Published by Douglas County Colorado on April 17, 2020:

Douglas County today revealed a framework for reopening the County’s economy, developed in collaboration with the Tri-County Health Department, who applauded the approach for accentuating the need to pair the plan with an effective public health strategy.

The Douglas County framework includes five key principles that inform the three-phased plan:

• Access to effective and efficient antibody testing methods
• Recommended individual use of non-medical face-coverings in public settings
• Close and constant collaboration with hospitals
• Support for personal responsibility (social distancing and other preventive actions) including supports for high risk populations to remain in safe environments; and
• Review of business conditions, return to work, and other community influences

With each phase of the plan, the framework requires attention to improving measures of the epidemic and maintenance of core public health efforts, as well as substantial compliance with the principle factors in order to move to the next phase.

“This collaborative approach to local governance is a great model for the road to recovery and I look forward to continued partnership with Douglas County officials on this solution which promotes economic recovery while assuring appropriate public health measures and progress,” said Dr. Douglas.

“There has never been a more important moment in our state’s history for counties, municipalities and local health departments to engage in a consistent, unified approach, working in consultation with the Governor and CDPHE, on the framework for Colorado’s recovery from this pandemic,” said Roger Partridge, County Commissioner and Board Chair, on behalf of the Board.

For immediate release May 31, 2016.

Douglas County Libraries Construction Nearing Completion

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in Castle Pines is now open, and construction of the new libraries in Lone Tree and Parker is progressing. The new libraries reflect each community’s unique growth and needs for increased amenities, spaces and services — and all feature drive-through book drops.

The 13,000-square-foot Castle Pines location (360 Village Square Lane) opened on April 21. The library’s dedicated children’s area features elements of surprise and fun, such as lava tiles and an interactive Lite-Brite-inspired Everbright grid of LED lights that can be twisted to create colorful designs. Its community spaces include a furnished second story terrace with fireplace and five high-tech, multi-use meeting, event and study rooms.

DCL in Lone Tree hosts its grand opening on July 9. Site work, utilities and paving/striping have been completed, and the landscaping and green roof are scheduled to be completed by mid-June. The new library is more than double the size of its current location and features expanded parking, a dedicated Kids Corner, meeting rooms and quiet spaces, numerous study rooms, and laptop vending using a library card.

On May 13, the Parker location celebrated its “topping off” — a builders’ ceremony held when the last beam is placed atop the structure during construction. Crews are currently finishing the interior drywall and are beginning to tape and paint it. Glass door sliders and ceiling tile grids are also being installed in the study rooms. The library is scheduled to open in late summer/early fall.

The current Lone Tree and Parker branches will close for about three weeks prior to each library’s grand opening. Patrons can sign up to receive email updates about closures, available services and Storytimes during closures, and library openings via DouglasCountyLibraries.org/Newsletters.

The three libraries were designed by Anderson Mason Dale Architects and Studiotrope Design Collective. To learn more, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org and No Leaf Unturned.

For immediate release May 25, 2016.

New Outdoor Sculpture at Douglas County Libraries in Highlands Ranch Invites Interaction.

The 2016-2017 public art installment at Douglas County Libraries (DCL) in Highlands Ranch, James H. LaRue branch, is on display and already inspiring curiosity and play. Touching Sound is an interactive sculpture by artist Maureen Hearty, created with sculpted aluminum pipes that are tuned based on their diameter and length.

“I attempt to engage the audience with the art beyond the passive experience, taking every opportunity for interaction with the art,” says Hearty. “Playing with sound is one of my favorite ways to invite interaction. The pieces come alive when people touch them and create sounds.”

Hearty is a self-described sculptress, horticulturalist and community organizer who uses art and horticulture as a tool for community action. Using leftovers from human experiences and consumption, she says her art represents our natural surroundings.

DCL partners annually with Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (HRCAA) and Art Encounters, Douglas County’s public art program, to showcase sculptures in various media and styles at its Highlands Ranch location. Displaying such highly visible art has the potential to transform lives and build community through engagement. DCL in Highlands Ranch has partnered with HRCAA in its public art program since 2011.

Sculptures for display are selected by Art Encounters’ Public Art Advisory Committee from artist applications submitted for the program. The committee, under the direction of the Douglas County Cultural Council, selects the art and determines which pieces are displayed in the various public venues throughout Douglas County. All sculptures, including Touching Sound, are available for purchase.

Touching Sound is on display at the Highlands Ranch James H. LaRue library (9292 Ridgeline Blvd.) through May 2017. Past installments at the library include Baby Bear by Ryszard Wagoner (2014-2015) and Molly, Dieter and Susie (bronze Basset Hounds) by Pat Kennedy (2015-2016), which is now featured at Eastridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch.

For immediate release May 20, 2016.

Summer Reading Program Exercises Minds.

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) kicks off its Summer Reading Program (SRP) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, at all seven DCL locations. The annual SRP encourages kids and teens to exercise their minds during the summer, strengthening reading skills and building literacy.

Kickoff parties for Team DCL’s sports-themed SRP will be held at all DCL locations from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Party activities include arts and crafts, games, photo ops, and themed Storytimes.

Kids 12 and under are challenged to read for 720 minutes by July 31 and/or participate in predetermined alternate activities, with prizes awarded for finishing the challenge. Teens and adults who read for 900 minutes are entered into a drawing for one of 62 gift card prizes worth $25 each, and can enter a photo contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

DCL is offering several free entertainment events at all library branches throughout June and July. Karate Denver’s Kickin’ It! program tests kids’ speed and agility, and Nature’s Educators presents a “wild” program featuring animal guests to help kids discover nature’s amazing athletes. Other programs include the entertainment of magic to engage the mind, as well as Minecraft tips and tricks. For more details, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org/Team-DCL.

For immediate release March 30, 2016.

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its new 15,000-square-foot Castle Pines branch, located at 360 Village Square Lane,
on Thursday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The new library is located one block west of the previous site.

DCL’s new library will open with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., followed by a light breakfast and afternoon Family Kickoff event. Bob Pasicznyuk, DCL’s executive director, will speak at the event, along with Castle Pines Branch Manager Aspen Walker and Castle Pines Mayor Jeff Huff.

The Family Kickoff event starts at 4:30 p.m. Patrons can enjoy refreshments and
a special Storytime at 5 p.m.

Features of the new two-story library include an outdoor terrace and fireplace, multi-use community event room, study room, media lounge, Storytime area and more. Patrons are encouraged to explore each room and take part in some entertaining activities.

The library’s kickoff continues on Saturday, April 23, with special Storytime sessions slated for 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Construction on DCL buildings in Lone Tree and Parker is progressing. The Lone Tree branch is nearing completion, and wall framing and drywall are currently going up in the Parker branch.