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1. Jack, what do you do at the club and how did you get in the golf industry?
Jack: I am the Outdoor Guest Services Supervisor and this is my 2nd season at Pradera. I am a semi-retired real estate agent that always wanted to work on a golf course. I moved to Maui, Hawaii and worked there on the King Kamehameha golf course. I am a Colorado native and my wife and I moved back home for family reasons.

2. What do you like about working at Pradera?
Jack: The membership is great. All of the people are relaxed and pleasant to work with. They come from all walks of life. And that makes it very easy for us to give great service. It really is all about the member here.

3. What do you think makes Pradera unique?
Jack: Well, besides the classic rock music on the driving range, I think the setting and the golf course are fantastic. The clubhouse is great, and overall it is just a real beautiful place!

4. What is your handicap and what do you like best about the golf course?
Jack: I am a 10 and my best round at Pradera is an 82, right at my handicap. I enjoy that you can play the course so many different ways, especially with the flex tees and I love the tee shot off of #16.

5. Do you have a favorite meal at Pradera?
Jack: Easy question, definitely the breakfast burrito! But Chef Aaron and his staff never make a bad meal.

Douglas County has solidified itself as one of Colorado’s fastest growing counties and as one of the state’s most desirable places to live. It is 814 square miles and the population is approximately 225,000. It is consistently ranked one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, and in fact, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, Douglas Counties 191% population increase between 1990 and 2000 made it the nation’s fastest-growing county for the decade.

The county has much natural beauty with its mountain, foothill and plains topography. The elevation ranges from 5,400 to 9,839 feet above sea level. All of the Front Range is known for its mild climate, yet it and Douglas County can have rapid changes in weather including heavy thunderstorms and snowstorms. The annual rainfall is 13 inches per year and the average snowfall is 38 inches.

For more Douglas County information visit www.douglas.co.us.

On Monday, June 7, eighty local real estate agents came out to participate in the Pradera Realtor Golf Tournament (an invitation only event). The weather was great and the course was in perfect condition. Everybody enjoyed good golf, good food and drink, and the team from Re/Max won the tournament. Thanks to the local real estate community for being great partners in Pradera’s success. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event. Here are some of the comments we received: “Wow, first class hospitality!” “I really enjoyed Pradera.” “The Club at Pradera course is absolutely beautiful!” See some photos of the event below:

While no specific architectural style is required to be constructed in the custom homes at Pradera, architecture that reflects the traditional styles associated with rural Colorado is encouraged by the Pradera HOA’s Design Review Committee. Each of these architectural styles is compatible and in harmony with the natural setting of the community. They also encourage diversity from one another to enhance the atmosphere of a luxury home golf course community. The Prairie style is the signature of the community and has been adopted for the golf clubhouse and community center. Architectural styles not reflective of rural Colorado, such as Spanish, Mediterranean, Territorial, Santa Fe, Cape Cod, Victorian or Plantation, are not permitted in Pradera.

Prairie – A distinctly American architectural style, created and promoted by Frank Lloyd Wright, Prairie style blends horizontal planes and organic character. Low-pitched, hip roofs with wide and pronounced overhangs, horizontal lines of glass and low center of gravity massing are features associated with the Prairie style. Window muntins incorporate the grid pattern prevalent in character of the style while brick and stone are used effectively to finish the Prairie pallet.

Craftsman – The Craftsman style brings together aspects of several traditional American home exteriors. For Pradera, encouraged styles are those that demonstrate a rustic, high plains character. The homes should combine low-slung massing and a front porch, and create charm through the use of materials, decorative features, and window shapes. Gable roofs with outrigger detailing and dormers, distinctive porch columns, which are frequently tapered with a base of battered stone, and crafted porch railings are also associated with the Craftsman style.

Colorado Rustic – The Colorado Rustic architectural style continues to be a very popular choice by both builders and homeowners throughout the Front Range in Colorado. Low-pitched roofs with extensive overhangs, primarily composed of multi-level hip or gable roof elements create a solid, substantial architectural form. Covered, arched entries, often including companion-arched windows, are typical with this style although more linear covered entries are also extensively utilized. Masonry veneer composed of brick, stucco and stone with porch supports complementing the front façade and composed of masonry or masonry with columns adds to the character typical of the Colorado Rustic architectural style.

European Hillside – The European Hillside style reflects the charm and timeless nature of many hilltown villages in Europe. The style should be informal and additive in their compositions, to form a “built over time” appearance. Massing should be in rectangular volumes with varied heights, tower elements and wing additions. Gable roofs with flat or barrel tile should be the dominant roof form. A mixture of exposed rafter tail size for roof overhangs are integral to the style. The use of courtyards, loggias, towers, low walls and entry gates create an entry sequence and are encouraged. The existing sloped sites in the very natural setting of Pradera lends to the building forms of hilltown architecture.

1. How long have you been at Pradera and why did you want to work here?
I am happy to say I have been here from the start, over 6 years now – I have seen a lot of history! I wanted to work here because, as someone from this area, I knew Pradera was going to be something special. I really wanted to be a part of it and work with the people involved, including the golf course designer, Jim Engh.

2. What do you like best about Pradera?
Definitely the members, they have created a very casual and fun clubhouse environment. Our clubhouse and course have won many awards, including the course being rated the 11th best course in Colorado by Golf Digest, but don’t forget our Longs Peak Grill was just recently awarded best bar by Avid Golfer!

3. With over 300 golf members and 200 social or sports members, why has Pradera been so successful?
Again, I think the clubhouse and course are excellent. And our reputation has grown over the years, too. I just think people like the fun that we offer, including the great family activities and programs.

4. What do you like best about the golf course?
I love the rolling hills and the dramatic elevation changes – you just can’t beat blasting off of the 16th tee with a 250-foot elevation drop!

5. You mentioned the club has many activities for all members of the family, what do you think is the best event at the club?
Well, there are always events going on, but I would have to say the Celtic, which is our premier golf event. It is a member/guest event and 120 guys get to have 4 days of competitive golf and skills challenges, great food and drink, and they get the run of the place.

6. What is your best round at Pradera?
78 from the Ram tees and that’s not bad for someone who is always working at the course but doesn’t always get to play the course.

7. And finally, what is your favorite sports team?
As native of Iowa, I would definitely say the Iowa college football team – go Hawks! (Greg is also too humble to mention that he was a walk-on defensive lineman for the team.)

For additional information about Club at Pradera membership, please contact Greg White at (303) 607-5672 or gwhite@brightstargolf.com

1. How long have you been a builder and how many homes have you built at Pradera?
I have been building since I was six years old – forts, models, boats, etc. Peach Homes has been in existence for over 10 years and I have built nine homes at Pradera. I have been at Pradera since the community began.

2. How did you get your business name?
I was walking a customer around one of my finished homes and after I said, “isn’t this a great home”, the customer said, “no this is a peach of a home”. I know that’s corny, but the name stuck!

3. What do you like best about building custom homes at Pradera?
I love the whole concept of the neighborhood – especially the amenities like the club, restaurant, pools, trails, and I like that the homeowners are so active. I try to build my homes reflecting this active Colorado lifestyle. I try to have the homes be a part of the neighborhood. I also enjoy the people – I have made a lot of friends since I have been here. And I like the overall quality of the custom homes at Pradera.

4. What makes a great custom home?
You have to start with vision, and not just with the big picture or with the home’s overall design, but also with the small details. I like this part of the job – the creative part of it. I think you have to have a lot of attention-to-detail. You have to complete every stage of the home 110% before you move on to the next.

5. How does Peach Homes help customers?
I always try to build their vision and not mine. And I really try to bring the client’s vision out of them. Most of all, through the process, I am just really trying to surpass the customer’s expectations!

6. What are some signature features of a Peach Home?
There are a lot of them: sunken family rooms in the lower level, 3 dimensional features with height and volume (not just flat ceilings or walls), high-end Pella-brand wood windows and doors, a lot of natural woods and stones inside and out, hand-built timber deck stairs, insulated walls throughout the interior of the home, high-end appliances (including refrigerators), plenty of lighting and a quality carpet. Also, as I said earlier, we pay a lot of attention to the details. Finally, I hear a lot from customers that my homes feel very warm, like a home should – and that’s our goal!

7. What do you like do to for fun?
I like all water sports. I have a boat and I love to water-ski. I also like to travel and sit on the beach and snorkel.

An interview with Matt Neill and Dave Misuraca:

1. What is your background and how did you come to Pradera?
Matt: I was an assistant at The Sanctuary, and with Jim Engh designing both courses I knew a lot of people and had played at Pradera many times. The Sanctuary is such a unique course with just 2 members and I was looking for more of a traditional country club. I am a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and have a degree in Professional Golf Management. I’m from Nebraska and yes I am a Big Red fan!
Dave: I had been working at Ptarmigan, a private Jack Nicklaus club in Ft. Collins and had a contact that knew the chef at Pradera. When an opening came up, I sent my resume. I think we both just wanted to work for one of the best up and coming private courses in Denver. I graduated from Colorado State and am originally from St. Louis.

2. What do you like best about working at Pradera?
Matt and Dave: The people! It’s such a unique membership – fun, young and a lot of families. It’s full of energy here, laid back and everyone treats us great.

3. How do you like working on a Jim Engh course and what is your favorite hole?
Matt: It’s great. Every hole is so unique, and the first time you play hole #16, (which was just awarded the Silver Medal for Most Memorable Hole in the 2010 AvidGolfer magazine’s 8th Annual Best of Colorado Golf) all you can say is “wow”! My favorite hole is #7 (which is a downhill risk/reward par 5 with split fairways) and I definitely play the risk side.
Dave: And he definitely shoots a 4 or an 8 on that hole! My favorite hole is #11, which is a long par 4 with a difficult 2nd shot with water on the right side. It’s the #1 handicap and I am always happy with a par. I like that each hole plays differently depending on your lie and the pin placement. The undulations of the greens and chipping areas are awesome here.

4. What is your favorite event at the club?
Dave: The Niblick, which is a member tournament played with hickory wood-shafted clubs and many members play in knickers and ties, it’s a step back in time.
Matt: The Celtic, which is the biggest member/guest event of the year. It’s a lot of fun and with all of the side events and shootouts there is just so much going on.

5. You knew we had to ask, what is your best round and who is the best golfer?
Dave: My best round is a 69, and I’ll admit Matt got the best of me this year.
Matt: But Dave is the best putter, and a 66 from the black tees.
Dave: And we are even at trash talking!
Matt: Yeah, no one else likes to play with us!

6. We can vouch for the both of you that you put in a lot of hours – what do you like to do in any spare time?
Matt: Well I just got married and Dave is engaged, so we spend a lot of time with our ladies.
Dave: I like to get away and listen to music.
Matt: And I like to watch sports, even golf!

You can contact Matt at mneill@brightstargolf.com and Dave at dmisuraca@brightstargolf.com

1. Ron and Lisa Hays recently moved to the Denver Area from South Florida, what were you initial thoughts on moving to Colorado?
Ron is from Missouri and Lisa is from Washington State so moving to Denver was more about getting closer to our families. After living in Kansas City, Atlanta, Venezuela and South Florida, moving west was something we had not yet done, so it was a welcome change. Our intention is for Denver to be our home and not another career-related move.

2. How did you go about your home search?
We actually began our home search near Niwot and other locations up north because Ron’s job is in Westminster. Our search continued south when we didn’t find a house in a community that fit our needs, tastes and preferences. Ironically, Pradera was the last community we visited and it was the location of two homes that became our final choices.

3. What brought you to Pradera? What did you initially like about the area?
Pradera offered custom homes on lot sizes that were comparable to what we had
in South Florida. Just as important, the homes fulfilled both our wants and needs and they offered quality throughout. Pradera, itself, has a country setting while still being near all the amenities associated with a large metropolitan area. It is quiet and private while offering a fabulous clubhouse and golf course that allows for as much socializing as you prefer. We liked these attributes.

4. You purchased a Celebrity Custom Home that was under construction. How was your experience with Celebrity?
We have built four homes, with one being in Kansas City, one in Atlanta and two in South Florida. None of these experiences are ones we would like to repeat. Working with Dan, Kurt, Sandy, Chris and the other great people at Celebrity Custom Homes, however, was a wonderful experience. Although we are not planning to move again for a long time, we would choose Celebrity again and again. Construction of our home was done with the care and attention to detail that it seems Celebrity associates would give to their own homes. As a result, our home is the finest we have ever had in every way.

5. You have now been in your home for several weeks, how do you like your home
and the neighborhood?
Some houses are strictly houses, but our house functions and feels like a home. We love the setting and way our backyard works for our three dogs. The clubhouse works perfectly for quick carry-out and dine-in dinners and lunches. After several moves, we are, at last, home.

6. Do you have any advice for other families looking to transfer or move to Colorado?
Coming from South Florida, we have found people to be so nice and welcoming. The lifestyle is casual.

7. Tell us a little about yourselves.
Ron is a Chief Financial Officer with experience in both telecommunications and healthcare. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri. Lisa is an Interior Decorator and graduate of Washington State University. The “kids” in our family are of the four-legged, white and furry variety: Sophie, a Bichon; Skittles, a Havanese; and Scooter, a Maltipoo. All are adopted from rescue groups. They seem to appreciate our wonderful home, too!

Celebrity Communities, the new developer of Pradera, and the Pradera Metro District are beginning the first phases of a landscaping improvement plan at Pradera which will include trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials to be planted along Pradera Parkway and Bayou Gulch. You may have already noticed the addition of 45 new trees around the golf course maintenance building and should be seeing more improvements in the coming weeks.

The Club at Pradera golf course is really greening up and in great shape. The combination of fairly warm weather and snowy spring days have allowed Superintendent Dean Lindsey and his crew to get a good start on having the course ready. They also brought in 50 tons of new bunker sand. The course officially opened for the year last weekend.