STRATTON

FEASIBILITY REPORT JUNE 2019

STRATTON, COLORADO
Image source: worksourcerogue.org
PROJECT PARTNERS
The Colorado University
Center for Technical
Community Assistance
Development

Colorado Stratton,
Department of
Colorado
Local Affairs

Project Members Include:

CCCD
Jennifer Kovarik UTA Field Supervisor
Cherryl Agosto Architecture Research Intern
Sofia Bruni Architecture Research Intern
Aria Dellepiane Architecture Research Intern
COMMUNITY
Lynn Gotman Recreation Leader
Amy Martel Childcare Leader
Greg Etl DOLA Regional Manager

This document is Copyright © 2019 by the University of Colorado - Denver

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction Recreation Demand Analysis
Project Introduction Community Needs Overview
Background Health Data
General Town Demographics Existing Facilities
Jobs/Industry Data Overview
Town Figure Ground
Proposed Site
Recreation Market Analysis

Childcare Demand Analysis Cost of Living Index

Partnerships
Community Needs Overview
Childcare Demographics
Measurement Scales Acknowledgments
Percentages of Population Under 10 About CCCD/University Technical Assistance
Existing Facilities Meet the Staff
Data Overview

Childcare Market Analysis

Cost of Living Index
Partnerships
INTRODUCTION

PROJECT INTRODUCTION PROPOSED SITE

BACKGROUND
GENERAL TOWN DEMOGRAPHICS
JOBS/INDUSTRY
TOWN FIGURE GROUND
INTRODUCTION Project Introduction

The University Technical Assistance (UTA) Program at CCCD has been requested to provide a feasibility
study and design services to the Town of Stratton, Colorado to help analyze and design a childcare
facility and recreational facility in their community. This feasibility portion of the project will consider the
following factors:

• The geographic market to be served

• The demographic socio-economic character of the market including number of children and worker
families to be served
• Competition within a reasonable distance
• Market rates for childcare and recreational facilities in the area and demand for child care and
recreational facilities

8
Source: Frasier Institute

/// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 INTRODUCTION
Colorado Center for Community Development \\\
9
INTRODUCTION Background

The Town of Stratton is within Kit Carson County, and is situated on the Eastern Colorado Plains. It is
only about a half hour drive to the Kansas border. The town is right off of Highway I-70, allowing for easy
access into the community. Stratton, Colorado is about 150 miles east of Denver.

It was founded when the railroad was

built and later became incorporated
in 1917. Stratton is named in honor
of the gold miner and philanthropist
Winfield Scott Stratton. In the 1930’s
Stratton was home to the Collins
Hotel, a popular stop over for
travelers.

10 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 FEMALE
MALE

General Demographics
45%

INTRODUCTION
55%

Stratton, Colorado has a total population of 652

people. Over half of the families in Stratton
have children under 18 years old, with just under 20% of the population under 10 years old. There
is a higher number of females, 55% in the town than males, 45%. There is also a large wage gap
between male and female workers - median income for males at $35,000 and median income for
females at $14,826. And there is a significant pay discrepancy between male and female workers.
14.2% of people in Stratton live in poverty.
19 19

14 This chart shows the population

% of total population

12 spread of Stratton, Colorado.

11
10 As seen, there is a large portion
of the population that is under
the age of 19 years old, just
5 under 40% of the population.
4 4 3
-19

-39

-69

-79
-29

-49

-59

-84
9

+
This Venn diagram describes
0-

85
10

30

60

70
20

40

50

80
age the amount of people who
work and or live in Stratton.
There is a significant amount of
people living but not working
191 59 210 in Stratton, shown in blue
work but do not live in Work & live in live but do not work in (210). This shows that there
stratton stratton stratton
are opportunities to provide
new jobs for those who live in
Stratton.
U.S. Census Bureau

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\

11
INTRODUCTION Jobs/Industry

The pie chart shows the industries/jobs which make up the employment by industry in Kit Carson County.
We can see a well-diversified spread of jobs across relatively stable, mostly year-round job types. Agriculture,
forestry and fishing as well as construction jobs may be slightly affected by seasonality.

AGRICULTURE,
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, FORESTRY,
OTHEROTHER FISHING, HUNTING
FISHING, HUNTING
7.7%7.7% 20.1% 20.1%
TRANSPORTATION,
TRANSPORTATION,
WAREHOUSING
WAREHOUSING 5.3%5.3%
CONSTRUCTION 6.5%6.5% Kit Carson 13.7%
CONSTRUCTION 13.7%
RETAIL TRADE
County RETAIL TRADE
7.2%
PUBLIC 7.2%
ADMINISTRATIONPUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION 8.5% 12.1%
KIT CARSON COUNTY JOBS/INDUSTRY
REAL ESTATE, RENTAL & LEASING ........................... 0.4%
8.5%
9.3% 12.1%
HEALTH CARE &
KIT CARSON COUNTY JOBS/INDUSTRY
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECH. ........................ 0.6%
INFORMATION
REAL ESTATE, ............................................................
RENTAL & LEASING ........................... 1.2% 0.4%
ACCOMODATION & 9.3% SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
HEALTH CARE &
UTILITIES ....................................................................... 1.7%
FOOD SERVICES &
ACCOMODATION SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECH. ........................ 0.6%
EDUCATIONAL
WHOLESALE TRADE ................................................... 1.8%
INFORMATION ............................................................ 1.2%
ADMIN. SUPPORT WASTE MANAGEMENT ............. 2.2%
UTILITIES
FINANCE .......................................................................
& INSURANCE ............................................ 2.3% 1.7% FOOD SERVICES SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL
WHOLESALE TRADE
MANUFACTURING ...................................................
...................................................... 3.3% 1.8%
ADMIN.
OTHER SUPPORT
SERVICES, EXCEPTWASTE PUBLICMANAGEMENT
ADMIN. ............ 3.8% ............. 2.2%
FINANCE & INSURANCE
TRANSPORTATION
CONSTRUCTION
MANUFACTURING
& WAREHOUSING ............................................
.................... 5.3% 2.3%
......................................................... 6.5% 3.3%
...................................................... SERVICES
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
OTHER SERVICES, EXCEPT .........................................
PUBLIC ADMIN.7.2% ............ 3.8%
ACCOMODATION
TRANSPORTATION & FOOD& ......................................
WAREHOUSING .................... 8.5% 5.3%
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES .......................................... 9.3%
CONSTRUCTION ......................................................... 6.5%
HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANCE ..................... 12.1%
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ......................................... 7.2%
RETAIL TRADE .............................................................. 13.7%
ACCOMODATION
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY,&FISHING, FOOD ......................................
HUNTING ..... 20.1% 8.5%

12
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES .......................................... 9.3%
HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANCE ..................... 12.1%
/// TRADE
RETAIL 2019 University Of Colorado
.............................................................. 13.7% Denver
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, FISHING, HUNTING ..... 20.1%
 INTRODUCTION
Jobs/Industry

The pie chart shows the employment by industry for the town of Stratton. Like Kit Carson County, we can see
a well-diversified range of jobs across relatively stable, mostly year-round job types. Agriculture, forestry and
fishing as well as construction jobs may be slightly affected by seasonality.

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY,
OTHER
FISHING, HUNTING
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY,
TRANSPORTATION, 7.7%
OTHER 15.9% FISHING, HUNTING
WAREHOUSING
5.6%
TRANSPORTATION, 7.7% 15.9%
OTHER SERVICES WAREHOUSING EDUCATIONAL
EXCEPT PUBLIC ADMIN. 6.3%
5.6%
12% SERVICES
OTHER SERVICES Stratton EDUCATIONAL
EXCEPT ADMIN. 6.3%
PUBLICPUBLIC7% 12% SERVICES
TTON JOBS/INDUSTRY ADMINISTRATION
CE & INSURANCE ............................................ 0.7%
PUBLIC 7%
SUPPORT WASTE MANAGEMENT ............. 0.7%
MODATION & FOOD ...................................... 1.3%
STRATTON JOBS/INDUSTRY
8.6%
ADMINISTRATION 12%
ACTURING ...................................................... 2.3%
FINANCE & INSURANCE
SALE TRADE ................................................... 2.7% ............................................ 0.7%
UTILITIES RETAIL TRADE
ADMIN. SUPPORT
MATION ............................................................
PORTATION & WAREHOUSING ACCOMODATION
5% WASTE MANAGEMENT ............. 0.7%
.................... 5.6%& FOOD ...................................... 1.3%
8.6%
9.6% 10.3% 12%
SERVICES, EXCEPT PUBLIC MANUFACTURING ADMIN. ............ 6.3%...................................................... 2.3%
WHOLESALE TRADE
ADMINISTRATION ......................................... 7% ................................................... 2.7%
UTILITIES RETAIL TRADE
INFORMATION 8.6%
ES .......................................................................
HCARE & SOCIAL ASSISTANCE TRANSPORTATION
............................................................ 5%
..................... 9.6%& WAREHOUSING .................... 5.6% HEALTH CARE & 9.6%CONSTRUCTION
10.3%
OTHER SERVICES,
RUCTION ......................................................... 10.3%EXCEPT PUBLIC ADMIN. ............ 6.3%
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
TRADE .............................................................. 12% ......................................... 7%
UTILITIES ....................................................................... 8.6%
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
HEALTH CARE & CONSTRUCTION
TIONAL SERVICES .......................................... 12%
ULTURE, FORESTRY, FISHING,HEALTHCARE HUNTING .....&15.9% SOCIAL ASSISTANCE ..................... 9.6%
CONSTRUCTION ......................................................... 10.3%
RETAIL TRADE .............................................................. 12% SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES .......................................... 12%
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, FISHING, HUNTING ..... 15.9%

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\

13
INTRODUCTION Town Figure Ground

MAIN STREET

COLORADO AVENUE
NEBRASKA AVENUE

IOWA AVENUE
HWY 24 4TH STREET HWY 24

PROPOSED RECREATIONAL &

CHILDCARE LOCATION
INSTITUTIONAL

PARK

7TH STREET RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

14 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 Proposed Site

INTRODUCTION
The proposed site for development is located in the center of town, and occupies a whole block. All existing
buildings on site are set to be demolished for this future development. The first phase will be the childcare
facility, with the recreational facility to follow.

The site will be further evaluated in the design phase of the project after the feasibility portion is completed.

Church Fire Dept. Library

Residential Residential

Highway 24

Church

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\

15
CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS

COMMUNITY NEEDS OVERVIEW EXISTING FACILITIES

CHILDCARE DEMOGRAPHICS DATA OVERVIEW
MEASUREMENT SCALES
PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION UNDER 10
CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS Community Need Overview

Stratton takes pride in being a small town with a down to earth feel. With a population of approximately
652 residents, it is primarily a farming and agricultural community with rich agrarian roots. The
most prominent crops grown in this region are corn, wheat, soybeans and sunflowers. Census data shows
that the population is 46.8% male and 53.2% female. City amenities include a public pool and park,
a library and a small medical center. Businesses include the Stratton Stop & Shop Super Market, A Napa
auto parts store and the Claremont Inn and Winery. There is also a 9-hole golf course that opened in 1967.

It became evident early on in the analysis that potential demand for childcare facilities exceeded the limits
of Stratton. For this reason, this report includes data from the census tract as well as Kit Carson County.
The feasibility study will examine conditions at four scales: town limits, the US Census tract that Stratton
is within the entirety of Kit Carson County including the city of Burlington, and the state of Colorado. It
is important to approach the feasibility study at a regional level since there are many regional aspects
factoring into the demand for childcare, as will be seen in the following analysis.

As previously mentioned, this report will focus on three different geographies in order to best evaluate
demand for a childcare facility in Stratton. Demographics for each of the three geographies are identified
and analyzed, focusing on the characteristics and number of children and families. In addition to looking
at basic demographics, such as number of children under 10, it is important to examine other factors
such as poverty rates and median income to help guide business decisions around the facility. This report
also includes an examination of the existing childcare facilities in Burlington, Bethune and Vona and how
the current capacities for childcare relate to the demand within the town of Stratton. The demographic
analysis and other factors included within this report will help determine whether a demand exists in the
area that is sufficient for a childcare facility.

18 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS
Childcare Demographics

In Stratton, there are 83 children under the age of 5 years old that may be in need of day time
child care, and 40 children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old that may need after school
care. Over half of the families in Stratton have children under 18 years old, with just under 20%
of the population under 10 years old. With 14.2% of people in Stratton living below the poverty
level, a childcare facility with financial assistance options will be in the best interest for residents of
Stratton.53% of families in Stratton have children under the age of 18 years old, and Stratton has
a child dependency ratio of 59:9. This number is coming from the number of young dependents
age 0-14 who depend on a working adult age 15-64. This indicates that the there is a high child
dependency in Stratton, however, with the majority of people employed, this leaves room for the
need for a childcare facility.

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 19

CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS Measurement Scales

This report presents data at the three different scales listed below. These scales descend in order from
largest area, the state of Colorado, to smallest area, Town of Stratton. The scales allow us to better
understand the conditions both in the city and in the greater area which surrounds it.

Avg. family income Colorado

Avg. family
Avg.income
Avg.
poverty
family
family
income
level
income
poverty level
poverty
avg.
poverty
family
level
level
size
avg. family Kit Carson County
avg.size
avg.
family
family
sizesize Census Tract Stratton
9622

avg. family income $65,458

$65,458
$65,458
$65,458 $45,881
$45,881
$45,881
$45,881 $45,461
$45,461
$45,461
$45,461 $38,750
$38,750
$38,7
$38

avg. family size 3.08 3.08 3.08

3.08 2.37 2.37 2.37
2.37 3.08 3.08 3.08
3.08 3.34 3.34 3.34
3.3

poverty rate 11.5% 11.5%

11.5%
11.5% 11.5% 11.5%
11.5%
11.5% 9.3% 9.3%9.3%
9.3% 14.2% 14.2%
14.2%
14.

20 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS
Percentage of Population Under 10

Colorado Kit Carson County Census Tract 9622 Stratton

12.6% 12.3% 13.4% 18.8%

687,731 children 960 children 186 children 123 children
under 10 under 10 under 10 under 10

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 21

CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS Existing Childcare Facilities

This graphic represents the options available to Limon Headstart preschool

families in the area for licensed, full-time care of 3-5 yr olds
multiple age groups throughout the calendar capacity - 80 kids
year. The care providers shown do not include
all licensed individuals who operate out of their
funding options
own home. Though there are options for families
in Stratton, the capacity for these facilities do not
have the ability to take on the amount of children
currently in Stratton. According to the Colorado
Childcare Facilities report there are 5 licensed at
home childcare facilities registered in Kit Carson
County, adjacent to Stratton, but there were none limon
within Stratton itself.

ARRIBA-FLAGLER PRESCHOOL
AT-HOME CARE PROVIDERS: 3-7 yr olds
Provider Location Capacity
capacity - 20 kids

Rebecca Gramm Burlington 6

Alexandra Navarro Burlington 12
Gianina Franz Burlington 9
Rebecca Burghart Burlington 9 Hi Plains preschool
Shea Graff Burlington 12 3-8 yr olds
capacity - 15 kids

22 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS
yuma 60 m
inu
r4 preschool
tes 3-6 yr olds
capacity - 20 kids

30 m
inu
tes
20 m bethune preschool
inu
3-8 yr olds
tes capacity - 15 kids
stratton
FLAGLER seibert burlington
bethune

wee blew inn preschool

3-8 yr olds
capacity - 30 kids

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 23

CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS Data Overview

An analysis was done by the Center for American Progress on childcare facilities and deserts and Stratton,
Colorado is considered a Childcare Desert. A place is considered a Childcare Desert if an area has more
than 30 children under the age of 5 that contains either zero child care centers or so few centers that
there are more than three times as many children as spaces in centers.

Childcare Deserts (in orange) in Denver:

Stratton

24 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

Data Overview

CHILDCARE DEMAND ANALYSIS

The most important takeaways of these data are as follows:

• There is a high percentage of children under the age of 10 across the four scales, Colorado,
Kit Carson County, the census tract and the town of Stratton. Stratton comes in above the
percentage of population under 10 at the state level at 18.8%
• All four scales exhibit average family incomes well below the average family income of
$65,458. Stratton is the lowest of the four at $38,750
• According to the US Census Bureau, there were 83 children under the age of 5 in Stratton
in 2017, far beyond the 20 child capacity of the one childcare facility in town.

• Stratton’s poverty rate of 14.2%

is significantly higher than the state average of
10.3%

These findings support the need for a childcare facility and also show the importance of
creating a facility whose cost structure is aligned with the relatively low income and high
poverty rates of the area. This lower cost structure may help attract additional customers
from adjacent towns like Burlington, as childcare services here may prove more affordable
than similar services offered in their home communities.

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 25

Image source: wmgchildcare.com
CHILDCARE MARKET ANALYSIS

COST OF LIVING INDEX

PARTNERSHIPS
CHILDCARE MARKET ANALYSIS Cost of Living Index

It is important to understand that prices for common services, including child care, can vary widely from
one locale to another. A report released in 2015 by the University of Colorado Denver studied the state
of child care in Colorado and we have used this to complete this portion of the study. The map below lists
counties according to their Cost of Living Index or COLI value. We can see that Kit Carson County has a
COLI score of 90-95 falling in the Low category. The table on the following page then shows the average
cost of full-day childcare at licensed centers based on the COLI index number of the county where the
service is located.

Cost of Living Index

28 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

Cost of Living Index (cont.) Partnerships

CHILDCARE MARKET ANALYSIS

SAF
The Stratton
Area Foundation
Inc.

CCF
Cooper-Clark
Foundation

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 29

RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS

COMMUNITY NEED OVERVIEW

HEALTH DATA
EXISTING FACILITIES
DATA OVERVIEW
RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS Community Need Overview

• The average obesity rate in Colorado has risen from 14.5% to 22.6%
• Kit Carson’s adult obesity rate is at 26.10%
• Stratton currently does not have any existing facilities for recreational uses for the community
• There are no recreational facilities in close proximity to Stratton, the closest being in
Burlington which is 20 minutes away.

Obesity Prevalence by Counties in Colorado

Stratton

32 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

Health Data

RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS

According to the American Heart Association, only about one in five adults and teens get
enough exercise to maintain good health. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes
of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. The CDC lists seven important
health benefits to exercise: controlling weight, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing risk
of Type 2 diabetes, reducing risk for certain cancers, strengthening bones and muscles, improving
mental health, and improving ability to move through everyday activities. A marketing firm based in
New York found that people are far more likely to travel to the gym when it is within 4 miles of their
home, or around a 10 minute drive. According to the National Recreation and Park Association,
54% of Americans say a fitness center should be provided by their local community center or
recreation center.

7 BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AVERAGE HEALTH DATA IN THE U.S.

1 1 in 4 adults
improving mental health struggle with a mental disorder
2 53 million people
strengthening bones and muscles have or are at risk of osteoporosis
7 BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AVERAGE HEALTH DATA IN THE U.S.
3 48% of adults
1 1 in 4 adults
reducing
improving risk
mental of
health struggle with a mental disorder have cardiovascular disease
cardiovascular disease
2 53 million people
4 9.4% of people
strengthening bones and muscles have or are at risk of osteoporosis
3
reducing risk of type 2 diabetes 48% of adults
have type 2 diabetes and 84.1 million
people have pre-diabetes
reducing risk of have cardiovascular disease
5 disease
cardiovascular 1 in 8 women
4 9.4% of people
reducing risk of
reducing risk of type 2 diabetes
cancer have type 2 diabetes and 84.1 million
have a lifetime risk of getting
people have pre-diabetes breast cancer
5 6 1 in 8 women 2 in 3 adults
reducing risk of cancer have a lifetime risk of getting
controlling weight breast cancer are obese or overweight
6 2 in 3 adults
7
controlling weight are obese or overweight 80% of adults
7 improving agility 80% of adults do or will experience lower
improving agility do or will experience lower back pain

33
back pain
sources:
sources: CDC, CDC, American
Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins, American
Cancer Society, Cancer
National Institute Society, Disorders
of Neurological National Institute of Neurological Disorders
Colorado Center for Community Development \\\
RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS Existing Recreational Facilities
Community facilites/rec
There are various options in surrounding towns physical therapy
for community centers, however within a 20
minute radius Burlington is the only town with yuma community building ($$)
a community center and fitness center. Though
the commute is not as far as other community
Community event space
facilities, the price point is higher than further rentable rooms
surrounding facilities. Physical therapy options kitchen area
that are located within health centers are not
shown on the map, however there are options in
Limon Health Center (Falcons Physical Therapy), limon community building ($)
Kit Carson Memorial located in Burlington, Community event space
Goodland Regional Medical Center, and limon
Lincoln Community Center located in Hugo.
rentable rooms
The physical therapy facilities on the map are kitchen area
not located within a hospital and function as
their own entity.
Percelina Mendoza
This information shows that there is a need for a General physical Therapist
recreational facility within the town of Stratton,
with options for financial assistance where
possible.

Wallace County PT.

General physical Therapist

34 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS
yuma 60 m
inu
tes burlington community center
$$$
Community event space
rentable rooms
30 m kitchen area
inu
tes
20 m
inu schaal physical therapy &
tes fitness center
therapy offices & fitness classes
stratton goodland
burlington membership - $65/month
Per class - $7/class

goodland activity center

cheyenne wells gym & fitness facilities
wallace
Family membership - $384/year
individual - $288/year

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 35

RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS Data Overview

The most important takeaways of these data are as follows:

• People will be 5 times more likely to travel for fitness when the facility is within 4 miles
• The closest fitness center to Stratton is 20 minutes away in Burlington

• Kit Carson’s obesity rate is higher than the state of Colorado, at 26.10%
• Stratton’s poverty rate of 14.2% is significantly higher than the state average of 10.3%

36 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

 Data Overview

RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS

Our findings show that there is a need for some type of recreational facility in Stratton. This facility
would greatly benefit residents, and allow for greater physical activity opportunities.

The closest community center near Stratton is Burlington Community Center. This facility offers rent-
able community space, but there was no indication of recreational facilities within the space for the
community. Burlington does offer fitness classes with a membership, however it is a high monthly
cost in addition to the lengthy commute times. Knowing that people are far less likely to go a gym
when it is more than 4 miles away, residents of Stratton are without recreational fitness options close
to home. Other options are further than 40 minutes one way. The data also shows that there could
be opportunities for other rent-able spaces within the facility, like physical therapy. Again, there are
not many options for physical therapy in the surrounding area, so making a place like this in Stratton
would be a great asset for the town and could attract residents from adjacent towns to the west into
Stratton.

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 37

RECREATION MARKET ANALYSIS

COST OF LIVING INDEX

PARTNERSHIPS
RECREATION MARKET ANALYSIS Cost of Living Index

It is important to understand that prices for common services, including child care, can vary
widely from one locale to another. A report released in 2015 by the University of Colorado Denver
studied the state of childcare in Colorado and we have used this to complete this portion of the
study. The map below lists counties according to their Cost of Living Index or COLI value. We can
see that Kit Carson County has a COLI score of 90-95 falling in the Low category. The table on the
following page then shows the average cost of full-day childcare at licensed centers based on the
COLI index number of the county where the service is located.

Cost of Living Index

40 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

Cost of Living Index (cont.) Partnerships

RECREATION MARKET ANALYSIS

SAF
The Stratton
Area Foundation
Inc.

CCF
Cooper-Clark
Foundation

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 41

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT CCCD & UTA

ABOUT THE STAFF
 CCCD & UTA
ABOUT CCCD & UTA
The Colorado Center for Community Development (CCCD) is a clinical teaching practice
of the University of Colorado Denver, College of Architecture and Planning. Our mission
is to provide students with real world experiences in design and planning as they provide
communities and neighborhoods with services in these areas.

CCCD strives to enhance the quality of community life – through collaboration, applied
research and innovative design – for the betterment of all community residents. In the
process, students’ educational experience is enhanced by taking what is learned in the
classroom and academic studio and employing it in projects of public and civic interest.
Communities benefit through design work that is continuously being improved through
research and innovation. Moreover, together we become partners in the design thinking
process, thus expanding our mutual and individual capacities to further envision and
implement projects of significant public impact.
Started in 1967, CCCD has worked in partnership with communities and neighborhoods
to complete over 2000 projects around Colorado. Projects range in size and scope, but
have the common element of improving the community as a place to live, work and play.
CCCD is among the longest running university design centers in the United States and
will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017.

The University Technical Assistance (UTA) program provides rural and small communities
with assistance on projects that enhance places and spaces. A decades-long partnership
between the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and CCCD, the UTA program
puts the cost of preliminary design work within financial reach of small communities.
Students complete preliminary plans and designs that can be used to inform and engage
community members in the project. These plans are used to apply for grants from DOLA
and other funders. This saves the community money in preliminary design and community
engagement and provides students with valuable experience. Once financing is secured,
licensed professionals are hired to take preliminary designs to completion.

44 /// 2019 University Of Colorado Denver

JENNIFER KOVARIK EAST TEAM FIELD SUPERVISOR

ABOUT THE STAFF

Jennifer received her Master of Urban and Regional Planning and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees
from the University of Colorado Denver. She holds a B.S. in National Resources and Environmental Science
from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She is a professional/Registered Landscape Architect in
the state of Colorado and has American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification. Outside of work
Jennifer enjoys hiking, backpacking, skiing, yoga, travel, design, and mountain adventures. Jennifer enjoys
the variety and complexity of projects in rural Colorado.

CHERRYL AGOSTO M.ARCH RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Cherryl Agosto is a Master of Architecture and Historic Preservation candidate at the University of Colorado
Denver. Born in Monterey, California into a military family, she is a seasoned traveler and accredits her
passion for architecture from living and traveling to places like Germany and Egypt. She received her B.S.
in Architecture from SCAD in Savannah, Georgia with the help of a full ride R.O.T.C scholarship. Cherryl
moved to Denver in 2014 and has worked in a firm designing the structural floor and roof systems all
the while pursuing her two master’s degrees. Historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable
architectural design are Cherryl’s forefront interests and hopes to continue working for nonprofit firms
helping communities maintain their historical identities and character. Cherryl’s other passions include pie
baking and eating along with running and hiking naturally.

SOFIA BRUNI M.ARCH RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Sofia Bruni is a Master of Architecture and Landscape Architecture candidate at the University of Colorado
Denver. She was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She got her B.S. in Architecture at the University of Texas
at San Antonio. She then moved back to Austin where she worked in an Interior Design/Architecture firm
for two years before deciding to pursue her masters. She loves the relationship between architecture and
landscape architecture and continues to strive to blur the two disciplines in projects taken on. Sofia is new
to Denver, but enjoys exploring the city with her two dogs.

ARIA DELLEPIANE M.ARCH RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Aria Dellepiane joined the CCCD team in the spring of 2019. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Design
from University of Colorado Boulder and is currently pursuing a Masters in Architecture at University of
Colorado Denver. Aria is a designer who leads with her passion for meaningful community engagement
and civic empowerment – values that she believes are at the core of good design. In her past experience,
Aria worked with hundreds of community members to realize healthy, safe and equitable communities on
various projects, including affordable housing, universal access design, sustainability, land-use planning,
transportation, and more. When she’s not in the studio, Aria can be found traveling to new places, hiking
in the Rocky Mountains, or roller skating in her favorite parks.

Colorado Center for Community Development \\\ 45

Contact Us to Learn More
e cccd@ucdenver.edu
t 303-315-5890
w http://cap.ucdenver.edu/cccd

Mailing Address:
Colorado Center for Community
Development
College of Architecture and Planning
University of Colorado Denver
Campus Box 126, P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364

Physical Location:
Colorado Center for Community
Development
College of Architecture and Planning
University of Colorado Denver
1250 14th Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202