Golf staff grooms sled run, rest of course off limits

Kids of all ages are invited to slip, slide, jump, biff and burn their blizzard-related stress away on the nicely groomed slope of the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course driving range-turned sled run.

Tim Beyers, course superintendent, and his staff maintain the top-notch sledding hill on the driving range whenever the snow falls heavily and stays around. However, Beyers and the Town ask residents to please stay off the remainder of the golf course. The designated sledding area is on the driving range ONLY. The rest of the golf course is off limits to sledders, snowshoers, hikers, cross-country-skiers and other winter sport enthusiasts.

It is important to stay off the regular course because of the potential for permanent and expensive damage, Beyers said. The mix of specialty grasses used on the course is dormant from fall to spring, so blades and roots are more fragile. The grass is also cut seasonally short (only 1/8 inch on the greens), making it more susceptible to damage to the root system, he said.

For those residents wishing to do more than sledding in the snow, be sure to visit Town parks and open space areas, or check out the winter activity and sports offerings from the Castle Rock Recreation Department. Information about parks and open space facilities and locations and winter activities is available in the Winter/Spring 2007 Recreation Guide mailed to households in early December, on the Town Web site, www.CRgov.com, or by calling 303-660-1036.

Chad Reiling