While other organizations are just now formulating plans to audit facilities and look for ways to be more energy efficient, we at the Apex Park and Recreation District identified this as a priority and started our efforts back in 2006.  We have completed initial comprehensive audits of the facilities we manage and have created and prioritized a sustainability plan.   We started by replacing old and less efficient light bulbs and fixtures with brighter lighting that consumes less energy.     We have installed additional insulation where identified.    Recently we have secured plans to install a solar thermal system at our Apex Center as a means to heat all the water needed in our pool and locker room areas.   The LUMOS system will sit atop our two ice rinks and will provide a 30% reduction on the resources consumed at the Apex Center.    The new solar thermal system is prodicted to pay for itself in less than 5 calendar years.

Must of the success for our sustainability efforts have been championed by Justin Howe with the guidance and leadership of Mike Miles, Terry Goldwater, and the remaining members of the Apex senior staff.

We will not stop.  Sustainability is and will always be apart of daily activities at the Apex Park and Recreation District.  We continue to identify and implement ways to be a more environmentally responsible public organization.

  ::  Read Comments (0)

So in this day and age financial responsibility is paramount for any government or special district.  With advisement from the Apex Board, the Apex Executive Director Mike Miles, and Gary Higbee I stand firmly behind the financial track record of the Apex Park and Recreation District over my past term.  Mr. Higbee and the District continue to win awards on an annual basis for outstanding financial management.  Here are two significant accomplishments that I have been a part of :

1. Prepared and finalized two ballot issues with staff and board members to present to the voters in 2006.  The capital and operational mill levy that was approved enabled to the District to stabilize its finances operationally and to make capital improvements to many facilities in need of repair.   This was the first successful mill levy increase effort in the 50 year history of the District.
2. Refinanced Apex and paid off Indian Tree bonds that will enable a tax savings of over $1,000,000 to the district’s residents.

  ::  Read Comments (0)

So as a Park and Recreation and Governmental District we have accomplished a lot over the past four years.    Much of the progress achieved is due to the fantastic team of professional staff that operate the District.    Although they have a tremendous number of years of experience and continue to win professional awards and accolades for their contributions, they are nimble and continue to adjust to trends in the recreational field and within our local community. So please do not think that the accomplishments I am about to expand on are completely due to my leadership or effort.    Ideas, effort, and success are a ultimately a team effort.  The accomplishments of mention that I would like you all to review when considering a re-election for me are in the following categories and I will expand on them on future posts:

1)       Financial
2)       Inter-Governmental
3)       Planning
4)       Improvements.
5)       Sustainability
6)       Leadership
7)       Community

  ::  Read Comments (0)