Douglas County News
New openings, closings, development, and community updates from Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, and across Douglas County — first-person coverage you won't find anywhere else.
Crystal Valley Is Getting Its Own ER and Urgent Care, Under One Roof, Open 24/7
AdventHealth is building a 23,622-square-foot ER and urgent care at Crystal Valley Parkway and Plum Creek Boulevard in Castle Rock. Emergency and walk-in urgent care share the first floor, primary care goes upstairs, and the target is fall 2026.
Castle Rock Approves Up to $300K to Land an AlloSource Tissue-Processing Campus on South Perry
Town Council approved an economic assistance agreement with AlloSource on Sept. 15 — up to $300,000 in fee rebates and per-job incentives for a second advanced tissue-processing manufacturing campus at 1585 South Perry Street, a Phase 1 investment topping $5.5 million.
A Castle Rock Bear Got Dumped Into a Trash Truck — Then Climbed Right Back Out
A black bear napping in a Castle Rock trash container got emptied into the back of a trash truck on Sept. 16 — then climbed down the side and wandered off, all caught on a resident's video that's now airing from Denver to Philadelphia.
The Greenland Wildlife Overpass Cut Collisions 91% in Its First Nine Months
Nine months after North America's largest wildlife overpass opened on I-25 between Larkspur and Monument, CDOT says wildlife collisions are down 91% — and pronghorn are crossing to the west side of the interstate for the first time in decades.
A New Sports Bar Is Taking Over the Old Trifecta Space in Castle Rock
Border Burger Sports Bar is moving into 810 New Memphis Ct, the three-floor space off I-25 that housed Trifecta Sports Bar & Grill until it closed. A flyer circulating in local Facebook groups advertises a Sept. 29 opening.
Sugar Spoon Candies Has New Owners — and You Can Finally See the Ice Cream
The downtown Castle Rock candy shop has changed hands. Longtime owner Gayle sold to Megan and her husband, who run Rock Liquors across Third Street. Prices are the same, the hours are longer, and Castle Rock residents get a free scoop on their birthday.
Fire Restrictions Lifted in Castle Rock and Unincorporated Douglas County
Stage 1 fire restrictions came off across Douglas County on Sept. 17 — the Sheriff's Office for unincorporated areas, plus Castle Rock, Parker and Castle Pines the same day. Parker's fireworks page still says otherwise.
Black Rock Coffee Opens Second Highlands Ranch Store
Black Rock Coffee Bar opened at 9401 S University Blvd in Highlands Ranch on Monday, Sept. 14 — its second store in Highlands Ranch, its sixth in Douglas County, and its 22nd in Colorado. Grand-opening deals run through Sept. 19.
Performing Arts Academy Turns 20 — and Adds 3,000 Square Feet
Highlands Ranch's Performing Arts Academy is marking its 20th year with a 3,000-square-foot expansion, taking the nonprofit youth theatre to more than 13,000 square feet and seven studios at 5690 County Line Place.
Castle Pines Will Now Email You When a Developer Files an Application
Castle Pines launched two new resident resources on Sept. 10: an email subscription that sends new land-development applications straight to your inbox, and a webpage tracking every application through the review process — with links to the city's Development Activity Map.
Mayor Gray Gives His Final State of the Town Oct. 1 — With Goats
After eight years as Castle Rock's first elected at-large mayor, Jason Gray delivers his final State of the Town on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Cantril School. The Town is branding it G.O.A.T. — Greatest Overview of All Things Castle Rock — and yes, there will be actual goats to pet before the presentation.
Lone Tree Police and Municipal Court Have Moved to the New Justice Center
As of Monday, September 14, 2026, the Lone Tree Police Department and Municipal Court operate out of the new Lone Tree Justice Center at 12707 High Note Avenue. Do not go to the Municipal Building for police or court business. The first court session at the new building is October 8.
Vehicle Vault Is Winding Down in Parker — Espresso & Exhaust Ends October 10
Vehicle Vault has called October 10 its "One Final Gathering." The Parker car museum's building is listed for sale at $9.7 million, the family says they're stepping back for health reasons, and the museum's own ticket calendar stops the day before the finale.
Castle Rock Is Rewriting the Plan Behind Your Water Bill
Castle Rock Water is updating the roadmap that decides where the town's water comes from through 2065 and what it costs. A 13-question survey is open through Oct. 11, with an open house Oct. 8.
Castle Rock Is Back to Stage 1 Drought — Here's What Changes in Your Yard
Castle Rock Water dropped from Stage 2 back to Stage 1 drought on Sept. 1 after customers cut demand 10 to 20 percent. Mandatory restrictions are over; here's the new watering picture.
Castello Italiano Is Open in Castle Pines, From the Owners of Farro
The former Pino’s space at 361 Village Square Lane is alive again. Castello Italiano — an upscale Italian restaurant from the family behind Farro Italian Restaurant — is officially open in Castle Pines, with wild boar ragu, bison short rib ravioli, and a 16-oz ribeye on the menu.
A Third King Soopers Is Coming to Castle Rock. Kroger Says It Isn't Replacing the Other Two.
Castle Rock Town Council approved the site plan for a 100,054-square-foot King Soopers in Dawson Trails, with a pharmacy, a seven-pump fuel station and a 2027 opening. A Kroger representative told council The Ridge and Promenade are not closing.
A Second Dollar Tree Is Coming to Highlands Ranch
Dollar Tree is building out a new store at 1970 E. County Line Road in The Plaza at Highlands Ranch — its second Highlands Ranch location. Hiring is already underway; no opening date yet.
Castle Rock Is Getting Its First Dunkin'
Dunkin' announced its first Castle Rock restaurant, opening fall 2026 at 1185 Aloha Street in Founders Marketplace — a Next Generation store with a cold-drink tap system, a drive-thru, and a 4 a.m. daily open.
Peak Pizza Is Coming to the Outlets at Castle Rock
A locally owned pizzeria with an arcade is setting up in Suite 660 at the Outlets at Castle Rock. Peak Pizza announced itself this week — grand opening date still to come.
Five New Sculptures Just Landed Around Castle Rock
The 2026 Douglas County Art Encounters sculptures are installed across Castle Rock, from Festival Park to Butterfield Crossing. Here's where to find all five.
Front Range Rail Plans a Douglas County Station at Sterling Ranch
Colorado Connector would put a passenger rail station at US-85 and Titan Road. The rail board voted Aug. 28 to put a 0.333% sales tax for the phase that reaches it on the November ballot — and under a law signed in May, Sterling Ranch is the only part of Douglas County inside the taxing district.
Douglas County Schools Are Asking for $54 Million. Here's What It Would Cost You.
The DCSD school board voted unanimously to put a $54 million mill levy override on the November 3 ballot. What it would fund, what it would add to your property tax bill, and what both sides are saying.
What Life Time Castle Pines Will Cost, and What You Get for It
Life Time doesn't publish pricing for its Castle Pines club. A grand-opening breakdown shared publicly puts an individual membership at $329 a month and a family of five near $789. Here's that breakdown, and what's actually in the building.
7 Brew Is Nearly Finished on Castle Pines Parkway
The drive-thru coffee chain's Castle Pines building is up, the signage is installed and the lot is striped. The city's own development page still lists it as barely started.
Two Citizen Annexation Measures Are Headed to the Castle Pines Ballot. Council Is Being Asked to Oppose One.
Castle Pines voters will decide two citizen-initiated charter amendments on annexation this November. Here is what each one actually says, and how the City Council voted on them.
Douglas County's '3 to 5' Measure: What's Actually on Your November Ballot
Douglas County voters will decide whether to expand the Board of County Commissioners from three seats to five — and, separately, how those five would be elected. A neutral guide to both questions.
Rock Bottom Closes in Highlands Ranch, Leaving One Colorado Brewpub
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery has closed its Highlands Ranch location along with Centennial, leaving Loveland as the chain's only remaining Colorado brewpub. The landlord is suing.
Chateau Valley: Castle Rock Council Delays 402 Homes to January
Castle Rock Town Council did not vote on Chateau Valley on Sept. 1. It continued the 402-home site development plan to its first meeting in January, and before that voted unanimously to direct staff to explore acquiring land both beside and inside the project, up to and including possible condemnation.
The Jack in the Box in Castle Rock Has Closed
The Jack in the Box at 27 E Wolfensberger Rd in Castle Rock has permanently closed — part of the chain's 'JACK on Track' turnaround plan shutting 150 to 200 underperforming locations nationwide. The building sits dark with the windows papered over; the signs are still up.
JP Cocina & Cantina Now Open in the Former Wild Goose Saloon
JP Cocina & Cantina opened Wednesday, August 19 in the old Wild Goose Saloon at 11160 S Pikes Peak Dr in Parker, from Jose Poblano of El Poblano Mexican Eats and The Perfect Time Cafe. Open 10am to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 10am to 2am Thursday through Saturday, same menu all day. A happy hour is planned but hasn't started yet.
Fiber Internet Is Coming to Castle Rock, Castle Pines, The Pinery and Cottonwood
BAM Broadband announced on August 11, 2026 that it's building a new fiber network across four Douglas County communities. Construction started in Castle Pines first, with Castle Rock and The Pinery to follow pending permits.
DCSD Fridays Now Start 45 Minutes Later. Here's What Changes.
Starting Friday, August 21, 2026, Douglas County School District elementary and middle schools begin 45 minutes later every Friday for teacher collaboration time. Buses shift too. Here's what it means for drop-off, breakfast, before-school care and snow days.
Spray in Castle Rock Is Closing After Three Years
The women-owned spray tan studio on Ambrosia Street is closing after three years. The final day for spray tans is September 15, 2026, with the owner citing a decision to focus on family.
Castle Pines Is Getting a Wave of New Pickleball Courts
Pickleball keeps spreading across Castle Pines. The Canyons just opened four new courts at Canyon Village, and a membership-based Life Time athletic club with nine more is expected to open in the same community in fall 2026.
Egg Harbor Cafe Is Coming to Belleview Station in Denver
The family-owned breakfast brand that opened in Highlands Ranch this spring is expanding — a second Colorado location is coming to Belleview Station in southeast Denver, now aiming for a late-September opening.
Gold Crown Field House Coming to Castle Rock's Dawson Trails
Douglas County approved $7.5 million toward a 75,000-square-foot Gold Crown youth field house in Castle Rock's Dawson Trails — six basketball courts, a dozen volleyball courts, and an early-2028 opening.
Fierce45, a Westword 'Best of Denver' Pilates Studio, Opens in Castle Rock
Fierce45 — the Denver-born reformer Pilates brand named Westword's Best Pilates Studio in the 2026 Best of Denver — has opened in Castle Rock at 658 Genoa Way. Here's what the workout is, what it costs, and how to try it.
Castle Rock Beer Fest Under the Stars: Sept 12 at Miller Park
105 West Brewing's all-inclusive Castle Rock Beer Fest Under the Stars returns Saturday, Sept 12, 2026, 4–9pm at the Miller Park Amphitheater — 25+ Colorado breweries, 7+ food trucks, unlimited tastings, and live music. It sells out; no door sales.
Taste of Douglas County 2026: The 24th Annual Is Aug 20
The 24th Annual Taste of Douglas County returns Thursday, Aug 20, 2026, 5–8pm — an indoor, air-conditioned evening of food samples from dozens of area restaurants, drinks, and live entertainment at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock. $10 in advance, $20 at the door.
GQue BBQ Coming to Parker — Taking Over the Former Freddy's Space
GQue BBQ, Colorado's championship-BBQ chain, is coming to Parker's Crown Point Center at 18424 Cottonwood Dr — the former Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers space. A Town of Parker permit describes the remodel. No opening date yet.
Shake Shack Opening in Parker August 12 — In the Former Wendy's Spot
Shake Shack is opening its first Parker location at 9185 Crown Crest Blvd on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 — in the space that formerly housed a Wendy's. Here's what we know.
The Brickyard: Castle Rock's $400 Million New Neighborhood
A 31-acre, $400 million mixed-use district is under construction on Castle Rock's west side — a sports center, a hotel, six restaurants, and hundreds of homes, from the same developer behind Riverwalk downtown.
Rugby Scott Opens a Butcher Shop on Parker's Mainstreet
Rugby Scott — the family-owned butcher known for American Wagyu and Black Angus — is now open at 19590 Mainstreet in downtown Parker, in the old Chamber of Commerce building on the Pikes Peak Drive corner. Here's what's inside, the hours, and a reader discount.
Salady Opens in Parker Saturday, August 22
Salady — billed as South Korea's largest salad franchise, with 400-plus stores — opened in Parker on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 9700 S Parker Rd in the Parker Gateway Marketplace. I went on opening day: here is the room, the menu, and what the bowls are actually like.
Stumpy's Pizza Is Leaving 138 S. Wilcox After Rivers Church Bought the Building
Stumpy's Pizza, a 25-year Castle Rock original at 138 S. Wilcox, has to leave its home after Rivers Church bought the building. The final day of service is Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and Stumpy's says it intends to reopen elsewhere.
Big Drive Sculpture Rises at Castle Rock's Rock Park
A new permanent sculpture called Big Drive — a bull, cow, and calf standing about 11 feet tall and 20 feet wide — is being installed at Castle Rock's Rock Park Open Space, where the Town's Western Heritage Cattle Drive begins each summer. Here's the story, the artists behind it, and the July 22 dedication.
The Hot Spot Studios: Colorado's First, Now Open in Castle Rock
The Hot Spot Studios — the franchise's first Colorado location — is now open at 729 Barranca Drive in Castle Rock, a walk-in craft studio with seven kinds of projects. Here's what you can make, the pricing, and the hours.
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space: I Hiked Every Open Trail. Here's the Guide.
Castle Rock's Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space opened July 13, 2026. I hiked all 10 miles over two days. Here is every open trail with real distance, elevation and shade, both trailheads, what is still closed, and what to know before you go. No dogs.
Pick N Tap: Indoor Pickleball, Golf, and a Restaurant Are Coming to Parker
The Town of Parker has approved Pick N Tap, a 19,960-square-foot restaurant with indoor pickleball courts and golf simulators at 11735 Disha Drive. Construction is expected to start soon.
Douglas County July 4 Fireworks Cancelled as Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Take Effect
Douglas County moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions on July 2, banning all fireworks — personal and professional. Every professional July 4 fireworks show in the county is off: the Highland Heritage county show, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree are cancelled, and Parker's show is postponed to Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The daytime celebrations — parades, the Pie Bake-Off, the F-16 flyover, races, and concerts — are still on.
Chicken Salad Chick Is Coming to Castle Rock — and Construction Has Started
The Southern fast-casual chain Chicken Salad Chick is finally underway in Castle Rock's Meadows neighborhood, near the movie theater and across from the hospitals. Dirt is moving on a location with a patio and drive-thru; an opening date hasn't been announced yet.
Theatre of Dreams Reopens in Sedalia as the Magic Manor
After 23 years in Castle Rock, world-championship magicians Carol Massie and Joe Givan have reopened as the Magic Manor — an intimate 90-seat magic theatre and event venue inside a historic 1908 Victorian property in Sedalia, the former Gabriel's Italian Restaurant.
There's a Cowboy Being Carved Into a 200-Year-Old Tree on Hangman's Gulch Trail
A roughly 200-year-old tree that died on Castle Rock's Hangman's Gulch Trail is getting a second life as a larger-than-life cowboy, carved by local artist Bill LaFleur and funded by a Castle Rock Arts and Culture Grant. I walked out to see it — here's the story and exactly where to find it.
24 Hour Fitness South Parker Closed for Renovation — Reopens July 11
The South Parker Super-Sport club at 11445 Twenty Mile Rd is temporarily closed for a targeted renovation and set to reopen July 11, 2026 — the same renovation 24 Hour Fitness just completed at its Castle Rock club. Expect the basketball court swapped out for an expanded free-weight area and turf zone, plus new equipment.
Black Rock Coffee Bar Now Open at Parker Road & Stroh Road
Black Rock Coffee Bar is now open at 6940 Stroh Rd (Parker Road & Stroh Road), opening Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — its third Parker location and 19th in Colorado, with a week of grand-opening specials.
Inside Emagine Parker: Opening Date, Photos & Prices
We toured Emagine Parker — Colorado's first Emagine theater, inside the former AMC Twenty Mile 10 — the night before it opened. Here's what it's actually like inside, with photos: 10 auditoriums, two EMX large-format screens, heated recliners, cuddle chairs, ticket prices, a full Colorado bar, and Little Dot Pizza.
The Groove Café Now Open at Lyric at RidgeGate in Lone Tree
The Groove — the new neighborhood hub at the Lyric at RidgeGate community in Lone Tree — is now open at 10930 Lyric Street, with a café serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside a restaurant, welcome center, fitness area, and pool.
Cerebral Brewing Coming to Downtown Parker — Targeting Summer 2027
Denver-based Cerebral Brewing is opening its fourth taproom at 20117 East Mainstreet in downtown Parker. A 4,200-square-foot space inside the East Main development, with a roughly 2,000-square-foot patio, opens summer 2027.
Peaky Peak Coffee & Charcuterie — Lone Tree Concept Expanding to Denver and Parker
Peaky Peak Coffee & Charcuterie — Quy and Tracy Nguyen's Vietnamese-coffee-meets-charcuterie concept in Lone Tree — is expanding, with a second location in Denver's Golden Triangle and a third now confirmed for Parker's Mainstreet.
Bison Are Returning to Highlands Ranch for the First Time in Over 100 Years
Beginning June 2026, bison from the historic Daniels Park herd will move into a 200-acre pasture in the Backcountry Wilderness Area — the first time bison have roamed Highlands Ranch grasslands in more than a century, per HRCA. The herd traces back to Yellowstone.
24 Hour Fitness Castle Rock Reopens After Renovation — May 27 Soft Opening
The Castle Rock Super-Sport club at 5745 New Abbey Ln reopens Wednesday, May 27 after a targeted renovation: 50 pieces of new equipment, an expanded Zone, new flooring and paint, and the new Reformer24 private Pilates studio. Here are the soft-opening details, presale pricing, and what's already in the club.
Champagne Velvet Proper Kitchen & Bar Castle Rock — What We Tried, Menu, and What to Know
Champagne Velvet Proper Kitchen & Bar opened Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2355 Mercantile St in Castle Rock — the rebrand of the former I.C. Brewhouse, named for Upland Brewing's 1902 'Million Dollar Flavor' pilsner. We went for lunch on opening day. Here's what we tried, the full menu, and what to know before you go.
Castle Rock's Rock-It Run 2026: A Record 1,500 Runners on July 4
The 6th Annual Rock-It Run drew a record 1,500 registered runners to the Douglas County Fairgrounds on July 4, 2026 — the most in the race's six years, and one of the largest July 4th races in Colorado — with Denver's Kingpin Posse headlining the post-race concert. Here's how Castle Rock's Fourth of July race tradition ran: the distances, the charity behind it, and what you get.
Izumi Sushi Castle Rock — What We Tried, Menu, and What to Know Before You Go
Izumi Sushi opened May 11, 2026 on Third Street in downtown Castle Rock. Authentic Japanese sushi, never-frozen fish, real-crab California rolls at $10, and an Omakase that starts at $150. Here's everything from our visit, the full menu, and what to expect.
Hideaway Bar & Grill in Castle Rock Hit by Two Fires in Two Days — How to Help the Staff
Hideaway Bar & Grill at 600 Jerry Street in Castle Rock was hit by two fires in roughly 28 hours — the first overnight Monday into Tuesday (May 11–12), the second early Wednesday morning (May 13). No injuries. CRFD says the second fire was not a rekindle. On May 15, Castle Rock Police announced that Caleb Bishop, 46, has been formally charged with arson, trespassing, tampering, and theft, and remains in custody at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Bishop has not entered a plea and is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court. The Stroh family's GoFundMe for the 21-person staff has now passed $28,070 of a raised $35,000 goal, with 255 donors as of June 1. Becky Stroh's latest GoFundMe update: 'we are still waiting on all the necessary steps to be completed regarding how severe the damage is & what our future even looks like.' The Hideaway website is now marked closed indefinitely.
Castle Rock Historic Preservation Month 2026: Trolley Tours, Walking Tours, and a Month-Long Scavenger Hunt
Castle Rock marks Historic Preservation Month all May with free trolley tours May 2, a downtown walking tour May 30, Victoria's Tea May 16, and a month-long Scavenge the Rock hunt with Summer Concert Series tickets as prizes.
Riot BBQ Takes Over Wide Open Saloon Kitchen in Sedalia
Award-winning Denver pitmasters Patrick Klaiber and Manny Barella moved Riot BBQ into the kitchen at Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia in May 2026 — now the saloon's culinary partner, alongside year-round live music.
Griddled Crêpes & Paninis at Outlets at Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, Photos
Griddled, a family-owned crepes and paninis shop, opened May 8 at the Outlets at Castle Rock — Suite 175 along 1st Street. Sweet and savory crepes, pressed paninis, custom espresso, and 16 specialty energy drinks.
Downtown Castle Rock Has More Parking Than It Did — But Try Telling That to Anyone
The 2026 Downtown Castle Rock Parking Study found available parking up 113%. Residents told Council the data doesn't match what it actually feels like on a Friday night. Here's what's next.
A New Trail Will Connect Downtown Castle Rock to Miller Park
Castle Rock approved final design for the Industrial Tributary Trail on April 21, 2026 — a new east-west connection from downtown to PSM Park, the Sports Center, and the Brickyard.
Link On Demand Is Now Running in Castle Rock. Rides Are Free.
Castle Rock's free on-demand rideshare is live. Book from the app or call 719-212-2430, six days a week, no fare. Hours, service area, cost, and how it works.
Starbird Chicken Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, What We Tried
Starbird Chicken's Castle Rock location opens Monday, April 27, 5–9pm at the Promenade. Soft opening notes, menu highlights, hours, and patio details.
Jack's Modern Steakhouse Is Now Open in Lone Tree
Jack's Modern Steakhouse opened in Lone Tree near Park Meadows. Australian Wagyu steaks, dry-aged seafood, wood-fired cooking. Second Colorado location.
Lone Tree Is Building a Park With a Beer Garden
Lone Tree is building High Note Regional Park in the Lyric neighborhood. Phase 1 includes playgrounds, a dog park, sports fields, and a beer garden. Opening 2027.
Douglas County Commissioners to Consider Zebulon Sports Complex Contracts Tuesday
Douglas County Commissioners meet Tuesday to consider contracts and financing for the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex. Here's what's on the agenda.
Douglas County Opens New Slash-Mulch Site in Sedalia
Douglas County opens a new slash-mulch drop-off site at the Fairgrounds in Sedalia on April 3-4, 2026. Drop off yard debris, get free mulch.
Bar Hummingbird Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, and What We Tried
Bar Hummingbird is now open at the Promenade in Castle Rock — craft cocktails, small bites, and sunset views. Hours, menu, and what to expect.
Easter Events in Douglas County 2026: The Complete Guide
Complete guide to Easter 2026 in Douglas County, CO. Egg hunts in Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Rock & more. Dates, times, prices + what to know.
Internet Safety Town Hall: Protecting Kids Online — March 25
Douglas County hosts a live town hall on March 25 about online child safety. Expert panel covers warning signs, prevention, and resources for parents.
Badger & Bloom Boba Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, and the Owner Sourcing from Taiwan
There's a new boba spot in Castle Rock.
Cask & Trotter Coming to Parker Mainstreet — Now Targeting August 2026
Cask & Trotter, a new restaurant from Wolf Peach owner Jeffrey Coyle, is opening at The Juniper on Mainstreet in Parker. Now targeting August 2026.
Castle Pines Wants Your Input on Economic Development
Castle Pines wants your input on bringing restaurants, entertainment, and retail to Lagae Road. Take the 5-minute survey before March 24.
Castle Pines Wildfire Mitigation Grants Available Through March 31
Castle Pines offers wildfire mitigation grants for tree trimming, brush clearing, and defensible space work. Apply by March 31, 2026.
County Line Road Closes March 20-22 for Utility Work
County Line Road between Yosemite and Quebec closes March 20-22, 2026 for utility work. Plan alternate routes via Arapahoe or Lincoln.
Crowsnest Amendment Tabled 7-0 by Douglas County Planning Commission
After its Castle Pines annexation collapsed in March 2026, the developer behind Crowsnest — a ~800-acre plan that in its prior form proposed roughly 3,000 homes, 1,000 apartments, and 50 acres of commercial near Crowfoot Valley Road — is back, this time through Douglas County. A July 20 planning commission hearing on a Comprehensive Master Plan amendment is the first step, and opponents are regrouping.
Highlands Ranch Water Issues Early Drought Watch
Highlands Ranch Metro District issues early drought watch due to low snowpack. Voluntary water conservation encouraged. Here's what to know.
Legends Coffee Parker — Menu, Hours, and the Wickline Family Story
Legends Coffee opens on Mainstreet in Parker April 4. Specialty coffee, breakfast, and lunch from the family-owned Aurora favorite.
Marvin's Place Is Now Open at The Juniper in Parker
Marvin's Place is now open at The Juniper on Mainstreet in Parker. A minimal, design-forward café with coffee, pastries from Poulette, and no WiFi.
Parker Is Adding 17 Pickleball Courts at Salisbury Park
Parker is adding 17 pickleball courts and 2 tennis courts at Salisbury Park as part of the Phase 2 expansion. Here's what to know.
Egg Harbor Cafe Is Now Open in Highlands Ranch
Egg Harbor Cafe is now open — its first Colorado location, in Highlands Ranch. Here's what to expect from this family-owned breakfast and brunch spot.
The Capital Grille Is Opening in Lone Tree on March 15
The Capital Grille opens in Lone Tree on March 15, 2026 near Park Meadows. Dry-aged steaks, seafood, and fine dining. Second Colorado location.
Poulette Bakeshop Is Moving to Mainstreet in Parker
Poulette Bakeshop, a James Beard-nominated bakery named one of America's best by the NYT, is moving to Mainstreet in Parker. Opens March 11.
Castle Rock Is Building a New Fire Station in the Northeast
Castle Rock approved a $22 million fire station on Castle Oaks Drive. Fire Station 156 opens summer 2027 with a centralized logistics hub.
Medical Offices Planned for The Meadows in Castle Rock
Castle Rock approved rezoning for a medical office building in The Meadows on Meadows Boulevard. Here's what's planned.
Castle Rock Road Work Starts Late March
Castle Rock is repaving 100 lane miles starting late March 2026. Work focuses on northern Castle Rock and runs through fall.
Castle Rock Has $750K in Water Rebates Available
Castle Rock Water has $750,000 in rebates for water conservation in 2026. Get money back for landscaping, irrigation, and toilet upgrades.
New History Exhibit Opens at Parker Heritage Center
'Tracks Across Our Land' explores how trails, railroads, and roads shaped Douglas County. Free admission at Parker Heritage Center. Now open.
Playa Bowls Is Now Open in Parker on Mainstreet
Playa Bowls is now open at 19865 Mainstreet in Parker. Acai bowls, smoothies, juices, and more. Open daily 8am–8pm.
New Elementary School Coming to RidgeGate in 2027
DCSD is building Elementary School 50 in RidgeGate's Lyric neighborhood. Opening August 2027 for Pre-K through 6th grade with 750-student capacity.
Douglas County Launches Hi-Lo Sirens for Emergency Evacuations
Douglas County deploys new hi-lo siren system for emergency evacuations. The warbling tone means 'leave now.' Here's what you need to know.
King Soopers Marketplace Is Coming to RidgeGate
A King Soopers Marketplace is coming to RidgeGate in Lone Tree, anchoring a new shopping center with restaurants and retail. Opening projected 2027.
Link On Demand Is Now Live in Parker
Link On Demand, Douglas County's free rideshare service, launched in Parker and Stonegate in April 2026 — and Castle Rock is next, with a one-year pilot approved for summer 2026.
Par Club Is Now Open in Castle Rock
Par Club is now open in Castle Rock with 6 golf simulator bays, a full bar, and a 2-person league featuring Colorado courses.
Wild Goose Saloon Parker Closed — Chris Fest Benefit May 16-17 + How to Help
Wild Goose Saloon in Parker closed Feb 22, 2026. Co-owner Chris Dellinger is battling Stage 4 cancer. Chris Fest benefit runs May 16-17 at the Oriental Theater; GoFundMe has passed $80K.
Parker's Mainstreet Is Booming
Downtown Parker is thriving with six new businesses in the last year. Mayor says town will cap at 85,000 residents. Here's what's driving the growth.
Black Rock Coffee Bar Is Now Open in Parker
Black Rock Coffee Bar opened in Parker at Jordan & Mainstreet. Drive-thru specialty coffee, Fuel energy drinks, and breakfast. Open 5AM daily.
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