Good morning, Highlands Ranch.
After this week's park drop, one thing became pretty clear...
The late Mr. Toepfer, known as the father of Highlands Ranch, has one of our community's favorite parks. Yet somehow, many of us still can't spell his name or pronounce it.
After posting the park on Tuesday, I had the chance to chat with Mr. Toepfer's granddaughter, who shared the correct pronunciation along with a few fun stories about her grandfather. You'll find those a little farther down in this week's Scoop.
This week, we’re unlocking a few new guides:
🍂 South Denver Fall Festival Guide
🌳 What’s behind Highlands Ranch park names
❓ Trivia Nights in Highlands Ranch & Around South Denver
Let’s get into it.
—Grace Hody
Toepfer Park, Highlands Ranch
Weekend Outing Ideas
Western Welcome Week — Littleton
🗓️ August 7–16
➜ View details
Littleton's beloved 10-day celebration returns with live music, art shows, a drone show, car shows, family activities, and more. This year's festival celebrates Colorado's 150th birthday
Elks Car Show — Littleton
🗓️ Saturday, August 9 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
➜ View details
Part of Western Welcome Week, this annual tradition features classic cars, hot rods, live music, and local food. Proceeds from food and beverage sales benefit Nourish Meals on Wheels.
Parker Brewfest — Parker
🗓️ Saturday, August 8 (2–5 p.m.)
➜ View details
Enjoy unlimited tastings from 30+ Colorado breweries, wineries, distilleries, and meaderies, plus live music and local food trucks. Hosted by the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club, proceeds support local charities and youth programs.
Coffee Chat — Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Sunday, August 9 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)
➜ View details
Looking to meet new people? Drop in for coffee and conversation with other adults and retirees. Some gatherings also include guest speakers from around the community.
Splash Mash Dash Kids Triathlon — Highlands Ranch
🗓️ Saturday, August 8 (9 a.m.)
➜ View details
Kids can swim, bike, and run their way through this fun, non-timed triathlon designed for all experience levels. Every participant receives a finisher medal, making it a great introduction to the sport in a supportive environment.
Recurring in the Ranch
Free Yoga in the Park — Saturday, August 8
Backcountry Outdoor Movie Series (School of Rock) — Saturday, August 8
Highlands Ranch Farmers Market — Sunday, August 9
Live Music Lowdown (August 6 - 12)
Thursday, August 6
Littleton (Concert Series) — Cass Clayton Band
Friday, August 7
Highlands Ranch (Prost) — The Hip Replacements
Lone Tree Grill (Music on the Patio) — Bunny Blake
Castle Rock (First Fridays) — Six Million Dollar Band
Saturday, Aug 8
Highlands Ranch (Prost) — Los Tres Cajones
Wednesday, Aug 12
Castle Rock — Jazz in the Park
Park of the Week
The 26 Park Challenge Giveaway is presented by Abby Sells Denver.
🌳 Toepfer (21/26)
➜ View details
One of Highlands Ranch's most-loved parks, Toepfer features an epic recently renovated playground with tall climbing structures and plenty of room to explore. Generous shade, picnic areas, sports fields, and restrooms make it an easy place to spend an afternoon with family.
Katie Kruse, Her Siblings & Boys at the park named after her late grandfather—Mr. Toepfer
💚A Little Scoop
After dropping Toepfer Park this week, I got to chat a bit with James Toepfer's granddaughter, Katie.
She shared that James and his wife had two daughters, five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren with almost all of them still living here in Highlands Ranch.
I asked her how to pronounce Toepfer. Almost everyone pronounces Toepfer wrong, myself included.
The O is silent, making it "Tep-fer."
Now we can all sound a little more like locals.
🛝Toepfer 2.0
When Toepfer Park was renovated, Katie shared that it wasn't just about replacing playground equipment.
ThunderRidge High School students helped shape several of the park's more accessible and inclusive features, creating a space that welcomes even more kids and families.
I love that the park honoring one of Highlands Ranch's founders is still evolving with help from the next generation.
On Our Radar Next Week
Perseid Meteor Shower — Highlands Ranch
🗓️ Thursday, August 13
➜ View details
Up to 100 meteors per hour, a new moon, and one of the year's best nights for stargazing. Bring a blanket or camp chair and enjoy the show.
Scoop Referrals — Birthday Shoutouts
Refer 3 nearby friends or family using your personal referral link (found below), and we’ll celebrate your birthday in that week’s Scoop newsletter.
Once you hit 3 referrals, we’ll send over a quick form to collect your birthday. (Don’t worry — no birth year required.)
📬 Before You Go
I'm incredibly grateful for all of you who choose to spend a few minutes with The Ranch Scoop each week. It means a lot.
Because of your support, a few amazing local organizations have decided to come alongside The Ranch Scoop as our first Founding Community Partners.
I'll be introducing them over the next few weeks, and I can't wait for you to meet them.
See you next Thursday.
—Grace
Ranch Resources
🔥 Restrictions: Stage 2
💧 Restrictions: Stage 1
🌳🏛️ Highlands Ranch Metro District
🚗 Ranch Resource: Link On Demand