CPN kids enjoy making a snow cave (photo by Elean Gersack)

by Lane Roberts

Mother Nature has been busy in Colorado this winter. Record snowfall across the state has continued to cause slick roads, delayed school days, and frigid tempatures. Castle Pines North (CPN) saw more than 57.6 inches of snow in less than a month. While the mail may be delayed and the trash may be piling up, remember to take time to enjoy the beauty of winter in Colorado.

Above Average Snow Fall Brings Out Good Neighbors in CPN

by Elean Gersack

Despite back-to-back blizzards and continued significant snow storms within a few weeks, patience, understanding and a little neighborly help brought people in Castle Pines North (CPN) together. With delayed trash schedules, hard to maneuver roads, and impassible sidewalks, frustration would have been expected. However, a few good neighbors stepped up to help make the best of a difficult situation.

In The Retreat, Doug Ragsdale hooked his snow plow to his 1947 Jeep and cleared his entire cul-de-sac after each of the three storms. If not for his efforts, it could have been days before the snow was cleared, as cul-de-sacs are the lowest priority when Douglas County is clearing snow from streets.

Kings Crossing resident June Uralli reported that Turweston Lane neighbors, John Froshaugh and his son Tyler, were a huge help during the second storm. The duo spent many hours with a small bobcat clearing driveways up and down the street.

During the calmer moments of the storms, children were out in droves sledding, building snowmen and snow caves, and even helping parents shovel. Busier than ever was the sledding hill at Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. However, with so much snow, make-shift hills could be found everywhere.

Thanks to all of those who went above and beyond during the storms. It is the little things like this that make CPN such a great place to live.

Photo by Jeremy Gamble

CPN Snowfall Totals

From December 20, 2006 to January 17, 2007, Castle Pines North received more than 57.6 inches of snow. The total moisture contained in the snow was 5.14 inches. Moisture totals were measured by Galen Crowder in HOA1.

CPN Covered with Snow…and Sleds!

by Terri Wiebold

What happens to the 560 acres of open space and the 13.5 miles of natural trails that surround Castle Pines North (CPN) in the wintertime? Only the most beautiful blanket of snow you have ever seen – not to mention some GREAT sledding hills.

With a huge blanket of snow current covering CPN, the open spaces and hills in the community are covered with children with sleds, tubes and snowboards.

The hill on the northeast corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard is one of the most popular sledding hills in the area. Please be aware that dangers at this intersection do exist. Children waiting for a turn down the hill often stand on the sidewalk, just a few feet from cars speeding down Castle Pines Parkway. Drivers are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the sledding hill, especially if ice and snow are on the roadway.

Here are a few other important safety guidelines for sledding safely this season:

Sled only in areas free of fixed objects such as trees, posts, and fences.

Make sure that all children in sledding areas are supervised by an adult.

Never go down a hill headfirst; sit facing forward and steer.

Use a sled that can steer – it is safer than flat sheets, toboggans or snow discs.

Wear warm and layered clothing to protect from injuries and the cold.

Always wear a helmet.

Know how to stop your sled or make a sharp turn by dragging your feet.

Make sure sleds are in good condition and are not broken.

Always tell an adult if you have a crash.

Armed with these guidelines, and the proper equipment, sledding this season should be a fun and safe experience.

Drivers on Castle Pines Parkway are encouraged to use caution when traveling in the sled hill area this winter.

Snow Hides Fire Hydrants

Recent snow storms have hidden and obstructed many fire hydrants in Castle Pines North (CPN). residents with fire hydrants in their yards are encouraged to clear the snow in case of an emergency.

Maps of all hydrants are utilized by South Metro Fire Rescue, and fire fighters will dig out hydrants when necessary. “Of course minutes count in a fire and if hydrants are clear of snow that will save valuable time if they are needed to fight a fire,” said Fire Chief Robert Rinne.

A three foot radius cleared around the hydrant allows enough room for fire fighters to quickly do their job if necessary. For more information, please visit www.southmetro.org.

Got Mail? Trash Delayed?

During the inclement weather, please remember to clear a path in front of mailboxes for the postal workers.

If trash collection is delayed due to inclement weather, please visit www.cpnhoa.org to find Management Company contact information for each HOA in CPN. Or, take time and call the trash provider direct.