“This is how government should work at all levels”

Yes.  I am announcing my candidacy for my third and final four year term as one of the board of directors for the Apex Park and Recreation District.  I would be honored to earn your vote to serve the constituents of the district’s team.   There is a lot to achieve at the district between 2014 and 2018.  Here are a few of opportunities that I would like to work on for you.

1) In 2018 the bonds that were issued to build the Apex Center will expire and an opportunity exists to renew them.  From an identified need for more recreation for the District’s constituents from 50th to 88th Avenue and from Kipling St. to Sheridan St. the vision 2020 committee had recommended an East Side multi-generational recreation center at the Arvada Center property via a suggestion from former council member Rachel Zenzinger.  However, Arvada City Council rejected this plan in lieu of their need to revisit the Arvada Center Master plan.   The need has not diminished and so the pursuit for an adequate site in the East side of the district continues in partnership with the City and County.   If we can locate a feasible site the next four year term will provide the Apex Park and Recreation District an opportunity to renew the Apex Center bonds through a District bond “renewal” election.  If I am re-elected I will be the only active board member that has played an active role in the last successful District election.  It will take a tremendous effort and strategy to construct a proposal for a majority of the entire District to approve.   I feel I have have proven qualifications, experience, and energy as an Apex Board member to help with this effort an assembling a winning bond proposal.

2) Our prized Meyers 50 meter pool will also need to be replaced soon.   The Meyers pool is owned by the City of Arvada and operated by the Apex Park and Recreation District.   A design flaw when it was constructed has enabled water to damage the support beams of the walls and roof over the facility.  Planning and discussions need to start immediately with the City, County, School District with regard to its replacement.   We have learned from issues with pools in the past that discussions and planning are an early necessity to ensure all of the stakeholders and District are aware of the need for a replacement.   Like most all of the Apex facilities that were designed to optimally benefit both the local neighborhood, District, and surrounding areas, a new 50 Meter pool would be designed to continue to provide for competitive and recreational swimming and diving and would include facilities for residents that live very near the facility.    The Fitness and Community Recreation Centers are very good examples of smaller neighborhood facilities that provide fitness and recreation but also provide a venue for all of the District to enjoy.

3) There is a general need to make improvements at all of our facilities and venues.  Our outdoor turf sports like football, soccer, rugby, and lacrosse are eager to have more year round fields to play on, our baseball and softball facilities continue to provide a great venue for tournaments but need updating, and our District continues to be a Pickleball haven and continues to grow in popularity.

And if I am re-elected I would gladly serve once again as the President of the Board of Directors as I once did when our District earned its Colorado SDA award for excellence in small government collaboration.

To vote in this election you will either need to go vote on May 6th at the Apex or Community Recreation Center  (or complete a absentee ballot request.   Since this is a special district May election you must complete a mail-in ballot in order to vote). Here is the absentee ballot application.  You must complete this form and turn it in to obtain a mail-in ballot.2014-apex-park-and-recreation-district-absentee-ballot-application

If you would like to assist with my re-election efforts or provide a campaign donation toward my re-election effort please send an email to electjimwhitfield@hcwt.com or call 720-336-9607.

Here is a summary of the District’s accomplishments as a Apex and SDA Board Member:
SE Arvada Healthy Places project team member
Secured Deed to the Simms St. Center property from Jefferson County (by requesting this new policy from the Jefferson County Commissioners)
Secured Open Spaces grant funding for Simms St. Pickleball & Park
City of Arvada Community Spirit Award
Opened the Simms St. Center
Opened the Apex Field House
SDA Collaboration Award
Resolved 50 year old unresolved water and deed issues
Wolff and Arvada Central park improvements
Secured Apex Field House and Simms St. – with no additional taxes !!
District wide Sustainability Improvements
Long Lake Ranch and Stenger Bathroom additions
Long Lake Ranch artificial lighted turf
Re-negotiated Intergovernmental Agreements with Arvada Staff
Apex Ice Railing improvements
Refinanced Apex Bonds and saved tax payers ~$1,000,000
Passed the first ever mil levy increase election for the district