Jan. 21, 2021
Aurora's newest park has something for everyone

The city’s Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department just finished constructing a new park, Tollgate Crossing Neighborhood Park, 24600 E. Belleview Ave., in southeast Aurora with features of all kinds.
 
Located near Infinity Middle School in the Tollgate Crossing neighborhood, the park is teeming with enrichment opportunities and outdoor adventure: find sanctity walking numerous trail loops, adventure on state-of-the-art Ninja Warrior equipment, competition at the tennis and pickleball courts, fun at the youth play area and relaxation under the picnic area.
 
A one-of-a-kind, colorful public art sculpture complements the park. “Nature’s Tollgate” by Colorado artist Lisa Cameron Russell beautifully arches over a portion of the scenic soft surface trail loop path that pedestrians and cyclists can pass through as they circle the park’s exciting features. The sculpture and artist selection process were coordinated by the city’s Art in Public Places Program.
 
The adrenaline rush of brand-new equipment with something for all ages, the comfort of art and open space and the laughter of fun in the playground and grassy areas exemplify a joyful community at Tollgate Crossing Neighborhood Park. 
 
Developer fees and an Arapahoe County Open Space grant partly funded the $1.5-million project, and features were incorporated based on community input. To learn more about park design and construction, including upcoming projects, visit AuroraGov.org/PROSPDC.
Municipal court updates on jury and bench trials
Due to COVID-19, the status of both jury and bench trials will be evaluated on a week-by-week basis depending on the current conditions of the pandemic. Visit the link for procedures, WebEx links and the current status of court operations.
COVID-19 community testing site now accepting insurance

To support the state's COVID-19 community testing sites financially and so that testing may continue through March 30 in Aurora, the testing provider, MAKO Medical, is now accepting health insurance from residents who are insured and need to get tested.

Testing remains free to everyone regardless of insurance status. There will be no out-of-pocket costs for anyone. However, those who have insurance will be asked to provide insurance information when registering for a test to allow MAKO Medical to bill health insurers for testing costs.

A testing site continues to operate in the Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle. Visit this link to view testing site locations and links to register.
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. The format and structure of town meetings is virtual during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and find information on how to join. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 28, 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Ward II (Nicole Johnston) - Thursday, Feb. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward III (Marsha Berzins) - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6 to 8 p.m.
At Large (Angela Lawson, Allison Hiltz, Curtis Gardner) - Thursday, Jan. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

City Council Regular Meeting (Virtual)
Monday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.
View this council meeting online at AuroraTV.org and cable channels 8 and 880. See AuroraGov.org for details on how to address the council by phone during Public Invited to Be Heard or another agenda item. Streamed live at AuroraTV.org or cable channels 8 and 880 only.

Mayor Mike Live
Friday, Jan. 22, 3 p.m.
On “Mayor Mike Live” this Friday, the mayor welcomes Wendy Mitchell, president and chief executive officer for the Aurora Economic Development Council, to discuss ongoing efforts to bring new primary employers and jobs to the city. Join the conversation with your questions for the guest or the mayor.

We Will Not Forget: A Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration
Monday, Jan. 25, 1 p.m.
This final virtual event hosted by Community College of Aurora wraps up the city's 35th annual MLK commemoration, themed "Rise Up: Achieve the Dream."

"The Pavilion"
Feb. 26 to March 21
Do you remember your high school sweetheart? Are you ready to see them again at your reunion? After two decades of failed relationships, Peter returns to his high school reunion hoping to rekindle his romance with Kari, the girl he abandoned after an unexpected pregnancy. As the night progresses, both Peter and Kari face the consequences of choices made long ago...and the daunting prospect of starting again. Depending on the public health guidelines as opening day approaches, this production could be live or virtual.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9990 E. Colfax Ave.

COVID-19 Testing Sites
Through March 30
Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required.
Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park

Religious Diversity in Aurora Exhibit
Online through May 2021
The Aurora History Museum is showcasing and celebrating the wide variety of faiths and religious experiences of Aurorans in the new exhibit “Religious Diversity in Aurora.” Explore photos of over 140 houses of worship in the city and learn about other people’s beliefs and traditions. 
Free online exhibit at Aurora History Museum webpage
Image of a mask with the message to Keep It Up on continued COVID precautions
Have a comment, question or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

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