John Priddy

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
I have been privileged to have access to the facilities and programs of the SSPRD for the past 23 years. Apart from our home and at work, I have spent most of my time over that period at a South Suburban facility. I still start most mornings with a workout at the Lone Tree Rec Center. I can pinpoint the spot on the Goodson Center basketball court where my daughter made her 1^st jump shot. I recall driving my son to the Sheridan Rec Center, where he worked one of his early summer jobs. These facilities, the people that work there, and the friends we have made there are an integral part of my family’s life. I am grateful to be at a stage in life where I can support the South Suburban community through my participation on the SSPRD Board.

Work/Career:
I work for Colorado Access, where I lead the Enterprise Project Management office. We are a healthcare payer that manages contracts on behalf of the State of Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.

Most of my career has been in telecommunications. I began my career at Pacific Northwest Bell and U S WEST. I also worked for MediaOne, AT&T Broadband and 360 Networks.

Board experience:

• Current member Legal Regulation Committee of the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, which serves under the auspices of the Colorado Supreme Court in regulating attorneys and the practice of law in Colorado.
• Past Board member Café 180, Englewood, CO
• Past Board member Guadalupe School, Salt Lake City, UT
• Past Board member Corning Family YMCA, Corning, NY

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:

• Volunteer Youth Basketball Coach
• Pax Christi Catholic Church, Highlands Ranch, CO

Recreation interests:
Golf, yoga, hiking, biking, basketball, and soccer

Personal interests:
I hope to join the SSPRD Board to build on what the district does well and to ensure that it remains a vibrant, viable resource for the community.  SSPRD’s accreditation by CAPRA and its guiding principles of Quality, Wellness, Connecting to Nature and Sustainability are a great foundation to build upon for the benefit of families and district residents.  My intent as a Board member is to ensure that the Board continues to provide value and great recreational programming for district residents, families, and its employees. My family and I have benefitted from the programming and community building in South Suburban—I hope to pay that benefit forward.

City of residence:
Lone Tree

Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
23 years.

Contact:
303-925-1103, jpriddy7@gmail.com

Pete Barrett

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
My earliest childhood memories are of parks, picnics and family gatherings. Later, it became youth sports and the opportunity to make new friends while exercising and having fun. Moving to Littleton as an adult, I immediately became impressed with South Suburban and began my volunteer involvement in 1971. During that time I have served in many capacities including strategic planning, mill and bond election support and fund-raising. Since 2005, I have raised over $200,000 for the District.  

During the past 4 years we have faced mandated closures and restrictions, budget challenges and labor shortages due to COVID. During this period we completed the District's largest ever construction project, the Sports Center, and emerged financially strong. My desire to be re-elected is that the District continues to create and develop new facilities and programming opportunities for our residents.  

Work/Career:
I am fortunate to have worked in a variety of interesting and compelling positions throughout my career that are relevant to my service as a South Suburban Board Member. Following college, I was hired into the first ever Title III federally funded program to develop and write a model national curriculum for elementary physical education. In that position, I served as an ambassador for the President's Physical Fitness Program.

Upon the programs completion, I joined Allstate Insurance working in supervisory and management positions including time spent in the Controllers office developing budgets and statistically monitoring key financial trends and benchmarks. Moving into sales, I opened an insurance agency and learned, first-hand, the risk and rewards of small business owners.

Following the sale of my agency, I became the Executive Director of Littleton Soccer, a non-profit, where I had volunteered since 1979. During my 20 year tenure, I worked closely with South Suburban in a new role, gaining additional appreciation for their work and commitment to our community.

Board experience:
I am currently serving on the following boards:

• South Suburban
• Hudson Gardens
• Littleton Soccer

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
Current with year of initial service:

• South Suburban (1971) Littleton Soccer (1979) Littleton Public Schools (2002) 

Recreation interests:
Coaching, walking/hiking trails and enjoying nature

Personal interests:
Exercise, reading, and making our community better through service.

City of residence:
Littleton

Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
53

Contact:
303-378-3962, peterjbarrett@comcast.net

Kate M. Arkin - Withdrawn

David Lawful

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
Four years ago I asked District voters for one of their three votes and pledged to follow the 5 year Master Plan that I influenced prior to my election. I promised to use my private sector experience to provide good stewardship for South Suburban in planning and finance. I insisted that SSPRD should serve the recreation needs of everyone in the District. Here are some highlights of accomplishments during my first term:

• Effective engagement with local leaders, SSPRD professional staff, and fellow Board members

    • South Platte Working Group
    • Cities of Sheridan and Lone Tree Subcommittees
    • Western Welcome Week
    • Sheridan Celebrates
    • State of the City Littleton, Lone Tree, Centennial
    • Park and playground grand openings across the District

• Approved updated Aquatics Master Plan and voted for swimming pool replacement with modern healthy facilities

    • Harlow
    • Holly
    • Franklin

• Championed and helped achieve CAPRA accreditation in 2019

    • SSPRD among the top 176 nationally out of over 12,000 agencies

• Completed the 208,000 square foot South Suburban Sports Complex on budget and on time (in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic)
• Voted for including a third sheet of ice at our new Sports Complex

    • Attracted national figure skating competitions
    • National and international hockey tournaments
    • More ice time for skaters
    • Over $5.7 million ice arena gross revenue in 2021, highest ever for SSPRD

• Scrutinized and passed SSPRD budgets

    • Robust financials, even in the pandemic
    • SSPRD never healthier financially
    • Scheduled refreshes keep our community’s assets safe and healthy

• Continued broad participation in District activities, am uniquely positioned to advocate for increasing park and rec opportunities for all from my Board seat

    • Walked, ran or biked every one of our 100+ miles of trail
    • South Suburban Race Series
    • Golf driving ranges
    • Pickleball classes
    • Cooley Lake sunset canoe
    • Hudson Gardens
    • Volunteered with SSPRD Youth Commission

I have developed knowledge and insight into SSPRD’s scope, budget, operations and planning that can only come from 4 years of Board leadership and experience. I ask the voters in our District to again give me one of your 3 votes and return me to the Board for a second term.

Work/Career:
Retired from the aerospace industry with 38 years of program/project management and system engineering experience.

Board experience:
Vice-Chair South Suburban Parks & Recreation Board of Directors, Treasurer 2018-2020
Douglas County Citizens Open Space Advisory Committee (Appointed by County Commissioners 2020)
Lone Tree Citizens’ Recreation Advisory Committee (Past Chair)
Parkside HOA Service Area Committee Board Member 2018-2022

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
Douglas County Open Space Ambassador
Regular Volunteer Bicycle Colorado
Cubmaster Pack 351 for 7 Years

Recreation interests:
Bicycling (road, mountain, gravel) running, swimming, hiking, kayaking, yoga, fitness classes, pickleball

Personal interests:
The arts, especially music and theater. Science, technology and mathematics, tabletop and card games.

City of residence:
Lone Tree

Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
Nine

Contact:
303-808-2353, dlawful@gmail.com
www.davelforsouthsuburban.com

Alexis Barrere

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
Our parks, open spaces, trails and recreation programs are integral to the quality of life that we enjoy.  Most important, they are crucial to our health and well-being regardless of our age.

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I understand the need for recreation and outdoor activities for the physical, mental, and emotional health of kids and youth. Obesity and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents have surged since the start of the pandemic.  Giving children access to nature and nature play activities creates a sense of wonderment which allows kids to cope with stress and improve emotional health. Parks and natural spaces also help us build meaningful connections, bringing generations together in joy and sunshine. I have two young children and my parents are very much a part of their lives – parks are where many memories are created between these two generations.

If elected, I will ensure

•  we are doing everything we can to be good stewards of the District’s 3,000 acres of parkland, 100+ miles of trails, and 4 recreation centers for the enjoyment of people of all ages and abilities
• the 2017 Master Plan goals and objectives are fulfilled in a financially and environmentally sustainable way
• that spending reflects the 2017 Master Plan priorities  and is clearly articulated in budget documents

Finally, I was born and raised in Littleton, participated as a child in gymnastics at the Goodson Center and now take my daughter there for gymnastics.  I love this community and want to do my part to continue building on the work that’s been done.

Work/Career:
2006 to Present:  Registered Nurse

• Critical Care Nurse since 2008
• Licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2014
• Primary care provider for communities in Sheridan, Littleton, Englewood and Denver since 2016

2016 to Present:  Senior Instructor and faculty member for the CU College of Nursing

Board experience:
City of Littleton Boards of Appeals and Adjustment since 2021.

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
Current:

• Nurse Practitioner at 9News Health Fair
• COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Past:

• Overnight volunteer at a shelter for homeless youth
• Nurse for a homeless youth clinic

Recreation interests:
Camping, rock climbing, yoga, skiing, and mountain biking.

Personal interests:
My family:  Husband, Elliott Barrere, and two children ages 2 and 5. I also enjoy knitting, macrame, and gardening.

City of residence:
Littleton

Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
24 years

Contact:
206-914-6638, amugele@gmail.com

Susan K. Pye

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
I seek re-election to continue to participate in improving the District in the term ahead. 

Having long been a South Suburban resident and avid user of the District’s premier parks, trails, and facilities, I was honored to be elected in May 2018 to serve on South Suburban’s Board of Directors.  I was fortunate to have had the first two years to become fully acquainted with the depth and breadth of all that the District offers to our 150,000+ residents, because in March 2020 we were suddenly plunged into COVID-19 mandates of facility closures, and class cancellations. As we faced these pandemic challenges, I was honored to be elected board chair by my four fellow board members, to lead the board in working with our staff and residents in continuing to move forward with our planned projects through COVID restrictions, while keeping both our users and the District’s finances as healthy and safe as possible.

Throughout these four years, I have worked collaboratively with our board and staff to create and implement our Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan, Three-Year Financial Plan, and our 2022, $65 million operating budget, all of which align with the Guiding Principles and Strategic Goals in the board-adopted District Master and Strategic Plan.

I have been on an immensely rewarding learning curve over these past four years and know that there is much more to accomplish in the term ahead. I believe that my leadership experience and my financial, organizational, collaborative, and communication skills have been of considerable value to the board in leading us through this first term. I ask you to support me with your vote in the May 3rd BOD election, so I can continue serving you in the term ahead. 

Work/Career:
I’m a retired International Telecommunication Technical Trainer who trained all staff levels for Alcatel-Lucent, both within the US and in 33 countries worldwide. 

Board experience:
I have served as the Chair of the Centennial Senior Commission and outreach in the Mobility Ambassador Program and have participated weekly in the Koelbel Library dementia-friendly Care Café, and on the Enrichment Committee. I am also an Ambassador for Active Adults Programs and Services.

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
I have volunteered for both Project Cure and Developmental Pathways and have served as an Advisor for the Centennial Youth Commission.

Recreation interests:
My recreation interests center around walking the District’s many trails with family and friends, and hiking throughout Colorado. We especially enjoy special events with picnics in the parks, outdoor games, and in general, exploring nature’s beauty and fostering family togetherness and creating memories while improving our health in all ways.

Personal interests:
I’ve been married to Randy for 43 years.  We have a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Steve, and two very sports-minded, active grandchildren, Sierra, 17 and Hunter, 15.

City of residence/District residence:
My family and I have lived in the South Suburban District and in what is now Centennial since 1987.

Contact:
Please contact me with your questions, thoughts, and concerns at 720-261-6671 or skpye@comcast.net

Elizabeth Watson

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD) is an amazing tax-payer funded agency. This District provides many benefits to a broad range of users. I believe it is important to provide the in-District community with up-to-date information and an opportunity to easily communicate with the BOD and District staff regarding the direction of this District and the numerous upcoming projects. 

I am interested in becoming a candidate for the BOD so I can work with SSPRD to ensure that local in-District members are informed, involved and engaged in the Park and Recreation agency that their tax dollars support. I would like to see the Board be more approachable and responsive to all of the South Suburban community.

Work/Career:
Currently I am a Marketing Specialist with Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle Magazine. I am also a current member of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. 

I have over 15 years of experience as a marketing professional for architectural and engineering firms. Companies I have previously worked for include CH2M Hill (now Jacobs Engineering), GEI Engineering, and DHM landscape architecture. As a marketing manager, I have gained experience leading multi-disciplinary teams preparing proposals, presentations and client focused events. I am a current member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Colorado. I graduated from Colorado State University, Pueblo with a Mass Communications degree with a double major of journalism and public relations.

Board experience:
This is my first time campaigning for an elected position. Two returning Board members, Mr. James Taylor and Mr. Ken Lucas, will be an invaluable resource for any incoming Board member. I hope the SSPRD voters will recognize that this year is a great opportunity to vote for members of the Board who will learn and benefit from Mr. Taylor and Mr. Lucas’s experience and will also contribute new ideas.

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
I have nine years of experience as an in-classroom volunteer in Littleton Public School (LPS) classrooms. I have also volunteered as the Marketing Co-Chair for the Denver Arthritis Walk. And I volunteered as the Public Relations Committee Lead for the Colorado chapter of SMPS.

Recreation interests:
Pickleball may be my new favorite sport! I am a total beginner and just play with friends at local outdoor courts. I love this sport because of its accessibility and fun factor. I am a recreational level tennis player and sand volleyball player. My most regular recreation is walking our dog Newt in our neighborhood or on SSPRD trails.

Personal interests:
Reading and writing are high up on my list of personal interests. I am currently a member of Hope Writers. This national organization provides writers with inspirational resources.

And while I don’t consider myself a “foodie” I like to cook. I have three children. My oldest is 18 and away at college. My two boys are at a LPS high school. And my husband Matthew still loves his job that he’s been at for 31 years.

City of residence:
Centennial, CO - Highlands 460

Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
18

Contact:
(303) 956-2780, votewatsonforbod@gmail.com

Michael G. Kohut

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
My interest in becoming a South Suburban Park & Rec Board is to save the Elati Street Pedestrian Bridge over the Highline Canal from demolition. My feeling is this: the present bridge there is in excellent condition and does not need replacing at this time. There has been a desperate need for a very long time for an access point (especially when filled with water) to the Highline Canal Trail from West Jamison Circle retention pond area. A new bridge would serve over 300 homes, high schoolers heading to Heritage High School, and seniors who struggle to cross this canal going down a steep hill over the canal and back up again. An alternative if the bridge has to be removed is to bring it down to W. Jamison Circle Retention pond area – It would be greatly appreciated.

Work/Career:
I retired from General Motors as a Quality Controller/Auditor 2003. Building Manager for large parish and school; previous Restaurant owner and Owner/Operator of a Limousine Service.

Board experience:
My board experience goes back a long ways:

5 Years Jaycees VP (MI);
5 years Friends of the Lakelands Trail (MI) chairman;
2 years Executive Board Democratic party (MI)
Recently elected for the Southbridge Townhomes HOA Board

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
Past & current service of Volunteering for:

Carried the 1996 Olympic Torch for all of my community service work (MI)
Chairman of the Belleville Water Tower Restoration Project (MI)
Coordinator for the Lakelands Trail Clean Up (MI)
Habitat for Humanity Oakland County (MI)
Habitat for Humanity Caravanners
Habitat for Humanity Denver
Highline Canal Conservancy
Tree & Bush caretaker for Mother Cabrini Shrine since 2020.
Colorado 14 Initiative (CFI) Trail Volunteer.
Nourish-Meals on Wheels for homebound Seniors in Littleton

Recreation interests:
Recreation interests are kayaking and I would love to use and support a whitewater kayaking obstacle course be added at the Reynolds Landing Park project. I am also in favor of adding kayaking roll-over and maneuvering courses be added to the Park’s programs.

I am a trail guy, so as a cyclist, we look to ride a loop. I would push for paving the Highline Canal Trail and that the new trail signs should include where & how far to the next main trail is. Example: at the Lee Gulch & Highline Canal Trails they should have included the distance to the C-470 trail or to the South Platte River Trail. In January, 2021 I emailed Mr. Ben Pierce the County Line Road Widening Manager asking him to consider putting the Lee Gulch Trail go under County Line Road then to the C-470 trail. I also want to investigate further what would it take to put the Highline Canal Trail under Mineral Ave.

Personal interests:
My personal interests would be seeing all the old tree trunks/stumps along the Highland Canal Trail and throughout our parks be carved into something of beauty. (Maybe a wood carving contest could take place at the community can vote on them). Always looking for photo opportunities.

City of residence/Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
I have lived in Littleton for 5 years overlooking the east end of Horseshoe Park at the Highline Canal and Lee Gulch trails with views of BMX tracks nearby in the Southbridge Townhomes.

May family also spent 2 years in Highlands Ranch exploring the many trails around there.

Contact:
If you have any questions, please contact me after 10:00 a.m. at 720-681-3985 or email me at mrkohut1@gmail.com.

Kathleen Turley

Why are you interested in becoming a candidate for the Board?
I can’t imagine living in a community without any parks, pools, trees and trails. South Suburban Parks and Recreation improves the quality of life for all of us. As a Board member, I pledge to spend our tax dollars wisely. The citizens of this District deserve a park district that promotes and supports the mental and physical health of all its residents.

Work/Career:
Centennial City Councilwoman - 8 years
2013-2021 Mayor ProTem - 1 year
Kaiser Permanente Medicare - 20 years
USTA Rocky Mountain Region - Director of Marketing - 3 Years
Colorado Council of Churches - Statewide Director of Religious Day Care Centers

Board experience:
Highline Canal Conservancy Working Group
Open Space Advisory Board
City of Centennial liaison to South Suburban Parks and Recreation South Suburban Trails Committee (East/West Trail)

Past and current service to volunteer organizations:
South Metro Denver Chamber Executive Board
Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation (founder)

Recreation interests:
Golf, hiking, biking, Vespa 150, swimming

Personal interests:
Married to Tim Turley - 50 years
Three children and three grandchildren
Musician (12 string guitar)
Recently completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain Travel (Ireland - 22 trips)

City of residence/Number of years you’ve been a resident of the District:
Centennial - 40 years

Contact:
303-594-0956, Kmturley@aol.com