September 2026 - FireWise Plans, Park Progress, and Neighborhood News

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.
Featured this month: Let's make Bent Grass a Firewise community
- Wildfire risk across Colorado is climbing - and so are insurance premiums, with some local homeowners seeing increases of $1,500+ a year.
- The good news: neighborhoods that form a Firewise committee and take steps to reduce their risk can help protect both their homes and their insurance rates. It starts with a few neighbors willing to help organize. (Contact Us) Visit CSFS FireWise USA to learn more.

Upcoming Events
- 📜 September 1st - Bent Grass Metro District Monthly Board Meeting (Learn More)
- 🔫 September 5th - Annual Mother and Son Laser Tag · Woodmen Hills Parks & Rec (Learn More)
- 🎃 October 10th - Fall Festival · Woodmen Hills Parks & Rec (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 - Halloween · Add your home to the Nextdoor Trick-or-Treat/Decoration Map (Map is usually available Oct 1st)
- 🗳️ 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
July 2026 meeting · quick recap
- Discussion covered resident concerns about Bent Grass Meadows Drive traffic, crosswalks, and stop controls; County plan review for the District 49 charter school site and the proposed Bent Grass Commercial Metropolitan District service plan; landscape tract maintenance and turnover; and the resumption of covenant enforcement inspections following the compliance officer's return from military reserve training.
By the numbers: 197 year-to-date covenant enforcement letters (143 resolved), $1,150 in outstanding covenant fines, and 13 architectural review submittals year-to-date. - 🚗 Bent Grass Meadows Drive Repair: The Board approved moving forward on repairs to Bent Grass Meadows Drive, with Evergreen expected to coordinate construction alongside its development work. Funding will come primarily from District funds, backed by a Challenger Communities contribution of up to $135,000.
Next Bent Grass Metro District Monthly Board Meeting:
September 1st (Tune In) (View Agenda)
Community Development
- 🌳 Bent Grass Park: Bent Grass Community Park is coming soon! Made possible by a public-private partnership totaling over $450,000—including contributions from Woodmen Hills Metro District, Bent Grass Metro District, Challenger Homes, and a GameTime! Playground Grant—the park will feature separate play areas for preschool and school-age kids, inclusive and accessible play elements, climbing structures, swings, sensory play, shaded picnic pavilions, benches, bike racks, and open gathering spaces. It's also being designed as a Play On! National Demonstration Site, a nationally recognized model for healthy, inclusive community design.

-
Honor Charter School (proposed): A new charter school, Honor Charter School, has been proposed near Bent Grass Meadows. Plans for the site are currently part of the El Paso County development review process. We're sharing this so residents can stay informed about growth in our area. Click below to view the project details and follow its progress. (Learn More)

Proposed site rendering for Honor Charter School, currently under El Paso County development review.
-
Church at Bent Grass Meadows (proposed): A church has been proposed for a site near our neighborhood, listed as the Church at Bent Grass Meadows. Like other local projects, it's moving through El Paso County's development review process. We want to keep residents informed about what's being planned nearby. Click below to view the project details and stay up to date. (Learn More)

Proposed location of the Church at Bent Grass Meadows. Site map via El Paso County development review
Voter Information
☑️ General Election — Tuesday, November 3, 2026
El Paso County will hold a general election for county offices including assessor, clerk & recorder, coroner, sheriff, surveyor, treasurer, county commission, and district/county court judges, along with statewide races. Mail ballots typically go out in mid-October.
Register or check your registration: GoVoteColorado.gov — Colorado allows registration through Election Day.
Questions: El Paso County Clerk & Recorder · (719) 575-VOTE (8683) · [email protected]
Seasonal Reminders
- 🧑🚒 Fire Restrictions Update: El Paso County remains under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for all unincorporated areas, downgraded from Stage 2 on August 21 after recent rain. While conditions have improved, fire danger hasn't passed. Under Stage 1, open burning and fireworks remain prohibited, though charcoal grills, contained gas/liquid-fueled stoves, and fire pits are allowed with proper clearance (three feet from flammable materials). Please continue to use caution—burning trash is never permitted. (El Paso Co Fire) (Falcon Fire)
- 🔥 Colorado FireWise: Wildfire risk in Colorado is at an all-time high and it's hitting our wallets. Insurance premiums are climbing fast, with some local homeowners seeing increases of over $1,500 a year.
The good news: Communities that form a Firewise committee and take steps to reduce their risk can help protect both their homes and their insurance rates.
Please reach out so we can take action! Let's keep Bent Grass safe and affordable, together. Want to make this happen? (Contact Us) Visit CSFS FireWise USA to learn more. - 🐻 Wildlife 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.
- ❄️ First-freeze prep: Our first frost usually lands late September to early October. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, blow out sprinkler lines, and check the furnace before the cold arrives.
-
🍂 Fall defensible space: Rake up dead vegetation and clear it away from the house. Fall yard work doubles as wildfire prep - a natural first step toward Firewise.
Local names that support and serve the Bent Grass Meadows Community
- Falcon Walmart - Sponsor of Bent Grass Summer Bash
- Falcon Firehouse Subs - Sponsor of Bent Grass Summer Bash
- ACCESS Christian Church
Listings are shared as a neighbor service and don't imply endorsement. Want to be listed? Reach out below.
Questions or Suggestions?
Have an idea for the newsletter, a correction, or something you'd like to see covered? Let us know!

[email protected] | (719) 401-1119
Add a comment: