHistoryMuseums.org Golden Oldy Cyclery www.GoldenOldy.org Meyer Hardware www.meyerhardware.com Miner’s Alley Playhouse www.minersalley.comRocky Mountain Quilt Museum www.RMQM.org Colorado Railroad Museum www.ColoradoRailroadMuseum.org

The very best of Golden is the cooperation of Golden City Council & Mayor and Golden Chamber of Commerce with the Golden Civic Foundation, an economic development group that invests in historic downtown and generates grants and loans for non-profits. The GCF sponsors community events such as Buffalo Bill Days, Fine Arts Festival, Ole Golden Christmas, Wild West Auto Roundup and Farmers Market. www.GoldenCivicFoundation.org


Golden Solar is Locally Owned & Operated Buy or Lease Options

Incentives, Rebates and Tax Credits

Clean, Quiet, Power. Panels Guaranteed for 25 Years. Good Return on Investment. Immunity from Rate Hikes.

Reduce Pollution. Roll Your Meter Back. www.GoldenSolar.net—Call 303-955-6332

for a FREE Consultation

Golden Solar Locally Owned & Operated614 10th St, Golden 303-955-6332 www.GoldenSolar.net

The cost of energy is rising dramatically as climate change continues. Unlike today’s stock market, investing in solar energy can generate safe returns 6 to 14 percent. And the safe investment is engineered to last 30 plus years, especially when choosing a local (and accountable) company.

Don Parker worked for the EPA and was an environmental consult for many years. He settled in Golden with his wife Mary in 1989. His community service was for JeffCo Open Space Advisory Committee and the JeffCo Planning Commission during the 1990s and he continues to diligently support “Save the Mesas.” Don acquired Golden Solar from master electrician Shawn Josserand in 2011.

Golden Solar is managed at a historic duplex originally built in 1868 and is now totally energized by the sun.

Photovoltaic panels produce DC power when the sun shines. An inverter converts the DC to usable AC power. The AC power is fed into the breaker panel of your home, business, or non-profit. Excess production is fed back to the utility company. When the solar system is not producing, the utility company provides needed power drawn from the excess credits built up. Golden Solar can help you finance or lease a system. They can show you how to gain utility rebates and tax credits. Stop by to see photovoltaic technology in action or call them for a free estimate for excellent quality and price.


(303) 279-3393 www.meyerhardware.com

1103 Arapahoe Street Historic Downtown Golden

30,000 Items in 21,000 Sq. Ft. of area including:

Cut & Thread Pipe • Window & Screen Repair • Hunting & Fishing Licenses • Paint Computer

Color Matching • Free Gift Wrap

On line at www.doitbest.com Joe and Ruby Meyer purchased a hardware store in Golden 68

years ago. Their Grandson Steve was honored in 2010 with the Golden Rotary Ethics Award. He and the staff enjoy responding to the needs of homeowners, businesses, contractors, and do-it-yourselfers with prices often below the corporate chains.

Customers have access to: plumbing, hardware, tools, lawn & garden, Valspar paint, automotive, electrical, houseware supplies, sporting goods and more. If you cannot find what you need, they gladly special-order from Do it Best wholesale distributor. Gift wrapping is free!

68 years of Service

Steve Schaefer

Euro-Tech Foreign & Domestic Automotive

Services15866 W. 7th Ave. Unit E, Golden 80401

303-279-1989 www.EuroTechDenver.com

Ernie Keller has been repairing BMWs and other high quality automobiles for 23 years. He and his staff are committed to providing quality service with a lasting relationship of customers who trust their integrity. Keller said, “We’re proud of being the front-range’s premier destination for import automotive repair! We stand solidly rooted on all of our services.”

Euro-Tech Automotive is a family shop dedicated on building communication and trust. They provide top-quality automotive repair & maintenance services for all types of motor vehicles. No matter the job, big or small, the skilled team of ASE Certified® Master Technicians are ready to provide the best possible service your vehicle requires. They also supply loaner vehicles for your convenience.

Ernie Keller Owner

Matt Noteboom Service Advison

Becky Kyger Office Manager

Mike Leonard Mechanic

Euro-Tech mechanics are certified technicians for BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, Volvo, Mini Cooper, Mercedes, Toyota, and Subaru automobiles. They provide the best service for diagnostics, brakes, fuel injection, timing belts, oil changes, alignment & balance, scheduled maintenance, mufflers & exhaust, warranty service, A/C, tune-ups, tires, transmission, check engine lights, electrical repair, shocks * struts, and battery.

As one customer states, “I have been going to Euro-Tech for about 3 years, and this place is the best. The service Ernie and his staff provide is GREAT! The work is done right, on time and the price they say is the price you pay, no add-on’s. Had to have a head light bulb replaced and I was in and out in 20 min., try that at a dealer…”

Another customers said: “I’ve been going to Euro Tech since I bought by Audi in 2008. The staff is very friendly and more than accommodating. Most importantly, Ernie is without question, the most knowledgeable, honest mechanic I’ve ever done business with. He is fair and offers solutions that won’t always benefit him (as a business owner). Don’t go to the dealership – this is the place to bring your import!”

Euro-Tech is so successful, they need more qualified mechanics. Call them for an appointment at 303-279-1989


Notable Neighbors

Mother Cabrini OrphansFrom the 1902 until 1969, Queen of

Heaven Orphanage in Denver was home for thousands of orphan girls. Nuns had to beg daily for food and building supplies to support the Orphanage and school. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini also created a summer home for the orphans on Lookout Mountain beginning in 1904. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and children raised chickens, milked cows, grew and cut hay, cut ice and canned their own food at Cabrini Shrine.

It was a healthy place for girls all summer as they hiked the Red Rocks, Genesee Mountain and over to Buffalo Bill’s and the Lariat Trail to Golden. By 1912, the three-story “Stone House” dormitory was built by hand with area rocks and timber. It continues to serve for family and group gatherings.

The grotto, chapel, gift shop and convent also continues to serve more than 200,000 visitors of all faiths who climb the 373 steps past beautiful art and gardens to the sculpture of Jesus at the top. The 800 acres acquired north and south of I-70 remain

preserved. Cabrini founded a total of 67 schools, orphanages, hospitals, and day care centers before she died in 1917. Pope John Paul II visited Mother Cabrini Shrine in 1993.

Perla Arellano was a Cabrini orphan from the age of nine months in 1952 until she was 16 in 1968. “We had three meals a day, an education, prayer, a bed, love and

extended family,” she said. Perla has worked for Cabrini Shrine for 21 years managing volunteers as the Community Relations Coordinator. Perla and other former orphans are grateful for their experience at Cabrini. wwwMotherCabriniShrine.org

Lower left to right: Anthony Merelli (volunteer from 1949-2012), Tommy Francis (resident & caretaker since 1969),

Juliana Oestreicher (Cabrini orphan from age 2 until 11) Mary Pelikan (orphan 1954-68), Perla Arellano (orphan 1952-68), Esther Madrid,

Sister Angelina (House Mother at Cabrini 1963-69), MJ Menendez.

Cabrini orphan reunion August 2000

Juliana at age 6Cabrini Pilgrims, circa 1946; Cabrini Stone House orphanage


Notable Neighbor

Lesley DahlkemperPresident, Board of Education, JeffCo Public Schools

19447 W. 52nd Drive

BACKS TO OPEN SPACEEnjoy this beautiful setting with unobstructed views of the foothills, a park-like yard with waterfall feature, a lot that backs to open space and a custom home with so many upgrades. A dream kitchen features professional grade Viking 36” dual fuel range with six burners, microwave convection oven, warming drawer, Vent-a Hood Vent, 42” cherry cabinets, 48” built-in refrigerator, over and under cabinet lighting, and Venetian gold granite countertops. See a virtual tour at www.19447W52nd.com

Joy BrandtRE/MAX Alliance

1019 8th Street, GoldenCall 303-378-7800

www.JoyBrandt.com

Jefferson County children and parents are blessed with the outstanding leadership of this former Colorado Public Radio education reporter and public relations professional. With the need to prevent more drastic cuts in services, Dahlkemper arrived to “deal with these tough economic times into great opportunities to help our kids thrive and excel.”

Dahlkemper’s humility, experience and intelligence have lifted the district to a new level. “We have a profound responsibility to focus on what matters most—student achievement and fiscal accountability. I want our board to be accountable every step of the way.” Her priorities are: • Put students first (strong 3R foundation with arts & physical ed)• Work together (parents, students, business, cities, educators) • School Choice—neighborhood, charter or option • Bullying prevention—every student must feel safe!

Dahlkemper lives in Lakewood with her husband, former state Senator Mike Feeley, and daughter Grace.

Her passion for education runs deep. Lesley’s mother was a middle school teacher for 30 years in the Chicago suburbs. Her father was a substitute art teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Her great-aunt was a district administrator whose work focused on educating children of poverty.


Quality Collision Repair

17509 S. Golden Rd., Golden, CO 80401Family owned since 1979

www.AutoSportCollisionRepair.com

303-278-1903

Sometimes a wild animal will step into the roadway and collide with a vehicle. If this happens to you think of AutoSport Collision and our current campaign:

Bring your vehicle to AutoSport Collision for a free estimate. When you repair your deer hit with us your name will be entered into a drawing for $250 worth of meat! *

*Hit is for any animal, not just a deer. Drawing will take place

December 15, 2012. Chance of winning depends on the number of

animal hit vehicles repaired. Fleet owned vehicles are not eligible.

Winner is responsible for any taxes associated with prize won.

BuzzzzzzzzGolden Top 10 Best Places to Live and Visit in Americawww.Livabiity.com

Of 500 cities listed as the “Mayberrys of 2012,” Golden is second only to Papillion NE! Home prices are high, but you get what you pay for. The laid-back lifestyle, small-town friendliness, and easy access to ski resorts, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and metro area are excellent. Plenty of employment is provided by the National Earthquake Center, Colorado School of Mines, Natl’ Renewable Laboratory, American Mountaineering Center and high tech businesses in the greater Golden area.

Mother Earth News’ annual “Great Places You’ve Never Heard of” also names Golden’s eclectic mix of: museums, Miller Coors brewery, great outdoor recreation, goal for 50% of city facilities powered with renewable energy by 2017, area green-energy technologies, and colorful Wild West history.

1. Papilion, NE 2. Golden, CO 3. Brattleboro, VT 4. Boerne, TX 5. Chardon, OH

Top 10 Most Livable Small Towns: 6. Bedford, VA 7. Yankton, SD 8. Clive, IA 9. Danville, KY 10. Sheridan, WY


Unique holiday gifts in all price ranges, hand crafted by

100+ Colorado artists. Visit www.foothillsartcenter.org

for more information, including special events.

Bobbi Vischi Marcie Miller Carol Weir

Pam Fortner

809 15th Street, Golden, CO

303.279.3922

November 10–December 30, 2012

“The Three Penny Opera”Sept 7– October 21

“Greetings”by Tom Dudzic

Nov 9– December 23

Celebrate the holiday season in a place that’s as close to your home as it is to your heart. Gather on Washington for a true hometown Christmas parade, shop the avenue, and then stroll down Clear Creek illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. Indulge in the warmth of friends and family and experience Christmas the old fashioned way. Find your holiday spirit at www.VisitGolden.com.

Kick off your holiday celebrations with the Candlelight Walk on Friday, Nov. 30 and rejoice with your neighbors as Christmas lights illuminate downtown.


100 Years of Denver Mountain Parks in JeffCoPark conservation pioneer, Frederick Law

Olmsted (1822-1903), inspired the American Progressive Era (1896-1916) to preserve parkland throughout the U.S. Beginning with Central Park in New York City in 1850, Olmsted demonstrated how preservation of native land supports human health, stimulates “civility,” helps secure real estate value, and supports free enterprise. He was hired in 1890 to develop plans for Denver and Lookout Mountain Resort, which was not completed.

By 1910, the primary Colorado conservation leader was John Brisben Walker who operated a glamorous resort in Morrison and preserved Red Rocks Park. Walker inspired members of the Denver Real Estate Exchange, Denver Motor Club, and Denver Chamber of Commerce to preserve Jefferson County land for tourism. The businessmen met several times weekly to explore a variety of world-class scenic vistas, ecological wonders, and extraordinary canyons with native flora and fauna at altitudes of 5,300 to 10,280 feet in the foothills of Jefferson County. They convinced Mayor Robert Speer to offer Denver voters an opportunity to fund a system of mountain parks with a property tax mill levy. According to the Denver Municipal Facts, businessmen funded a massive campaign as “Denver’s chance to open a gateway into the mountains, and to take the lead in the work of making Colorado more attractive to tourists than Switzerland.” Denver voters gave overwhelming approval in May 1912.

The first purchase in 1912 was the highest peak of Genesee Park, which boosters had acquired from a timber company in 1911. The Daughters of the American Revolution raised the American flag at the top of Genesee Mountain on Flag Day, 1911 and have raised a new one every Flag Day for 101 years! In 1914, Denver enclosed 160 acres of Genesee Park for 23 wild

Lariat Trail, Lookout Mountain

Frederick Law Olmsted


elk and seven bison brought by rail from Yellowstone. Wildlife conservation was the primary purpose.

An act of the U.S. Congress in 1914 enabled Denver to own land outside its municipal boundary. The Mountain Parks Committee hired Olmsted’s son “Rick” to design the system based on extensive research. Olmsted recommended more than 41,000 acres. Denver purchased about 9,000 acres by the 1940s. Since 1972, JeffCo Open Space has purchased the remaining land recommended by Olmsted.

To prevent Golden from being excluded from Denver’s tourism venture, and against intense opposition of JeffCo Commissioners, Golden engineer genius “Cement Bill” Williams built the Lariat Trail up from Golden with 56

perfectly banked (seven hairpin) curves to Lookout Mountain 1911-14. Developer Rees Vidler gladly encouraged the Lariat Trail and funded a funicular railway to lift visitors up to his real estate office. He donated 66 acres to Denver to be included in the system as Lookout Mountain Park.

Denver built roads to cross Lookout Mountain, then Hwy 74 south to Evergreen and then east alongside Bear Creek to Morrison and north to the Red Rocks. Sightseers, campers, fishermen, and hikers especially enjoyed the 40-mile “Lariat Loop,” which is now a National Scenic Byway.

Men from Golden at work building the Lariat Trail, (lookout Mountain Rd.) North and South Table Mountains are in the background

Upper Bear Creek, circa 1920

View from Windy Point of Lariat Trail, circa 1915

“Cement Bill” Williams


Denver politics threatened to sell the mountain parks over the years. As early as 1914, the Mountain Parks Committee fought off several Councilmen wanting to use the mill levy for other projects. Many councilmen backed away when they realized selling the parks would require Denver voter approval. Finally in 1955, City Council shifted funding to “parks and recreation” and eliminated the separate mill levy, which reduced mountain park budgets to a bare minimum ever since.

Red Rocks Park is Denver’s most publicized. After Native Americans treasured the area, John Brisben Walker was the first to “discover” the Red Rocks in 1879. He acquired it as part of 4,000 acres (including Mt. Morrison and Mt. Falcon) in 1906. Walker invited opera star Mary Garden to sing “Ave Maria” to test the natural acoustics in 1911 and created a funicular and Red Rocks Camp for tourists in 1912. After financial debt forced Walker to sell it to Bear Creek Development Company in 1925, Denver acquired it with all water rights for $54,000 in 1927. The city blasted a 5-mile scenic roadway through the park in 1929 and built the Pueblo Trading Post in 1931.

Denver’s Director of Parks George Cranmer gained federal funding for Civil Conservation Corp and Works Progress Administration to build the amphitheater and Alameda Parkway from 1936 to 1941. The annual Easter Sunrise service began in 1947. Denver built the $18 million, 30,000 square-feet Red Rocks Visitor Center at the amphitheatre summit in 2003.

100 Years of Denver Mountain Parks in JeffCo

John Brisben Walker’s Red Rocks Park, 1907

Red Rocks Amphitheatre under construction by Civilian Conversation Corps, circa 1937

Pueblo Trading Post


Denver’s Genesee Park was divided in 1972 by construction of I-70 to be accessed at Exits 254 and 253. Genesee facilities include Chief Hosa Lodge and Campground (built in 1917), bison and elk enclosure, charcoal grills, picnic areas, scenic overlook, softball field, volleyball, horseshoes, a picnic utility building (by reservation only) and the Genesee Experiential Center for youth. A “Braille Trail” with interpretive signs is available for blind hikers. The historic Beaver Brook Trail south of Clear Creek Canyon has been preserved by Denver and Jefferson County from Windy Saddle on the Lariat Trail through Genesee Park. The Genesee bison herd gave birth to 22 babies in 2012!

Beyond Red Rocks, Denver considers their most popular parks are Lookout Mountain with Buffalo Bill’s Grave and Museum, Echo Lake and Summit Lake on Mt. Evans, and Winter Park Ski Resort. Genesee, Dedisse, Newton and Daniels Parks are considered the core of the system. Picnic and hiking along Bear Creek are Little, Corwina, O’Fallon, Pence, Bell and Cub Creek Parks. Fillius, Bergen and Turkey Creek are considered to be “Gateway Parks.” JeffCo residents especially treasure Denver’s construction of Evergreen Dam and Lake within Dedisse Park, which the city acquired by condemnation in 1919. Resort owner Harry Sidles built Evergreen Golf Course and Keys on the Green in 1924. After Denver built the dam and Evergreen Lake in 1928, Sidles deeded it to Denver with the contingency that it always remain a golf course.

Pahaska Lodge and Buffalo Bill Grave, 1925

Bear Creek picnics, circa 1900 (above) and 1920 (below)

Red Rocks Amphitheatre


Lake and trail maintenance and construction of the Evergreen Lake House were funded by JeffCo Open Space and Evergreen Parks and Recreation District in 1992. The Evergreen Audubon Naturalists prevented the Army Corp of Engineers from destroying the wetlands in the 1980s and helped restore the original sod-roofed warming house in 2009.

By the 1960s, JeffCo residents respected Denver’s preservation of significant land that preserved watersheds, forests, sensitive ecosystems, trails, and scenic drives. In 1968, the JeffCo League of Women Voters examined the results of chaotic, county-permitted development and promoted comprehensive future planning to include land preservation. Plan JeffCo volunteers campaigned successfully to establish JeffCo Open Space in 1972. Denver and JeffCo have cooperated ever since and surveys indicate about the same number of Denver residents enjoy both Denver Mountain and JeffCo Open Space Parks.

A comprehensive assessment of DMP was completed in 2001 and a future Master Plan in 2008. Denver is now exploring possible expanded services within Genesee Park. All Denver Mountain Parks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One result of Denver and JeffCo’s diligent preservation is two National Scenic and

100 Years of Denver Mountain Parks in JeffCo

Bergen Park

Chief Hosa Lodge, Genesee ParkLittle Park pump house, Idledale

Evergreen Lake

Historic Byways—Lariat Loop and Mt. Evans. Denver Mountain Parks are respected and admired worldwide.

—Carole Lomond


Denver Mountain Parks within JeffCo Bear Creek Canyon: 130 acres (1927) Bergen Park: 25 acres (1915)Chief Hosa Lodge/Campground (1917) Colorow Point: .54 acre (1916)Corwina Park: 298 acres (1916)Cub Creek Park: 550 acres (1914-20)Deer Creek Park: 90 acres (1918)Dedisse Park(Evergreen): 420 acres (1919)Dedisse (Evergreen) Lake & Dam (1928) Evergreen Golf Course (1925)Fillius Park: 108 acres (1914-38)Genesee Park: 2,402 acres (1912-2006)Chief Hosa Lodge/Campground (1917) Katherine Craig Park: 56 acres (1935)Little Park: 400 acres donated (1916)Lookout Mountain Park: 66 acres donated (1916)Newton Park: 424 acres (1939-62)O’Fallon Park: 860 acres donated (1938)Pence Park: 320 acres (1914)Red Rocks Park: 868 acres (1927-2006)Morrison Park CCC Camp: 20 acres (1927) Red Rocks Indian Trading Post (1931) Starbuck Park: 11 acres donated (1916)Turkey Creek Park: 61 acres (1914)

*Denver’s Mountain Parks beyond JeffCo: Daniels Park: 1,000 acres (1920-37)Echo Lake Park: 617 acres (1920) Echo Lake Lodge built (1926) Summit Lake Park: 160 acres (1924) Winter Park Ski Resort: 89 acres (1939 *In addition to the parks listed, the Denver Mountain Park System includes almost 5,000 acres of undeveloped conservation/wilderness land.

http://denvermountainparks.orgwww.lariatloop.orgwww.mountevans.com

Plein Air Event at Denver Mountain Parks

The Golden Triangle Museum District organized artists from the metro area to participate in the 6th annual Denver Plein Air Arts Festival. JeffCo locations from August 10 to September 16 were along the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway. Artists painted at Red Rocks Park, Lookout Mountain Park - Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave - Pahaska Te-pee, the Buffalo herd at Genesee Park and Evergreen Lake. Paint-ings will be exhibited at Denver Public Library Nov. 13 until Dec. 31.

Marianne Garehime at Buffalo Bill Museum

Randy Raak at Genesee Park Bison herd

Jane Christie at Evergreen Lake


Notable Neighbors

Ron Castagnafather of Lakewood High School Family

White hair is the only visual difference between Castagna and his 2,000 students in the Lakewood High School hallway. After 16 years as the school principal, he was selected by his peers at Colorado Association of School Executives as the best Secondary School Principal in 2012. He is respected as the most effective administrator empowering students and staff of JeffCo public schools. “We are a family here at Lakewood,” he admits. Everyone is respected, regardless of ethnicity, gender, talent or academic achievement.

“An award like this isn’t just about me; it’s about the hard work of everyone who works so tirelessly in our building, from teachers to secretaries to assistant principals,” said Castagna. “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of such an outstanding school team and I believe in this generation.”

Anyone visiting Lakewood High School can feel a warm, generous sense of inclusive family. There is also a united commitment to excel to the highest degree. Students chant “It’s a great day to be a Lakewood Tiger.” There are no bullies and looks don’t mean anything.

Lakewood High School Baccalaureate students gained more than $14 million in scholarships in 2012! The school is ranked 14th in Colorado and 429 nationally. It is recognized as outstanding by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. Of 600 student graduates in the Lakewood High School International Baccalaureate, 95% earned their IB Diplomas.

See Lakewood High School’s website: http://lakewood-web.jeffco.k12.co.us/lakewood/html/index.html

Lakewood students created an amazing lip dub video that includes all 2,200 students dancing and singing to a Katy Perry song www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvK7pDAn10c

Documents

Plus the 40-year History of JeffCo Open Space & 15 …...Enjoy the Community Calendar at Autumn / Winter 2012-13 • Views 7 City and Mountain Views • Autumn/Winter 2012-13 Notable