POST Partners allows contributions toward parks, open space and trails

Those in and around Castle Rock can help beautify the Town's parks, open space and trails - with or without getting their hands dirty - through the Town's POST Partners program.

POST Partners - formerly Adopt-A-Park/Trail/Open Space - is for individuals or groups wishing to donate time or money to improve the Town's parks, open space and trails. Participation levels run the gamut, from monetary donations and one-day projects to one- and two-year park adoptions.

"We often acknowledge the many hours volunteers give to the Town, but they add so much more," said Ron Claussen, chairman of the Town Parks and Recreation Commission. "Volunteers add spark and fire to any project they tackle. Their life experiences, coupled with their unfailing enthusiasm, add that little extra something to help create a sense of community."

POST Partners is an especially good fit for high school students looking to complete community service hours. Volunteers don't just pick up trash; they also help plant trees, monitor wildlife, build and repair trails and increase awareness of the Town's parks, open space and trails and the activities held at them.

"It's very fulfilling and gratifying," said Jon Haase, who with Castle Rock's 6202 Cycling Club has worked to restore trails at the Town's Memmen Ridge Open Space, "especially after you've talked to people who went and used the new trails that you built."

Those who can't donate their time are encouraged to participate by purchasing or making a contribution toward the purchase of items from the Parks and Recreation Department's purchase list, which includes playground equipment, picnic tables, grills, recycling carts, bulletin boards, plants and other improvements. Donors also may purchase park benches, trees and interpretive signs in honor of loved ones.

Interested in becoming a POST Partner? Call 303-814-7444 or e-mail postpartners@CRgov.com for more information.