Think you’ve got what it takes to climb 200 stairs — again and again?
On June 14, Castle Rock’s Philip S. Miller Park will host Climb4Change, an event that blends physical endurance with giving back. Participants will ascend the 200 steps of Challenge Hill — some once, others for an hour-long challenge — to benefit Castle Rock’s therapeutic recreation program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The event, which is the only race permitted at Challenge Hill each year, offers various challenges to suit all skill levels: a timed sprint to the top, a trail run with stairs and a family-friendly fun run. For many, Climb4Change is not just a race. It’s a space for community and connection.
Heather Tidwell, a volunteer at the event and Castle Rock resident, is the mother of a son with a disability and has long recognized the value of inclusive community programs.
“People realize it’s not just another race. It’s not just another event to participate in. Many people truly have a great heart and are looking for a good cause on top of going to do something fun,” she said.
Climb4Change doubles as an outreach opportunity, where attendees can connect with vendors and other families, share experiences and discover support they might not have known existed.
“So often you feel like you’re on an island, and it’s important to have a community around you,” Tidwell added. “We’re all created for community … and being able to get off that island or bring people onto the island with you is important.”
Colorado is widely recognized as one of the most disability-friendly states in the U.S., thanks to its strong Medicaid waivers, home- and community-based services, and top-ranked outcomes in education and employment for individuals with disabilities. After years of military moves, this made the state an ideal place for Tidwell’s family to settle, she said.
Castle Rock has a strong community that offers a network of services to people with IDD, anchored by organizations like Wellspring, a local nonprofit that offers a broad range of programs.
One of its most visible efforts is the Castle Rock Collective, which is a café on Perry Street. Operated in partnership with World Orphans, the Collective offers adults with IDD meaningful employment and a chance to build valuable skills.
Wellspring also helps address a critical need — affordable housing for adults with IDD — through a partnership with the state, the Douglas County commissioners and the Castle Rock Town Council.
That kind of comprehensive support is what sets Castle Rock apart, said Rebecca Erickson, who has worked in the town’s therapeutic recreation program for the past seven years.
“It just highlights and shows you how unique our community is — how much love is in this community for people of all abilities,” Erickson said. “I’ve had families even share with me that they’ve moved here for the services.”
That sense of community comes to life at events like Climb4Change, where after chatting their way up and down Challenge Hill, participants can explore booths at the base offering hands-on experiences like meeting a therapy horse or trying out adaptive bikes — while connecting with local resources and one another.
“I love reflecting back years and years and years, and my kids now that are grown, wearing them on my back or on my hip and doing it together as a family,” Erickson said.
Last year’s event raised about $2,000, and this year’s organizers hope to double that impact. Sponsored by Developmental Pathways, Climb4Change kicks off at 7 a.m. on June 14, with registration open through June 9 and walk-ups welcome the morning of.
More information is available at CRgov.com/Climb4Change.