Welcome back to the Canyon Echo, your weekly briefing on the changes, issues and people influencing our foothills communities. This week, we look at the sometimes logical, and occasionally inexplicable, why that accompanies change, and how local entities and people are dealing with it.

One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: When I met then-new Club 45 owners Nick Wagner and Nick Mitchell last October, they clearly shared a sense of nostalgic affection for the tennis bubble.

The structure that had survived so much controversy and plans for its demise had “great bones,” they said, and needed some TLC to get it back in shape and to its original purpose.

And while it regained its glory days for a few months, the wind had other plans for its long-term future.

When I called Club 45 this week, I expected to hear they were mourning its demise. Instead, while they admitted to some initial sadness, the owners are already planning excitedly for a permanent structure that will better withstand the elements and serve their customers.

It’s an attitude that clearly exemplifies the mountain residents’ spirit. While circumstances, wind, fire and life may knock people back, they eventually bounce like a tennis ball back into the game. Or, as Wagner said, “…like we say to our players, you’ve got to find a way in the face of adversity.” 

What’s happening: Dearly loved life-long Evergreen resident Michael Longfellow, afflicted with schizophrenia from birth and an example to all of living with gratitude and joy, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver last weekend. Michael, as everyone knew him, had walked daily for years along the busy highway to get his social and caffeine fix at the nearby Starbucks.

Community response: While he had little immediate family, residents watched out for and took care of Michael. There is great pain in Evergreen surrounding not only his loss, but the horrific way it happened.

But as the community worked together to care for him, they’re also joining forces to plan a celebration of his life. Perhaps just as important, Starbucks is among those hoping to create a lasting memorial to ensure not only that Michael is not forgotten, but that the lessons he taught others live on.

Why it matters: The restaurant at the Evergreen, known as Keys on the Green for the last 40 years, has loomed large in Evergreen’s history. So when it closed in December 2024 and the City and County of Denver announced they’d select a new concessionaire over previous long-time local operators, residents were upset. That disappointment grew when the new concessionaire failed to open the restaurant in 2025.

What’s happening: Just days after Denver announced it had selected a new operator, the doors reopened. Megan Gunter, a new face on Evergreen’s restaurant scene and a new resident of the community, is bringing her experience at Front Range courses and her own recipes.

She’s also changing the name to Syd’s on the Green, both a nod to the past and a promise that a new menu and a new life have come to the golf course.

Staff gave aid and reassurance to about 100 frightened students, including a critically wounded teen

What to know: Most heroes go quietly about their jobs with no expectation — and often no wish — for recognition. But the EPRD board this week commended its staff members who helped nearly 100 teenagers at Wulf Recreation Center on the day of the Evergreen High School shooting.

After: Staff members either returned directly to their jobs or went home following the after-hours recognition. As expected, those whom the Canyon Courier called declined to comment.

🎤 Suzie Glassman details the painful testimony of Evergreen High School teachers, parents and others who support a proposed Colorado bill they say could have prevented the Sept. 10 shooting: Read the story here

⚽ The Evergreen girls’ soccer team, which won state championships in 2024 and 2025, won their first game of the new season: Read the story here

Ten mountain residents, including four Clear Creek Sheriff’s deputies and two women, gave up their hair to help raise money for children’s cancer research during an Evergreen Rotary fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

🤝 New or not so new and seeking new friends? Check out Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors (ENN), a big group of area residents that helps individuals meet and betters the community through social events, activities, and nonprofit community involvement. Their Annual Food Drive for EChO Food Pantry is March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 28 at both the Evergreen King Soopers and Safeway. evergreennewcomers.com

🥾 Tune in for the EPRD Quarterly community update at 5 p.m. April 2. This virtual-only event will give you the latest on the huge changes in the local recreation scene coming soon to Evergreen. evergreenrecreation.com 

🎨 Check out Kittredge’s First Friday art opening from 4 to 7 p.m. April 3. It includes an art exhibit at Western Exposure Fine Art with wine/beer or liquor tasting from products sold by the neighboring & Piney Wine & Spirits.

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