June 3, 2021
Image of people holding cellphones with the words Passport to Summer Fun
Discover your Passport to Summer Fun

If you're looking for a fun family activity that also helps you discover the diverse places and things to do in your city, check out the Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department's Passport to Summer Fun, a scavenger hunt that encourages people to get outside and explore.

By downloading the Scavify app to your smartphone, you can access a list of tasks to do throughout the city's parks, recreation centers, nature center, reservoirs and open spaces. Simply complete at least 10 tasks (totaling 100 points) through Labor Day to automatically win a prize pack and be entered into a grand prize drawing.

The Passport to Summer Fun tasks can include photo and video submissions, GSP check-ins, Q&As and more. Go to AuroraGov.org/Events to learn more and get started.

Want to explore even more summer fun in Aurora? Check out Aurora Golf's junior camps, theater mini camps, and much more.
Image of parkland with the words Aurora Parks Explored
New museum exhibit highlights Aurora's parks
Aurora has nearly 100 parks to explore, and the Aurora History Museum wants to help residents explore more of the story behind them. A new in-person exhibit opening this week, "Aurora Parks Explored," runs through Oct. 31, and includes an "Escape the Parks" activity box with puzzles and games available at the museum store. Learn more at AuroraMuseum.org.
Vote for winner of free water-wise landscape

Five Aurora homeowners are finalists to win a free, professionally designed and installed low-water landscape. It’s all part of Aurora Water’s DreamScape Giveaway — and Aurora residents will help choose the winner.

To participate in the contest, Aurora Water customers created one-minute videos stating why they want a water-wise front yard. A panel of local judges chose the finalists from dozens of entries.

The five videos are now posted on Aurora Water’s YouTube channel @AuroraWaterColorado. Residents with YouTube accounts are invited to view the 60-second videos and vote for their favorite. The creator of the video receiving the most likes by June 13 will win the DreamScape.

The giveaway is part of Aurora Water’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the water-saving qualities, drought-tolerance and beauty of water-wise landscapes. “Water-wise landscapes provide a great alternative to turf,” said Janet Marlow, chair of the city's Citizens' Water Advisory Committee. “They require less than half the water and are often easier to maintain. They can also provide beautiful color and texture year-round.”

Depending on yard size and other factors, the landscape may include turf removal; planting of trees, shrubs and flowers; placement of boulders and mulch; and decorative lighting. The winner will be announced June 15.
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. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and find information on how to join, with some meetings taking place virtually, while others are returning to in-person events. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, June 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Ward II (Nicole Johnston) - Thursday, June 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward III (Marsha Berzins) - Wednesday, June 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Wednesday, July 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Wednesday, July 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, July 21, 6 to 8 p.m.

City Council Study Session (Virtual)
Monday, June 7, 6:30 p.m.
View the meeting online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Summer of Imagination with Aurora Public Library
Through Aug. 1
Aurora Public Library’s summer reading program “Tails & Tales” is all about animals. There is a program for every age, babies through adults, and all ages win prizes for reading this summer. Register at your local Aurora Public Library or visit AuroraGov.org/SummerOfImagination.

Mayor Mike Live
Friday, June 4, 3 p.m.
Chief Community Relations Officer for the Aurora Police Department Claudine McDonald will join Mayor Coffman to discuss the upcoming summer kick-off event that will provide food and resources to Aurora residents. Most importantly, the mayor will be answering your questions live. Join the conversation on Facebook Live. Also available on AuroraTV.org.

Aurora Summer Kick Off
Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. until resources are gone
This drive-through event features free food and resources for 1,000 Aurora families, including grab-and-go food boxes, baby supplies, activity packs for kids and teens, and pet food. No registration is required, and resources will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Sponsored by the Aurora Police Department Community Relations Section, Food Bank of the Rockies, and University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Overland High School, 12400 E. Jewell Ave. (enter off Jewell)

COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Clinics
Appointments available on Saturdays and Sundays for this drive-through and walk-up outdoor clinic.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Sign up and get more information at AuroraGov.org/Vaccine

Art in the Park
June 9, 16 and 23, noon to 2 p.m.
Let's get colorful! We'll provide each attendee with a mural square and colored pencils to complete their masterpiece on site. Later, we'll combine everyone's individual squares into one massive community mural. Event takes place at three different parks: Tollgate Crossing Neighborhood Park (June 9), Hoffman Park (June 16) and Expo Park (June 23).

Introduction to Water-wise Landscapes
Thursday, June 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Are you curious about a low-water landscape, but don't know where to start? Learn how to create new textures, colors and depth in your yard or garden. You'll knock your creativity into gear as we introduce the necessary foundations for creating a beautiful and functional water-wise landscape. Register here.
Aurora Water-wise Garden (southeast corner of South Chambers Road and East Alameda Parkway)

Wonderland: Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure
June 11 to July 3
Lewis Carroll's classic tale gets a rockin' reboot in this new musical.
The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets and details at AuroraFox.org

What Kalaupapa Can Teach Us About COVID-19 (virtual)
Wednesday, June 16, noon to 1 p.m.
As part of the Aurora History Museum’s Online Lecture Series, local historian Mark Kahalekulu and Museum Director T. Scott Williams discuss Hansen’s Disease and the Kingdom of Hawai’i’s response as a lesson learned for the current global pandemic. Free lecture, but registration is required.

Aurora Fox Arts Center Season 37 Auditions
June 26 and 28
The Aurora Fox Arts Center recently announced its Season 37 show lineup and is seeking actors of all ethnicities, identities, and abilities - ages 7 to 70+ to audition. For a casting breakdown and information on how to submit resumes and headshots, go to AuroraFox.org.

COVID-19 Testing Site
Extended through June 30
Open 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

Little Foxes Devised Theater Experience Day Camp
July 5 to 23, 9 a.m. to noon
Young artists, ages 7 to 15, will collaborate with award-winning Colorado theater-makers to write, design, direct and star in their very own original play. Performances for friends and family on July 24 and 25.
Limited space. Register today
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

S.T.E.A.M-Powered History Camp
July 12 to 16 (ages 11-13)
July 19 to 23 (ages 8-10)
Jump back in time and technology to mid-century Aurora. Campers explore Aurora’s history through the decades of suburban growth and the scientific and technological advancements that came with it. Learn food science with Jell-O and citric acid, compete against another superpower in a cold war escape room, and race to be the first to launch a rocket. Flex your creativity and ingenuity as we explore this formative period in Aurora’s history. In-person camp with a cost of &65 per camper. Limited to 10 campers per week.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Aurora Symphony Orchestra Auditions
Aug. 12 and 14
Auditioning for principal 2nd violin, 2nd bassoon, 3rd horn, 3rd trombone, percussion and all strings section musicians (all volunteer positions). Prepare a solo with two contrasting movements or sections that demonstrate musical and technical ability; sight reading and scales may be requested.
To schedule an audition time, email [email protected].

The Rise of the Aurora Suburb during the Cold War
Open through April 2022
Join the Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites for an in-person exploration of Aurora's economic prosperity and suburban expansion during the Cold War. The exhibit includes local stories experienced by Aurora residents during the Cold War to enrich the understanding of the period. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway
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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