Neighbor to Neighbor: Sharing the stories of the people who call Lone Tree Home 

Martha and Roger Sippel first lived in southeast Denver, where they enjoyed being close to Washington Park and their downtown jobs. In 1989, they moved to Cherry Creek Vista in unincorporated Arapahoe County. They enjoyed being near Cherry Creek State Park and neighborhood trails, but Roger’s commute downtown eventually became too time-consuming. They also wanted a smaller-town atmosphere and a neighborhood with an homeowners’ association (HOA) that helped ensure properties were well maintained. 

While driving south of County Line Road one day, Martha noticed the newer Lone Tree area. Their realtor understood what they were looking for and helped them find their dream home in Carriage Club near the Bluffs Regional Park. The home backs to open space and trails, and the couple created a xeriscape native-looking backyard. They quickly began meeting neighbors on their cul-de-sac, where they still live today. 

“Our joke has been that we move eight miles south each time,” said Martha.  “But Lone Tree is our last stop.” 

Putting Down Roots 

When the Sippels’ arrived in 2003, Lone Tree looked very different. There was no Lone Tree Arts Center, and much of the area was still developing. They remember seeing a herd of antelope where Target is now. 

Today, they enjoy walking the Bluffs and other trails with Kali, their rescued black Labrador mix, as well as enjoying Lone Tree’s restaurants, shopping, recreation opportunities and easy access to I-25 and C-470. They also appreciate the light rail and Link on Demand, which make it easier to get around. Safety is another reason they are grateful to call Lone Tree home. 

“We feel very safe here,” added Martha. “The police patrol regularly, and the response time is important to us.” 

Martha and Roger are retired – or, as Martha prefers to say, “rewired.” Roger worked as a geologist, while Martha worked as a geologist, technical communicator, and user experience designer. 

Her approach was to treat people the way she wanted to be treated, a philosophy that helped her build strong working relationships that continues to guide her community service. 

Serving the Community 

Martha had volunteered with two professional organizations during her career, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and mentoring others. After moving to Lone Tree, she believes it was friend and former Mayor Jackie Millet who encouraged her to apply to serve on the City’s Planning Commission. 

Martha was appointed in 2007, initially filling the remainder of another commissioner’s term. She was then appointed to two additional terms and served until 2016. 

During an important period of Lone Tree’s early growth, she was involved in discussions surrounding projects such as Cabela’s, the Charles Schwab campus, the Lone Tree Arts Center and Montecito. She also advocated for stronger commissioner onboarding and training and helped develop a robust comprehensive plan and more thoughtful design guidelines. 

One lesson she learned was that residents do not always realize what a city can and cannot control when it comes to development. 

“The City doesn’t decide which businesses come to Lone Tree,” Martha explained. “But design guidelines help determine how buildings look and how they fit into the community.” 

After reaching her term limit on the Planning Commission, Martha was encouraged by two Councilmembers to apply for the Park Meadows Metropolitan District Board. She was appointed in 2016 to complete a previous director’s term, elected in 2018 and again in 2022, and served until she reached her term limit in 2025. 

The district includes Park Meadows, 13 HOAs west of Yosemite Street, and The Enclave and the Safeway shopping center east of Yosemite Street. Its work includes landscaping, raised medians, brick walls, lighting, traffic and safety, and other improvements that contribute to the district’s appearance. 

Martha describes the work as a collaboration among the City, businesses, residential communities and other partners. The district also financially supported City projects (parkmeadowsmetrodistrict.org/projects) involving repaving, the pedestrian bridge and the bike bridge. 

Today, she continues to serve her neighborhood through the Carriage Club HOA, which includes approximately 430 homes. She helps residents understand neighborhood issues, including water restrictions and design guidelines, in the context of the larger community. 

“I think it’s important to participate where you live and give back,” she said. “I may not be able to make a difference in the whole world, but I hope I can be a part of making a difference in my community.” 

A Community of Neighbors 

The Sippels live on a cul-de-sac with 19 homes. Over the years, neighbors have shared dinners, delivered fresh peaches and gathered for National Night Out. Many of the children who once played on the street have grown up, but the neighborhood connections remain. The couple also enjoys the wildlife that makes Lone Tree feel like home. 

“We call it Wild Kingdom here,” said Martha. 

Deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats and many different birds are regular visitors. The occasional bear also makes an appearance, and Martha once saw a mountain lion during a major winter storm. 

The Lone Tree Arts Center is one of their favorite places to visit. Both enjoy attending performances there, and their favorite natural place in the City is the Bluffs. They also enjoy Fourth of July celebrations, Merry Days, concerts, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and grand openings. 

“There is always something fun to do,” added Martha. 

Looking Ahead 

The Sippels are excited about Lone Tree’s future. They look forward to the continued development of the east side of the City and appreciate the thoughtful planning shaping the community. 

Martha is especially hopeful to see open space preserved. “Open space is a precious commodity,” she said.  

They also believe a strong community needs more than homes. Gathering places, entertainment, arts and events help create connections and give people reasons to stay close to home. 

For Martha and Roger, Lone Tree is more than a convenient place to live. It is a community they have helped shape, a neighborhood filled with people they know and the place they are proud to call home. 

“Lone Tree is our forever home,” said Roger.  

Martha and Roger met at work on August 2, 1977. Nearly five decades later, they still enjoy skiing, hiking, golfing, traveling, lunches and dinners with friends and attending local events. Their advice for a lasting relationship is –  “laugh, avoid taking everything too seriously and find activities you both enjoy. Having both common and separate interests and hobbies helps, too.”