Dear Residents,

There’s a lot to look forward to in the upcoming fall and winter seasons at Apex PRD. The new Apex Field House and the renovated Apex Simms Street Center will be open soon, and the Community Recreation Center is preparing to celebrate its 30^th anniversary.

These events all have something in common: collaboration and teamwork to achieve a result that benefits everyone in the community.  The fact is, we’re nationally known for our ability to do that.

I recently spoke about this outstanding sense of community at an event to recognize and celebrate the efforts of the Leadership Arvada class of 2011. Each Leadership Arvada class consists of business representatives, educators, public officials, representatives of non-profit organizations, members of service clubs, community leaders, community volunteers and future leaders who spend nine months learning what makes our community unique and powerful. They plan and design events and activities to improve the community, and the 2011 class raised nearly $12,000 for improvements at the Community Recreation Center.

This generous donation is very much in keeping with the 30-year history of the Community Recreation Center, which first opened its doors in January 1982. Since then, nearly 700 volunteers have donated more than 300,000 hours to support CRC activities and programs. Even before the 1982 opening, participants at the Center “made it their own” by supporting its inception and becoming involved in the building design and its programming. Thanks to all of them, the CRC is growing and thriving after 30 years and we look forward to many more! The 30^th anniversary celebration is planned for 2-4 pm Sunday, January 22 — watch for details on the party at apexprd.org.

We’re also happy to announce that the Apex Field House, 5724 Oak Street, is expected to open in late 2011. This facility is also a direct outcome of collaborative efforts to meet growing recreational needs in the face of challenges. Apex PRD and the City of Arvada spent two years working toward the best outcome for programs and facilities on the site of the flood control project at the Garrison Street Sports Center. The result: the local and regional sports community will reap the benefits of a second turf arena and a more comprehensive sports program, all in one convenient, accessible spot. Watch for details on the opening at apexprd.org, and plan for a smooth transition if you’re involved in Garrison Street Sports Center activities.

The district’s gymnastics, dance cheerleading and pottery programs, currently meeting at the Garrison Street Sports Complex and the Leisure Arts Building will move to improved new digs at the Apex Simms Street Center, 8151 Simms Street, in late 2011. Apex PRD and the City of Arvada also undertook collaborative efforts at this site, to ensure the continuation and improvement of these existing programs at Garrison. Remodeling is in progress, with the district completing about 40% of the renovation work with its in-house staff, saving taxpayer dollars and setting the stage for these popular programs to have a great new home.

I’m proud of Apex PRD’s role of supporting a successful, vibrant and thriving community through collaboration and hard work. Beyond that, I’m grateful to all the citizens for their part in creating a community that’s attracting national attention for innovative, entrepreneurial strategies to reach high standards. Thank you and enjoy the season ahead!

Sincerely,

Jim Whitfield

Apex PRD Board President