Happy Monday, Longmont! The Denver Broncos won again yesterday, defeating the Carolina Panthers 26-21. It marks their fifth straight win since their defeat in San Francisco to the 49ers, proving that leaving California is always a good strategy. Oh, and don’t forget to get your free donut at King Soopers.

Today — recreation programs in Longmont are making big money, breaking down a wild weekend of state playoff action and a preview of Veterans Day in Longmont.

Let’s dive in.

Those Zumba classes are paying off for more than the number on your scale.

Despite an underwhelming October, revenue from Longmont’s recreation programs — from recreation center admission to the ice rink and sports leagues — are on pace to earn over $5 million, according to Longmont Parks & Recreation Advisory Board data.

By the numbers:

Zooming in:

The recreation center is on a hot streak.

But…it’s still down 35 visits per day compared to 2024.

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is scheduled to meet tonight. Among the topics on the agenda: status of the new rec center, absorbing the responsibilities of the Golf Course Advisory Board, and the nearly-complete construction of Nino Gallo Park — an eight-acre park in southeast Longmont that’s been under construction for nearly two years.

Drought prompts Longmont to hold off on planting 114 trees: Following Colorado’s historically dry winter and the city’s decision to reduce its water use by 10% ahead of the summer, Longmont Forestry planted just 225 of the 339 trees purchased in the spring, citing a lack of dependable water in local parks. Longmont Forestry will attempt to finish planting in the fall, or carry over trees in its nursery until next spring. Regardless, tree planting will dwindle next year as many of Longmont’s parks are reaching capacity — the team anticipates buying just 200 trees next spring.

Longmont High teens among nation’s top business students: Longmont High School’s business program is paying dividends. Students at LHS scored in the top 10% nationwide on exams testing their business knowledge, St. Vrain Valley School District announced. The Longmont High School of Business is a national program where students complete hands-on business projects across six courses, take internships, and can earn college credit. More than 7,000 students across the country participated in the program during the 2025-26 school year.

Longmont Ice Rink avoids delay, set for opening: Longmont’s seasonal ice rink is slated to open for the 2026-27 season Friday, November 20 from 1-6 pm. City crews spent the month of October constructing and assembling the rink. According to a Parks and Recreation Board agenda packet, the process went “extremely smoothly,” despite a few small hurdles. One of them occurred during the system pressure test, just before adding the glycol, when a leak was discovered in the pump. Denver Pump was summoned to assist and managed to arrive that same week, replace the pump, and keep the project on schedule. The chiller was activated on Halloween, and the rink was ready to make ice two days later.

Silver Creek soccer falls in state quarterfinals: Silver Creek High School’s state tournament run fell short of a title, once again. Mullen High School stunted the Raptor offense on Saturday, winning by a score of 2-0. Mullen has been one of Colorado’s strongest soccer programs in recent years. Since 2021, Mullen has won a state championship (2025) and was state runner-up twice (2024, 2021). Silver Creek has developed an elite program of their own, making it to the state semifinals in 2024 and 2025. The Raptors are still searching for their first state championship in soccer in school history.

Silver Creek football advances in first round of state playoffs, Longmont football falls in thriller: Despite falling behind 13-3 in the third quarter, Silver Creek rattled off two 4th quarter touchdowns to stun Windsor High School in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. The 18th-ranked Raptors will need their A-game on Friday night when they take on #2 Holy Family, who beat Silver Creek 69-35 in September. Up to the 4A playoffs, #19 Longmont High School was defeated by #14 Vista Ridge, 34-31. The Trojans were down 34-16 midway through the fourth quarter, but stormed nearly all the way back to make the score 34-31. A failed onside kick sealed LHS’ fate and ended their season.

Skyline volleyball falls short at regionals: Longmont’s only high school to qualify for a regional volleyball tournament will not be heading to state. During Saturday’s regional action, Skyline was stifled by top-ranked Lewis-Palmer and #24 Eagle Valley, losing 3-0 in both matchups against the two teams. The Falcons still have a lot to hang their hats on — their 15-10 record marks Skyline’s first winning season since 2019.

Veterans Day in Longmont: As Americans prepare to honor our nation’s finest on Wednesday, Longmont is doing its part to pay homage. The Veterans Day Parade returns to downtown when it kicks off at 11:11 am on 8th Avenue and Main Street. Be sure to hit Roosevelt Park after the parade, especially if you’re in need of a gun safe. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is giving them away for free immediately after the parade (open to non-veterans as well). Many restaurants and bars are giving away free food and drinks to vets, too. Parkway Food Hall is offering one free beer, while La Mariposa is giving away a free meal of any kind, up to $20. Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Buffalo Wild Wings are among the chains offering free food with no purchase required. For more establishments offering deals, check out American Legion’s annual list of Veterans Day discounts.

Open House for Sandstone Ranch development: Plans for the final phase of the Sandstone Ranch project will be revealed at an open house tomorrow. The 90-minute event will detail the planned improvements for the more than 300-acre park and nature area, which include a four-field ballfield complex with lighting, an additional parking lot, and replacing the existing “Adventure Playground” surfacing. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2027 and finish in June of 2028. The open house takes place from 5:30 - 7 pm at the Longmont Recreation Center in the Quail Room.

Longmont Turkey Trot: Running. It’s everyone’s least favorite Thanksgiving tradition, and it returns to Longmont this weekend. The Longmont Turkey Trot offers a 10K race, as well as a two-mile run. Runners (or rollers, there’s a wheelchair category, too) will take off from Altona Middle School on Saturday at 9 am. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Early registration for the race closes Thursday at 12 pm. Learn more here.