The Littleton Community Retreat, https://www.littletoncommunityretreat.org/, was founded in 1975 by former City Manager Gale Christy and former Littleton Independent Editor, Garrett Ray. Their goal was to help educate citizens about issues of importance to the community. They believed that citizens who attended the Retreats would take ideas from them and share those ideas widely in the broader community.
View the 2024 Flier #1
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Their vision succeeded, as ideas generated at Retreats over the years have spurred outcomes both large and small, including:
- Lowering the railroad tracks through Littleton, which ultimately led to establishment of the southwest corridor light rail line
- Establishment of the Littleton Immigrant Resource Center at Bemis Public Library, which welcomes people from around the world and helps them learn English and become citizens.
- Founding of Historic Littleton, Inc., and Town Hall Arts Center
- Making vacant lots into playgrounds
- Building of Reynolds Landing on the South Platte River
From 1976 to 2015, Retreats lead by volunteers covered topics that included transportation, taxpayers in revolt, taking charge of our future, the arts, education, welcoming new Americans, strengthening neighborhoods, the changing needs of youth and seniors, creating a caring community, and much more.
After a hiatus during which the Retreat hosted the Littleton Leadership Academy, the Littleton Community Retreat is back and focused on the topic of sustainability.
Since this is a broad topic, the Planning Committee surveyed the community to figure out what topics were of greatest interest.
Citizens responded that they wanted to learn about protecting their water. As a result, the title of the 2024 Retreat will focus on understanding and protecting our water.
Speakers will include:
- • The Honorable Kyle Schlachter, Mayor of Littleton, Keynote speaker
- • Xeriscape experts to help with our yards
- • A panel on Open Space and Recreation
- • A speaker from South Platte Renew, Littleton’s wastewater treatment plant, the third largest in the state
- • A presentation of Littleton’s newly drafted Environmental Action Plan
The 2024 Retreat will occur on two days:
- • Friday, September 13, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Buck Center in Littleton will be a classroom portion of the Retreat, followed by a reception.
- • Saturday, September 14, will feature a day of tours, concluding with a Community Meal. The tours on Saturday will be at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield State Park, and along the bike path next to the South Platte River.
Registration is required.
To secure your spot at the 2024 Littleton Community Retreat, a minimum $25 donation is required. Use the link below to register. After registration submission, you will be presented with a link to donate online. However, personal check are also accepted.
- The Littleton Community Retreat occurs during Littleton's Restaurant Week. There are many exciting options for dining in Littleton after the retreat (and all week). Click here for more information.