October 2026 - Development News, Ballot Dates, and Fall Prep
Welcome to the Bent Grass Neighborhood newsletter ~ a resident-run, volunteer-managed project built for one simple reason: to help neighbors stay connected, informed, and looking out for one another.
Each month we 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.
We are an independent, resident-driven effort - not affiliated with the Bent Grass Metropolitan District, Woodmen Hills Metropolitan District, or any HOA. Just neighbors putting together something useful for the community.
October is here, and with it come cooler nights, the first freeze, and Halloween on a Saturday this year. In this issue you'll find key dates for the November 3 General Election, a look at what was on the Woodmen Hills Metro District's September agenda, and a few reminders to help get your home ready for colder weather.
Featured this Month
📢 Road Safety - Bent Grass Meadows Drive: Numerous residents have raised concerns about road dangers along Bent Grass Meadows Drive that range from speeding cars, bus stops, park & school crossings, to recent passings on the road. Would you also like to see better road safety? Reach out to the County Traffic Operations to let them know! (El Paso County - Report an issue)
Upcoming Events
🎃 October 10th - Fall Festival · Woodmen Hills Parks & Rec. Celebrate the season at our annual Fall Festival; a fun-filled day the whole family will love! Enjoy a live band, inflatables, pumpkin patch, festive photo opportunities, local vendors, and even a petting zoo. (Learn More)
💼 October 17th - Community Resource Fair & Open House. 1:00-4:00 pm · CORE Community Center, Peyton · Free & drop-in · Hosted by ACCESS Christian Church, focused on connecting individuals with disabilities and special needs, families, and caregivers to local resources. (Learn More)
🍺 October 31st - Woodmen Hills Monster Mash 5k and Beer Run - Saturday, October 31, 2026Celebrate Halloween with a day full of fitness, family fun, great food, and festive entertainment at the Monster Mash Run & Brew Festival! (Learn More)
👻 October 31st - Halloween falls on Saturday, please drive slowly through the neighborhood that evening, keep porch lights on if you're handing out candy, and keep pets secured. Residents have reported ~30-100 trick-or-treaters in recent years. Are you hosting neighborhood get-together? Let us know and we'll help spread the word.
🗳️ November 3rd - General Election · see Voter Information below. Ballots typically mail mid-October
Keep up to date on local events by subscribing to the neighborhood calendar!
Community events are shared as a neighbor service and do not imply endorsement by the newsletter or any district.
Metro District Board Updates
September 2026 Recap - view board meeting packet
🐶 Doggy Waste Stations - (proposed) Residents’ concerns were heard! BGMD is investigating the installation of 7-8 waste stations along the main street, open spaces, and the future park.
🛻 West Bent Grass Meadows Drive Repair (pending approval) The BGMD submitted a letter of intent to the County describing plans to have Evergreen repave the Western portion of Bent Grass Meadows Drive.
🌲Falcon Meadows Landscaping Handover (approved) BGMD will be taking over landscaping duties from Challenger in the Western Bent Grass sub-division, Falcon Meadows.
Next Bent Grass Metro District Monthly Board Meeting: November 3rd (Learn More)
Community Development
Bent Grass Park - (development started) Coming November 2026! This community park has officially started development along Bent Grass Meadows Drive. Playground equipment is expected to be delivered in October, and the park is projected to completed before the end of the year!
Honor Charter School (development started) The new Honor Charter school along Bent Grass Meadows has officially broken ground! Stay tuned to follow the project follow its progress. (Learn More)
Church at Bent Grass Meadows (under review) Notices of proposed rezoning plans were sent out to adjacent homeowners this month.
Markets at Bent Grass (under review) Development of a regional retail center across the 43 developable acres. This center is conceptually comprised of twelve (12) total lots, including two (2) anchor lots. Notices of applications were sent out to adjacent homeowners this month. (Learn More)
🗳️ Get Out and Vote! - Voter Information
Ballots for the November 3 General Election go out to active, registered voters in El Paso County. Key dates:
October 19 - Voter Service and Polling Centers open for in-person voting
October 26 - Last day to register or update your voter record online and still have a ballot mailed to you
October 27 - Recommended last day to return your ballot by mail (postmarks don't count - after this, use a 24/7 drop box or polling center)
November 3 - Election Day; ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Check your registration at GoVoteColorado.gov and find full details from the El Paso County Clerk & Recorder.
Seasonal Reminders
❄️ First Freeze Prep: Overnight temperatures on the plains can drop below freezing quickly this month. Now's the time to blow out sprinkler systems, disconnect garden hoses, cover outdoor spigots, and tune-up the furnace before a hard freeze.
🍂 Fall defensible space: Rake up dead vegetation and clear it away from the house.
Deer rut is in full swing. Deer movement peaks through October and into November - expect more activity near roadways at dawn and dusk. Slow down and stay alert while driving through the neighborhood.
Fire restrictions and windy days. Dry grass and fall winds can still mean high fire danger. Check current status before any outdoor burning.
School breaks and schedules. Check the D49 calendar for fall break and any schedule changes this month. Watch for kids at bus stops as mornings get darker. D49 calendar
Questions or Suggestions?
Have an idea for the newsletter, a correction, or something you'd like to see covered? Let us know!
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