Thanks to the entire Meeker community, program participants and visitors who made 2021 a great all-around year after the whirlwind of 2020. Please find below a brief description of many accomplishments and highlights of the ERBM Recreation and Park District team over the past year; and if you’d like more information on any of these items please access our agency’s 2021 Annual Report by scanning the QR code below or visit www.ERBMrec.com/annualreport.
Key ERBM highlights in 2021 included: celebration of ERBM’s 40th anniversary with giveaways and promotion throughout the year; completion of the Circle Park Pond along with grand opening event and Colorado Lottery Starburst Award for this project; new outdoor and pool inflatables to enhance special events; significant plumbing repair and lap pool resurfacing during May maintenance closure; critical information technology updates including new computers, phones, as well as planning work for fiber installation in 2022; MRC flooring updates in the fitness room, lounge and office areas; significant budget stabilization efforts including $120,000 in annual staffing reductions in response to over 30% reduction in tax revenue over the last three years; and in-depth analysis of ERBM programming and user fees which yielded incremental increases in MRC drop-rates and other fees in 2021.
Coming up in 2022 ERBM looks forward to continued work with the Town of Meeker on two grant applications toward a second phase of work at Circle Park and in-town river corridor improvements. The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) just recently approved one of these grants for $150,000 which is anticipated to be utilized to offset final design development and project management costs. ERBM and the Town have applied for a $500,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado which will determine the extent to which this project is able to move forward in the near future.
ERBM scheduled capital improvements in 2022 include some big-ticket infrastructure items with: 1) the main lower parking lot at MRC receiving new asphalt and subsurface work; 2) the existing undersized MRC pool dehumidification system will be replaced with an updated and properly sized unit; and 3) MRC and maintenance shop will undergo a full fiber-optic cable network installation to update information technology capabilities and functionality. Additionally, this year ERBM will be conducting an extensive ADA compliance review at all facilities; and continuing to work on financial sustainability efforts through a review of the District’s fiscal policies, cost recovery goals, asset management, and ongoing operational and personnel costs.
In uncertain times, we at ERBM are thankful to help make Meeker such an awesome place to live, work and play! Be sure to mark your calendar and cast your vote in the upcoming May 3rd special district election at the Fairfield Center where ERBM has six candidates running for three open seats. As always, if you have any questions or feedback for us please stop in and see us anytime.
By SEAN VONROENN
ERBM Executive Director
Special to the Herald Times
