HRCA Seasonal Directory (Sept–Dec 2026)
Highlands Ranch Activity Guide: HRCA Programs, Classes, Sports & Events
Explore the complete Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) Activity Guide—including swim lessons, 8,200-acre Backcountry camps, pickleball, HRCA Preschool, and Sept–Dec 2026 events—curated by local Realtor, builder, and former electrical engineer Saber Amine (Homes and People, Est. 2003).
1. HRCA Rec Centers, Registration & Amenities
The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) operates four recreation centers and three 501(c)(3) non-profits: Scholarship Fund, Cultural Affairs (HRCAA) (90,000+ attendees), and Backcountry Wilderness Fund.
| Center & Phone | Hours | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Eastridge | 9568 University Blvd. | 303-471-8858 | M–F 5a–9p, Sat 7a–8p, Sun 7a–6p. Reg: M–F 6a–7p, Sat–Sun 9a–1p. Admin: M–F 8a–5p. | 30-ft climbing wall, 2 gyms, preschool, steam room, track, lap/slide pools, zipline pool, sand volleyball. |
| Northridge | 8800 Broadway | 303-471-8950 | M–F 5a–9p, Sat–Sun 7a–6p. Reg: M–F 7a–7p, Sat–Sun 8a–1p. Tennis: M–F 7:30a–9p, Sat–Sun 7:30a–6p. | 6 indoor/5 outdoor tennis courts, 10 racquetball courts, Full Swing Golf Simulator (87 courses), hot yoga, martial arts, sauna. |
| Southridge | 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. | 303-471-7020 | M–F 5a–9p, Sat 7a–8p, Sun 7a–6p. Reg: M–F 6a–7p, Sat 7a–5p, Sun 9a–2p. | Wildcat Auditorium (40–300 guests), Golf & Multi-Sport Simulator, pottery studio, 5 outdoor tennis courts, current channel pool. |
| Westridge | 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. | 720-348-8202 | M–F 5a–9p, Sat 7a–8p, Sun 7a–6p. Reg: M–F 6a–7p, Sat 8a–1p, Sun Closed. | 6 pickleball courts, 5 baseball & 4 softball cages (30–80 mph), Tiny Tees ballpark, indoor turf, cycle, infrared sauna, 2 cold plunges, preschool. |
- Registration & Policies: Show your HRCA ID card for entry. Register at HRCAonline.org, 303-471-8858, or Member Services. Refunds/transfers require 5 days notice ($5 min fee); event tickets are non-refundable. Weather Hotline: 303-471-8888.
- Rentals, Climbing & Parties: Rent Wildcat Auditorium at 303-471-7020 (auditoriumrental@hrcaonline.org). Book Eastridge climbing with Zak Kornhauser at 720-348-8217. Birthday themes: Cooking, Pottery, Magic, Science Matters, Nerf, JC Jackman, Canvas Paint, Escape Room, Lego, IncrediBubble, Climbing, Simulators, Turf, and Pools.
2. Aquatics: Swim Lessons, ISR, Scuba & Seahawks Swim Team
Contacts: Tyler Kurapkat (303-471-7036), Mindy Polete (303-471-8867), Kerri McGrath (303-471-8942), and Private Lessons (720-348-8220, privatelessons@hrcaonline.org).
- Lessons, ISR & Scuba: Starfish Aquatics classes: Star Tots (9 mos–2 yrs), Swim School Pre-K (3–5) & Youth (6–12), Stroke School (6–12), and Teen/Adult (13+), plus Private Lessons (3+), 6-wk Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) (6 mos–4 yrs), PADI Snorkel (7+), and Try Scuba (10+).
- Seahawks Team (Aug 31–Dec 18, 2026) & Masters: CARA youth groups (hrcaseahawks.swimtopia.com): Intro, White/Blue/Maroon, Elites/High School Prep, and Clinics. USMS Adult groups: Swim 101 (500–1,200 yds), Ranch H2O (1,600–2,200 yds), and Masters I–II (2,200–3,500+ yds).
3. Arts, Cooking, Dance, Theater, Music & Pottery
Contacts: Jamie Bouchard (303-471-8880) and Alecia Hindman (303-471-8853).
- Art & Cooking: Youth art: Holiday Gift Workshop (5–12), Squishmallows/Pokémon/Animation Camp (5–12), and Young Rembrandts (6–11); adult art (18+): Acrylics, Drawing 101, Watercolor, Abstract Watercolors, Zen Doodling, Paper Collage, and Knitting. Cooking: Chef-in-Training (2–5), Kids Rule the Kitchen (5–7), Young Chefs (7–9), Creative Cooks (9–12), Teen Cuisine (12–16), Gingerbread Houses (6–10), and Fall Break Chef's Camp (7–10).
- Youth, Adult & Senior Dance: Youth: Itty-Bitty Ballet (2.5–3), Ballet I–V (3–10), Pip Hop (3–6), Dance Beats (5–8), Hip Hop Contemporary (7–12), Tap/Jazz II (7–13), and "Dance of the Gingerbread" Recital (3–12; deadline Nov 2, 2026). Adult/55+: Belly Dance, Couples Ballroom, Line Dance (After Work, Senior 1–2 & Sunday), 2 Step, Cowboy Cha Cha, 2 Step/Swing, Holiday Prep, C&W Sampler, Swedish Folk (16+), and Tap / Ritz & Rocky Mountain Tappers.
- Theater, Music & Pottery: Performing arts: Kidstage Stars (6–12, Princess Bride & How the Grinch Stole Christmas), Young Voices Choir (5–7, DU Newman Center), Piano Pals (5–11), Fiddle Friends Violin (4–13), Guitar Gang (5+), and Music Together / Jingle Jam (0–5). Pottery: adult Hand Building & Wheel I–III, Kids-N-Clay (5–9), Kids Hand Building (8–12), Teen Wheel (12–17), Baby Keepsakes, and Pottery Sale Mon, Nov 9, 2026 (8am–6pm at Southridge).
4. Backcountry Wilderness Area: Camps, Hikes & Horses
Across 8,200 acres of Backcountry Wilderness Area trails bordering Backcountry, contacts are Mark Giebel (303-471-8885), AnnaKate Hein (303-471-8876), Becca Venable (303-471-7054), Lindsey McKissick (303-471-7076), and Abby DeGroot (303-471-7046).
- Camps, Preschool & Hikes: Youth (7–13): Break Nature & Horse Camps, Astronomy Night, Creatures of the Night, Discovery Day, Forts N Fun, Wildlife Club, Survival Club, and Nature Homeschool. Ages 0–6: Wild Roots Preschool (3–6), Little Acorns (1–6), Barnyard Bunch, and Sunshine & Storytime. Hikes: Elk Bugling (10+), Full Moon (7+), Geology (14+), Goat Picnic, Birding (10+), Sunset (7+), Nature Walks & Journaling, Nature Night Out, S'mores, Cooking Outdoors, and BioBlitz.
- Horses & Haunted Forest (Oct 23–24, 2026): Equine: Mini Manes (3–4), Pony Tails (5–6), Little Equestrians (3–6), Cuties at the Corrals (0–10), Pony Rides & Parties (3–10, 125-lb limit), Basic Horsemanship (7+), Intro to Horses (18+), Group/Private Lessons, Scout Badge, IIT, and 1-hr Private Trail Rides (215-lb limit). Fall events: Fall Fest, night Haunted Forest (10+, Oct 23–24, 2026), and Saturday Haunted Forest Jr. (0–15, Oct 24, 2026).
5. Education: Preschool, STEM, Cotillion & Seminars
Contacts: Heather Goetz-Zettl (303-471-8818), Eastridge Director Michelle Lowe (303-471-8814), and Westridge Director Tammi Howard (720-348-8214).
- HRCA Preschool (Aug 31, 2026–May 21, 2027) & Youth: State-licensed Colorado UPK classrooms at Eastridge and Westridge serve Ages 1–2 (Buttercups/Poppies), 2–3 (Sweet Peas/Bluebells/Cubs), 3–5 (Sunflowers/Bisons), and 4–5 Pre-K (Daisies/Elks, Learning Without Tears), plus full-day Enrichment (7:30am–5:30pm). Youth: Toddler & Me, Sibling Rivalry, 2 Times the Fun, Stepping Stones, Kreative Kids & Camps, Kids Night-In (3–12), Cotillion (Ages 9–11 Dec 5, 2026; Ages 11–14 Dec 6, 2026), and SAT/ACT Prep (14–18).
- Safety, STEM & Downsizing/Retirement Seminars: Youth: A.P.E. Escape (5–12), Self-Defense (13+), WestCPR Babysitting (11–18), Science Matters (3–10), Wize Academy AR/VR & Minecraft (5–10), Dungeons & Dragons (10–14), and Comic Book Club (10–14). Adults: Downsizing Roadmap, One-Step Will, Retirement Planning Today, Medicare Made Clear, Making Money Last, Social Security, Mah Jongg 101/102/Club, and ed2go.com/HRCA.
6. September–December 2026 HRCA Events & Race Calendar
Contacts: Sarah Corboy (303-471-7048), Carley Haupt (303-471-8809), Alyssa Kempesta (303-471-8870), Alexia Palafox (303-471-8898), and Katherine Rhoades (303-471-8810). See also our October 2026 Events Guide.
| 2026 Date | Event / Race | Venue & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sundays to Nov 1 | Farmers' Market | Town Center; Colorado produce & artisan foods. |
| Sept 10–30, 2026 | September Lineup | Glow Cardio (Sept 10), Craft Fair (Sept 12), Blood Drive (Sept 16), Jazz at Highlands Ranch Mansion (Sept 17), Clear Clutter (Sept 19), Oktoberfest 5K & Fest (Sept 26), Cold Cases & Cocktails (Sept 30–Oct 1). |
| Oct 3–30, 2026 | October Lineup | Wildcat Trail Races 10K/10M (Oct 3), Mountainfilm (Oct 7), Free Fitness Day (Oct 13), Dueling Pianos (Oct 21), Haunted Forest & Hayrides (Oct 23–24), Oaked & Smoked (Oct 24), Coffee with a Cop (Oct 28), TR Halloween Dance (Oct 30, 7–9pm). |
| Nov 6 & Nov 7 | Veterans & Half Marathon | Curtain Call: Veterans with Denver Pops at Mansion near Mansion Hills (Nov 6); Backcountry Half Marathon & breakfast (Nov 7). |
| Nov 9 & Nov 14 | Pottery, Gift Fair & Expo | Southridge Pottery Sale (Nov 9, 8am–6pm); Holiday Gift Fair, Westridge Fitness Expo & LoL Worlds Watch Party (Nov 14). |
| Nov 20–22 & Dec 2 | Nutcracker & Jazz | Nutcracker Highlights Ballet (Nov 20–22); Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra at Southridge (Dec 2). |
| Dec 10 & Dec 12 | Bubbles & Tree Lighting | 21+ Breathe & Bubbles (Dec 10); Hometown Holiday & Tree Lighting with Santa, train rides & pop-up bar (Dec 12, 1–6pm). |
| Dec 15, 16 & 21–22 | Symphony & Denver Brass | Colorado Symphony at the Mansion (Dec 15); Holiday Coffee with a Cop at Eastridge (Dec 16); The Denver Brass: Sounds of the Season (Dec 21–22). |
7. Fitness: Personal Training, InBody, Zone HIIT & Classes
Contacts: Chad Mejia (303-471-7035), Hannah Yeager (303-471-7044), and Cody Volkel (303-471-7059).
- Personal Training, InBody & Zone HIIT: 1:1 Private, Semi-Private (2), and Small Group (3–5) training, Orientations, InBody Scans, and 45-min heart-rate Zone HIIT circuits (13+).
- 100+ Weekly Group Classes: Active for Life, Aqua Fitness, Barre, Cardio & Strength, Stages Cycle, Nia, Mat Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Ageless Grace, 5-wk Total Body TRX (Sept 2026), and 4-wk Ski/Snowboard Conditioning (Oct 2026). Book 2 weeks ahead via Annual, 30-Day, Punch, or Drop-In passes.
8. Sports: Pickleball, Tennis, Leagues, Fencing & Gymnastics
Contacts: Patrick Gojan (303-471-8869), Brooke Ballard (303-471-8838), Rachel Kellar (303-471-8934), Reservations (303-471-8996), Pros Blaine Cochran/Brian Crawley (303-471-8826), and Gymnastics (303-471-8818).
- Pickleball & Tennis: Reserve Northridge (6 indoor/5 outdoor tennis), Southridge (5 outdoor tennis), Westridge (6 outdoor pickleball), or Northridge/Southridge indoor pickleball 48 hours ahead at 303-471-8996. Offers 6-wk Lessons, Socials, Drill & Play, Cardio Tennis, 2.5–4.0 Leagues, and 90-min Blocktime.
- Gymnastics, Leagues & Martial Arts: Active Athletics: Parent/Tot (16 mos–3 yrs), Preschool (3–5), Gymnastics (5–12), Aerial Silks/Hoop (7–15), Mini/Jr Ninjas (3–8), Parkour 1 (8–16), and Tumbling/Trampoline (8–15). Sports: Youth (1st–8th) & Adult Basketball, Colorado Basketball Academy, Break Camps, Shine Cheer & Dance (5–12), Cornhole, Turkey Throwdown Dodgeball, Fencing with Olympic Champion Maciej Czyzowicz, J.W. Kim Taekwondo, Racquetball, Indoor Soccer, Volleyball, Soccer Shots (2–8), Pee Wee Soccer (4–7), and Real Colorado Soccer.
9. Therapeutic Recreation (TR), Volunteering & Careers
Contacts: Summer Aden, CTRS (303-471-7043, summer.aden@hrcaonline.org) and Kathryn Olmstead, CTRS (303-471-7045). Free valet parking and scholarships are available.
- ISP & Adaptive Programs: Complete an Individual Service Plan (ISP, $30/$35 fee) two weeks prior to enrollment. Classes: 1:1 & Small Group Land/Aquatic, TR Yoga (5+), TR Hip-Hop (5+), TR & Unified Basketball (8+/15+), Special Olympics Bowling (8+), Thrilling Thursdays (16+), TR Splash Swim (3–7), TR Taekwondo (5–24), Halloween Dance (Oct 30, 2026), and Flower Fundraiser (orders Jan 1–Feb 14, 2027; pickup May 1, 2027).
- Volunteering & Careers: Volunteer with TR (303-471-7043), Sports (303-471-8869), or Backcountry animals (sami.dhainin@hrcaonline.org) at HRCAonline.org/Volunteer, or apply for HRCA jobs with rec privileges.
10. Builder & Engineer's Take: How HRCA Protects Home Equity
As a Highlands Ranch Realtor, builder, rehab expert, and former electrical engineer serving Douglas County since 2003 (Saber Amine, Homes and People — DRE #029599), I show buyers how HRCA's four rec centers and 8,200 acres of Backcountry trails protect equity in Highlands Ranch homes. Whether you attend HRCA's Downsizing Roadmap seminar and need advice on HRCA exterior approvals, basements, decks, or kitchens—or want a home near your favorite rec center—I evaluate both lifestyle and structural quality.
11. Frequently Asked Questions: HRCA Activity Guide
+ How do I register for HRCA classes, camps, and activities?
Register at HRCAonline.org, by phone at 303-471-8858, or in person at any HRCA rec center.
+ What is the HRCA class refund and transfer policy?
Request refunds or transfers online or at 303-471-8858 at least 5 days before class ($5 min fee); event tickets are non-refundable.
+ What are the hours and phone numbers for all four HRCA rec centers?
Eastridge (303-471-8858), Southridge (303-471-7020), and Westridge (720-348-8202) open M–F 5a–9p, Sat 7a–8p, Sun 7a–6p. Northridge (303-471-8950) opens M–F 5a–9p, Sat–Sun 7a–6p.
+ Which HRCA rec centers have golf simulators, batting cages, and a climbing wall?
Northridge has a Full Swing Golf Simulator, Southridge has a Golf/Multi-Sport Simulator, Eastridge has a 30-ft climbing wall, and Westridge has 9 batting cages.
+ What swim lessons and swim teams are offered through HRCA Aquatics?
HRCA offers Star Tots, Pre-K/Youth Swim & Stroke School, Teen/Adult & Private Lessons (720-348-8220), ISR, PADI snorkel/scuba, Seahawks Swim Team, and Adult Masters.
+ What programs are available inside the Backcountry Wilderness Area?
Programs include Nature/Horse Camps (7–13), Wild Roots Preschool (3–6), Astronomy Night, Survival Club, guided hikes, horseback lessons, trail rides, and Haunted Forest (Oct 23–24, 2026).
+ Where is HRCA Preschool located and does it participate in Universal Preschool?
Licensed Preschool and Pre-K operate at Eastridge and Westridge (Aug 31, 2026–May 21, 2027) for ages 1–5, participate in Colorado UPK, and offer Enrichment (7:30a–5:30p).
+ Where can I play pickleball and tennis in Highlands Ranch?
Northridge has 6 indoor/5 outdoor tennis courts, Southridge has 5 outdoor tennis courts, Westridge has 6 pickleball courts, and Northridge/Southridge host indoor pickleball (303-471-8996).
+ What are the major HRCA events for November and December 2026?
Highlights include Veterans Concert (Nov 6), Half Marathon (Nov 7), Pottery Sale (Nov 9), Gift Fair & Fitness Expo (Nov 14), Nutcracker (Nov 20–22), Jazz (Dec 2), Tree Lighting (Dec 12), Symphony (Dec 15), and Denver Brass (Dec 21–22).
+ What is HRCA Therapeutic Recreation and how do I enroll?
HRCA Therapeutic Recreation offers adaptive sports, swim, yoga, dance, and bowling. Complete an Individual Service Plan (ISP, $30/$35 fee) two weeks prior at 303-471-7043.
Saber Amine
Owner & Designated Broker | Homes and People (Est. 2003) | CO DRE #029599
Highlands Ranch Realtor, builder, home rehab expert, and former electrical engineer specializing in basement, deck, landscaping, and kitchen design across Douglas County.