Compare youth sports in Highlands Ranch v Ken-Caryl? (relocate, assess)

[Sters]

Planning to relocate to either Highlands Ranch or Ken-Caryl and need input into the quantity and quality of youth sports available to my three elementary aged children. My family is busy here in New Jersey with sports year round (big sigh). Please tell me which of the two communities has the more competitive programs for swimming, diving, football, baseball and wrestling? Lacrosse? And, anything along those lines that I should consider before making a decision would be very helpful and very much appreciated.

[2bindenver]

There is no reason to eliminate one area until you visit in person. I often have folks looking at both communities. Some decide on one the other chooses the other.

[Sters]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

There is no reason to eliminate one area until you visit in person. I often have folks looking at both communities. Some decide on one the other chooses the other.

I have visited the area, which is why I am looking for more information.

[2bindenver]

Well both areas have public activities through the community association, in addition, KC has Foothills park & rec, and both areas have private activities available. KC has two pools, HR has 4, 8 if you count the indoor and outdoor pools seperately. HR has day camps for the preteens. KC has an equestrain center. Both have trails....

The word "competitive" bothers me. Elem schools kids should be learning coordination, rules, being good sports, plays well with others, etc...you know, it more important to have fun, and do your best, than win. (This is coming from a very competitive person.)

I guess the point is you can schedule your kids in activities in either area.

What's next on your list of important things your new community has to have?

[goldenmom]

We live in Highlands Ranch. I can tell you that there are wonderful opportunities for your kids to do sports through either Highlands Ranch or South Suburban. My son does both and it is nice to have so many options. I would check out their websites to see what is available.

Also, REAL has soccer for the kids. There are other organizations, but I am not sure of the names.

[Sters]

Originally Posted by 2bindenver

Well both areas have public activities through the community association, in addition, KC has Foothills park & rec, and both areas have private activities available. KC has two pools, HR has 4, 8 if you count the indoor and outdoor pools seperately. HR has day camps for the preteens. KC has an equestrain center. Both have trails....

The word "competitive" bothers me. Elem schools kids should be learning coordination, rules, being good sports, plays well with others, etc...you know, it more important to have fun, and do your best, than win. (This is coming from a very competitive person.)

I guess the point is you can schedule your kids in activities in either area.

What's next on your list of important things your new community has to have?

First of course is schools, but I get the impression that I couldn't lose really in either community. So for me, that's a wash. Or is it? You tell me.

I understand what you are saying about sports...learning, fun, etc...but some programs are better run than others and sports by their very nature are competitive endeavors. So, I guess what I was getting at is which community has the better reputation for well run sports programs, where they are learning, having fun, but are also achieving a winning record while doing it. I only ask because one of my sons is uber-competitive and very athletic,these things will matter to him, but to my others not so much. So, a mixture of competive leagues and town leagues (as noncompetiive programs are referred to in New Jersey) would be an asset for our family and would be one of many factors I'd consider before making a move.

Perhaps we're more intense in our youth sports out here, I don't know and probably won't know unitl I get to Colorado. For example, my son has been playing takcle football since preschool but my research so far indicates that tackle football doesn' start until 3rd grade in most Colorado communities. Our coaches are excellent and nurturing and have taught our boys a lot about the game and sportmanship on the way to the championship game and the kids have a blast.

My other kids are interested in music and drama, so I'd be intersted in your comparisons between the communities for this as well. In my town, arts instruction is a mixed bag. It's available privately, but it's expensive.

I'm attracted to the private trails and camping facilities at Ken-Carly because I have a son interested in scouting and fishing, but am assuming...correct me if I'm wrong...that scouting is stong in both towns.

Bottom line is I'm trying to assess the quality of life for my kids from real people, not a press release, and look forward to hearing from you.