SIDE STREETS: Wolf Ranch developer nurtures sense of community

Typically, when developers build a subdivision, they work with the city to lay out streets, parks and schools, write covenants for a future homeowners association to enforce, sell lots to builders and then move on to another project.

It's up to the folks who buy the houses to build a true sense of community.

Or not. (Thank goodness many don't, or there would be no "Side Streets.")

But Nor'wood Development Group didn't leave it to chance when, in 2001, it proposed a subdivision on Colorado Springs' north side on 1,982 acres formerly known as Fred Wolf's ranch.

In Fred's old pastures, Nor'wood planted seeds for a true community by designing pedestrian-friendly streets, trails and constructing a 3-acre Gateway Park, which has a large pavilion, waterfall and pond to attract residents to gather.

The developer cultivated its community by hosting free summer concerts in the park, and winter potluck dinners in the school. It pays for the events with money generated by a small fee assessed on the sale of each house in Wolf Ranch. The money is controlled by a community council and gives a formal structure to the idea of enhancing the community spirit.

To further nurture Wolf Ranch, Nor'wood built a Web site and sends e-mails to encourage get togethers.

On Saturday, Wolf Ranch residents will reap an Independence Day harvest from Nor'wood's seeds. Hundreds are expected to gather throughout the day in Gateway Park for a neighborhood party.

This is not a developer-sponsored July 4th event. It is a grassroots celebration, conceived and executed by Wolf Ranch residents for the third consecutive year.

Jon Hart is one of the resident organizers and he's excited about everything planned for the day: a kid's bike parade, bobbing for apples, gunny sack races, volleyball, basketball, a dunking booth, hula hoop contests, skits, song parodies, stand-up comedy.
An Independence Day comedy hour? Only in the America!

"We'll have the Pledge of Allegiance," Hart said. "The Girl Scouts will present the colors. We'll do a military tribute. But we like to have fun, too."

For $6, ranch residents get a barbecue dinner and qualify for $1,000 in prizes.
Hart credits Nor'wood for creating an environment where events thrive because get-togethers are the norm and no one feels intimated.

"There is a feeling of community here," he said. "The concerts and things break down barriers. It makes for a great opportunity to meet people and make friends."

The July 4th party is exactly the kind of event Nor'wood hoped would grow at Wolf Ranch.

"Community building is contagious. We know that," said Marge McCarthy, a Nor'wood team member. "They are building a sense of community.

"It's about catching that fire and making it last. It's really not that hard."
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See photos on my blog at
 gazette.com/blogs/sidestreets