The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce would like to inform you about an important opportunity to make a local impact. The Apex Park and Recreation District is hosting its Board of Directors election on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This is an election for three directors to serve four-year terms (expiring in May 2029) to the Apex Board – a pivotal role in the Arvada community. Learn more about this election process and the candidates below!
How to Vote
All eligible voters are welcome to vote in person on Election Day, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Apex Park and Recreation District Apex Center (13150 West 72nd Ave, Arvada, CO).
All eligible voters can vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot through contacting Sarah Shepherd, the Designated Election Official (DEO), by emailing info@ccrider.us or calling 303-482-1002 to request an application. Voters are encouraged to request and return ballots as soon as possible. All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, May 6, 2025.
Voters can drop off ballots at the following locations from April 14, 2025, to May 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Arvada Fire Protection District Headquarters, 7903 Allison Way, Arvada, CO (front entrance)
- Office of the Designated Election Official, 1100 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, CO (back entrance)
- Arvada Fire Protection District Station 60, 4755 Isabell St., Golden, CO
- Apex Part and Recreation District Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO
- Apex Park and Recreation District Apex Center, 13150 W 72nd Ave, Arvada, CO
Who is Eligible to Vote
- A resident of the special district (regardless of whether they own property) over the age of 18
- An owner (or their spouse/civil union partner) of real or personal taxable property within the special district who owns the property in their name
- Real estate developers or business owners who pay taxes on a property in the special district
- Mobile home owners of a property within the special district
Candidates
Bob Loveridge
Contact: bob.loveridge@arvadafireco.gov
As a Native of Arvada, I have enjoyed being involved most of my adult life in the community working to make this a better place to live. My wife and I have two great boys, and I have had a local business since a year after High School. I Graduated from Arvada West High School of which I have been inducted into their Hall of Fame.
A few things that I have been involved with:
- ARVADA FIRE Board
- APEX PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT Board
- JEFFERSON COUNTY BUILDING CODE Board
- SKI INSTRUCTOR FOR BLIND SKIER PROGRAM
- ARVADA BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
Some of the accomplishments I have achieved:
- Apex Center
- Apex Field House
- Indian Tree Club House
- Simns Street Recreation Center and Pickel Ball Courts
- Helped Arvada Fire being ranked in the top 100 Fire Departments in the Nation and one of the most respected
- Two new Fire Stations
- Brought Fairmont Fire into Arvada Fire so they are both stronger and better
- Started the “FIREFIGHTERS CAR FEST”
Things that I would like to work on at Apex Park and Recreation:
- Make Apex Sustainable for many years to come.
- With The School District closing many schools and disposing of the we are losing facilities to use for Youth Sports. We need to find ways to meet the large need for our youth.
- Continuing being a Recreation District that is loved, used and affordable
Abby McNeal
Contact: Abby.mcneal.apex@gmail.com
As a dedicated Arvada resident and experienced leader in Parks and Recreation, I am honored to seek reelection to the Apex Board of Directors. With over 30 years in the industry — spanning collegiate and professional athletics — I have championed sustainable maintenance programs that enhance our community’s facilities and field spaces. My commitment extends beyond local service. I have nearly three decades of leadership on local, regional, and national boards, earning certifications as a Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
For the past 11 years, I have raised my twins in Arvada, experiencing firsthand the positive impact of Apex’s programs and spaces. I remain dedicated to ensuring that every resident has access to inclusive programs, accessible facilities, and vibrant park spaces that foster community connections and enhance quality of life.
With your support, I will continue advocating for equitable recreational opportunities, responsible resource management, and innovative growth that keeps Apex a hub for health and wellness.
Let’s keep Apex strong — together!
Robert Zimmer
Contact: Boulder864@gmail.com
Family: My wife Angie and I have been married for 34 years and are both natives of Colorado. Both of our kids live along the front range too as well as many other family members.
Occupation/Employer: I am nearing retirement age and my career has been computer and communications technology, working in product development, customer support, engineering, management, and revenue enablement for sales. Currently I’m at Zoom to lead our Contact Center Enablement revenue team. I’ve got a variety of experience as individual contributor, team lead, and a departmental manager leading and advising teams with hundreds of people.
What prompted you to run for the board? Growing up on the front range was a wonderful experience and I want to ensure that other Coloradans can enjoy the same activities I did and more as we continue to evolve and grow. Our communities are changing and it’s important to me that we evolve our parks and recreation to keep pace with the needs of our citizens. I’ve been involved in community activity and recreation since I volunteered for my first role as a Program Assistant Leader (PAL) with Boulder County Parks & Rec when I was around 14 years old. Throughout my life I’ve been very active in all that Colorado has to offer – hiking, biking, skiing, camping, horseback riding, and climbing to name a few. Arvada has a wonderful system and I want to bring my skills to help it achieve even more for our community benefit.
What skills and experience do you bring to the board? I have many years of experience managing teams and high profile projects with various competing stakeholders and limited resources. My Clifton Strengths analysis top 5 strengths are Strategic, Activator, Ideation, Self-Assurance, and Futuristic which means I’m a creative problem solver with an aptitude for developing innovative solutions aligned to a strategic vision. My academic background positions me well to facilitate organizational development with advanced degrees in Sociology (BS), Telecommunications (MS), and Organization Development (MS). I believe my skill stack and experience qualify me for this role in a unique way to help Apex evolve and grow with the changing needs of Arvada.
Jo Burns
Contact: Jo4ApexBoard25@gmail.com
My name is Jo Burns and I am running for re-election the Apex Board of Directors. I am a long-time Arvada resident and community member (25+ years), as well as an experienced parks and recreation professional. I am running for re-election to the Apex Park and District Board in hopes of continuing to share my passion for community health, parks, recreation, and inclusion of all community members in Apex programs, events and activities. I have served people with disabilities through therapeutic recreation in Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Indiana, Virginia and Texas and I continue to be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). I have provided recreation and leisure services in a variety of capacities from residential camps, day camps, municipalities, professional associations and in higher education.
I am currently the owner and Chief Connection and Collaboration Officer for JoBurnsConnects LLC, a consulting firm focused on helping people discover and leverage the health benefits of belonging and connection. I am also the Director and Co-Founder for the Colorado Public Health | Parks and Recreation Collaborative, a statewide multi-sector networking organization that provides education and partnership opportunities across parks, recreation, public health, built environment, libraries, extension offices, health related non-profits and higher education.
I have served on the Apex Park and Recreation District board since 2022. I served on the Arvada Park Advisory Committee (APAC) from 2016-2019. I am married to my husband, Brian, and we have two young adult off-spring, Nate and Erin. In my free time I like to hike, walk, ski, mountain bike, paddleboard, cook, play cornhole at Simms St Center, serve my community in Kiwanis, and grab a beverage with friends. You can frequently find me out walking on a trail in Arvada…say Hi when you pass by. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community again in 2025.
R. Ken Harrell, Jr.
No contact information was available
Ken Harrell is a community-oriented and recreation-minded leader running for re-election to the Apex Board of Directors. A proud Arvada resident for 47 years and married to his wife for 44 years, Ken has deep roots in our community and a lifelong commitment to its growth and vitality. With 12 years of prior service on the Apex Board and 3 years as an Apex Foundation Board Member, Ken brings unmatched experience, dedication, and a proven record of enhancing recreation for all.
Ken’s connection to Arvada runs deep. As a local business owner for 38 years and former CEO of Surgical and Vascular Imaging Group, he understands the value of hard work and fiscal responsibility. An Air Force veteran, Ken has also served our youth as a baseball coach for the past 3 years and has a storied history in figure skating leadership—having been Past President of the Columbine Figure Skating Association in Arvada, Past President of the Mile High Figure Skating Association, and National Music Coordinator for the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). Additionally, he has been a sponsor of the APEX Foundation Golf Tournament for more than 10 years. His passion for recreation and community shines through in every role he takes on.
During his previous 12 years on the Apex Board, Ken played a key role in transformative projects:
- Chair of 1998 committee responsible for passing the ballot initiative funding the Apex Center and the 1st phase of the Long Lake Ranch facility
- Development of the Apex Center and Apex Field House
- Saved the district $1,000,000.00 by refinancing existing district bonds
- Worked with City of Arvada to determine development options for Garrison Street Park and Splash Pad site
- Completion and opening of the Simms Street Recreation Center and the building out of the pickleball courts
- Instrumental in negotiating the IGA between Apex PRD, City of Arvada, and the Jefferson County School District for operation of the new Arvada Aquatics Center
- Initial discussions for the new Indian Tree Golf Course cart barn
- Decision to build an outdoor archery range
- Hiring of current Executive Director of APEX PRD
These accomplishments reflect his vision for top-notch facilities and programming that meet the needs of a thriving community.
Looking forward, Ken is committed to ensuring the Apex Park and Recreation District remains fiscally strong while delivering exceptional recreational opportunities. His priorities include updating the Indian Tree Golf Course Clubhouse and addressing the increasing programming demands of our growing and evolving community. Ken believes in investing in the future of recreation, ensuring that every resident—young and old—has access to world-class facilities and activities.
Vote to re-elect R. Ken Harrell, Jr. to the Apex Board of Directors — a proven leader who will continue to put our community first, with a forward-thinking vision for recreation and a heart dedicated to Arvada.
Liz Tomsula
Contact: liztarvada@gmail.com
I grew up in Arvada, attended Sierra Elementary, Oberon Middle School, and Ralston Valley High School, and along with my husband we are raising our two young girls in this vibrant community. We love living in Arvada and are active community members; you can regularly find us at Indian Tree golf course, taking swimming lessons at the Apex Center or cycling the Ralston Creek Trail.
- I was initially elected to the Apex board in 2018 and have held the positions of Board member, Treasurer, and most recently Vice President. I am seeking a third term and look forward to continuing to support the development and advancement of the district alongside my fellow board members. Upon being re-elected my goals for the current board are to maintain our fiscal accountability, maintain and improve the services we already offer, and be open minded to exciting recreation and development opportunities for the district.
- As a board member I have strong fiscal accountability skills, experience related to being an active user of recreation services, and love to collaborate and work through decisions as a group.
- Professionally I have a Master’s of Nonprofit Management and have worked for several nonprofit organizations ranging from a youth sports organization to non-government organizations.
- As a board member I bring stability, a sense of belonging for all, fiscal accountability, strategic planning, direct support and a strong listening ear to our community members, and support for the amazing staff that makes of Team Apex.
Lynn Emrick
No contact information was available
I’m Lynn Emrick, an engaged Arvada resident, devoted wife, and mother to three energetic children (ages 9, 7, and 6). Our family treasures the sports, recreational opportunities, and community spirit of the Apex Park and Recreation District. Originally from Montana, I’ve called Colorado home for 20 years and am deeply committed to our community’s well-being.
As Development Director for Rise, a nonprofit empowering foster and adoptive families, I’ve honed my leadership skills while managing budgets and securing financial resources to sustain impactful programs. This work has shown me the power of strong, connected communities and fuels my dedication to enhancing spaces where families thrive. Beyond my career, I’m an active volunteer—serving as a Young Life leader with my husband, supporting my children’s school, and contributing to local initiatives. My extensive board experience has sharpened my decision-making and financial oversight abilities, enabling me to collaborate effectively, navigate complex challenges, and ensure fiscal responsibility while delivering results for all stakeholders.
With proven leadership, strategic decision-making, and expertise in budgeting and financial management, I’m eager to ensure the Apex Park and Recreation District remains a vibrant cornerstone of Arvada. It would be my privilege to earn your vote and serve our community with dedication and foresight.
Resources
Learn more about the candidates and election HERE
Fore more information or to check to ensure your voter registration is up to date, you can visit:
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