What is Going on in Ken-Caryl?
COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS IN PROGRESS FOR PICKLEBALL AT BRADFORD COURTS
The Metropolitan District remains engaged in productive discussions with our pickleball community focus group to address concerns at the Bradford courts. In response to the group’s thoughtful input, we are actively evaluating the feasibility of conducting a sound study to help guide future decisions that best serve the broader community.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we’ve installed four ball holders and provided 24 new, quieter pickleballs for players at the Bradford Courts. Summer operating hours have also been updated to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
We continue to pursue a long-term solution by exploring the development of dedicated pickleball courts at Community Park. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to balance the diverse needs of our community.
LAUNCH OF NEW RECREATOIN SOFTWARE DELAYED UNTIL SEPTEMBER
The Ken-Caryl Ranch Metropolitan District is excited to partner with Kaizen Labs on the development of new recreation registration software customized for the Ken-Caryl community. We previously announced that the first phase would launch in April this year, but the launch is postponed until September. This brief delay will allow more time to customize the software and make it even better for the end user. The new software platform will make it easier than ever to reserve facilities, register for classes, sign up for camps, purchase fitness memberships and more. Thank you for your patience, and we will announce more information later this summer.
Improving Communication & Reducing Clutter: Ken-Caryl Ranch Marquee Sign Removal
To enhance the aesthetic appeal of our community and to improve safety for both staff and drivers, the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association, in partnership with the Metro District, will be removing the two aging marquee signs located at the main entrances of The Valley and The Plains.
These signs have become an outdated and less effective communication tool, requiring significant staff time for manual updates. Instead, we are investing in more efficient digital communications platforms, including an improved website with enhanced functionality and easier access to information. Additionally, we’ve recently updated the e-News layout to provide a better user experience with clearer highlights of important updates. These changes will streamline communication and ensure residents stay informed in the most effective way possible.
Removal of the two marquee signs is scheduled to begin this month, weather permitting.
TRANSITION TO BOX FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE
Ken-Caryl Ranch is upgrading its document storage system to improve accessibility and efficiency! Previously, downloadable files were stored on our website server. Now we are gradually transitioning to Box, a cloud-based document storage platform that makes accessing important community files easier than ever. As we move files over, you will see changes in how documents are accessed.
What This Means for You
- Easier Access: You no longer need to download large files to view them. With Box, you can preview most documents directly in your web browser.
- No Account Required: While Box may display a login or sign-up option, you do not need to log in or create an account to view or download files. Simply click the file link, and you’ll have instant access.
- Consistent Organization: Our documents will be stored in clearly labeled folders, making it easier to find forms, policies and meeting minutes.
How to Use the New System
- Click on the document link provided on our website.
- The document will open in Box. If a login prompt appears, simply ignore it, you do not need to sign in.
- To download a file, click on the download button (usually located in the top right corner of the document preview).
- To search within a folder, use the search bar at the top of the Box page.
Why the Change?
This transition ensures that our documents remain secure, organized and easily accessible for residents without placing unnecessary storage demands on our website. Box also allows for more efficient updates, ensuring that you always have access to the latest versions of important documents.
Questions? We have designed this system to be as user-friendly as possible. However, if you encounter any issues, please contact April Crockett. We appreciate your patience as we make this transition to better serve the community!
DRAFT UPDATE TO THE TRAILS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
A draft update to the Trails Implementation Plan is now available for review. View the draft here. The Master Association Board of Directors will vote on this update at the monthly Board of Directors meeting on April 15.
For questions, please contact MA Executive Director Brian Yowell.
SOUTH JEFFCO LIBRARY UPDATE
It’s official! After an extensive search for a new South County Library home, Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) has closed on an existing property at 11100 Bradford Rd. in Littleton, CO, with plans to transform it into a new library.
Engagement efforts are underway through March to gather feedback and ensure the new library effectively serves as a vibrant community hub for both current and future generations to create, discover and connect. Community engagement details are available by clicking on the button below. The results will be presented to the JCPL Board of Trustees in May.
CONSTRUCTION IN KEN-CARYL RANCH
Crews with BAM Broadband will begin installing fiber-optic connectivity in the community. Here’s what to expect:
Construction Phases
- Utility Marking: Crews will mark underground utilities prior to construction. Please don’t remove markers.
- Drilling & Installation: Conduit and handholes will be installed beginning in April. Notifications will be provided before work starts.
- Fiber Installation & Testing: Fiber cables will be installed and tested to prepare the network.
Post-Construction Repairs
Landscaping, sprinklers, and sod will be restored as needed. Any issues in spring will be addressed at no cost to homeowners.
Neighborhoods Impacted
• Aspen Meadows
• Williamsburg
• Quail Ridge
• The Village
• Cimarron
Work will be announced via door hanger before it begins. Questions? Please contact Keira Jones with BAM Broadband.
TEEN SERVICES
Use button below to access the form to submit your information for inclusion in the Teen Services section of Life at Ken-Caryl. This is a great way to share your availability for babysitting, pet care, lawn care, and more with our community!
RESIDENT FEEDBACK
In June 2023, The Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association conducted a community survey to gather resident feedback on bringing residential composting collection services to Ken-Caryl Ranch. The survey opened on June 5at 9 a.m. and ran for two weeks, closing on June 16 at 5 p.m.
The goal of the survey was to gauge resident interest a community-wide composting service with Compost Colorado, an established Denver-area commercial composting facility and registered Public Benefit company.
RUSSION 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.
THE OPERATIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MA AND THE MD
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.