Hi neighbors,

Welcome to the very first issue of the Bent Grass Neighborhood newsletter! This is a resident-run, volunteer-managed project built for one simple reason: to help neighbors stay connected, informed, and looking out for one another.

A note on format: this is our very first issue, so the structure, sections, and layout are still very much a work in progress. We'll be tweaking things as we figure out what's most useful — thanks for your patience as we get it dialed in!

A quick note on who we are: this is an independent, resident-driven effort. We're not affiliated with the Bent Grass Metropolitan District, Woodmen Hills Metropolitan District, or any HOA — just neighbors putting together something useful for the community.

Each month, we'll bring you local events, a quick recap of what's happening at the district board level, seasonal reminders, and anything else that helps our neighborhood feel a little more connected.

Thanks for being here — glad to have you.

Check Out the Website!

This newsletter is just one piece of what we're building. Head over to bentgrassneighborhood.org for more neighborhood info and check back often — we're adding new content as we go.

📍 bentgrassneighborhood.org

Upcoming Events

☀️ August 1 - Bent Grass Summer Bash

11AM - 3PM @ Challenger Model Home

Summer break is almost over, so let's send it off right! Join your neighbors for an afternoon of music, games, and a full-on water war, plus a visit from a real fire engine and food trucks to keep everyone fed. Grab your lawn chair, your sunscreen, and your favorite water blaster and come hang out.

🎟️ August 1 - Prize Raffle Fundraiser

11AM @ Open Space on Jayla Trail, Peyton, CO 80831 (location still being finalized, so check the website before you head out)

Our neighbors at United Way of Southern Colorado are raising funds for Aspen Fire Relief, and Bent Grass is pitching in. Local businesses have donated a great lineup of prizes, including Walmart and Visa gift cards, Slim Chickens, Firehouse Subs, and Swirly Cow FroYo — so grab a ticket and help support a good cause.

Keep up to date on local events by subscribing to the neighborhood calendar!

District and Local Board Updates

We don't have meeting minutes to share for this issue — as a brand-new newsletter, we're still getting our process in place for pulling these together. Going forward, we'll aim to include a summary of the Bent Grass Metropolitan District board meeting minutes in each monthly issue, so keep an eye out here for local governance updates.

Seasonal Reminders for August

• Fire restrictions are STILL in effect. El Paso County is currently under Stage 2 fire restrictions — no open burning, no fireworks, and outdoor fires are limited to gas/propane appliances with proper clearance. If you're planning any outdoor cooking or gatherings, double-check what's allowed.

  El Paso County Fire: https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/fire-information

  Falcon Fire: https://www.falconfirepd.org/burn-restrictions-and-permits

• Back to school starts August 3. D49 kicks off the new school year with staggered start dates (kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade begin August 3, with other grades following shortly after). Please slow down in school zones and watch for kids at bus stops as traffic patterns shift back to the school routine.

  D49 calendar: https://www.d49.org/discover-d49/district-calendar

• Monsoon season is here. August typically brings afternoon thunderstorms, hail, and occasional flash flooding to our area. If you're outside and hear thunder, it's a good time to head indoors.

• Wildlife is on the move. Bears and other wildlife are more active this time of year as they forage for the season ahead. Securing trash cans and bringing in pet food overnight goes a long way.

Questions or Suggestions?

Have an idea for the newsletter, a correction, or something you'd like to see covered? Let us know!