KUSA - Spin a wheel, find a story. That's the gist of Spin-A-Story week on the morning show. Our latest destination takes us north of Denver to Todd Creek.
This was supposed to be Kyle Dyer's story, but because of her injury I did the pinch-hitting.
Todd Creek is a beautiful area in Thornton with lots of open space, fresh air and sunshine. I had no idea what to expect when I paid my visit, but I thought it would be best to start with a search for how this area got its name.
Equipped with speakerphone and siren, I went on a desperate hunt for details. I got a lot of confused looks from locals, but little in the way of solid information.
Local historian Albin Wagner saved me. If you want to know anything about this area, he's the go-to-guy. Albin says Todd Creek is a "census designated" spot. Not exactly a town.
Today, it is home to a 55-plus retirement community that surrounds a top golf course. The Heritage Todd Creek Golf Course is an Arthur Hills design, and is considered to be one of the premier golfing spots north of Denver.
Before it was developed, Todd Creek was home to sugar beet farming and one of Colorado's earliest school districts, South Bratner.
Todd Creek also played a unique part in Colorado aviation history. It hosted a lighthouse for airplanes. You heard right. A tall beacon of blazing light helped guide planes to old Stapleton Airport years before avionics and radios.
As for the creek part of Todd Creek? I may have found remnants of it. Cattails line a swampy path that leads to a small old reservoir that apparently once featured summer fishing tournaments back in the day.
But Todd? I'm still looking for him.
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