South Suburban Parks and Recreation Candidates Answer The Questions

Question 1

Climate change and its projected course needs to be addressed through a coordinated, effective effort at the international, national, state and local levels. Currently lacking necessary leadership, support and funding; each individual entity is left to address this critical issue based upon their organization’s will and budget. Personally, my wife and I contribute to several organizations including National Park Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, and the Ocean Conservancy to address the issue at the highest national level.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (“SSPRD”, “the District”) has addressed sustainability for years by adding trash containers for recyable items at its busiest parks and trails. It has developed a replacement schedule for irrigation that significantly reduces water loss and unnecessary watering during periods of precipitation. The District, also, continues to explore and increase non-potable water usage for irrigation. In addition, a large portion of its gas-powered golf cart fleet has recently been replaced with electric carts. These efforts, along with evaluating the sustainability impact of new projects, is enthusiastically supported by me and all members of the current board.

Question 2

Schools have long recognized the need to provide children outdoor, unstructured play time with recess. At most elementary schools this occurs twice a day, plus lunch, except in the most extreme weather conditions. At middle schools it follows their lunch period. This activity is healthy, stimulates learning and connects students to other children seeking a similar experience. I am an adamant advocate of kids getting outside and exercising, whether it is structured or unstructured. An example of an outdoor connection to nature would be a trained staff led hike from the Carson Nature Center. Typical, this activity includes looking for specific flowers, grasses and insects. The activity is valuable  for their health and connects children to nature in a manner that is engaging and develops lifelong interest in these activities. The Carson Nature Center and Hudson Gardens offer a variety of programing to connect children with nature.

To create more interest and awareness of nature along with programming availablity, South Suburban coverted a van into a mobile nature learning center. "Taking Nature to Children" and their parents is very exciting for both and is a great introduction to South Suburban’s nature programming. The van is a very popular; last summer it was present at  multiple City of Littleton event and several ribbon cuttings along with Western Welcome Week. It is my intent to continue to encourage and support this type of innovative thinking to grow the community’s nature awareness and create a love of the outdoors and nature.

Question 3

The architectural drawings for Powers Park are very impressive and the development would be a wonderful addition to the community. Serving on two grant committees (not connected with South Suburban), I have a general understanding of the work that has been completed (congratulations) and an idea of the significant work ahead (lining up partners, funding, etc.) prior to consideration for the 5-year capital improvement plan. Fortunately, South Suburban has a highly developed, detailed process that is time-tested for projects such as the one your organization is proposing. As you get into that process, staff will keep the Board apprised as to when the project is at a point for consideration into the 5-year CIP. I look forward to to seeing and hearing about your next steps.

Question 4

Candidly, I have never been asked this question. Given the value of parks and trails throughout SSPRD's history and the huge role passive recreation played during the pandemic, especially during the closures. During the worst of COVID, a large number of people were saying thank goodness for the parks and trails, whether they lived in the District, in another district or out of state. Parks and trails were the go to place to safely get outside and relieve stress. These same type of comments were expressed during the economic downturn and high unemployment of the Great Recession, parks and trails have no cost to the user and the benefits span the entire physiological and psychological spectrum. We are fortunate that South Suburban has a balanced approach to active and passive programming.

Question 5

(No response provided)

Question 1

From what I have seen throughout our Parks and in landscaping designs our way of the future for whatever we do.  It is going to take time and money to switch things to becoming totally environmentally sustainable.  One of the things I can do as a Board Member is to continue to expand and promote clearing the grass around all around the trees throughout our parks and facilities and placing mulch around them and cultivating them once in a while.

Maybe South Metro Land Conservancy needs to give pep talks to sustainability sub-committee and maybe South Metro Parks could offer park programs and seminars open to the public on environment sustainability and its many benefits.

Question 2

One of the best ways that I know of to connect our youth and children to nature is having safe accessibility across the canal so they can experience the many wonders of the great outdoors.  That is the number one reason why I am running to save the Elati Street Pedestrian Bridge from demolition.  My feeling is this:  The present bridge there is in excellent condition and does not need replacing this year or at this time.  There has been a more desperate need for a bridge over the canal at West Jamison Circle retention pond area access to the Highline Canal. Trail for a very long time.

I heard that there was a hold up all these past years for a bridge over the canal at West Jamison Circle retention pond was the Southbridge Townhomes HOA.  I am newly elected to that HOA Board.  I feel strongly I can get their support for a pedestrian bridge over to the Highline Canal Trail.  A new bridge would serve over 300 + families who struggle using no bridge at all and everyone and when there is water in the canal makes it inaccessible to the trail.

An alternative I would offer if the Elati St Pedestrian Bridge must be removed (per the 5-year plan), is to bring that bridge over to West Jamison Circle retention pond area.  It would be cherished and connected to nature by many, including our youth, seniors, walkers, and bikers.

Question 3

I think Powers Park is being transformed into a wonderful Creekside community place for those to enjoy.  I noticed the changes as I pass through on my bike and as funds and grants become available you will always see more improvements to Powers Park and all the parks throughout South Suburban District.  I would say they are doing a pretty good job.

Question 4

My feeling right now is that if the recreation involves a Referree or Official, then a service fee would be charged per player.  Now hiking, biking, pickleball or bird watching obviously do not require a Referee or Official so no service fees would apply.

Question 5

I have always felt there should be an equal amount of developed land proportionate with nature, recreation & open space in any given community.

Question 1

By all indications, the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD) is committed to its 3^rd Guiding Principle to “Lead Sustainability”.  I acknowledge that mowing and water use are important considerations as we adapt our recreational habits to combat climate change.  The 2017 SSPRD Master Plan speaks of the opportunities to improve the district’s performance on this issue - The 2017 Plan specifically notes that of the 99 SSPRD irrigation systems, 95 of them were on a centralized control system.  With respect to water use the Plan had a water use metric of 12 gallons per square foot or 20 inches of annual irrigation.  As a Board member I will seek to assess the progress the district has made over the intervening 5 years since we committed to our Guiding Principle to Lead Sustainability.

Question 2

One of the factors that motivated me to run for the SSPRD Board was to preserve and build upon the comprehensive programming that the SSPRD offers its residents, including the opportunity for children to connect with nature.  Over the years, my children and I benefited from a number of nature and outdoor programming at the South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center.  We would wait with bated breath for the Summer Catalog to show up in the mail.  As a Board member I will lend my voice to the chorus that ensures that the Staff and Leadership of SSPRD remain committed to and live out our Guiding Principle of Connecting with Nature.

Question 3

Thank you for sharing the design work and plans for a “reimagined” Powers Park in Littleton.  I believe the plans and design to include affordable housing for seniors and the disabled and better park amenities would be a value to the community.  The $4 million capital request of SSPRD will have to be evaluated in the context of the full SSPRD Capital Planning and prioritization program.  In my role as a Board member, I will commit to learning as much as I can about this project, and work with the Staff to understand the district’s capital constraints and opportunities and how and where the “reimagined” Powers Park ranks on the list of priorities.

Question 4

I value the diversity and richness of the SSPRD’s program offerings.  In my view, and as articulated in its Master Plan, its Strategic Plan, and Guiding Principles the district sets out a recreational philosophy and work approach to appeal to all its 155,000 residents.  My platform is to build upon that work and will seek to engage those voices that may not believe their perspectives are reflected in the recreational work SSPRD does on our behalf.

Question 5

(No response provided)

Question 1

I voted yes, as all the Board of Directors did, to address and promote environmental sustainability.

As an example of our investment in environmental sustainability South Suburban has put in place a Central Control System for water usage in the district. The technology is a computer-based application that provides information with recommendations for adjusting water usage based on numerous environmental factors such as wind evaporation, recent or predicted rainfall and temperature. The application also makes adjustments daily and provides alerts and information on backflows and shuts down the system where there may a pipe break. It also provides information where areas need water, or areas that don’t need water.

Following our Guiding Principles and Strategic Goals, as staff identifies and presents other recommendations for more environmental sustainability assets or projects, I will be a yes vote.

Question 2

First and foremost, I believe that unstructured outdoor play is best achieved via partnerships between SSPRD and the parents of children and youth whom we serve.  Prior to being elected to the South Suburban Board of Directors, I served as an advisor to Centennial’s Youth Commission, and in that capacity, I worked with the commissioners, their friends, and others on projects, events, and volunteering opportunities that connected Centennial’s youth with our community.  These all served to inspire and motivate them to become more involved within the city.  Like Centennial, South Suburban also has a Youth Commission, and we have done some work with those commissioners in similar ways.  However, over the past two years, COVID-19 mandates prohibited many social activities for those of all ages, including our youth.  If restrictions continue to be relaxed, we can again collaborate with our youth commissioners and their friends and colleagues to find and expand ways to connect children and youth with nature.

Throughout my first four-year term and as mandates and restrictions would allow, I have connected with children of all ages at celebrations of newly renovated parks, playgrounds, and swimming pools. I have also taken advantage of Meet and Greet programs to educate parents about outdoor opportunities available at the Carson Nature Center and Hudson Gardens and in the parks, playgrounds and trails within their neighborhoods.

Finally, because Randy and I have two teenage grandchildren, I know first hand how challenging it can be to pull the younger generation away from video games and other screen time!   But I’ve learned that even as cool as a teenager can be, they do love family time, and many happy hours spent outdoors can be had if the entire family is involved and sharing time with even the simplest things, like walking or biking along a trail or playing frisbee, tennis, or pick-up basketball.  South Suburban’s outdoor amenities offer many varied experiences for our younger generation and their friends and families to enjoy nature.

Question 3

This request would follow the Guiding Principles set forth in our Strategic Plan Structure, which utilize a strategic prioritization criteria checklist to evaluate any new project. The staff uses the plan to guide their work, and it is the roadmap to SSPRD’s future. If a project meets enough criteria between the Strategic Plan and Master Plan to justify moving forward, it ultimately ends up before the Board of Directors as a Strategic Recommendation. Board Members are a part of approving a project rather than selecting a project.

Note: Projects that have grants or other funding to contribute with a time constraint, or projects resulting from an unforeseen disaster (Littleton Golf and Tennis Club building damaged by storm), can be presented by staff immediately to the Board of Directors for approval.

Would I vote for the project? If presented to the board by our staff as a Strategic Recommendation…YES!

Question 4

I question the accuracy of this statement and am very curious to see the data or survey that forms the basis for this assertion.  It’s especially baffling because South Suburban is renowned in nationwide park and recreation circles as having extensive free amenities for its residents of all ages and abilities.  The District has over 100 parks and over 100 miles of trails for walking, running and biking, many connecting to city trails and over 60 neighborhood playgrounds with tennis courts and pickle ball courts, all of which allow full use without fees charged to anyone. Furthermore, the District has numerous playing fields that are open to all when there are no games scheduled on them, significantly adding to the open space available for many free recreational activities for sports and play, limited only by the users’ imaginations.  There are also many opportunities presented on the SSPRD website and in our catalogs that have numerous programs that don’t require any fees. Carson Nature Center has extensive wildlife trails around Cooley lake and along the South Platte River, with some of the best bird and wildlife watching in the metro area. Hudson Gardens allows free access to relax, walk, and picnic in the Gardens anytime except when evening concerts are held on a few nights throughout the summer season. The War Memorial Rose Garden, dedicated to veterans who have served in any of America’s wars, is free and open to all to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and to enjoy the 1800+ rose plants of all types flourishing there.

For all the opportunities and amenities detailed above, there should be no perception that SSPRD prioritizes fee-based active recreation over free passive recreation.  If any resident believes that additional opportunities without fees are needed or necessary, they are welcome to discuss their concerns with a board member and/or attend a board meeting to speak to the issue during the public comment session.

Question 5

(No response provided)

Question 1

Having served 8 years as a Centennial City Council woman, my experience to manage, oversee and protect taxpayers dollars is a commitment I will bring to SSPRD. To address and promote environmental sustainability, I would immediately re-visit the defunct sub-committee, invite citizen participation and volunteer to be the liaison. Personally, I am still learning and will commit to protecting and preserving our environment.

Question 2

I am heartbroken and astounded with the recent data on time spent in front of screens vs outdoor play. I would begin with increasing more family programs for parents and children. Education and more information on the value of “family play”, especially outdoors is imperative in this disruptive society.

Question 3

I would need to know more about the project, and, of course, where it might conflict or compete with other projects in the overall budget.

Question 4

Education, education, education and citizen involvement would be extremely applicable to address this false perception. As a Board Member, I would be very cognizant of balancing all our programs to meet the diversity of our members.

Question 5

I have lived in the SSPRD Area for over 40 years, raised our children here, and have enjoyed all the amenities. I call the Goodson Recreation Center “My Country Club” and have participated in many programs with my friends. We call ourselves “The Goodson Gals”! I would be honored to serve on the SSPRD Board of Directors, to preserve the gift of nature and open spaces that has been given to us.

Question 1

I would like to add that the 2017 Master Plan (page 11) shows 10 projects as a priority for South Suburban. One of those 10 projects identified by in-District members is sustainable energy for recreation centers. And while the new 206,000 square foot Sports Complex has LED lighting and electric zambonies, I think it may have been a missed opportunity for solar and wind power options. South Suburban is currently working on their 2022 Master Plan. I believe there will again be strong support for sustainability.

If I am elected, I am dedicated to assisting the District in meeting all of the goals identified by the community. There are many opportunities for solar, wind, native plantings, low maintenance landscape planning, and water conservation methods. As a Board member, not only will I support these options, I recognize the importance of notifying local in-District conservation agencies regarding planning and public input opportunities.

Question 2

This is a time of opportunity. South Suburban’s Carson Nature Center and South Platte Park have existing programs and classes including nature programs, field trips, nature birthday parties, and rental spaces. In addition, South Suburban tax-payers contribute a significant amount to Hudson Gardens. According to the South Suburban website, “On average, a home valued at $300,000 pays about $14.95 per month for district parks and recreation services. Of that $14.95, $7.33 goes to maintenance/capital outlay, $4.63 parks, trails and open space, $2.69 administration, and $0.30 for The Hudson Gardens & Event Center.” The Hudson Gardens & Event Center offers many classes and courses that are youth appropriate. Bee keeping, bird watching, jewelry making, and nature walks. I believe South Suburban tax-payers should be notified and receive reduced pricing for these events.

Our opportunity is to better inform our in-District members about existing opportunities. I will make it a priority to connect children and youth with nature by emphasizing communication. Specifically, not just social media. As an example, I would love to promote bee keeping classes by having Hudson Gardens bee keepers provide demonstrations at schools as well as local grocery stores or restaurants.

Question 3

First off, I reviewed the project information and would like to say this is the type of project that South Suburban should be supporting and funding. I believe the Board of Directors should focus on projects that benefit the in-District community. This project represents an improved local amenity that would be created from an existing facility and has the added benefit of raising ecological awareness.

I do not feel it would be appropriate for me to commit to including this project in the Capital Improvement plan, especially as a campaign promise. I will promise that if I am a member of the Board these are the types of projects I will promote and I will ensure information regarding Board meetings or applications will be shared with SMLC.

Question 4

I’m not sure that perception is wrong. But again, the 2022 Master Plan will be a great opportunity to hear from the South Suburban community about their priorities. If I am elected as a Board member I will be dedicated to supporting the decisions of our community.

Although active recreation can generate fees, our local in-District tax payers have repeatedly said that they want their tax dollars spent on local recreation improvements. And I think it is worth mentioning that South Suburban tax-payers provide approximately 40% of South Suburban’s revenue. Again, priorities from the 2017 Master Plan; expand nature recreation opportunities, conservation of open space and water resources, sustainable energy for recreation centers, active adult amenity and program improvements.

I will address the active versus passive recreation perception by providing results from the 2022 Master Plan and engaging the in-District community in an honest and open discussion regarding financial benefits and recreational benefits for the South Suburban community.

Question 5

We moved into our house in Centennial when my daughter was one week old. She’s 18 now and away at college. We have two sons who are 17 and 15 and attend Arapahoe High School.

All my children participated in organized activities; whether it was gymnastics, soccer, clay classes, swimming lessons, art classes, pre-school, volleyball or hockey, my favorite memories are the unplanned events in our open spaces and natural areas.

I believe we cannot lose that balance between active and passive recreation. Yes, structured and organized sports are a benefit to our community. I have nothing but respect for those dedicated athletes. But our open spaces and natural areas should not be taken for granted. South Suburban’s in-District members have repeatedly said they value nature and conservation. The South Suburban leadership and Board of Directors should respect that.