In 2005, concerned citizens formed the United Associations of Heather Ridge (UAHR). Composed of ten HOAs, its goal was to preserve the open space, protect real estate values, and promote the community’s way of life. In November 2006, a proposed metro district plan passed with 86 per cent of the voters wanting to influence future development.    

 

After the club owner’s death, Merchants Mortgage and Trust gained title in January 2009 and immediately let it be known the land was for sale or development. The Metro District swung into action, studied the feasibility of buying the land, and obtained resident approval for its purchase on August 15, 2009. Over 50 percent of its residents voted 79 percent in favor of buying the open space by taxing itself through bonds.

 

Renamed the Golf Club at Heather Ridge, the Metro District will now operate it as a public facility. The Metro District cannot operate the asset using property tax funds, but must rely on revenues only from play and usage. Bond proceeds were used to buy the land and fund capital improvements and reserves. 

 

Metro District tax payers will start repayment of the bonds in 2009’s property taxes. Arapahoe County will publish individual property tax statements the first of January 2010, with taxes due incrementally (end of February and June 15), or in total by April 30. Owners with mortgages that escrow for taxes will be contacted by their lenders. The initial repayment of the bonds will start in 2010 funded by 2009’s taxes. 

 

Golf course fees, membership packages, and usage policy are now posted at www.uahr.org. Also visit www.golfclubatheatherridge.com for official club house happenings and events. 

 

Metro District residents will have the best preferential rates followed by former country club members who renew membership. Public play rates will be similar to those of city golf courses. The course and clubhouse will be open seven days a week subject to tournaments, weather, and holidays. The Metro District’s yearly goal is 35,000 or more rounds of golf along with 100+ club memberships. Better golf and rates cannot be found anywhere else in the metro area. For golf call 303-755-3550.

 

A full service restaurant and banquet facility is provided by Dumitri! Along with his well-known South Havana restaurant in Aurora, Dumitri’s clubhouse restaurant is open to the public seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It specializes in family menus, gourmet dining, banquets, weddings, and other gatherings needing full catering and hospitality services. For more information call 720-246-0309.

 

The primary goal of the Metro District is to keep the open space open; secondly, to significantly reduce and/or pay off the bonds in seven years. The Metro District now owns the land and controls its destiny. Aurora’s Mayor Ed Tauer said to the Metro District, “If you don’t own it, you can’t control it.” The district gives deep thanks to the many sung and unsung heroes who have provided their assistance with this endeavourer.