Woodland Park, CO 2009 Relocation and Tourism Guide

BY AIRONN BISHOP

Welcome

www.woodlandparkchamber.com 1

BY AIRONN BISHOP

Greater Woodland Park chamber of commerce2

Table of conTenTs


Table of conTenTs

Take a Peek!

If Woodland Park is a perfect town for tourists, it’s an even better place to live.

If Woodland Park is a perfect town for tourists, it’s an even

pg. 7

pg. 18

pg. 28

Excellent health care is essential to a community’s quality of life.

Music, theater, and art thrive in Woodland Park year-round.

Table of conTenTs

Greater Woodland Park chamber of commerce 4

Table of conTenTs

WhaT's InsIdeWelcome to Woodland Park!The “city above the clouds” ............................................................. 6

demograPhicsWe’re Proud of our Growing Reputation ........................................... 7

Business & commercenew additions to an already flourishing community .......................... 9

tourism & recreationamazing Vistas open before You ..................................................... 12

health careWoodland Park Welcomes hometown hospital ................................. 18

educationconfronting contemporary challenges ............................................. 21

real estateno more desirable Place to call home ............................................. 24

governmentRegional Pride and service .............................................................. 26

WorshiPdedication to neighbors and community .......................................... 27

cultureThe arts above the clouds .............................................................. 28

Woodland Park events calendarWhere and When to be ................................................................... 30

closeThe feeling of coming home .......................................................... 31

index of advertisers ............................................. 32

BY AIRONN BISHOP

210 E. Midland Avenue | Ute Pass Cultural Center | P.O. Box 9022 | Woodland Park, CO 80866Office: 719-687-9885 | Fax: 719-687-8216 | Debbie Miller – President, IOM, ACE | [email protected]

Visit us on the web @ www.woodlandparkchamber.com

CHAMBER EVENTS: • Monthly Business After Hours • Annual Dinner & Silent Auction • Annual Membership Breakfast • Chamber Business Expos (April & November) • Annual Golf Tournament • Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus • Monthly Lunch and Learn Seminars

TOP WAYS THE CHAMBERWILL HELP YOUR BUSINESS: • Networking Opportunities • Tourism Liaison • Advocacy – A voice for business (Local, State and Federal) • Educational Opportunities • Business Referrals • Staffed, full time office and 24/7 website

VISITOR CENTER:Winter Hours: (Labor Day–Memorial Day)

Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Summer Hours: Memorial Day–Labor Day)Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

BY AIRONN BISHOP


Welcome To Woodland PaRk!

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ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and

distributed through the Greater Woodland Park Chamber

of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or

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800-455-5600 or by e-mail at [email protected].

FOR INFORMATION Greater Woodland Park Chamber

of Commerce, Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 East

Midland, Woodland Park, CO 80866, 719-687-9885,

Fax 719-687-8216, www.woodlandparkchamber.com

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Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306,

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of the publisher.

On behalf of the residents of Teller County and the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, I would like to welcome you to

our paradise. We thank you for your interest in our community and region.

In the following pages you will learn of a place we call home. We have prepared this publication

to offer you a glimpse of Teller County and all we have to offer. Our members and our community leaders believe in this region and have made a considerable investment in it, as you will soon discover throughout this book.

Teller County is a region with proximity to a major metropolitan area, a dedicated workforce, and a quality of life that is second to none. We truly are the “Base Camp” for tourists seeking the best in hospitality amenities of the area. You can enjoy the natural splendors of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains right here in Teller County. With the Pike National Forest area abundant within the boundaries of Teller County, there is no lack of outdoor activity for family and friends — no matter what time of year.

Woodland Park sits at an elevation of 8,465 feet and is known as the “City Above the Clouds.” We experience over 300 days of sunshine a year. Cripple Creek serves as the county seat for Teller County and is home to many casinos as well. Just outside of Victor is one of the largest gold mining operations in our country. The Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine is a true “gem” for our region. Scattered throughout Teller County we have several other pastoral communities, each with its own character and history. Although Teller County is just 557 square miles and has a population of approximately 25,000, we host within our borders thriving businesses, proactive governments, modern amenities, excellent schools, a state-of-the-art hospital, and extensive cultural heritage.

Indeed, Teller County has much to offer. You will find a kindred spirit when you arrive that will entice you to spend time visiting with the locals, exploring our pristine outdoor beauty, and wondering how soon you can relocate here.

Whatever your interest, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce believes you will find the Teller County region to be a vibrant backdrop for business, education, or culture, making it the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family.

I invite you to stop by and chat with us when you’re in the area. Let us help you to make the most out of your exploration of Woodland Park and the Teller County region.

Debbie Miller, IOM, ACEPresidentGreater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce

The "city above the clouds"


demoGRaPhIcs

Woodland Park, Colorado. The name conjures up images of a land where spruce branches

stretch to the sky and sweet-smelling pines stand sentinel in your front yard, a place where the wind flutters through del-icate aspen leaves. In your mind’s eye, you may see a herd of elk grazing in a moun-tain pasture dotted with wildflowers.

You might imagine a playground where hikers can follow rugged trails through fragrant forests and up the sides of soaring mountains, revealing breathtak-ing vistas, and where fishers are lured by the promise of what lies in the depths of crystal waters. It’s a paradise that even in winter beckons explorers with its sparkling snows and all the possibilities they bring.

Surrounded by the magnificence of Pike National Forest, Woodland Park lies in the shadow of Pikes Peak, Colorado’s most famous mountain. The area’s natu-ral beauty and recreational opportunities have helped Woodland Park evolve from a bedroom community to a center of

commerce and leisure. Located just 18 miles west of Colorado Springs in beauti-ful Teller County, the town is now home to almost 8,000 people, all proud of their growing reputation as the ideal base camp from which to explore the region.

If Woodland Park is a perfect town for tourists, it’s an even better place to live. Since the town is situated along two major highways, commuting is easy for residents who work in nearby

metropolitan areas. Perhaps due in part to this easy access, Woodland Park is enjoying a steady growth rate, and ser-vices that enhance the residents’ quality of life are being added constantly. In late 2007 the town welcomed Wal-Mart to the neighborhood, adding another affordable

shopping option for the residents of Woodland Park. Late 2007 also saw the opening of Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility and the first hos-pital in Teller County.

Throughout its growth, the town has worked hard to maintain its natural beauty. While growth is encouraged, citi-zens and leaders work together to ensure the growth of the town has minimal impact on the mountain ecosystem and

does not exceed the area’s natural resources.

To learn more about the unparalleled quality of life in Woodland Park, the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce offers you this guide to the community. In

this book, you will find some of the rea-sons so many people who visit Woodland Park end up moving here. But to truly understand the appeal, you have to see it for yourself.

Hope to see you soon!

We’re Proud of our Growing Reputation

Surrounded by the magnificence of

Pike National Forest, Woodland Park

lies in the shadow of Pikes Peak,

Colorado’s most famous mountain.


demoGRaPhIcs

Elevation8,465 feet

TemperatureSummer (June–Aug.) High .............................................. 75.3°F Low.................................................. 39°F Warmest month ..................................July High .............................................. 78°F Low .............................................. 41°FWinter (Dec.–Feb.) High .............................................. 39.7°F Low.................................................... 4°F Coolest month ............................. January High .............................................. 38°F Low ................................................ 3°F

PrecipitationAnnual average .......................24.05 inchesWettest month .................................. August Average precipitation ..................4 inchesDriest month .................................. January Average precipitation .............0.57 inches

demographic/Important Information

Population

Total as of 2000 .................................6,515Estimate as of 2008 ...........................7,950Density .......... 1,175 people per square mile

Gender .........................................Total ......PercentFemale .............................3,251 ..........50.1Male .................................3,264 ..........49.9

Age .................................... Total ..........PercentUnder 5 years .................407 .................6.25–9 years .......................473 .................7.310–14 years ...................603 .................9.315–19 years ...................544 .................8.320–24 years ...................210 .................3.225–34 years ...................709 ...............10.935–44 years ................1,435 ...............22.045–54 years ................1,212 ...............18.655–59 years ...................292 .................4.560–64 years ...................208 .................3.265–74 years ...................284 .................4.475–84 years ...................110 .................1.785+ years ........................28 .................0.4Median age ..........37.5 years

Education

Completed ............... Percent of PopulationLess than 9th grade ...............................1.0

9th–12th grade, no diploma ...................2.1High school graduate ...........................21.8Some college .......................................29.4Associate degree ....................................9.5Bachelor’s degree .................................24.8Graduate or professional degree ...........11.5

Households ............................................Total ...PercentHouseholds .........................2,476 ........100Family households ...............1,884 ..........76Non-family households ......... 592 ............24

Average household size ........2.63 Average family size ..............3.03

Income (By Household)

Income ..................... Percent of PopulationLess than $15,000 .................................6.0$15,000–$24,999 ................................11.6$25,000–$34,999 ................................13.6$35,000–$49,999 ................................16.9$50,000–$74,999 ................................22.1$75,000–$99,999 ................................18.3$100,000–$149,999 ..............................9.1$150,000–$199,999 ..............................2.1More than $200,000 ..............................0.3

M edian Income (estimated 2005) .........................$52,300

HousingMedian mortgage .............................$1,258Median rent .........................................$780M edian home value

(estimated 2005) .......................$192,600

*Source: 2000 U.S. Census

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT*

clImaTeGreater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce ........................................................719-687-9885

City of Woodland Park

City Hall (utilities) ..................................................................................................719-687-9246

Police Department (non-emergency) ......................................................................719-687-9262

Parks and Recreation ............................................................................................719-687-5225

Ute Pass Cultural Center ........................................................................................719-687-5284

Teller County

Administrative Office .............................................................................................719-689-2988

Sheriff’s Office .......................................................................................................719-687-9652

Assessor’s Office ...................................................................................................719-689-2941

Public Works and Facilities ....................................................................................719-686-7950

Woodland Park School District RE-2 .........................................................................719-686-2000

Fire Department ........................................................................................................719-687-1866

Woodland Park Public Library ...................................................................................719-687-9281

Utilities

Black Hills Energy (natural gas) .............................................................................800-303-0752

Intermountain Rural Electric Association ................................................................719-687-9277

Qwest (telephone, television, and Internet) ............................................................800-475-7526

US Cable (television and Internet) ..........................................................................800-480-7020

Phone numbeRs To knoW


busIness & commeRce

Teller County Commissioner Jim Ignatiuas says it is Woodland Park’s industrial diversity that gives it such

a solid economy. Unemployment rates in Teller County stay well below the national average, according to Ignatiuas, averaging 3.5 to 4 percent. The low rates are par-tially due to Woodland Park’s steady eco-nomic growth in 2007 and 2008. Several business developments have contributed to Woodland Park’s recent economic progress.

Woodland Park Wal-MartAfter nearly three years in the making,

the Woodland Park Wal-Mart opened in September 2007. The 161,000-square-foot building also houses a nail salon, a bank, a hair salon, and a Subway restaurant.

While some Woodland Park residents were apprehensive about the retail giant coming to town, many say the economic impact has been positive. The Wal-Mart employs more than 300 people, and nearly all of them, according to Manager Adam Linder, live in Teller County, which means they also spend their paychecks there.

“When we create 300 jobs, we’re help-ing Woodland Park’s economic growth,” says Linder. “And with the majority of

those 300 people spending their pay-checks in Teller County, we’re strengthen-ing it too.”

Wal-Mart has positively impacted the economy in other ways. Before the Woodland Park Wal-Mart was built, Teller County residents drove to the Wal-Mart on 8th Street in Colorado Springs, where they made up 40 percent of the customers. Now that money stays in the Teller County economy instead of going to neighboring

El Paso County. The City of Woodland Park says it is earmarking the tax revenues it receives from Wal-Mart for city street improvements, with talk about using some of the revenues to produce other recre-ational opportunities. And at a dinner held the night before their grand opening, the store gave more than $33,000 to local nonprofit organizations.

Wal-Mart has not exhausted its poten-tial for bringing economic growth to Woodland Park, either. The store, located on U.S. Highway 24, is sure to attract the attention — and business — of travel-ers, further solidifying Woodland Park’s reputation as a service community and the base camp for visitors to the region. The Wal-Mart campus includes five other lots, each holding the promise of future development.

Downtown Woodland ParkDowntown Woodland Park also saw

exciting growth in 2008, as talks of devel-oping the open space in the middle of town have seen significant progress. The Woodland Station development project is being directed by the Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a city-sponsored organization responsible

new additions to an already flourishing community

“When we create 300 jobs, we’re helping Woodland Park’s

economic growth. And with the majority of those 300

people spending their paychecks in Teller County, we’re

strengthening it too.”

— Adam Linder, Woodland Park Wal-Mart Manager


busIness & commeRce

for revitalizing downtown. The develop-ment plans include a 122-room hotel and a conference center, with several lots open for other businesses.

Initial drawings for Woodland Station show a flexible plaza design with street fronts running on both sides of a mixed-use development and on-street parking. The Downtown Development Authority is working with three development teams to secure their interest via contracts. When the economics and markets permit, the project will move forward.

Meanwhile, the DDA is also working on programs to enhance other areas of the downtown. “I find the variety and mix of res-taurants, shops, and services to be fascinat-ing. Add on the vibrant music and art found

in the community, and downtown is a great place to visit and do business,” says Beth Kosley, DDA and Economic Development Director for the City of Woodland Park.

The City of Woodland Park is pro-actively supporting DDA efforts by des-ignating downtown as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. In TIF districts, revenue from business development goes into a special fund used for infrastructure improvements and other incentives. This allows commercial improvement without raising the community’s tax rate.

Pikes Peak Regional Medical Center

Another major impact on the Woodland Park economy in 2007 was the opening of the Pikes Peak Regional Medical Center. When the 20-acre campus opened its doors in October 2007 it created a payroll of $4.5 million, the majority of which stays in Teller County, according to Pikes Peak Regional Medical Foundation President Curt Grina.

The economic impact of the hospital doesn’t stop with its pay-roll — better health care makes for a stronger economy.

“People have to take less time off work when they can receive immediate care at Pikes Peak Regional, rather than having to drive all the way to Colorado Springs,” says Grina. “And less time off work means

The City of Woodland

Park is proactively

supporting DDA efforts

by designating downtown

as a Tax increment

Financing (TiF) district.


busIness & commeRce

more money goes into the Teller County economy.”

The hospital will contribute even more to the economy when it opens the Legacy at Pikes Peak, a 36-unit assisted living cen-ter. The center is expected to bring roughly 50 jobs to the area, and most are expected to go to Teller County residents. Grina believes the economic impact of the hos-pital could eclipse that of the two largest employers in the area, the Cripple Creek and Victor Gold Mining Company and the Woodland Park RE-2 School District.

“In my opinion this is the most impor-tant economic project that’s been done since I’ve been here,” Grina says.

Wal-Mart, Woodland Station, and Pikes Peak Regional are just the newest additions to an already flourishing community. Wal-Mart is across from a business park that contains several successful enterprises, including several real estate agents, res-taurants, and medical offices. Woodland Station will enhance a downtown that features many unique shops, such as spe-cialty clothing and furniture stores. As the community continues to grow and more businesses locate in Woodland Park, it becomes an even more inviting place to live.


TouRIsm & RecReaTIon

Teller County residents will tell you — they’re not often bored.

“There is so much to do here,” says Susan Griswold, who has lived in Woodland Park for over a decade. “You can wake up in the morning and know that whether you want to go hiking, camping, fishing, or boating, there is somewhere within a 15- or 20-minute drive to do any — or all — of those things.”

Mueller State ParkLocated just south of Divide on State

Highway 67, Mueller State Park offers visi-tors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and native wildlife. Visitors can start their exploring at the Mueller State Park Visitor Center, where they can enjoy the nature and local history exhibits, pick up maps and park information, and browse through the bookstore. A gazebo just outside the Visitor Center offers a pan-oramic view of the Rockies with glimpses of several of Colorado’s tallest summits, including Mt. Harvard, the third-highest peak in the state.

Inside the park, 50 miles of trails, vary-ing from short, leisurely walks to more arduous full-day treks, await hikers. All trails are open to those on foot, while

27 miles are available for horseback riding and 19 miles for mountain biking. Trail-goers may also see some of the area’s native wildlife, such as elk, black bear, mountain lions, hawks, and mule deer. The park also contains 115 species of migratory and resi-dent birds, including raptors, songbirds, and woodpeckers.

Campers will enjoy the park’s 132 campsites, nestled among fragrant fir, pine,

and spruce trees. All campsites are avail-able from mid-May through mid-October and include walk-in tent sites, multi-use RV sites, and the RV Group Campground, all of which, except the walk-in tent sites, have electrical hookups. The camps also include modern restrooms, coin-operated showers, and a coin laundry.

Most appealing to Paul Michaels, a Californian who camps at Mueller State Park every summer with his family, is the camp’s scenery.

“No matter where you go in the camp-ground, these amazing vistas just open up before you,” says Michaels. “This is one of the most beautiful, serene places I have ever been.”

And winter might be even more excit-ing than summer at Mueller State Park.

“The park doesn’t close just because the leaves fall off the trees!” says Susie Yost, park administrator. “Winter is when

you can have the most fun in the park.”

Eighteen of the park’s elec-trical camping sites stay open through late fall and early winter, and guests can also stay in one of the park’s three log cabins. Open year-round, the cabins, available

with one, two, or four bedrooms, are espe-cially inviting during the winter.

“The cabins all have fireplaces, fully furnished kitchens, and comfortable cus-tom furniture, giving them a very cozy, homey feel,” says Yost.

Mueller offers activities besides camp-ing after the snow falls, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on park trails, and sledding, tubing, and snow-boarding on designated hills.

amazing Vistas open before You

“This is one of the most beautiful,

serene places I have ever been.”— Paul Michaels, annual visitor at Mueller State Park



Eleven Mile State ParkEleven Mile State Park features a 3,405-

surface-acre reservoir on the South Platte River just a few miles north of Lake George. Known for its outstanding fishing, the river offers anglers rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout; pike; and kokanee salmon year-round. But the park is more than just a fisher’s dream — Eleven Mile features all kinds of recreation throughout the year.

Eleven Mile is home to nearly 200 camping sites, including 10 sites with electric hook-ups and 25 wooded back-country sites perfect for campers willing to pack or boat in their supplies. Many sites are lakeshore sites, while others are tucked away among trees and rocky out-crops. All campers can access the park’s Camper Services Building, which houses flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities, as well as the park’s main entrance station and administrative offices.

Once you set up camp, you can go exploring some of the park’s five miles of trails. Several of Eleven Mile State Park’s trails loop into the park’s rolling hills and open meadows, and one takes hikers out to the backcountry peninsula. The trails vary in difficulty from easy to moderate and are open to both hiking and biking. They are excellent for bird-watching, as many species of birds inhabit the park, either seasonally or year-round.

The reservoir at Eleven Mile is also perfect for water activities. The lake’s vast surface area is ideal for motor boats, with

plenty of room for canoes and kayaks to play and explore the shores of the back-country as well. Ideal wind conditions also make the park a popular destination for sailing and windsurfing.

Those who come to the park in the win-ter months are in for a special treat, says Kevin Tobey, an administrator at the park.

“In the winter months, the reservoir’s surface is covered with miles of unin-terrupted ice,” says Tobey. “It’s the per-fect place to go ice fishing, ice skating, ice boating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.”

Hunting is permitted in the park with a valid hunting permit during legal hunt-ing seasons. Big game hunters will find deer, elk, bear, and mountain lion in the mountains, and pronghorn antelope can be found on the plains. Small game hunt-ers will find cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and coyote, both on the plains and in the mountains, with the occasional bobcat, badger, or weasel. Eleven Mile also offers excellent waterfowl hunting each fall, as a number of species migrate through the area. Mallards, buffleheads, gadwalls, wid-geons, and many more challenge duck hunters seeking a different hunting experi-ence in the mountains.

Dome Rock State Wildlife AreaDome Rock State Wildlife Area is

named for the spectacular 700-foot granite face at the halfway point of the Dome Rock trail. The trail, an out-and-back seven-mile round-trip jaunt, includes seven small stream crossings and a 600-foot elevation


change. Hikers and horseback riders enjoy many small treasures on the trail, including beaver ponds, the remains of old ranch buildings and old mines, and unique wildlife, such as the dusky blue grouse and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.

Dome Rock is also hunting ground as well, with deer, elk, rabbit, and grouse hunting available (in season) in select parts of the park’s 7,000 acres. Fishing is also permitted in the cold-water stream that runs through the wildlife area.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

The Florissant Fossil Beds is a 6,000-acre wonderland, with sprawling meadows and fragrant forests that house some of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Visitors can see fossil displays at the visitor center, learn the geology behind the region’s petrified wood and abundant fossils through plaques in the outdoor exhibit area, or just take a moment to appreciate the world’s only known trio of petrified redwood trees.

The monument houses more than 15 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, and many of the trails are handicap-accessible.

“We want people of all capabilities to enjoy the awe-inspiring features of the monument,” says Chief Ranger Rick Wilson.

Facilities include two self-guided nature trails located near the visitor center and 14 miles of other hiking trails on which visitors can soak up the scenery or perhaps catch a glimpse of wildlife.

“Hikers have reported seeing a number of elk while on the trails, and a few even report seeing a black bear or two hiking along the trails themselves,” Wilson shares.

The monument offers other activities, including interpretive talks and guided tours from the monument’s rangers, archaeologi-cal digs, a Junior Ranger program, and other special events, such as the annual Hornbek Homestead Days. In the winter the monu-ment remains open and visitors can snowshoe or cross-country ski through the monument’s sparkling trails.

For information on park hours, programs, and admission fees, visit the monument’s Web site at www.nps.gov/flfo or call 719-748-3253.

Pike National Forest: Rampart Reservoir

While only part of Pike National Forest is in Teller County, that part includes some of the forest’s most popular recreation areas, including the lovely Rampart Reservoir.

The winding road to Rampart Reservoir not only offers travel-ers dramatic views of Pikes Peak, but also gives them the chance to

see some of the area’s best-known wild-life. A 500-surface-acre lake surrounded by sturdy mountains, soaring conifers, and strong aspens ideal for wildlife habi-tation, Rampart Reservoir is an ideal spot for all sorts of outdoor activities, includ-ing hiking, biking, camping, picnicking, and watching for wildlife.

While the reservoir is currently closed to boating, it still offers excellent fishing, as it is regularly stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. During the winter, Rampart Reservoir is open for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a desirable destination year-round.



Colorado Wolf and Wildlife CenterThe only Colorado animal sanctuary

certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (CWWC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is home to more than a dozen wolves, as well as several foxes and coyotes. Founded in 1993 as a rescue center

for wolves and wolfdogs, the CWWC’s mis-sion has evolved from rescue to education, preservation, and conservation.

The CWWC, which relocated to a 35-acre facility just outside Divide in late 2007,

informs visitors about the center’s residents through staff-guided educational tours. The tour, which lasts about an hour, takes visitors throughout the park, visiting each enclosure to introduce guests to all of the CWWC’s ani-mals. The tour includes the rescue story of each animal as well as general wolf and wild canine information. Each tour ends with a howl — literally! — as the tour guide leads guests in a howling session, which usually prompts the wolves to join in.

The center also offers visitors a chance to step inside an enclosure and interact with one of the CWWC’s wolves with their Alpha Membership VIP Tour. Along with the standard tour, there are several enclosures to choose from, including a “split” half wolf and half fox enclosure. Visitors may feed and play with the center’s

socialized wolf, often getting thanked with a few wolf kisses.

The CWWC conducts educational pro-grams at schools throughout Teller, El Paso, Park, and Summit counties, as well as out-reach programs to inner-city children in the Denver metropolitan area. The center also holds several fundraising events each

year. 2008 saw both a “Mexican Fiesta,” which raised money to build a special enclosure for the center’s new Mexican grey wolves Ciro and Rio, and the “Howls and Hogs Benefit Ride,” in which participants

received a mini-tour of the center and had occasion to meet Koda, the wolf pup, born March 30, 2008. A new timberwolf pup arrived in May 2009 — a must-see! The new pup is occasion-

ally available for viewing and, possibly, for interaction.

For more information about tours, classes, and events, call 719-687-9742 or visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Web site at www.wolfeducation.org.

Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center

The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (RMDRC), located in the heart of Woodland Park, is one of the city’s great-est treasures. Founded in 2004 by Mike and J.J. Triebold, the 20,000-square-foot RMDRC houses more than 30 awe-inspir-ing specimens — including visitor favorite Tyrannosaurus rex — as well as a fossil lab and gift shop. Visitors may explore the center through daily educational tours and

hands-on activities, or just look around on their own.

“We are very proud of our educa-tional opportunities at RMDRC,” says J.J. Triebold, president and owner of the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. “One of these is the fact that you can watch us work in the lab and see speci-mens in different stages of restoration.”

The working fossil lab is one of the most popular attractions of the RMDRC. Visitors who peer through the safety glass lab window will likely see staff working on projects that usually find their way into the museum’s exhibits. In 2008, the lab finished a 15-foot archelon turtle that became part of the museum. Other proj-ects scheduled for completion in 2008, such as an Apatosaurus exelsus and a Daspletosaurus (known as “Pete 3”), are slated for installation in either the RMDRC or other museums worldwide.

The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center also hosts many annual events, such as a Dino Art contest, which runs during their anniversary celebration, and Critter Fest. Information on hours of operation, events, and tours can be found on their Web site at www.rmdrc.com or by calling 719-686-1820.


Visitors may feed and play with the

center’s socialized wolf, often getting

thanked with a few wolf kisses.

BY AIRONN BISHOP


healTh caRe

Availability of health care services is essential to a community’s quality of life, and in this regard Teller County

surpasses its residents’ expectations now more than ever. For many years, residents received excellent health care from a small network of family practice physicians and area clinics but had to travel to Colorado Springs for hospital procedures. In late 2007 that all changed, as a top-quality hos-pital opened just west of Woodland Park.

Pikes Peak Regional HospitalWhen Pikes Peak Regional Hospital

opened the doors in October 2007, it became the first hospital along the Ute Pass corridor. Pikes Peak Regional is a state-of-the-art primary care hospital that has some of the most advanced medi-cal technology available anywhere. The completely digital imaging department includes ultrasound, CT, MRI, and mam-mography. Full-service analytical labora-tory services are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

According to Curt Grina, president of the nonprofit Hospital Association, a driv-ing goal for planning this hospital was to provide world-class technology in a home-town setting. Enthusiastic feedback from

hundreds of patients lauds the impressive technology and staff skills combined with the special neighborly caring that is not available elsewhere. Grina credits that to Brim Healthcare, the operator of the hos-pital and a national leader in running this kind of facility.

The hospital has brought another vital service to the county — its certified trauma and emergency services. The emergency department has six private treatment areas and is fully staffed around the clock. The hospital treats an average of 500 people a month in the emergency room, a testa-ment to the community’s need and to the improved quality of life the hospital brings to the county.

Kurt Wever, M.D., family practitioner and chief of the medical staff, reports that a good number of those who visit the emer-gency room come in with chest pain, and immediate action on the part of emergency room personnel has saved many lives since the hospital opened its doors.

Two large surgery suites, outpatient scope rooms, and same-day surgery areas are used for orthopedic, general, vascular, gynecological, plastic, and podiatric sur-gery. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available for inpatient and

outpatient treatment. Transition Care pro-vides skilled nursing care for patients requiring additional recovery and reha-bilitation before returning home after an inpatient hospital experience, whether that experience is at Pikes Peak Regional Hospital or elsewhere.

The newest addition to outpatient treat-ment is Infusion Services.

“Staying close to home for this vital care is much appreciated by patients,” remarked local family practitioner Matthew Young, M.D.

The hospital’s Specialty Clinic is avail-able in the attached medical office build-ing. Specialists in medical oncology, allergy, cardiology, obstetrics, and gyne-cology maintain satellite offices for the convenience of Teller County patients. Owners of the medical office building have plans for expansion with an addi-tion to provide room for several more specialties.

Pikes Peak Regional Medical Center Foundation, largely responsible for rais-ing the funds to build PPRH, continues to have a presence on the campus with land-scaping projects and a volunteer-run retail gift shop and art gallery featuring local and regional artists.

Woodland Park Welcomes hometown hospital


healTh caRe


Peak Vista Community Health Centers Family Health Center at Divide

Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a nonprofit federally qualified health center dedicated to providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals and families within the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Vista operates 12 outpatient centers, including a family health center for Teller County residents located in Divide.

The Family Health Center at Divide offers primary medical, dental, and behav-ioral health care to persons of all ages through physician Christine Jenson-Fox, M.D., certified physician assistant Douglas Duncan, and other dedicated health care professionals. The center offers a range of services, from preventative physical exams and immunizations to same-day treatment of acute illness and injury, as well as ongo-ing primary care and follow-up for chronic health conditions. When patients need specialty care, clinic staff will refer them to qualified community providers.

In 2007, the Family Health Center at Divide extended their hours to more than 50 per week to help accommodate a 35 per-cent increase in individual patient appoint-ments. The clinic is now open Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., helping more families access affordable, quality health care. To register as a patient or make an appointment with the Family Health Center at Divide, call 719-687-4460.

healTh caRe

The Family Health Center at Divide offers primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care to persons of all ages.


educaTIon

It’s easy to see that Teller County com-munities are committed to their chil-dren’s education. They provide a safe

learning environment, and they work hard to fund educational projects. But perhaps most important, Teller County communi-ties are actively involved in education, from Parent-Teacher Association members attending committee meetings and giv-ing input on new programs to classroom volunteers around the county. Maybe that is why many people who move to the area cite excellent schools as a major factor in their decision to live in Woodland Park and Teller County.

Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1

Formed in 1898, the Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1 currently encompasses roughly 255 square miles of Teller County, including Cripple Creek, Victor, and the southern half of unin-corporated Teller County. The district, which served more than 475 students in the 2007–2008 academic year, consists of five schools: the Cripple Creek-Victor Schools Early Childhood Education and Head Start, Cresson Elementary School, Battle Mountain Middle School, Cripple

Creek-Victor Junior-Senior High, and Mountain Alternative School.

The district offers many different kinds of academic and vocational opportunities because, as Marta DeJesus, the principal at Cresson Elementary, puts it: “It is impos-sible to know exactly what kind of jobs our children might have some day, but there is a good chance they will need cre-ativity, communication and problem-solv-ing skills, self-direction, and technology skills.” District teachers therefore work diligently to incorporate global awareness, civic and health literacy, and creativity into their everyday lessons. Students also have access to state-of-the-art equipment to help them develop the technology skills vital to 21st-century success.

Successful learning also requires facili-ties in which students can be comfortable. Toward that goal the Cripple Creek-Victor Junior-Senior High, originally constructed in 1975 to house kindergarten through 12th grade, is being remodeled begin-ning in 2008, expanding its classrooms to accommodate junior- and senior-high students.

“There are classrooms in the build-ing that are sized for very young chil-dren, so many of our classrooms are very

small,” says Sue Holmes, superintendent of Cripple Creek-Victor Schools. “All the rooms will be set to a standard of approxi-mately 850 square feet.”

The renovation will also add to the north side of the building, install a fire sprinkler system, and the replace outdated windows and lighting with energy-efficient products. There are also plans to add an enclosed stairwell and an elevator.

“Students and teachers alike are thrilled about the facelift the school will receive,” says Holmes. “They just can’t wait to get into their ‘new’ school.”

For more information on the Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 District, call the district office at 719-689-2685 or visit them online at www.ccvschools.com.

Woodland Park School District RE-2

The original Woodland Park school-house, built in 1890, was a two-story white frame building that employed only two teachers. Today the Woodland Park School District has three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school serving more than 2,600 students from Woodland Park, Divide, Florissant, and northern Teller County.

confronting contemporary challenges


educaTIon

Woodland Park School District offers several special programs, including a gifted and talented program; independent, indi-vidualized learning plans for each student; Advanced Placement and honors-level classes for high school students; and extra-curricular activities for all age groups.

Woodland Park Schools are doing all they can to prepare students for the challenges that await them in the 21st century.

“Information turnover is much higher now than in the past,” says Guy Arseneau, superintendent of the Woodland Park RE-2 School District. “We can’t continue to teach kids the way we’ve always done it. They’re going to need new skills for the 21st century. We have to produce kids who have critical thinking, problem solv-ing, and work ethic and communication skills.”

To address the challenges of educat-ing students in the 21st century, the school district started the Woodland Park High School 21st Century Committee in September 2008. The committee’s pur-pose, according to Arseneau, is to inves-tigate research, propose, facilitate public forums, and give input on what steps educators and the community need to


educaTIon

take to effectively prepare students for the 21st century. Already the committee has discovered that one of the keys to success will be providing a quality education in the core subjects, especially math and sci-ence, which focuses on application as well as content.

“We need to make sure our students know what to do with the content they receive,” Arseneau says.

To that end, the committee has focused on a group of 10 skills identified by national education organizations as essen-tial to students in the 21st century. The skills — critical thinking, problem solv-ing, innovation, effective communication, effective collaboration, self-directed learn-ing, information and media literacy, global awareness, civic engagement, and financial and economic literacy — will allow stu-dents to adapt to a world that continues to change increasingly faster.

“So even when the information changes, the skills won’t,” says Woodland Park High School Principal Jo Spry. “They’ll carry over into whatever the students will be doing in the future.”

Another significant change took effect in fall 2008, as the district’s elementary schools converted to full-day kindergarten.

“If we want to move our curriculum up we have to start at the lowest level,” Arseneau says.

While the district offered a full-day kindergarten program before fall 2008, it charged tuition for students enrolled in the program. The new program provides full-day kindergarten free of charge.

“Full-day classes allow the stu-dents a greater depth of learning,” says Cris Gammill, principal at Columbine Elementary. “This is what we want for all students.”

To learn more about the Woodland Park School District RE-2, check out their Web site at new.wpsdk12.org or call 719-686-2000.

Colorado Springs Christian School of Woodland Park

Parents who want to educate their children in a Christian atmosphere can turn to Colorado Springs Christian School (CSCS), an independent, nondenomina-tional school with a campus in Woodland Park. The school, founded in 1971, is dedicated to providing an outstanding academic, physical, emotional, and spiritual

environment in which students can real-ize their spiritual, intellectual, social, and ethical potential. CSCS graduates have been accepted to prestigious uni-versities all over the country, including Boston University, Columbia University, Duke University, and Vanderbilt University, among many others.

CSCS also teaches students to act ethically, to care for and serve others, and to practice Christian stewardship of human and natural resources by weaving those principles into the fabric of all their programs.

The Woodland Park campus offers aca-demic, artistic, and athletic programs for all age groups and is quickly becom-ing the premier Christian-based school in the area. For information on tuition, enrollment and the school’s programs, call the Colorado Springs Christian School of Woodland Park at 719-686-0706.

CSCS graduates have been accepted to prestigious

universities all over the country, including Boston

University, Columbia University, Duke University, and

Vanderbilt University, among many others


Real esTaTe

Many people who visit Woodland Park end up wanting to live there, and it’s easy to see why. Residents

enjoy incredible views of the surround-ing mountains year-round, through gentle, mild summers and gorgeous, sparkling winters. There are also the abundant recreation, the excellent school system, the growing economy, and the first-class local services. As Shawn Keehn, a lifelong Woodland Park resident, says, “I cannot think of a better place to live!”

Keehn isn’t the only one who feels that way. The population of Woodland Park and the surrounding area has been increas-ing 2 percent per year, according to Teller County Commissioner Jim Ignatiuas, with the majority of the homes sold being pri-mary residences.

“Approximately 15 percent of the homes in Teller County are used as seasonal or secondary residents,” says Ignatiuas. “Most of the people who move here plan on staying here.”

Now is a better time than ever to move to Woodland Park, according to resident and local real estate agent Dave Brown. After several years of home prices increas-ing an average of 10 percent per year, home prices are modestly declining, falling

about 5.5 percent since early 2007, making buying a home in Woodland Park more affordable than ever. The average price of a home in Woodland Park now stands at $264,500. Brown notes that while the declining prices are following a national trend, the region has experienced a much gentler decline than the vast majority of the country.

The addition of Pikes Peak Regional Hospital is supporting local property val-ues. Curt Grina, president of the Pikes

Peak Regional Medical Center Association, explains, “Some people say the only reason they chose to live here was because they knew the hospital was on the way. A house that has access to this service is worth more than one that hasn’t.”

Dave Brown attributes the moderate decline to the diverse economy of the region, which continues to grow in spite of economic woes in other parts of the

country. Since the economy will continue to grow, says Brown, now is the perfect time for buyers and investors alike.

Buyers in Woodland Park have numer-ous options. Besides existing homes, which include several luxurious multimillion dollar homes, the area is still undergoing a good amount of new home construc-tion, says Keehn. There are many new developments in the planning stages that will make several hundred new home lots available over the next few years. Many

new developments will require that lots be a minimum of one-third of an acre, giving residents plenty of room to construct their dream home. Other developments have already begun construction on single-family homes, with an average sales price of $350,000, and many of the new

homes are built by local contractors whose quality work complements the natural beauty of the region.

Those looking to purchase homes in Woodland Park have a wide selection not only of homes, but also of finance options. While plenty of lenders offer low-interest conventional loans, other loan programs provide opportunities for buyers to pur-chase at very low interest rates with little

no more desirable Place to call home

“Most of the people who move

here plan on staying here.”— Jim Ignatiuas, Teller County Commissioner


Real esTaTe

or no money down. One such program, the USDA Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Program, offers eligible buyers two loan options: the Loan Guarantee Program, which allows purchasers to borrow up to 100 percent of the appraised value of the home, elimi-nating the need for a down payment, and the Direct Loan Program, which offers low-interest loans to those who may not otherwise qualify for conventional loans. Other opportunities available to qualified buyers include Federal Housing Authority (FHA) programs and financing through the Veterans Administration.

Woodland Park offers more than just single-family homes. Woodland Park and Teller County government officials have been working for the last several years on increasing the number of multi-family units available in the area, resulting in a boost in the number of affordable apart-ments and condominiums available.

And Woodland Park real estate devel-opment isn’t limited to the housing mar-ket. The downtown area, under the lead-ership of the Downtown Development Authority, is experiencing great com-mercial real estate growth, with plans for a hotel and conference center under way. Further development is expected in the empty commercial lots surrounding Wal-Mart.

With a growing economy and a buyer’s real estate market, there is no more desirable place to call home than Woodland Park.


GoVeRnmenT

Woodland Park and Teller County residents feel fortunate to have government officials who take as

much pride in their region as they do.

Woodland ParkThe Woodland Park municipal govern-

ment is composed of a city manager who administers day-to-day city affairs and City Council, composed of a mayor and six Council members who enact and enforce city ordinances. The city holds elections every two years by mail-in ballot. Council members serve four-year terms, coming up for election on a rotating basis, and the mayor is re-elected every two years.

Several municipal committees and departments help preserve and enhance the Woodland Park’s beauty, including the Historic Preservation and Keep Woodland Park Beautiful committees. The Woodland Park Planning Commission plays a crucial role in preserving city aesthetics while encouraging new growth, developing and upholding construction ordinances that prevent overly intrusive or disruptive con-struction. Residents point to the town’s Wal-Mart as evidence of the commission’s success. The building has a log façade and hunter green roof that blends in with the

conifer-covered mountain in the distance, and the extensive landscaping, including a bronze mule deer sculpture and a creek, make it seem a natural part of the scenery.

Woodland Park’s government has been successful in maintaining safety. Woodland Park has a very low crime rate, and the Woodland Park Police Department is there to ensure it remains that way. The Police Department, led by Chief Robert Larson and Deputy Police Chief John Gomes, includes 18 sworn officers in patrol, inves-tigations, and administration, as well as 10 support staff.

Teller CountyTeller County officials, elected to four-

year terms, include three county commis-sioners, a county clerk, a county treasurer, a county assessor, a county sheriff, and a county coroner. County office elections are held every two years, with elections for two of the commissioner positions held together and the other six positions held two years later.

Teller County services include mar-riage licenses, driver’s licenses, voter registration, vehicle registration, property tax assessment, and animal control, but they also do a lot more. Besides regular

911 service, Teller County offers “Reverse 911” service. The “Reverse 911” allows residents to register their home and/or cell phones to be notified of emergencies that may affect their homes or businesses.

Teller County also offers services to counter one of the unique challenges of living in the area: forest fires. “Fires are a natural hazard when you live at such a high elevation, because lightning is much closer and can strike more frequently,” says Chris Adams.

Teller County is home to eight fire protection districts. Staffed primarily by volunteers and equipped with more than 15 engines and several brush trucks, the fire protection districts respond to brush, home, and business fires. The districts use the latest technology to gather data on vegetation and fuel conditions, home fire susceptibility, available water supply, and emergency vehicle access to form dis-trictwide wildfire plans that allow the dis-tricts to customize their response to each home when fire strikes. The Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District, which serves the area that includes Woodland Park, has recently acquired state-of-the-art software to help them fine-tune their wildfire plan.

Regional Pride and service


WoRshIP

Many Woodland Park parishioners confess that the splendor of their environment makes worship easy.

“With all the breathtaking beauty that sur-rounds us, praise just comes naturally,” says Vicki Rector.

Expanding to ServeOver the last few years many Woodland

Park churches have surged in membership, causing several churches to expand their facilities and others to consider expansion.

Mountain View United MethodistMountain View United Methodist

Church broke ground on a new structure in June 2007, and in April 2008 the church consecrated their new sanctuary. Church officials say the new building benefits more than just their congregation.

“We offer space for many types of community organizations to meet in our building. This building project will help us continue to be a welcoming and serv-ing church in Woodland Park,” says Betty France, Mountain View senior pastor.

The church also recently added an asso-ciate pastor and a new children’s ministry director to their staff in to help meet the needs of their growing flock.

Woodland Park Christian ChurchWoodland Park Christian Church also

moved into their new building in March 2008. The new building has a larger sanc-tuary and a bigger youth center to accom-modate their upward youth ministry. “We have so many opportunities for young peo-ple, from Bible studies to special activities, like paintball and trips to Six Flags,” says new Student Life Pastor Joshua Lewis.

Lady of the Woods CatholicLady of the Woods Catholic Church

is another ministry growing beyond their current building. The church has con-ducted a study to determine the feasibility of raising a new building and has started a Capital Stewardship Drive to help them raise the necessary money.

Community OutreachThe churches of Woodland Park may

worship in different buildings, but they have a common mission. Area churches often allow the community to use their facilities. Mountain View United Methodist Church allows many groups, including local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, to meet in their facility at no charge. And Lady of the Woods Catholic Church hosts

regular blood drives and meetings of the local chapter of the La Leche League.

Different area churches also work together on many community programs.

Teller County Habitat for Humanity• was started by members of St. David of the Hills Episcopal Church, but the program is now supported by several different congregations. The Woodland Park Community •Cupboard, which helps families by giving them three to five days of emer-gency food when they have no other means of support, is another program that receives assistance from many dif-ferent churches. Help the Needy• , a nonprofit organiza-tion that assists individuals and families with clothing, utilities, rent, and other needs, also benefits from volunteers and donations from multiple congregations.

The churches in Woodland Park include Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Episcopal, Church of Christ, and nondenom-inational congregations. Despite the variety in denomination, Woodland Park church-goers are united in their desire to help the needy and bring people closer to God.

dedication to neighbors and community


culTuRe

V isitors are often surprised that Woodland Park is home to a flour-ishing arts community.

“People see a town the size of Woodland Park and assume we’re too small to have any culture,” says Gary Dimig, an active member of the Mountain Artists. “But then they’re amazed at the variety and quality of the art we have.”

Music, theater, and art thrive in Woodland Park year-round, adding another dimension to this mountain town.

Ute Pass Cultural CenterThe city-owned Ute Pass Cultural

Center is a multi-use facility that hosts many of Woodland Park’s cultural events. The center’s three rooms are often rearranged to accommodate everything from concerts to art exhibits.

Facilities Manager Debbie Pinello says, “Our largest room, called simply ‘The Main Room,’ has a stage and can seat 250 people, so it’s an ideal entertainment venue.” The smaller rooms, Pinello says, are often used for art exhibits, classes, and meetings.

The Ute Pass Cultural Center hosts dozens of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and festivals.

Many performances at the center are annual Woodland Park traditions, but patrons are advised to get schedule updates either by contacting the event’s spon-sor group, calling the center at 719-687-5284, or visiting the center’s Web site at www.utepassculturalcenter.itgo.com.

Events and FestivalsWoodland Park is the perfect scenic

backdrop for many festivals held through-out the year.

Mountain Arts FestivalThe Mountain Arts Festival is spon-

sored each year by the Mountain Artists, a nonprofit organization that promotes visual arts appreciation and awareness in Teller County. The festival, held annually the first weekend of August at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, includes displays from more than 70 artists. Visitors can enjoy live music and food as they browse paintings,

jewelry, woodwork, photography, and pot-tery made by local and national artists.

The festival, which marked its 24th anniversary in 2009, attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Pikes Peak Christian Artist FestivalGalen Beaver, the worship pas-

tor at Woodland Park Community Church, held the first Pikes Peak Christian Artist Festival in 2006 as a way for local Christian musi-cians to connect with one another and the people of Woodland Park outside the church. The festival,

which celebrated its third year in 2008, has become an incredible success, draw-ing musicians and artists from all over the country to Woodland Park each June. While the festival still aims to join artists together, the mission has expanded to ben-efit several area ministries, including The Children’s Ark.

Held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, the festival features fine arts exhibits from local and national artists, live Christian music, and food vendors. The 2008 festi-val included performances from Christian singer/songwriter Danny Oertli and criti-cally acclaimed singer Geoff Moore.

The arts above the clouds

“People are amazed at the variety

and quality of the art we have.” — Gary Dimig, active member of the Mountain Artists


culTuRe

“This is one of the few festivals of its kind in the country,” says Beaver, “and the beautiful setting certainly does its part to draw people here!”

For more information about the Pikes Peak Christian Artist Festival, visit www.ppcaf.com or contact Galen Beaver at 719-687-9235.

Symphony Above the CloudsThe Ute Pass Symphony Guild has

been bringing the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra to Woodland Park for its July 5 Symphony Above the Clouds concert since 1985. The concert is the biggest event of the town’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration and drew almost 10,000 people in 2008.

“People come from out of state just to hear this concert,” says Ute Pass Symphony Guild Board President Connie Joiner.

Concertgoers bring picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs to spread out on the football field at Woodland Park Middle School and just enjoy the atmosphere, says Joiner. Pre-concert entertainment is usually provided by a local band. In 2008, funk band Oil Change, an up-and-coming group whose members include several Woodland Park High School students, opened the event.

“Several of the guild’s members heard Oil Change perform at the Woodland Park Music Market and were blown away,” says Joiner. “We felt more people should hear them.”

The Philharmonic takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. and plays a variety of music before concluding with patriotic music set to a fireworks display sponsored by the City of Woodland Park.

“People thrill to the orchestra’s pop and show tunes, and they can’t wait for the concluding rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with the bells, Fort Carson cannon, and fireworks,” says Joiner.

For more information on the event, call the Ute Pass Symphony Guild at 719-687-3288 or 719-686-5250.

Woodland Music Series

Summer also brings the concerts of the Woodland Music Series. The series is held June through September on the second weekend of the month at the Ute Pass Cultural Center and features well-known and emerging rock ’n’ roll, bluegrass, blues, big band, and jazz artists. The series began in 2003 as a way to bring greater musical diversity to Woodland Park.

“Before the Woodland Music Series the only thing we really had was the Pikes Peak Jazz Festival,” says Bob Powell, president of the Woodland Music Series organiza-tion. “We restructured the festival to make the Series, and it has become even more successful than the jazz festival was.”

Each weekend starts on Friday night with indoor performances at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Tickets must be pur-chased for the Friday night performances, which are conducted cabaret-style and feature a cash bar.

The performances continue on Saturday afternoon with a free “On the Green” per-formance on the grassy area between the Woodland Park Public Library and the Ute Pass Cultural Center. The Saturday perfor-mances are more family-oriented.

“We usually have a mime, face painting, a clown, and other activities for children,” says Powell. “The Saturday performances also have food and drink vendors.”

For concert schedule and other infor-mation about the Woodland Music Series,

contact Debbie Pinello at the Ute Pass Cultural Center 719-687-5284 or visit www.woodlandmusicseries.com.

Woodland Park Wind SymphonyMany artists, perhaps drawn to the

area’s natural beauty, call Woodland Park and the surrounding communities home. Individual artists display their work throughout the region, and several local organizations add their own vibrancy to the area.

Among them is the Woodland Park Wind Symphony, a 50-member orchestra sponsored by the City of Woodland Park that is volunteer-based and free to join. According to symphony director Craig Harms, no audition is required to join.

“We accept anyone who wants to play, no matter what their experience level,” says Harms. “We even have several whole families who play for us.”

The open policy does not diminish the symphony’s performances, however. Harms says people often seem amazed at how good the symphony sounds.

“It seems like someone comes up after every show to compliment us on how professional we sound,” Harms says. “One year we stood in for the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra at the Symphony Above the Clouds, and it was such a high-quality performance that most people didn’t notice the switch.”


Woodland PaRk eVenTs calendaR

MonthlyWoodland Park Chamber of •Commerce Business After Hours Third Tuesday of every month except December (held the second Tuesday in December)

Spring

MarchWoodland Park Chamber of •Commerce Annual Dinner

AprilTeller County Public Health Fair•KidsFest•Woodland Park Chamber of •Commerce Business Expo

SummerWoodland Park Farmer’s Market• Every Friday, June–September Woodland Music Series• Second weekend of the month, June–September

JunePikes Peak •Christian Artist FestivalLost Dutchman Music Festival •

JulyCity of Woodland Park Old •Fashioned 4th of July CelebrationSymphony Above the Clouds•

Greater Woodland Park Chamber •of Commerce Golf TournamentTeller County American Cancer •Society’s Relay for Life

AugustRocky Mountain Dinosaur •Resource Center CritterfestMountain Arts Festival•

Fall

September Cruise Above the Clouds •Classic Car ShowRocky Mountain Oktoberfest• Sponsored by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce

OctoberAnnual Woodland Park •Chamber of Commerce Membership Breakfast

Winter

DecemberHoliday Home Tour•City of Woodland Park’s •Lighter Side of Christmas Parade

Where and When to be


close

Dr. David Schafer first visited Woodland Park when he was sta-tioned at Fort Carson in the 1990s.

He says the minute he crested the hill on westbound U.S. Highway 24 leading into town, he knew it was where he wanted to live. He moved to Woodland Park in 2006.

His story is similar to those of many Woodland Park residents. People who visit Woodland Park are drawn to the area. Some

say it’s the beauty of the region that attracts them, from the vibrant colors of the spring wildflowers to the tranquility of the snow-covered winter slopes. Others say it is the people, so friendly and hospitable that you can’t help but feel comfortable. Some cite the recreational opportunities, such as the outstanding, scenic hiking trails and the abundant fishing. And still others say it is the unparalleled quality of life: the

award-winning schools, the flourishing arts community, the active economy.

But perhaps it really is just a feeling; an intuition or kindred spirit that this is where you should be, this is where you belong.

It’s the feeling of coming home.It can’t really be explained; it’s just

something you have to experience for yourself. So come to Woodland Park. See what it feels like to come home.

The feeling of coming home


Index of advertisersADVerTiSer ................................................................................................................PAge NUmBer

American Family Insurance – Frank W. Gundy Agency Inc. ........................................................................ 6

Bristlecone Lodge ............................................................................................................................... 16

Carter Realty, Inc. – Tina Albillar .......................................................................................................... 19

Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center .......................................................................................................... 13

Compassion Animal Hospital ................................................................................................................ 10

Country Lodge ................................................................................................................................... 14

Electric Service of Colorado LLC ........................................................................................................... 31

Flood Realty, Inc. – Kathy Flood .......................................................................................................... 31

Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce ...................................................................................... 5

Home and Lifestyles of Colorado – Susie Norton ................................................................................... 13

Kenneth Wyatt Photography, LLC ........................................................................................................ 13

The Law Office of Julie D. Myers, LLC .................................................................................................. 11

Mountain Artists ................................................................................................................................. 29

Paradise Condominiums ...................................................................................................................... 30

Paradise of Colorado ............................................................................................................................ 1

Pikes Peak Regional Hospital and Surgery Center .......................................................... Outside Back Cover

Pikes Peak Workforce Center .............................................................................................................. 20

Pizza Hut ........................................................................................................................................... 20

Rampart Library District ....................................................................................................................... 6

RE/MAX Performance, Inc. .................................................................................................................. 25

Summit Salon & Beauty School ............................................................................................................ 19

Tall Timbers Tree and Shrub Service ..................................................................................................... 30

Teller County Public Health ................................................................................................................. 19

Teller County Regional Animal Shelter .................................................................................................. 10

Teller Senior Coalition ......................................................................................................................... 20

Vectra Bank Colorado ......................................................................................................................... 11

Woodland Hardware & Rental ............................................................................................................. 11

Woodland Park Office of Economic Development .................................................................................. 11

Woodland Park School District Re-2 ..................................................................................................... 22

BY AIRONN BISHOP

Woodland Park, CO 2009 Relocation and Tourism Guide

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Transcript of Woodland Park, CO 2009 Relocation and Tourism Guide