Inside Arvada

Send us a textGet ready for the City's new summer kickoff celebration, Arvada Summerfest, with Special Events and Public Arts Manager Adelle Burton. Summerfest is a brand new event sponsored by the Arvada Festivals Commission on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ralston Park Addition (64th Ave. and Quail St. just north of Arvada West High School). The free event is both family- and pet-friendly. Adelle shares with us what to expect at Summerfest, including a beer garden, free kids activities, a pet swimsuit contest/parade and a lineup of live music that features Mighty Holler, Earl Nelson and the Company, and The Barlow!Participate in Bike Friendly Arvada's community ride before the event, and/or ride your bike to Summerfest and take advantage of Bike Friendly Arvada's free bike valet! The lightning round for this episode features some Arvada festivals trivia! Information for the trivia questions was pulled from two sources: "Arvada Comes of Age: A history of Arvada, Colorado During the Period 1942-1976" and "New Frontiers: A History of Arvada, Colorado 1976-2006" both courtesy of the Arvada Historical Society. News and Events:Fourth of July FireworksMovies Around Town People's Choice Movie PollBulky Item Drop-off Event on June 7Arvada Kids Fishing Contest on June 14Lake Arbor Center and Golf Course Master Plan Community Meeting on May 29The outro song for this episode is courtesy The Barlow, who will be headlining Arvada Summerfest on June 7. The song is titled "Standing Next to Me" and is from their newest album, "High Spirits."Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textSam Rogers, Civil Engineer with Arvada's stormwater and floodplain team, details how the City manages flood risks through infrastructure projects. Sam provides updates on the Ralston Creek Improvement Project near the West Woods Golf Course that stems from the 2013 floods.Also mentioned in the episode: The Lake Arbor Restoration Project that is completeOther work of the stormwater department, including protecting water quality in our lakes and creeksFlood insurance and Arvada's Community Rating System progressNews & EventsJune 7 Bulky Item Drop-off Event from 9am to 2pmVarious utilities projects underway around town, use the interactive public improvement projects map to find more information on projects you are interested inIf you volunteer with the City, RSVP to the May 31 Volunteer Appreciation Event The Ralston Central Splash Pad and Olde Town Fountains open on Saturday, May 2411 parks have pavilions that can be reserved online, Ralston Central Park does not accept reservationsRSVP to the May 29 Lake Arbor Center and Golf Course Master Plan open house about the future of the community center and poolCelebrate the start of summer on June 7 at the City's first annual Summerfest! Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textArvada's Open Space Supervisor Bob Bromley shares his 35 years of experience managing the city's trails and natural areas. He explains the ecological approaches used to maintain over 150 miles of hard surface trails and 3,400 acres of open space using sustainable practices.Topics discussed in this episode include: Arvada's trails network, which includes the Ralston Creek Trail, Little Dry Creek Trail, Van Bibber Creek Trail and several neighborhood trailsOpen space and natural area maintenance; including mowing frequency along trails and greenwaysInnovative, sustainably focused initiatives that Bob's team is doing, including biocontrol methods using insects to manage invasive weedsTrail etiquette tips to ensure everyone can safely enjoy our public spaces Tips for property owners who live next to open space areas News and Events: Arvada City Council selects Don Wick as its finalist for the City Manager position Sign up for Resource Central's Garden in a Box interest list for a new fall program The Majestic View Nature Center is looking for hosts for its annual Pollinator Garden Tour on July 12The City is holding its annual Arbor Day tree planting celebration this year with Secrest Elementary School, part of earning Tree City USA designation for the 34th straight year Visit arvadaco.gov/podcast for more information on upcoming episodes and to share your feedback.Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textManager of Golf Course Maintenance and Operations Joe Kunze brings 30 years of industry experience to Arvada's two city-owned courses, Lake Arbor and West Woods, implementing sustainable practices that benefit both golfers and the broader community.Topics discussed in this episode include: • Tips on how to maintain your own lawn, including when to fertilize and aerate• How deep, infrequent watering mimics rainfall patterns, saves water and promotes healthier root systems – watering tips webpage• The environmental benefits that golf courses provide, including wildlife habitats, stormwater management, and carbon sequestration• The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf • How native grass areas on courses require less water and offer better fire resistance than traditional turf – golf course native area maintenance webpage• How the City's golf courses are funded through an enterprise fund (and not tax dollars)News & Events: The first Bulky Item Drop-Off Event of the year is Saturday, April 26 at North Area Athletic Complex Provide your input on the City's Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Transition PlanMayor Lauren Simpson's annual State of the City Address is Friday, April 18 at Social Capitol Events City Manager Selection update The Quaker Street and Garrison Street murals are now complete! The West Woods Restaurant is hiring. Apply now! Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textArvada partners with two organizations providing support and healing for victims of crime and child abuse in our community. Jennifer Griffin of Victim Outreach Incorporated and Don Mosley of Ralston House discuss their organizations' missions, services, and unique partnerships with the City of Arvada. Mentioned in the episode:Victims Rights Week (April 8 - 12) Jefferson County Courage Walk on Saturday, April 12National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April)Ralston House Pinwheel GardenNews & Events:First 2025 Bulky Item Drop-off Event is Saturday, April 26Mayor Simpson's State of the City is Friday, April 18 (hosted through the Chamber of Commerce)Kite Festival is Sunday, April 13Majestic View Nature Center Earth Day Poster Contest is open!Be a host for the Nature Center's Pollinator Garden TourArvada Reservoir is open for the seasonVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textArvada's Pavement Program Manager Ben Sawaya gives an inside look at how the City maintains and repairs its 1,500+ lane miles of roads.Ben explains the different types of work the program is responsible for, how they prioritize work, and how they address program challenges, stretching limited resources as much as possible to perform maintenance and rehab work throughout the vast network of roads. Learn more about the program and see the map of proposed work areas each year at arvadaco.gov/pavementprogram. Contact pavement@arvada.org with questions about work in your area.News & Events:Annual water main flushing is underway, learn more and view the map of work areas on the City's websiteArvada water customers can receive discounts on Resource Central water saving programs Share feedback about the City's bi-monthly Arvada Report publicationThe Arvada Reservoir opens April 1, passes can be purchased onlineVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textLearn about the work of the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA) with Executive Director, Maureen Phair, focusing on urban revitalization efforts over the last two decades. Hear about AURA's funding structure, relationship to the City, and a variety of projects that showcase a commitment to improving our community and fostering sustainable development. In the episode:Introduction to AURAHow urban renewal works and is fundedDevelopment areas in ArvadaCurrent projectsClick into an individual project page to see before / after photos. For example, the Arvada Ridge Marketplace discussed in the episode.News and events:Register to volunteer at the Arvada Reservoir, training starts in MarchMajestic View Nature Center is hosting a volunteer open house on March 8 from 11am to 1pmCheck out outdoor water saving programs with Resource CentralTake the Arvada Report surveyJoin the Neighborhood Walk at Standley Lake Library Trailhead on March 15 from 3 to 5pmVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textSarah Kolb from the Arvada Arts and Culture Commission, joins us to talk about some of the new public art projects in the city. In this episode: History of the Arvada Arts and Culture Commission and how it relates to the Arvada Center Garrison Street Underpass MuralQuaker Street Underpass Mural Update to the Babe Walls murals Upcoming projects for the Arts and Culture Commission News and events:The Lake Arbor Center and Golf Course Master Plan open house is Thursday, Feb. 20 Arvada Winterfest is Saturday, Feb. 22 in Olde Town ArvadaThe Arvada Reservoir is looking for more volunteers for the 2025 seasonDiscounts on water-saving programs available to Arvada residents through Resource Central partnershipThe City of Arvada has re-opened the recruitment process for our next City ManagerStarting March 3, City Council meetings will be held on Tuesdays instead of Mondays  Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textHomelessness Resolution Case Managers Alex Williams and Hudson Janz share information about their work with the unhoused population in Arvada. In this episode:How the case management process worksUnderstanding the Point-In-Time countSharing City-run and other local resourcesThe day-to-day work and recent success storiesCold weather resources and other challenges facing the unhoused populationNews & eventsCity Manager search to recruit additional candidatesCity recertified as Silver-level Bicycle Friendly CommunityRalston Creek Trail section closed for flood risk mitigation projectLake Arbor Master Plan open house from 4 - 6 pm on Thursday, Feb. 20Winterfest, the City's multicultural winter celebration, is Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11am - 4pm in Olde TownVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textSenior Landscape Architect Maki Boyle discusses the Gold Strike Park revitalization project. Located at the confluence of Clear Creek and Ralston Creek in southeast Arvada, Gold Strike Park is known for being the location of the first documented gold discovery in Colorado. Maki shares what's happened so far with the project and what to expect next!  In this episode: History and background of the Gold Strike Park project Significance of the park's history, thanks largely to the efforts of Lois LindstromThe project's Preferred Schematic Site Design$7.3 million in grant funding the project was selected to receiveCollaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes for authentic storytelling and park design News and events: Update on the City manager selection process Ralston Creek Trail closure near West Woods Golf Course Olde Town now has recycling! Lake Arbor Center and Golf Course Master Plan Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textHappy New Year to all our listeners! As we reflect back on 2024 with some of our favorite moments throughout the past year, we are also looking ahead to be an even better podcast in 2025. Help us improve the show by taking a short 3-question survey. Provide us your address at the end of the survey and we'll mail you an Inside Arvada podcast sticker! This best-of episode features a snippet from each of our first 19 shows (links to YouTube or available wherever you listen):Episode 1: Festivals with Adelle Burton Episode 2: Majestic View Nature Center with Anna HooverEpisode 3: Public Works with Jacqueline RhoadesEpisode 4: Trees with Ian MacDonaldEpisode 5: Neighbors Connected with Marco RandazzoEpisode 6: Parks and Urban Design with Darin DeLayEpisode 7: Water Quality of Evelyn RhodesEpisode 8: Park and Recreation MonthEpisode 9: Arvada's 120th Anniversary with Rachael KuroiwaEpisode 10: Planning and Economic Development with Jessica GarnerEpisode 11: Arvada Economic Development Association with Iza PetrakowskaEpisode 12: Emergency Preparedness with Nick AdamsEpisode 13: Transportation Innovations with Kellee Van BruggenEpisode 14: Sustainability with Nalini MargaitisEpisode 15: Budget and Finance with Bryan ArcherEpisode 16: Arvada Aquatics Center with Hillary RoemersbergerEpisode 17: Water Rates with Sharon IsraelEpisode 18: Snow Plowing with Keith BohanEpisode 19: Arvada Police Department with Chase AmosNews and Events: Trees Across Arvada sale is going on now through Feb. 1City boards, commissions applications are now now through Jan. 6Brad Rupert appointed to at-large City Council seat Update on the City manager selection process Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textChase Amos, Public Information Officer with the Arvada Police Department, joins us to discuss trending topics in public safety. Chase shares his unique career path, from the US Foreign Service in Israel to local law enforcement in Arvada. In this episode:Which situations you should use the non-emergent line to contact Arvada PD, 303-980-7300, and when you should call 9-1-1 Staying safe around the holidays by avoiding scams and porch piratesArvada Police Department's Weekly Activity Report FBI's Crime Data Explorer Code EnforcementAuto Theft Reduction and Recovery Program Facial Recognition Technology Apply to work for the Arvada Police Department News and events: Trees Across Arvada orders are open until Feb. 1Apply for a City board or commission by Jan. 6 Councilmember at-large vacancy City Manager search Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textLearn about what it takes to help keep our roads safe and passable in the case of a snow storm. Hear from Streets Manager Keith Bohan about the City's snow plow operations. Keith shares information about the routes City teams plow, how they make decisions about deployments, what materials they use on the roads, and innovations the team uses like route optimization technology. In this episode:Snow plow routesParks and trails plow routesSnow operations phone line: 720-898-7725Streets maintenance phone line: 720-898-7720News and events:Trees across Arvada orders are open until Feb. 1Apply for a City board or commission by Jan. 6Water sampling credit for homes built 1983 to 1987 contact the Water Quality Department at  LCR@arvada.org or 720-898-7800Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textArvada's Utilities Department ensures that our high-quality, essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services are running 24/7, 365!Join us with guest Sharon Israel, the City's Director of Utilities, who shares how water, wastewater, and stormwater services are handled with care. Learn more about how the City budgets for these services, including the upcoming adjustments to rates and fees for 2025 that aim to sustain Arvada's robust and aging infrastructure.In this episode:2025 water, sewer, stormwater customer rates & feesFor information on financial assistance programs, reach out to the Utility Billing team at 720-898-7070 (M-F, 8 am-5 pm)Resource Central outdoor water conservation programsArvada's water supply sourcesVarious public improvement projectsMore about Arvada's systems and funding on the Utilities Transparency pageNews & Events:Participate in the Connecting Arvada transportation surveyLeaf Recycling drop-off extended through Tues., Nov. 19Arvada Aquatics Center Grand Opening celebration on Sat., Nov. 23Updates on 57th & Grandview Traffic Calming Pilot StudyGarrison Garden Paseo and the Standley Lake Library Trailhead are now open!Climate Action and Sustainability Plan Open House on Thurs., Nov. 14Ongoing development of a Waste Diversion Action Plan Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to bring a state-of-the-art aquatics center to life? Want to know when the new Arvada Aquatics Center will open? Tune in to hear it here first, the grand opening of the Arvada Aquatics Center is just around the corner! The new facility promises to be an amazing asset for local swim teams and regional meets, boasting a 50-meter competitive pool, a 25-yard auxiliary pool, and an impressive dive well. Plus, it's designed with sustainability in mind, achieving a silver LEED certification.Join us for a conversation with Hillary Romersberger, the Director of Recreation Services for Apex Park and Recreation District. Hillary shares her extensive expertise and passion for community recreation. She details how this project wouldn't be possible without the strong collaboration between the City of Arvada, Apex, and Jeffco Public Schools.  For more information about the Arvada Aquatics Center visit the City of Arvada's project page. In the future, information about programming at the facility will be available on the Apex website. Also in this episode: Last chance to take the Arvada Community Survey (arvadasurvey.com)Take the Connecting Arvada transportation survey to help the City plan for the future of transportation projects over the next 20+ years 2024 Leaf Recycling Drop-off Events (Nov. 2 to 16)Climate Action and Sustainability Plan Open House on Nov. 14Learn about the Waste Diversion Action PlanVisit the Utilities Transparency page to view 2025 water, wastewater, and stormwater customer rates and fees (approved by City Council on October 21)Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textFinance Director Bryan Archer joins us to talk about the City budget, taxes, bond projects and more. Bryan has been with the City of Arvada since 1996, serving several roles, including budget analyst, accounting manager and controller. In his role as Finance Director, Bryan oversees all areas of finance, including treasury, budget, cash, investments, accounting and purchasing.Topics covered in this episode include: Understanding the City budget, includes info about: 10-year financial plan Funding sources General fund vs. enterprise funds Operating budget and capital improvement fundBond fundingBiennial operating and capital budget:2023-2024 Revised Budget (PDF)2025-2026 Proposed Budget (PDF)2025-2026 proposed budget presentation to City Council from Sept. 23, 2024TABOR Financial transparency Property taxes and the Jefferson County Property Records Application Other news and events: Arvada's GIS mapsArvada Community Survey (arvadasurvey.com) 2024 Leaf Recycling Drop-off EventsClimate Action and Sustainability Plan Open House on Nov. 14Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textJoin us on Inside Arvada as we sit down with Nalini Margaitis, Arvada's Senior Sustainability Coordinator, to learn more about the City's first Climate Action and Sustainability Plan. Together, we explore the history behind Arvada's sustainability initiatives, the creation of Nalini's position, and key focus areas of the new plan. Topics discussed in this episode: Arvada's Climate Action and Sustainability PlanThe Arvada Sustainability Advisory Committee Climate Action and Sustainability Plan Open House on Nov. 14Arvada's 2023 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sector pie chartEnergy saving resources for residents and businessesWater-saving programs (Garden in a Box, Waterwise Seminars, Lawn Replacement Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation) Better Buildings ChallengeColorado Home Electrification Calculator Other news and upcoming events: Fall Leaf Drop-Off Recycling (Nov. 2-16)Arvada's 2024 Community Survey is now open! Connecting Arvada, the City's first transportation system plan will have more community engagement soon, stay tuned!Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textOctober is Pedestrian Safety Month! In preparation, we sat down with Arvada's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, Kellee Van Bruggen, to talk about the City's transportation safety and planning efforts. What goes into making a city bike-friendly and ensuring pedestrian safety?  We tackle this question and more as Kellee dives into the challenges, opportunities, and innovations in planning for the future of the City's transportation network and improving bike / pedestrian connectivity. In this episode:2017 Bike Master PlanTrail etiquette remindersTennyson Street ImprovementsLittle Dry Creek Trail Feasibility StudyHeadsUp Arvada safety campaignGo-Tober ChallengeLooking for more about cycling in Arvada, visit the City's bicycling webpage. Other news and events:Take the Bike Friendly Community SurveyTaste & Talks Event on Sept. 24Celebrate the Lake Arbor Golf Course 50th AnniversaryVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a textThe City's Emergency Management Coordinator Nick Adams is our guest as part of September's National Preparedness Month.In this episode, Nick shares why it's important to prepare for emergencies and disasters in order to keep you, your families and your community safe. Learn practical tips like having a fire extinguisher and an emergency plan, and understand how new challenges like proactive power shutoffs can mitigate wildfire risks.Topics covered in this episode include: National Preparedness Month The City of Arvada's Emergency Preparedness ResourcesResources available on Ready.gov The importance of making an emergency plan The importance of knowing and connecting with your neighborsLookoutAlert, also known as Smart911, the region's official emergency notification systemArvada's volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)Wildfire safety tips and preparednessFloodplain risk, flood insurance and floodplain management  Other news and upcoming events: Movies Around Town: Sept. 6 at Wood Run Park Arvada Fire's Safety Day on Saturday, Sept. 28Arvada's Bike Friendly Community Survey Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a Text Message.What does it mean to be a quasi-governmental entity? What does an economic development association do? And can they really help improve our community?Join us as we talk with Executive Director, Iza Petrykowska about the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA). From helping recruit and retain businesses to collaborations with city teams and everything in between, AEDA is a resource here to help our local businesses of all sizes. Discover why maintaining a vibrant local economy is about more than sales tax but about creating a thriving community.Other news and events:Take the Bike Friendly Community SurveyLearn about water, sewer, stormwater rates and fees, including conversations with City Council about 2025 rates on the Utilities Transparency webpageCelebrate Lake Arbor Golf Course's 50th anniversaryRank the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan initiatives that are important to youCelebrate the end of summer at the Arvada Days festival on August 24Ralston Central Splashpad closes after Labor Day, the Olde Town Water Fountain will be open on weekends only after Labor Day through the end of SeptemberVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a Text Message.How does a city balance preserving its historical charm with the pressing need for affordable housing? What is a comprehensive plan? And how is it different from the land development code? Join us as we engage with Jessica Garner, Arvada's Community and Economic Development Director, who explains the multifaceted role of her department. Jessica delves into the inner workings of the five key divisions she oversees: planning, housing, building, economic development, and systems and administration.Discover how collaborative efforts across departments guide Arvada's strategic community growth and ensure cohesive development. Additional information on topics covered in the episode: Arvada's Comprehensive Plan and other long-range plans The Land Development CodeW. 64th Ave. Sub-Area PlanHousing and the Arvada Housing Advisory Committee Other news and events: The last Bulky Item Drop-Off Event of the year is Aug. 10Information about utilities rates on the Utilities Transparency webpageArvada's newest park, Serenity Ridge Park, is now open! The next Movies Around Town is Aug. 9 featuring "Back to the Future" at Wolff ParkTake the People's Choice Movie Poll to help choose the final movie for Movies Around TownCelebrate the end of summer at the Arvada Days festival on August 24Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a Text Message.On August 24, 2024 Arvada will turn 120 years young! Join us as we find out how to celebrate the city's 120th anniversary with Rachael Kuroiwa, the City's Director of Communications and Engagement. Rachael shares information about the ways you can celebrate all summer-long, including at Arvada Days on August 24th. Learn about the establishment of the city, discovering gold, the pivotal role of the railroad, our agricultural roots, and hear about the origins of Arvada's name. Keep listening for some fun facts, including how Arvada earned the title, "celery capital of the world".  Can't get enough? Check out a virtual walking tour of Olde Town. Head to the Visit Arvada website for a complete list of events and special promotions!Other news and events: Learn about the plans to redesign the Olde Town LibraryThe last Bulky Item Drop-Off Event of the year is Aug. 10 Information about utilities rates on the Utilities Transparency webpageThe next Movies Around Town is Aug. 9 featuring "Back to the Future" at Wolff ParkTake the People's Choice Movie Poll to help choose the final movie for Movies Around TownCelebrate the end of summer at the Arvada Days festival on August 24Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Send us a Text Message.July is Park and Recreation Month in Arvada! Join us for a special edition of the podcast as we celebrate this year's theme of "Where You Belong."To celebrate, we visited a variety of parks and trails in Arvada to hear from community members how our parks and trails provide a sense of belonging. Interviews included in this special edition episode include: Dave and his grandson, Hudson, fishing at Arvada-Blunn Reservoir Jeffery with his daughter and grandchildren at Ralston Central Park Splash PadLou at Johnny Roberts Disc Golf Course at Memorial Park Tom, skateboard instructor at Arvada Skate ParkBrenda, dog walker at Creekside Park Patty, walker at Tennyson Knolls Park Anna, dog walker at Tennyson Knolls Park Abraham, playing basketball at Majestic View ParkPolar Bear pickleball group at Yankee Doodle Park Larkin, Movies Around Town at Homestead Park Visit ArvadaCO.gov/ParksMonth for "31 Ways to Celebrate 31 Days of Park and Recreation Month in Arvada." You can also celebrate Park and Recreation Month with our partners at Apex Park and Recreation District by playing bingo for a chance to win prizes! Other news and notes: Arvada's annual craft beer and barbecue festival, Arvada On Tap, is July 13 The next Movies Around Town event is July 19 featuring "Jaws" at Lake Arbor ParkLate summer Garden In a Box Kits are on sale through Resource Central The last Bulky Item Drop-Off Event of the year is Aug. 10 Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Arvada's water begins its journey high in the Rocky Mountains making it's way from the Fraser River and Clear Creek to one of Arvada's two water treatment plants. Water Quality Administrator, Evelyn Rhodes, leads the team who ensures that when Arvadans turn on the tap, we can trust that our water has been treated, monitored, and tested to protect our health and safety. Visit ArvadaCO.gov/Water-Quality for more information, including a map of Arvada's water sources. In this episode, Evelyn shares more about:Arvada's annual Water Quality ReportLead in drinking water and the Service Line Replacement ProgramSource water protectionPFAS Editor's note: when discussing PFAS particles as parts per trillion, the analogy that Evelyn was trying to explain was that this would be equivalent to one penny in 10 billion dollars!Other news and events:Waste hauling program fee updateArvada's 120th anniversary 4th of July fireworks displayArvada on Tap - July 13th Movies Around Town - Jaws on July 19Arvada Days - August 24Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Arvada is home to more than 100 neighborhood, community and regional parks. But there's always room for more! Learn about the city's current and future plans to expand and improve the City's unparalleled park system from Darin DeLay, the City's Parks and Urban Design Manager. Darin explains how his team of landscape architects take projects from visionary concepts to tangible, sustainable realities. Topics covered on this episode include: Holistic Health and Fitness Park Garrison Garden Paseo Standley Lake Library Trailhead Marge Roberts Park Gold Strike Park Taking Lasting CareTurf Conversion Pilot Program You can learn more about the City's Parks and Urban Design team by visiting the city's website at ArvadaCO.gov/ParkProjects. Other news and events:July 13 - Arvada On Tap July 19 - Movies Around Town (Jaws at Lake Arbor)Recycling and trash rates and fees update July 1Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Marco Randazzo is an Arvada resident, dad, music lover, and Neighborhood Leader. In this episode, Marco talks about what it means to be a Neighborhood Leader with the City's Neighbors Connected Program and the value he has found in discovering new, creative ways to connect with his neighbors. Some of the topics covered:Block party trailer (reservations open now)Neighborhood grants programNeighbor conflict resolutionOther news and events: Annual Water Quality ReportMovies Around TownHelp name Arvada's newest parkJune 8 events:Kids Fishing ContestBulky Item Drop OffRalston Central Splash Pad and Olde Town Water Fountain are open for the summer!Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

City Forester Ian McDonald joins the podcast to talk all things trees in Arvada! Arvada was recently named Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 33rd consecutive year! And for the fourth straight year, Arvada earned the Tree City USA Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for our outstanding commitment to sustainable urban forest management. In this episode, Ian explains the criteria required to earn those recognitions (including the fact Arvada spends $8.35 per capita on our tree care – far exceeding the $2 per capita required to be eligible to be named Tree City USA!)Other topics discussed with Ian include:The City's annual Arbor Day tree planting event with local elementary schools What exactly is 'urban forestry' and how it's different than traditional forestry The City's approach to replacing trees when they have to be removed City and County of Denver's Licensed Tree Contractor List The programs and services the City's forestry team offers, including Christmas Tree Recycling, Trees Across Arvada, a new mulch pick-up site that will be available soon, and the City's Plant-A-Tree programWhich types of trees are suitable for Colorado's dry climate and which types are more troubleOther news and events: Mayor Lauren Simpson recently gave her first "State of the City" addressThe City's Volunteer Appreciation Event is now June 8 after getting rained out on April 27The Ralston Central Splash Pad and Olde Town Water Fountain open Memorial Day weekend! Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Jacqueline Rhoades joins Inside Arvada to talk about all things transportation in Arvada!Jacqueline is the Public Works Director who oversees an expansive department that includes engineering, inspections, streets and traffic operations, mobility planning, facilities and much more. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics related to the City's transportation including:Updates on the Ralston Road and W 72nd Avenue widening projects, including the pause in construction coming on W 72nd Watch the 4/12/24 W 72nd community meeting recordingThe annual Pavement Program and some of the challenges the program faces in maintaining our roadsConnecting Arvada, the City's first comprehensive transportation system planPlus, Jacqueline helps explain some of the complexities related to construction that often lead to construction fatigue, funding and managing projects, and how we work with other organizations who provide services in Arvada. Other news and events:Upcoming City Council workshops:May 6: Updates on parks maintenance practices and naming a new parkMay 13: Waste hauling rates and fees adjustment recommendationsOlde Town Transit Hub top level closed until end of JuneTake the sustainability surveyFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X and learn about upcoming celebrations:Drinking Water Week (May 5 - 11)National Public Works Week (May 19 - 25)Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Anna Hoover joins Inside Arvada to talk all things Majestic View Nature Center!Anna is the director of the Nature Center, the City's environmental education facility and one of Arvada's greatest hidden gems. Anna talks about the various public programs and environmental educational opportunities available through the Nature Center. From superhero-themed summer camps to educational field trips, stargazing events to gardening workshops, the Nature Center offers something for everyone. Sign up for the Nature Center's enewsletter to stay up-to-date on their program offerings and latest news.  We also discuss the Nature Centers' annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20. This year's celebration includes:Kids poster contest with the winners getting a tree planting at the Arvada school or park of their choiceFamily activities and boothsTrash clean up and drawing for a chance to win a rain barrelLearn more about this year's Earth Day theme of Planet vs. Plastics and why single-use plastics are bad for the environment. Plus, learn how you can celebrate Earth Day every day with actionable steps using the five Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle.Plus, learn about what's in store for the future of the Nature Center, including: New "Peek-A-Who's in the Forest" exhibit coming soonOutdoor classroom project and how you can help reach our funding goals Other news and events:Park Pavilions rentals and etiquette  High Tea for Seniors on Saturday, May 4Annual Pavement ProgramVolunteer Appreciation Event on April 27 at the Nature CenterVisit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Festival and events season is upon us. For our first episode of Inside Arvada Adelle Burton, the City's Special Events and Public Arts Manager, shares information about the Arvada Kite Festival. Adelle tells the story of how this local tradition became the largest City-run event, filled with high-flying kites and activities for the young and young at heart. The event takes place Sunday, April 14 at Stenger Sports Complex where there will be fun to be had by all! While you're at the Kite Festival, take advantage of:A free  bike valet courtesy of Bike Friendly Arvada The Denver Museum of Nature and Science's Curiosity Cruiser Professional Kite Demonstrations by the Rocky Mountain Kite AssociationSign up to volunteer for Kite Festival!In our conversation, Adelle also highlights her work with the Arts and Culture Commission integrating art into our city, include two mural projects, La Letra and Babe Walls. Listen now for the inside scoop on the happenings with festivals, events, art and even a short story dispenser that makes its way around town. Other news and event:W. 72nd Avenue community meetingOutdoor water saving programsArvada-Blunn Reservoir Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.

Inside Arvada is the official podcast from the City of Arvada!Learn more about what to expect from the new podcast about Arvada, Colorado from co-hosts Katie Patterson and Sean Star. Join us for conversations with those who make Arvada a thriving community. Hear stories about the past, present and future of Arvada through the lens of the team members who help make it all happen. Visit our website at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast to learn more about the show's hosts and to submit a question to be answered on the podcast. Visit us at ArvadaCO.gov/Podcast or email us at podcast@arvada.org.