Good morning, Highlands Ranch,
It’s wonderful living among the red rocks, but last week I visited the yellow stones for the first time. Yellowstone National Park is worth more than money can measure.
Back among our own red rocks, Roxborough State Park could get a new name. A proposal would rename it Richard D. Lamm State Park at Roxborough, honoring the late Colorado governor who helped establish it.
Now, onto the Scoop:
Two guides to make November your own
A state park-name proposal and a $333 million refinancing
Seven outings, from ballet to a chili cook-off
—Grace Hody
Editor, The Ranch Scoop
Weekend Outing Ideas
Talk Water | Highlands Ranch | Thursday, Nov. 5: Bring your questions about proposed rates, conservation, and water supply to Highlands Ranch Water’s open house at the Senior Center, 5:30–7 p.m. ➜ Details
See Swan Lake in a New Light | Lone Tree | Thursday, Nov. 5: Illuminated costumes and dramatic lighting bring Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights to Lone Tree Arts Center at 7 p.m. ➜ Details
Take the Family to the Symphony | Littleton | Saturday, Nov. 7: Littleton Symphony’s free family concert brings orchestral favorites to Littleton United Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. ➜ Details
Honor Those Who Served | Castle Rock | Saturday, Nov. 7: Join Douglas County’s Veterans Day Tribute at Veterans Monument Plaza, 301 Wilcox St. in Castle Rock, at 11 a.m., with a color guard, guest speaker, and music. ➜ Details
Vote with Your Spoon | Highlands Ranch | Saturday, Nov. 7: Taste chili and choose your favorite at Living Way Fellowship’s women’s ministry fundraiser, 6–8 p.m., for $10 per adult or $5 for kids 12 and under, payable at the door by cash or check. ➜ Details
Pair Chocolate with Wine | Littleton | Saturday, Nov. 7: Sample four wines and ten handcrafted chocolates at The Chocolate Therapist in downtown Littleton, 6:30–7:30 p.m., with advance booking required. ➜ Details
Hear the Stories Behind the Songs | Parker | Saturday, Nov. 7: John McEuen & The Circle Band bring the music and stories behind Will the Circle Be Unbroken to Parker’s PACE Center at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $49–$54. ➜ Details
Hear the Academy Winds | Littleton | Sunday, Nov. 8: The Air Force Academy Band’s sextet performs at Littleton United Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m., with free admission. ➜ Details
New November Scoop Guides
Make Thanksgiving Your Own: From pickup dinners and restaurant reservations to grocery-store shortcuts and conversation starters, here’s a little help deciding what to make and what to hand off.
Spice Up Your November: Local outings, holiday lights, and things to do around South Denver—whether you’re showing company around or making plans for yourself.
The Ranch Brief
🏘️ Highlands Ranch | Palomino Park secures $333 million refinancing
➜ Read more
Palomino Park’s Red Canyon, Green River, and Blue Ridge communities secured $333.3 million in financing to replace existing loans, including $8.32 million reserved for future apartment renovations across the 1,184-unit portfolio. 4.
💰 Highlands Ranch | 2027 budget takes shape
➜ Review the budget
The Highlands Ranch Metro District is reviewing its proposed 2027 budget, including funding for parks, infrastructure, and community improvements. Residents can weigh in at the Nov. 24 public hearing before the board's scheduled Dec. 9 adoption.
🏞️ Colorado State Park | A new name for Roxborough?
➜ Read more
A petition proposes renaming Roxborough State Park Richard D. Lamm State Park at Roxborough to recognize the late governor’s role in protecting the land; Friends of Roxborough State Park opposes the change, citing the park’s established identity, costs, and the contributions of others who helped preserve it. 4.
🦨 A Parker skunk needed help with its takeout
➜ Reported October 30
Officers rescued a skunk with its head stuck in a Culver’s cup, carefully following it until one could pull the cup off. The skunk escaped safely; the bodycam video makes this one especially entertaining.
SCOOP Hub
🏔️ 6 Date Night Ideas In & Around the Ranch
🏔️ 26 Ranch Park Guide
🏔️ Local Trivia Guide
🏔️ Advertise With Us
📬 Before You Go
With Veterans Day approaching, I’m grateful for the people in our country and community who have served, including my dad. I’m not sure he reads the Scoop as he lives in a different state, but he’s always been a fan of its editor.
To our veterans and the families beside them: thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the stories we don’t always hear. We’re grateful for you.
As always, thank for spending part of your Thursday with me. See you next week!
—Grace