Apex Field House had a festive, active grand opening celebration

On Saturday, December 10, several hundred visitors stopped by to see the new Apex Field House, a year-round turf sports facility with two fields for soccer, lacrosse, arena football and other sports. Operated by Apex Park and Recreation District, it is located at 5724 Oak Street, near the Harold D. Lutz Sports Complex in Arvada.

At the ribbon cutting, APRD Board President Jim Whitfield, Arvada Mayor Marc Williams and Arvada Mayor Pro Tem Rachel Zenzinger praised the collaborative nature of the project. It began in 2010 with the need to relocate the Garrison Street Sports Center, which previously housed the district’s turf sports arena, due to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ralston Creek floodplain mitigation project. Apex PRD and the City of Arvada got together to figure out a solution that would be most beneficial and cost effective for the community.

“The Apex Field House project became a reality through cooperation and wise use of resources,” said Whitfield. “No bonds were issued for construction and no additional taxes were incurred.” Whitfield also noted that the Field House provides more and better programs in an improved facility. “This is what should be expected from government at all levels,” he added.

The funds to build the Apex Field House were a combination of proceeds from the sale of North Jeffco Park, where the Garrison Street Center currently sits; Apex PRD budget funds accrued by the district for construction of the facility; and a Certificate of Participation (COP), a type of secured loan routinely used by government agencies. Facility revenues and funds set aside for capital improvement will be used to repay the COP.

About 150 people convened for a flag-raising ceremony by Boy Scout troop (number from Mike) and the ribbon cutting by the Apex PRD board, Mayor Williams and the Arvada City Council. Then everyone made their way inside to check out the amenities, watch activities on the fields and enjoy refreshments and giveaways. Throughout the Grand Opening, both arenas were filled with youth and adults enjoying their sports, while spectators looked on.

This is how government should work at all levels

The Apex Field House is now open for business as the new hub for Apex PRD youth and adult sports programs. For more information and rental rates, visit http://apexprd.org/facilities/apex-field-house or call 303-431-9600.