The streets we drive, the traffic signals we rely on and the sidewalks we walk may go unnoticed in our daily routines — but behind them is a team that ensures everything runs safely and efficiently.
That dedication is being recognized on a national level. The Town of Castle Rock Public Works Department earned the 2025 Asset Management Award from the American Public Works Association. This prestigious honor is given to only one organization in the entire country, plus Canada, each year.
This national recognition highlights the Public Works Department’s innovative and data-driven approach to managing the town’s vital infrastructure. Responsible for maintaining 770 lane miles of roadway, 497 miles of sidewalks, 44 traffic signals and 34 bridges, the department uses a strategic asset management plan to guide operations. This plan groups infrastructure into eight asset categories and prioritizes decisions based on real-time data about cost, condition and risk, ensuring that every maintenance dollar is used wisely.
Public input also plays a major role in setting Public Works’ priorities, especially when it comes to safety, reliability and fiscal responsibility. By combining data with community values, the department plans ahead, avoids costly repairs down the line and makes sure investments really benefit Castle Rock residents.
This award follows another significant achievement. In 2024, the Public Works Department received full APWA accreditation for the third consecutive four-year period, placing it among fewer than 1% of public works agencies in North America to hold this status. APWA accreditation verifies that the department adheres to industry best practices and demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
The Town of Castle Rock’s standard of excellence doesn’t stop at Public Works. The Parks and Recreation Department similarly upholds the town’s standard of excellence. It has retained its national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies since 2012 — a recognition that only the top 2% of departments in the U.S. achieve. With 100% compliance across 151 standards, the department has been praised for its volunteer programs, environmental sustainability and commitment to wellness. It is one of just eight agencies in Colorado to hold this honor.
Castle Rock Fire and Rescue is also among the most respected in the nation. In 2022, CRFD was reaccredited for the third time by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The process includes a rigorous evaluation of operations, performance and strategic planning. Only about 290 fire departments globally share this distinction, which speaks to CRFD’s dedication to service quality and ongoing improvement.
The Castle Rock Police Department has maintained its accreditation from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, which involves extensive reviews of the department’s policies and procedures, confirming adherence to new laws and the adoption of best practices. All this ensures that CRPD provides the highest level of law enforcement and police services to the Castle Rock community.
The national award and the accreditations across departments affirm the Town of Castle Rock’s commitment to excellence, strategic planning and transparency. Whether it’s the road under your tires, the park down the street, the fire crew on standby, or police officers who serve and protect, residents can trust they are backed by nationally and locally recognized departments that prioritize community safety, their well-being and the town’s future.
This guest column was written by David L. Corliss, the Castle Rock town manager.