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Highlands Ranch Goes Hands-Free with Free Rides

Highlands Ranch Goes Hands-Free with Free Rides

June 02, 2025

June 2, 2025

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather this past weekend—because we might be in for a bit of a dip this week. First up, breaking news: flour tortillas narrowly won the giveaway poll on Friday! A close call, but still an impressive victory.

In this issue, we’ve got county-wide updates, a possible chance to catch the northern lights in the coming days, and—considering the temps are on the rise—this month’s giveaway will be gift cards for the winners’ favorite local ice cream spots (since voting was spread across multiple towns).

Plus, we’ve rounded up some great homes to check out before diving into what’s happening around the county this week.

Also, a quick reminder: Wednesdays are for our DougCo Pets of the Week! Send your pet pics to [email protected] to have your furry (or feathery, or scaly!) friend featured!

In today’s DougCo Download:

Make sure to look up the next few nights!
Free rides in Highlands Ranch
Homes across DougCo
Music, Exercise, Chess and more!

Here we go.

The Digest

Keep an Eye Out for Northern Lights Tonight!

A rare geomagnetic storm sparked by a solar eruption could light up Colorado’s skies with bands of purple, magenta, and green tonight, June 1. The Aurora Borealis was spotted as far south as the Gulf of Mexico early this morning, and there's still a chance for more tonight.

The storm is expected to continue through Monday, June 2, so find a dark spot away from city lights and look north. While visibility in urban areas may be limited, rural parts of Douglas County could offer a rare and stunning light show.

Stay up to date and check out live sightings at spaceweather.com.

Free On-Demand Rides Now Available in Highlands Ranch

Highlands Ranch residents now have access to Link on Demand, a free ride service from Via Transportation. Whether you’re heading to work, the doctor, school, or shopping, this app-based service connects riders to key destinations like Park Meadows, Redstone Park, Sky Ridge Medical Center, and more.

With 15 vehicles in Highlands Ranch and service Monday through Saturday, it's designed for all ages and abilities—including wheelchair-accessible options.

📲 Download the Link on Demand app to book a ride, or call 719-212-2430 if you don’t have a smartphone.

Service hours:

Mon–Thurs: 7 AM–7 PM
Fri: 7 AM–10 PM
Sat: 10 AM–10 PM

A convenient and completely free way to get around town! Read more about this service at the Highlands Ranch Herald, or visit Link directly to learn more.

Festival Park Farmers Market Opens with Strong Crowd Despite Stormy Skies

Castle Rock's beloved Festival Park Farmers Market kicked off its 2025 season over Memorial Day weekend with nearly 40 vendors and a steady stream of shoppers—despite looming storm clouds. From fire-roasted salsa to fresh-cut flowers, local makers and growers brought their best to the community.

Highlights included Mountain Screamer salsa from Jeremy and Maribel Tobin and first-time vendor Marianne Martinez’s summer flower stand. The market runs every Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM through mid-October at Festival Park. More from Douglas County News.

More info: thelocalcolorado.com/castle-rock-farmers-market

Parker Police Use Drone to Locate Missing Child Near Trail

A Parker family experienced every parent’s nightmare when their child didn’t return from a visit to the neighborhood playground. After ground crews were unable to locate the child, Parker Police deployed a drone, which quickly spotted the child in a remote area off the Cherry Creek Trail—far from any visible path.

Thanks to the drone’s aerial view, the child was safely located and reunited with their family. A powerful reminder of how technology can play a critical role in community safety. Read more at kdvr.com.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats Jessi for winning the last Los Dos Gift Card! Enjoy the tacos and margs! Check your inbox so I can get the card over to you! Thanks for supporting the newsletter!

This Giveaway ends next Sunday, June 8 at noon MST.

You can send in a submission by doing the following:

Answer a poll hidden in one of the weeks issues.
Connect with our social accounts and submit your newsletter subscriber email to a a form I have posted on our instagram and facebook account!

All of these will count as individual submissions. And make sure the emails you submit on Facebook and Instagram forms are the same that are signed up here because this giveaway is just meant as a benefit to subscribers, not social media treasure hunters so any non subscriber emails submissions will not count.

Our Social Accounts: Instagram I Facebook

DougCo Homes

Who doesn’t love some real estate window shopping? We’ve rounded up a few intriguing listings—from great deals to dream homes—currently on the market in Douglas County. Dive in and enjoy the views!

Local Events: Monday-Wednesday

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check the Weekend Lineup later in the issue for some help planning out your weekend!

Family Fun

Play Chess!
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Parker Library, Event Hall A & B

Drop in for casual, all-ages chess—open to all skill levels.
Questions? Call 303-791-7323.

Yoga in Festival Park
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock

Experience the union of body, mind, and nature with free outdoor yoga classes. All levels welcome! Registration recommended for weather updates.

Bark for Books
📅 Tue, June 3 | 🕓 4:00–5:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library

Kids ages 6–12 can build reading skills by reading aloud to friendly therapy dogs. 📖
👉 Register for a 15-minute session online.

Club de Cuentos
📅 Tue, June 3 | 🕟 4:30–5:30 PM
📍 Parker Library, Kids Corner

For Grades 1–3: Read and discuss a Spanish picture book and enjoy a fun activity. No prep needed—beginners and native speakers welcome! Register here.

Coffee with a Cop
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕘 9:00–11:00 AM
📍 Lone Tree Rec Center

Chat with local officers over coffee and treats.

Powerful Pollinators
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕧 12:15–1:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library

Kids (ages 4+) can explore the world of pollinators through fun, hands-on activities. Presented by Butterfly Pavilion. Register here.

Free Summer Trolley Rides
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Downtown Castle Rock (loop between Encore Public Parking Garage & Douglas County School District lot)

Hop on the free trolley every Wednesday this summer! Perfect for family, friends, and neighbors to explore Downtown Castle Rock. Enjoy shopping, dining, and more.

🎷 Jazz in the Park
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock

Enjoy a relaxed evening of live local jazz in a cozy, vendor-free setting. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and soak up small-town vibes. No food or drinks served onsite, but downtown restaurants are just a stroll away!

Adult Community Events

Castle Rock Chess Club
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕕 6:00–7:45 PM
📍 Castle Rock, Event Hall A & B

Drop in for friendly chess competition open to all ages and skill levels. Everyone’s welcome!

Inklings Book Club
📅 Tue, June 3 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Parker Library, Event Hall B

Adults gather monthly to discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction reads. All are welcome! Register here.

Adaptations Book Club
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕜 1:30–4:30 PM
📍 Parker Library, 2nd Floor Conference Room

Watch and discuss book-to-film adaptations with fellow adults. Movie will be shown during the meeting.
📖 Reading list available online. Call 303-791-7323 with questions.

Adaptations Book Club
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall A

Discuss books and their film adaptations with fellow adults. Watch the movie beforehand and join the conversation! Register here.

Book Banter
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library, Event Hall

Join fellow adults to discuss fiction and nonfiction titles in this monthly book club.
📖 Reading list available online. For questions, call 303-791-7323.

Adult Events

Brewery Boot Camp
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company

Get fit with a total body workout at the brewery! All levels welcome, equipment provided, and enjoy discounted drinks after. Just $15 to join the fun and earn your beer!

FirePit Fun Run
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Living the Dream, Highlands Ranch

Run, have fun, and enjoy 20% off your tab!

Trails N' Ales Run Club
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Run with the crew, then enjoy $1 off beers!

Trivia Night with Jake Woods
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Downhill Brewing, Parker

Two rounds of trivia and chances to win free beer every Monday. Come test your knowledge and have fun!

LTBC Run Club
📅 Mon, June 2 | 🕡 6:30–7:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company

Join a quick 5K run and then unwind with 15% off draft beer! All paces welcome, plus mileage incentives.

Dart League
📅 Tue, June 3 | 🕕 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Join the fun and show off your skills every Tuesday night!

Trivia Night at Max Taps
📅 Tue, June 3 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Max Taps Co, Highlands Ranch

Trivia is back with a new contactless format! Bring your cell phone, enjoy prizes, and grab a spot early—tables are first come, first served.

JEOPARDY! Bar League Trivia
📅 Tue, June 3 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co., Castle Rock

Play America’s Favorite Quiz Show live! Free to join with prizes. Bring your team for two hours of fun.

Trivia Night
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker

Test your trivia skills and enjoy great brews! Bring friends and have fun.

Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Meet at Bison Park, then 105 West Brewing

Ride the trails and earn $1 off beers back at the brewery!

Wednesday Night Dart League
📅 Wed, June 4 | 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Max Taps Co, Highlands Ranch

Join weekly dart fun with teams, house darts (or bring your own), and gift cards for top teams at season’s end!

Weather

Weekend Lineup

🎶 Live music

We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant and connected Douglas County community! If there’s a local event, hidden gem, or standout small business you think deserves the spotlight, we’d love to hear about it—reach out anytime at [email protected]. And don’t forget to keep those cute pet photos coming for our Wednesday Pet of the Week—they’re a favorite around here!

Thanks for making this newsletter feel like home. We’ll see you Wednesday with more local stories, events, and feel-good finds!

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