Town of Castle Rock

Let’s ‘Taco ‘Bout’ the budget: Castle Rock residents invited to open house June 9 🌮 The Town of Castle Rock is serving up budget conversations with a side of tacos. Residents are invited to “Taco ‘Bout” the Town’s 2027 Budget at a community open house where they can learn how Town funds are allocated, explore major projects and priorities, ask questions and share feedback ― all while enjoying complimentary tacos. The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Cantril School, 312 Cantril St. The come-and-go open house gives residents an opportunity to: • Learn how the Town allocates funding across departments and services • Explore current and anticipated major projects planned for 2027 • Ask questions and interact with Town staff • Share feedback on what matters most to them • Enjoy complimentary tacos while participating "Budgeting is about the right balance of ingredients and resources while meeting needs and providing excellent services,” said Town Manager David L. Corliss, who will present a Proposed 2027 Budget to Town Council for consideration this fall. “We hope this event makes the process more approachable and gives residents a chance to learn how their tax dollars are used, ask questions and help shape priorities for the future of Castle Rock." Can’t join us for a bite? Share feedback by completing the Town’s brief online questionnaire and find more information at CRgov.com/2027Budget.

Understanding that we’ve had several days of rain, Castle Rock Water recommended taking proactive steps in response to ongoing dry conditions and low snowpack. At the May 19 meeting, Town Council approved a voluntary Stage 1 drought declaration and moved forward an ordinance that would prevent homeowners associations or metro districts from penalizing residents for brown or dormant grass during declared droughts.   Here is a closer look: crgov.com/m/newsflash/ho…

🎸Summer starts with legendary Southern rock under the Colorado sky at the first Summer Concert Series show of the season. The Marshall Tucker Band with special guest Ben Chapman takes the stage at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park Friday, June 26. The Marshall Tucker Band helped open the inaugural Summer Concert Series season in 2016 and now takes the stage again as the series celebrates its 10th anniversary. Blending rock, country and blues, the band’s unmistakable sound has connected with generations of fans for more than five decades. Known for classics like “Can’t You See,” “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Fire on the Mountain,” the band helped define the Southern rock genre. Whether you’ve followed the band for years or are discovering their music for the first time, this summer concert promises a night of sing-along favorites and unforgettable moments in one of Colorado’s most unique outdoor concert venues. 🎶 Grab your friends and celebrate the start of summer with timeless hits and guitar-driven jams — head to crgov.com/Concerts for tickets. General admission tickets are $35. Gates open at 6 p.m. The opener will start at 7 p.m. The Marshall Tucker Band will take the stage around 8:30 p.m. Delicious food will be available from a variety of food trucks and refreshing drinks can be purchased from the full cocktail bar. The Summer Concert Series celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, and is part of the Town’s goal to keep our community character alive with community festivals, concerts and activities. The concert series brings live music, including Grammy-nominated, world-famous acts, to Castle Rock on select evenings June through August. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Philip S. Miller Park, the Amphitheater is one of Colorado’s most unique venues. The intimate setting, family-friendly environment and amazing acoustics make summer sound better. The full 2026 Summer Concert Series lineup is on sale now and features five incredible nights of live music. Find concert details, ticket information and frequently asked questions at CRgov.com/Concerts.

National Public Works Week is May 17 to May 23! This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” celebrates the essential role public works professionals play in keeping our community strong, safe and connected. From building and maintaining roads and bridges to snowplowing and responding during winter storms, public works services are the foundation of everyday life. Some projects are highly visible, while others happen behind the scenes — but all are vital to helping our Town thrive. During National Public Works Week, we proudly recognize the dedicated employees whose hard work and commitment make a lasting impact every day. Thank you for helping power our community through service! #AmericanPublicWorksAssociation #APWA

Follow the fun with Parks and Recreation’s new Facebook page @CRParksRec From parks and trails to recreation programs, arts and enrichment classes, and community events, the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department helps create experiences and build memories. Now, the department is launching a new Facebook page, @CRParksRec, to help residents stay connected year-round. Until now, Parks and Recreation Facebook updates have been shared through the Town’s page @CRgov. The department oversees more than 104 miles of trails, 25 parks, 4,000 acres of open space and hundreds of programs and, with this page, can highlight more of what Parks and Recreation has to offer. Castle Rock Parks and Recreation is a part of everyday life in the community — from morning workouts and after-school programs to evening activities and weekend adventures. Residents can now follow @CRParksRec on Facebook and Instagram for updates on camps, programs, fitness classes, trail information and more. The page will also share seasonal highlights, registration reminders, project updates, community events and ways for residents to stay active and connected. To celebrate the launch, Parks and Recreation is hosting an early-bird-follow giveaway. Follow @CRParksRec on Facebook before Monday, June 1, to be entered for a chance to win two season lawn passes for the 2026 Summer Concert Series. Five winners will be randomly selected to receive the free passes. Additional giveaways and promotions will be announced @CRParksRec. Castle Rock is known for its small-town charm, family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional parks, open space and trail systems. The new Facebook page gives residents another way to engage and find the information they need to get involved, stay active and enjoy all that the Parks and Recreation Department has to offer. Be the first to know about programs, giveaways and outdoor adventures in Castle Rock. @CRParksRec is now the place to stay connected to everything happening in Parks and Recreation. Follow the fun @CRParksRec.

Staying active this summer is easy in Castle Rock. The Town is bringing back its free outdoor Summer Fitness series, featuring workouts and yoga classes at Philip S. Miller Park and Festival Park. From cardio and dance fitness to relaxing outdoor yoga sessions, there’s something for all ages and fitness levels. With miles of trails, award-winning parks and unique amenities like Challenge Hill and the FitGround at Philip S. Miller Park, it’s no wonder Castle Rock is considered one of the healthiest places in America to live. Free Fitness Fridays: Join us this summer for Fitness Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m. each Friday from June 5 through Aug. 28 at Philip S. Miller Park. Bring your family and enjoy fun workouts like cardio strength classes or dance fitness classes, including Zumba and Reb3l, that are good for everyone. Free Yoga in the Park: Relax and get mindful in the outdoors. Come to free yoga sessions at two local parks starting in June. Being outside deepens the yoga experience in many ways and helps focus awareness, breathe deeply and practice stillness. –Yoga in Festival Park: Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., June 1 to Aug. 31 –Yoga in the Park: Sundays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., June 7 to Aug. 30, at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park (no class July 19 or Aug. 16) Registration for Fitness Fridays and Yoga in the Park is optional but recommended, as registrants will be notified of any weather-related cancellations. Class details, schedules and registration are available at CRgov.com/SummerFitness.

Consideration of an Advisory Drought Stage 1 declaration and an ordinance that would prevent homeowners associations and metro districts from penalizing residents for brown or dormant grass caused by reduced watering during declared droughts are topics on Town Council’s May 19 agenda.   Here is a closer look: conta.cc/4nxS7kS

This May, Castle Rock’s past comes alive with five Historic Preservation Month sidewalk posters displayed throughout Downtown. Each poster shares a unique story, highlighting the people, places and events that helped shape our community. 🇺🇸: As we also celebrate America’s 250th birthday and 150 years of Colorado statehood, Historic Preservation Month offers an opportunity to reflect on how Castle Rock’s local history connects to the broader story of our Nation and State. 📸: Scan the QR code on each poster to uncover the full story, then continue the journey with the Historic Walking Tour map at CRgov.com/HistoryWalks. Throughout May, the Town and the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum are offering engaging opportunities for the community to connect with local history. Learn more about Historic Preservation Month events at CRgov.com/HistoricPreser…. Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy a good stroll through Downtown, there’s plenty to discover. How many stories will you uncover?

Summer in Castle Rock is about to hit full volume! Concerts, festivals, farmers' markets, family fun and community favorites are all rolling in, and this is only the beginning. There’s a lot in store for everyone this summer. Check out what’s coming at crgov.com/Events and start planning your summer.

The Town invites residents to provide feedback on community housing and development priorities during a public hearing for the Town’s Community Development Block Grant program. The Town annually receives federal Community Development Block Grant funding provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address certain needs within Castle Rock. CDBG funding for the 2026 program year is $294,709. The grant will be used to focus on improving Americans with Disabilities Act access to public facilities; improving the capacity of public infrastructure through ADA improvements; and providing supportive services for seniors, low-to-moderate-income individuals and those with special needs. The public hearing will cover three key items related to the Town’s CDBG program: ▪️ 2026 to 2030 Consolidated Plan: The Town will present its draft 2026 to 2030 Consolidated Plan, a five-year strategic plan that establishes priorities and goals for CDBG funding. Resident input collected through a recent community survey completed earlier this year helped create the draft plan. ▪️ 2026 Annual Action Plan: The Town will also present its draft Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan, which outlines proposed projects and activities for the upcoming funding year, running from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. ▪️ Citizen Participation Plan amendment: A draft substantial amendment to the Town’s Citizen Participation Plan will also be presented. The Citizen Participation Plan outlines how the Town gathers public input and encourages community involvement in the CDBG program. The proposed amendment includes updates to the Town’s Limited English Proficiency/Language Access Plan and public notice and advertising timelines. To gather input on these items, a public hearing will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Town Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Wilcox St. The draft 2026 to 2030 Consolidated Plan, 2026 Action Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan amendment will be available for public review from May 27 through June 25. The plan will be presented at Town Council’s July 7 meeting. Visit crgov.com/CDBG between May 27 and June 25 to view the draft plan. Read the full news release: crgov.com/m/newsflash/ho…

🎶 The Town of Castle Rock’s First Fridays series is the perfect way to kick off the weekend and enjoy a summer evening Downtown with family, friends and neighbors. From June through August, First Fridays is your ticket to an evening of free live music and entertainment in Festival Park. The festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m., with delicious fare from an assortment of local food trucks, refreshing cocktails and exciting activities for everyone in the family. But, the heart of the night beats to the rhythm of live music, rocking the park from 6 to 9 p.m. with performances featuring: 🎵 June 5: Mallrats 🎵 July 3: That Arena Rock Show 🎵 Aug. 7: Six Million Dollar Band Before the music starts, lace up your sneakers and join us for a free, unofficially timed 5K run/walk at 5:30 p.m. It's a fantastic way to jumpstart your evening and soak in the beauty of our community as you wind through the trails of Castle Rock. Don't forget to register to secure your spot! Mark your calendars, pack your chairs and picnic blankets, and gather your loved ones for an unforgettable night Downtown under the stars. Whether you're a longtime resident, newcomer or visitor to Castle Rock, First Fridays promises an evening of fun and entertainment you won't want to miss. For more details about the First Fridays event series and registration for the 5K runs, visit CRgov.com/FirstFridays.

Warmer days are here, and so is the latest edition of Your Town Talk! Stay in the know about all things Castle Rock at CRgov.com/YourTownTalk. Here’s what’s inside this month’s issue: - Celebrate Historic Preservation Month and discover the place and stories that shaped Castle Rock - Get wildfire preparedness tips from Castle Rock Fire and Rescue - Explore upcoming community events, concerts, farmers' markets and other summer activities - Catch important community updates, including irrigation prep, Downtown parking information and civic academy opportunities Sign up to get Your Town Talk delivered to your inbox monthly: lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/oRv7cfC

Castle Rock Water is making important improvements to the stock pond near Paintbrush Park in The Meadows neighborhood. The pond will be updated to meet current safety and water rights standards while remaining a valued community amenity. The project is necessary to restore the natural habitat and improve conditions along the 6400 East Tributary channel. Contractors will temporarily drain the pond, redirect streamflow and stabilize the streambank to help prevent future erosion issues. In 2022, during the public input period, the community overwhelmingly supported keeping the pond. Therefore, as part of this work, the dam will be rebuilt, and the recreational fishing experience will be enhanced. This will include the addition of fishing platforms, soft-surface trails and stream crossings. Construction will continue through spring 2027, and access to the pond and stream will be restricted during that time. Relocation of fish and aquatic wildlife at the pond will take place May 13 to May 14. You may see Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff using traps and a boat to safely and humanely collect fish through a mild electrofishing process. While this method is widely used and carefully managed, some aquatic wildlife loss may occur. As with many large stormwater projects, a naturalist is consulted to determine ecological wildlife considerations. Visit crgov.com/WaterProjects for more information.

Fresh produce at the farmers market is a sure sign that the summer season has arrived. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and seasonal goods of the Festival Park Farmers Market all summer long — the market returns Sunday, May 24. Organized again this year by the LOCAL Colorado, the Town of Castle Rock’s farmers market will take over Festival Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from May 24 through Oct. 11. Don’t miss locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of fresh produce from local farms, Colorado Western Slope fruit, delicious baked goods, artisan-made products and other surprises from more than 45 vendors. Head to Downtown Castle Rock and support local business and agriculture while getting outside, meeting neighbors and enjoying delicious local fare. During the market on Sunday, June 14, gather with fellow community members for a special Flag Day event hosted by the Town. Join in from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn about the history and symbolism of the American Flag and drop off flags for retirement. More information is available at CRgov.com/FarmersMarket. And be sure to follow the market on Instagram @FestivalParkFarmersMarket for updates throughout the season. The LOCAL Colorado presents premier farmers markets, including those in neighboring Parker and at the Southlands Shopping Center, with a mission to provide an atmosphere where communities can gather outside, socialize and enjoy access to dozens of small businesses.

Four exceptional high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to their community have been named recipients of the 2026 Town of Castle Rock Rising Star Scholarship.   Presented by the Castle Rock Youth Commission, the Rising Star Scholarship recognizes civic-minded students and encourages continued community engagement. This year, four $1,000 scholarships are being awarded to students who have made meaningful contributions and shown a strong dedication to service.   After receiving 20 applications from students who live in or attend school in Castle Rock, a review panel comprised of Youth Commission members selected the following recipients:   Annabelle Clayton — Renaissance Secondary School She plans to attend Colorado School of Mines to study quantitative biosciences and engineering. Annabelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to serving others by coaching youth soccer, serving as a junior camp counselor for families affected by cancer, and volunteering on ski patrol to provide emergency care.   Quinlen Dow ― Castle View High School She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder to study speech, language and auditory sciences. Quinlen has shown empathy and dedication through her work as a children’s swim coach, where she teaches critical, life-saving skills, and through volunteering in the labor and delivery unit at AdventHealth Castle Rock.   Matthew Kelsey — Douglas County High School He plans to attend the University of Alabama to study mathematics and economics. Matthew has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service through his civic involvement, including volunteering with blood drives, food pantries and outdoor education programs.   Jesminda Richmond ― Douglas County High School She plans to attend the University of Colorado Denver to major in human biology and minor in leadership studies. Jesminda has shown a long-standing dedication to her community through involvement in student government since elementary school and helped raise more than $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation to support children in need.   “These students represent some of the very best of Castle Rock’s future — not only for their academic achievements, but for the compassion, leadership and service they’ve already shown in our community,” said District 6 Councilmember Tim Dietz, Council liaison to the Youth Commission. “Their impact is already being felt, and we’re proud to support them as they continue to make a difference.”   Students in grades 10 through 12 who are interested in getting involved, representing their peers and helping shape the future of Castle Rock are encouraged to apply to the Youth Commission. Learn more and apply online at CRgov.com/YouthCommission.

Town Council met on Tuesday, May 5. Watch the meeting: castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/20…

❄️ Snow or no, Castle Rock Water continually works to ensure we provide the highest quality of water to our customers. This is a #WaterWednesday reminder that the transition back to chloramine disinfectant will begin on Monday, May 11. The temporary conversion to free chlorine in February ran smoothly, and Castle Rock Water’s water quality continues to meet or surpass state and federal regulations. During the upcoming transition, there should not be any disruptions to customers, but expect to see flushing at water tanks and neighborhood fire hydrants from May 11 to May 18. This is a necessary step in maintaining safe water quality. To minimize the amount of water lost from our system during flushing, water will be directed onto streets to stormwater drains and into East Plum Creek. This will allow the recapture of water using the Town’s existing raw water reservoirs and diversions.   Several large irrigators, including homeowner associations and the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department, have been granted special permission to irrigate outside of the watering schedule during the next week to improve flushing efficiency.

Colorado weather has a way of doing its own thing, and when we told AI to make a photo, it agreed. If severe weather happens, will you be ready? Here are just a few tips to get you thinking about safety when the weather may look questionable: - Check the forecast before heading out - Monitor conditions, whether you’re on the water, at a park or outdoors anywhere - Watch for dark skies, strong winds or lightning - If conditions change, get to shelter immediately Additionally, stay informed and sign up for DougCO Alerts to receive real-time emergency and weather notifications in Douglas County. The alerts provide critical information to help you act quickly and stay safe during severe weather events and other emergencies. To sign up, visit CRgov.com/DougCoAlert.

🥾 Step into nature and celebrate National Trails Day® with guided hikes along some of the Town of Castle Rock’s most interesting trails at Gateway Mesa Open Space. On Saturday, June 6, the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department will lead five guided hikes at this popular open space. Along the way, participants will learn about the site’s history, unique features, geology, wildlife and native plants while enjoying a beautiful morning outdoors. Hikers can choose from a variety of experiences on two trails. Legacy Trail offers a more challenging 1.6-mile route along the western loop, taking participants through a narrow slot canyon. These hikes begin at 9, 9:30 (a geology-themed option) and 10 a.m. and are rated difficult due to uneven terrain, rock and stone steps, and tight canyon conditions. For a more relaxed option, guided hikes along Chuck’s Loop start at 9 and 9:30 a.m. and follow a relatively flat 1.6-mile route rated easy. All hikes begin at the main trailhead parking lot and are recommended for ages 7 and older. Each hike is limited to 15 participants, so register today at crgov.com/TrailsDay to ensure your spot. From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., everyone is invited to stop by the main trailhead, 4678 E. State Highway 86, for additional self-guided activities, educational booths and fun giveaways. Representatives from the Town and the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation will be on site to share more about Castle Rock’s open spaces and trails. Gateway Mesa Open Space sits atop a bluff, with steep, rock-capped cliffs on the eastern portion that overlook Franktown and the Cherry Creek Valley. Visitors will also find expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, extending from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that takes place annually on the first Saturday in June. The program is intended to inspire the public to discover, learn about and celebrate trails. For more information about the Town’s extensive trail system, visit CRgov.com/Trails.

⭐ In a Town close, close to home … pedestrian rapid flashing beacons have been added to many crosswalks. Once you find the crosswalk you're looking for, push the button and LED lights will flash below the sign, alerting drivers that you are at the flashing crosswalk. The next time you approach a pedestrian rapid flashing beacon: ✋🏼Stop before crossing 👈🏼 Push the button to activate the flashing lights 👀 Look both ways before crossing Even with this additional visibility, pedestrians should remember to watch for cars and push the button. May the Fourth be with you, Castle Rock!