Community Announcements

Main Sewer Line Installation Construction to Begin in The Plains in October 

Community Composting Collection Resident Feedback Survey

Rules and Regulations Updates to Ken-Caryl’s Landscaping, Garden Placement and Trash Enclosures

As a result of Senate Bill 23-178, which supports water-wise landscaping and non-vegetative landscaping alternatives for water conservation, Ken-Caryl Ranch is in the process of updating its current rules and regulations in relation to homeowner yards, turf and gardens. Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association is updating the Gardens and Xeriscaping rules and regulations to be in compliance with the new house bill.  In an effort to satisfy requirements of the house bill and provide residents with more tools for updated landscaping, the Architectural Committee will be creating three xeriscaping design templates.  Residents are advised that all exterior improvements, including landscaping, are required to be submitted for Architectural Committee approval.

In addition, new rules regarding the construction of trash encloses are being updated by the Architectural Committee. While these new rules and regulations are independent of SB 12-178, residents are also encouraged to review them regarding the construction of trash encloses to house trash/recycling totes outdoors.

Click the links below to view the current drafts for revised rules and regulations.

Gardens – Draft Regulations

Landscaping and Xeriscaping – Draft Regulations

Trash Enclosures and Screening – Draft Regulations

This survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation!

North Ranch Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – POSTPONED, JUNE 13

Rain, rain, go away… The North Ranch Playground Ribbon Cutting has been postponed and will NOT occur today, June 13! The weather on Monday, and the expected weather today, is impacting the final touches on the park. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date and time. Thanks for your patience!

Land Development Update: Digging in the Dirt

North American Development Group to begin contracted earthwork construction for the new housing development in the Ken-Caryl Ranch Plains

North American Development Group (NADG) purchased land for a new home development in the Ken-Caryl Ranch Plains in 2020. A total of approximately 700 units (single-family, townhomes and multi-family) are planned for development over three parcels of land, including Parcels A and C, located east of C-470 and north of Ken Caryl Ave., and Parcel B, located at the southwest corner of Ken Caryl Ave. and Chatfield Ave. NADG hired earthworks contractor Bemas Construction to begin soil work in Parcels A and B in the coming weeks. All work will be done outside of Jefferson County’s quiet hours. Work will typically take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Bemas will begin moving soil from Parcel B to Parcel A with an estimated start date of mid-June.

To provide an idea of the project’s scope, more than half a million yards of dirt will be moved from the Parcel B development across from King Soopers to the Parcel A and C developments between the RTD bus station and Foothills Golf Course in preparation for the new housing development. A total of 2.5 million yards of dirt will be moved upon completion of this project. Bemas will be using Ken Caryl Avenue as a primary means to transport the dirt beginning in mid-June, and will be working with traffic engineers to establish a movement pattern that accommodates residents during this 8–10-month process. Closures along Ken Caryl are not anticipated, but residents should be aware that outgoing traffic from Safeway along the Alkire intersection ONLY will not be permitted during this time.

The trail to the north of Sunset Ridge that connects the Plains to the Safeway complex will not be disturbed in the initial phases of construction. Any changes or reroutes that may occur in later phases will be communicated to residents in advance to ensure public safety, and it is Bemas’ intention to minimize the duration of any possible closures.

Part of the earthworks project will involve using water to cure and temper soil, which will also aid in dust suppression during construction. Tracking pads, rock retainers and recycled asphalt will be placed around the job site to minimize dirt and mud on streets. Bemas is also contracted to perform periodic street sweeping to help keep our community clean of dust and dirt, and work will be suspended in windy or unsafe conditions.

During construction, Bemas will be properly maintaining safety barriers throughout the project’s duration. We ask that residents respect the borders of designated construction areas during this time to ensure public safety.

The Master Association and the Metropolitan District are in continued communication with Bemas, and any updates or pertinent information will be communicated across Ken-Caryl’s established communications channels, as it becomes available.

Feel free to check the dedicated New Housing Development webpage, located under the Community & News tab of our website at www.ken-carylranch.org for all updates related to this project. For additional questions, please contact Master Association General Manager Brian Yowell at 303-979-1876, ext. 113 or via email at briany@kcranch.org.

SLASH Drop-Off

Saturday, April 22
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dakota Lodge / Equestrian Center

Ken-Caryl Ranch is proud to offer an additional SLASH drop-off event as part of ongoing efforts to promote wildfire mitigation. No reservations necessary, residents may drop off SLASH at any time during the event.

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District Parks Department will be on hand with the chipper. Residents are encouraged, if possible, to drop off their SLASH, but a limited number of curbside pickups will be offered by the Master Association Ranger staff on Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21. Registration will open March 29 at 9 a.m. via the Firewise Resources page of our website. Curbside pickups must be signed up for in advance. No need to register if you can drop off your own SLASH. Just stop by any time between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on April 22.

Please note: No contractor or business slash can be accepted. The event will finish promptly at 1 p.m.

2023 MA Board Election Candidate Forum Available To View Online

Did you miss the 2023 MA Board Candidate Forum? Then be sure to click on the link below to hear what the candidates had to say and see how they answer some important questions from our community!

Master Association Board Adopts 2023 Budget with a $4 Dues Increase

By Brian Yowell, Master Association General Manager

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association Board adopted the 2023 Budget at its Nov. 15 meeting. There will be a $4 per month dues increase in 2023. The increase is needed for increased operational expenses, fire mitigation efforts and perimeter fence improvements. Approximately $1 of the monthly dues increase will go toward fire mitigation, including interface mowing, home assessments and woody vegetation removal. Approximately $3 per month will go toward perimeter fence improvements. The 2023 MA approved budget is posted at under the About Us tab, then Financials.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Brian Yowell, Master Association General Manager, at briany@kcranch.org or 303-979-1876, ext. 113.

Valley Parkway Improvements

Several residents have raised concerns about the planned removal of stop signs on Valley Parkway, particularly at the intersection of White Oak Drive. The County has heard your concerns and is now planning to install a pedestrian-actuated flashing sign in conjunction with the raised crosswalk at this intersection. Pedestrian-actuated flashing signs, also known as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), result in higher motorist compliance for yielding to pedestrians crossing a roadway. County staff supports this approach because the combination of the new raised crosswalks, new pedestrian-actuated flashing signs, and removal of the unwarranted stop signs will provide the greatest safety improvement, especially for students crossing Valley Parkway to access Bradford Primary School.

The County will host an informational session to provide project details and answer questions on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. online via Microsoft Teams. Details will be posted here and on the County’s website prior to the meeting.

Updated: Oct. 26, 2022

Jefferson County will proceed with installation of the raised crosswalks on Valley Parkway at White Oak Drive and Valley Parkway at Mountain Laurel Drive during the week of Nov. 14. Following the installation of the raised crosswalks, the unwarranted stop signs on Valley Parkway will be removed. The raised crosswalk at White Oak Drive will be further enhanced with pedestrian-actuated flashing signs, also known as rectangular rapid flashing beacons. All project components will be complete by the end of November 2022.

Please direct questions to Transportation Manager Christina Lane at clane@co.jefferson.co.us. For additional information on this project, please visit:

Updated: July 26, 2022

Jefferson County abides by the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). MUTCD sets the standards for all roadway signage, including stop signs. Stop signs are intended to be used to inform who has right-of-way at an intersection, but unfortunately were previously used by engineers as traffic calming devices, creating unintended hazards when those stop signs were not warranted. According to MUTCD [mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov], specific volumes must be met to warrant an all-way stop: “The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour”. The volumes at White Oak/Club and Mountain Laurel were far below this threshold. The reason MUTCD requires traffic volumes on approaching roadways meets this threshold is because, as residents noted, motorists begin to run/roll the stop sign as they become accustomed to the lack of traffic at side streets. The more often motorist run/roll these stop signs, the greater the hazard for other roadway users that anticipate the motorist will stop. This is especially concerning for children, as they are more likely to step into a roadway before ensuring a motorist has come to a complete stop. Therefore, by removing the unwarranted stop signs and instead installing raised crossings, motorists will be slowed and the new treatment will create clear expectations for all roadway users. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has a great information pamphlet (see button above) that provides a clear description of raised crossings and the benefits they provide, specifically around reducing pedestrian-related crashes.

Bicycle lanes will also be implemented with this project by reducing travel lane widths. Some studies suggest that by reducing travel lane widths, vehicular speeds decline as much as 2.9mph per foot reduction. Travel lanes currently vary at approximately 13’ wide, whereas the new design will have approximately 10’ lanes. By implementing both bicycle lanes and raised crossing safety treatments, we believe conditions will improve on Valley Parkway and safety will be enhanced.

***

Milling and patching will begin on Valley Parkway July 11. Work will begin on the south side close to Valley Dr. and progress north towards West Ken Caryl Ave. The milling and patching will take about two weeks; the final paving will begin after. There may be a small gap between the prep work and final paving, but the road will always be drivable.

Work will commence from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., which will cause significant delays as the road will be down to a single lane for most of the work. However, vehicles will always be able to get in and out and have access to their roads. Message boards have been placed on both ends to alert drivers. More information about these improvements will be communicated as it becomes available. 

Jefferson County Transportation and Engineering presented design alternatives at the May 3, 2022 neighborhood meeting. Residents in the neighborhood preferred the alternative to install bicycle lanes and remove unwarranted stop signs on Valley Parkway at White Oak Drive and Mountain Laurel Drive, replacing them with raised crossings.

As to why the county has decided not to include both stop signs and raised crossings is that it doesn’t solve the problem of motorists running/rolling through the stop sign. The signs are unwarranted and we would therefore the county is not willing to install expensive raised-crossing infrastructure while not reducing the known hazard of motorists not complying with the stop signs.

Mill and overlay will begin on July 11, 2022 and will take two to three weeks to complete. Approximately one week after overlay is complete, the raised crosswalks will be installed and stop signs removed.

Valley Parkway Maintenance and Road Improvements

Jefferson County Transportation and Engineering presented Valley Parkway design alternatives at their May 3 community meeting online. The presentation is posted on the County’s website, along with a survey link asking for feedback on the design alternatives. The survey deadline was May 10, 2022.

Additional information regarding the proposed replacement of stop signs with raised crossings from Jeffco Transportation and Engineering:

Jefferson County abides by the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD). FHWA conducts extensive research for the MUTCD to define national roadway standards for all traffic control devices including roadway markings, signs and signals. MUTCD all-way stop control states that approach intersections (in this case, White Oak and Mountain Laurel) must have at least 300 vehicle approaches within an hour for any of the 8 hours on an average day. Neither intersection was close to meeting this threshold. When this threshold is not met, motorists driving on the thru street (in this case Valley Pkwy) become accustomed to the lack of motorists at the side street and begin rolling or running the stop signs, creating safety hazards for not only motorists that do approach the intersection expecting traffic to stop, but vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. This aligns with several concerns we received regarding low-compliance at these locations and is why staff prefers raised crossings. Raised crossings at these locations set clear expectations for all roadway users. Better yet, compliance is not an issue as a vertical crossing treatment forces motorists to slow while also providing greater visibility of those in the raised crossing.

Trash or Recycling Issue or Question? Here’s Who to Contact

• Need a new recycling or trash tote? (See below for additional info about totes.)
• Want to schedule and pay for pick-up for a bulk item (mattress, furniture, etc.)?
• Was there a missed pick-up (and your trash was out by 7 a.m.)?
• Have a question, compliment or concern?

You can contact Waste Connections in any of these ways:

• Send an email to kencarylco@wasteconnections.com
• Visit https://www.wasteconnections.com/contact-us/ and choose from their options (bulk item pick-up, missed pick-up, etc.)
• Contact Waste Connections by phone at 303-288-2100. We highly recommend using email or the website – the response time is much faster!

Russian Olive Tree Update

The KCRMA Open Space Department currently does not have a plan in place to target Russian olive trees in the open space for removal.  There is a low number of Russian olive trees found in the open space and KCRMA is prioritizing List A noxious weeds for eradication first.

If a Russian olive trees is deemed hazardous or causing damage to a residents’ property boundary Ranger staff will review and act accordingly. In addition, if a Russian olive tree is within the ten-foot interface adjacent to a property, the tree may be removed in accordance with the current woody vegetation management procedure for fuel mitigation in the open space. Staff is aware of the locations of Russian olive trees in the open space and near homes. Please do not email or call staff asking for a tree to be placed on a list unless it is a hazard tree.  Staff will be evaluating this procedure annually and may make future changes and will publish updates to the newspaper and other media outlets as needed.

Dog Park Feasibility Study

A group of Ken-Caryl Ranch residents was appointed to study and analyze potential locations for a dog park in the community. Their feasibility study, including their survey results, is available by clicking the button below. The study will be presented at the Sept. 6 Joint Study Session to the Master Association and Metropolitan District Boards at 6 p.m. at the Ranch House. Zoom login information for the meeting is available at the Community Calendar.

The Operational Relationship Between the MA and the MD

By Traci Wieland, Metropolitan District Manager

Over the course of the last several months of editions of Life at Ken-Caryl, we have been discussing the unique relationship that the Master Association and Metropolitan District have in providing services to the Ken-Caryl Ranch community. Many of these articles have been about the differences, or similarities, in structure and mission. Today’s article focuses on a component of the operational relationship between the two organizations.

In 1988, the Master Association and Metropolitan District entered into a Reorganization Agreement that first outlined the District’s responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and associated costs and expenses for the Master Association’s park and recreation amenities, such as greenbelts, playgrounds and parks. This first agreement provided the initial structure for how the two organizations worked together to serve the community. A Letter of Understanding followed in 1996 that further clarified and defined the working relationship and services provided by each of the organizations. Almost two decades passed before a need was identified to amend the original agreement. The First Amendment was executed in 2014 to outline the use of District bond funds for capital improvements, and the Second Amendment in 2019 outlined which organization is responsible for specific water fees.

Operations and Board leadership changed, providing the impetus for the current draft of a Third Amendment to the Reorganization Agreement. This Amendment has been discussed by the Boards since the summer of 2020 when staff took a deep dive into insurance coverage for all Ken-Caryl Ranch amenities, developing a detailed list and plan for coverage. In addition, the Boards expressed the need for consistency and structure when discussing and employing its many boards, committees, work groups and task forces. The Third Amendment to the Reorganization Agreement also provides additional context to the ongoing efforts to streamline operations between the two organizations. When available, staff utilizes certain cooperative cost-sharing opportunities. The Amendment will define those opportunities.

The Boards have discussed the process and components of the Agreement at numerous Joint Study Sessions; however, a draft document is now available for further review and community feedback, with hopeful adoption by both Boards in August or September. The draft Agreement will be reviewed at the September Joint Study Session on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Ranch House.

Disc Golf Course Update

The Ranch House Disc Golf course dates back to the 1970s and is one of the oldest in the state. It was designed by Ed Headrick, who is referred to as the “Father of Disc Golf”. It is a very popular amenity in the community that is widely used by a variety of age groups.

While the disc golf course is very popular, staff also receives some feedback from nearby neighbors about ongoing negative behaviors, including night-time use, drugs, noise and alcohol. Staff has worked with the residents to mitigate the behaviors as best as possible with additional signage, additional security cameras, targeted patrols and engagement with the Jefferson County Sherriff. Staff also engaged a local disc golf design consultant. The following maintenance and improvement items were discussed and/or implemented:

• Tee signs (installed)
• Additional programming (ongoing)
• Ongoing tree removal and trimming (ongoing)
• Entrance sign (in design)
• Redesign of Hole 5 (under consideration)
• Tee box reinforcement (under consideration)
• Additional fencing (under consideration)

Staff developed an internal survey that was available May 23 – May 31 to get a broader sense of usage and impact of the course. The survey provided a forum for all residents and users to provide feedback giving the Boards a general sense of use and the associated issues. We received more than 600 survey responses, and about 325 of those were residents. Highlights from the resident responses to the survey include:

• 80% of resident respondents utilize the course.
• Approximately 50% of the resident users are ages 24 and younger.
• Smoking and drug use were the behaviors mentioned most often when describing negative behaviors on the course.
• 252 resident respondents have not been negatively impacted by the course.

When asked about a preferred course of action to minimize behavior concerns while meeting the needs of the community, respondents ranked the following in order of preference:

1. Keep the course as is.
2. Keep the course as is and increase security.
3. Keep the course as is and increase signage.
4. Close the course permanently and leave space as open park space.
5. Close the course permanently and replace with another amenity.

The full survey results, including the 305 non-resident responses, mirrors many of the themes identified above, including the preferred course of action. Full survey results can be found on the Parks page.

Staff presented these survey findings to the Master Association and Metropolitan District Boards at the July 5 Joint Study Session. Members of both Boards are supportive of keeping the course open, but also want to mitigate concerns. Staff will be exploring increased patrols, ambassador programs, signage, cameras, Neighborhood Watch and increased programming opportunities. Do you have additional ideas for course improvements? We would love to hear from you! Email Metro District Manager Traci Wieland at traciw@kcranch.org and Master Association Executive Director Victoria DeSair at victoriad@kcranch.org.

Crime Prevention Presentation

Deputy Mark Bybee, from the Jeffco Sherriff’s Office, gave a presentation on crime prevention in Ken-Caryl on June 22 . The presentation included crime stats for Ken-Caryl and Jefferson County and discussed crime prevention tips, which include lighting, cameras and CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) ideas. He covered situation awareness to help keep you safe whether at home, in stores or out walks. The 30-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session, can be viewed below.

Ken Caryl Ave. and C-470 Interchange Construction Updates

CDOT began intersection improvement work  at the intersection of C-470 and Ken Caryl Avenue on Monday, March 21. The project is scheduled to run through late August 2022.

Project improvements include:

• Removal and replacement of the traffic signals along both directions and both sides of Ken Caryl Avenue at C-470.
• Improving the ramps from both eastbound and westbound C-470 onto Ken Caryl Avenue (Exit 10) by adding left turn capacity for motorists who are exiting C-470 and turning left onto Ken Caryl Avenue. This will help prevent left-turn traffic from backing up at these exits.
• Widening the right turn lanes from Ken Caryl Avenue onto both directions of C-470.
• Minor sidewalk improvements near the intersection.

Additional information will be posted here as it becomes available. The CDOT project webpage is available at the button below. For more information, please contact the project hotline at 720-372-0606 or c470intersectionimprovements@gmail.com.

Click on the map image below for a larger image.