The Estes Valley Voice sent six questions to the three candidates standing for election for two seats on the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. The questions and the answers provided by the candidates are published below.

Voting for the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District will take place in person on election day, May 6, on the lower level of the Estes Valley Community Center, 660 Community Dr., Estes Park.

Two of the five positions on the Board of Directors are open. The three candidates are Dan Derman, Aaron Dorman, and Derek Vinge. The candidates participated in a forum on April 6 hosted by the Estes Valley Voice.

One thing that stood out in this forum was that the three candidates expressed respect for one another and for the management of the EVRPD, and all three said they were not running “against” the other candidates but were running to serve the community.

Other than for some Associated Press style conventions, some formatting edits, and a few spelling catches, each candidate’s answers are published as submitted.

How long have you lived in Estes Park?

DAN DERMAN: 4.5 years

AARON DORMAN: I am a true Estes Park native, married to an Estes Park native. Except for our college years, my wife and I have been blessed to call Estes Park our home for our entire lives.

DEREK VINGE: I moved to Estes Park at the end of 2016.

As a board member, what would you expect your role to be?

DAN DERMAN: I’m currently the board’s acting treasurer. My primary role is to listen and gather information from the executive director, district staff, and community members. I use this input to help guide us in finding solutions for both new and ongoing initiatives, day-to-day operations, and budget decisions as needed.

AARON DORMAN: I believe a board member’s role is to listen to the community, set the district’s overarching strategy, create and oversee the budget, and provide accountability for the director. This must be done in a way that supports and empowers our hardworking district staff, ensuring they have the resources and direction needed to serve our community with excellence.

DEREK VINGE: As a board member, your role is strategic leadership, policy governance, and staying out of the weeds – the staff is responsible for executing operations.  It’s the role of the board to build a strong future for the rec district and its constituents, ensuring the health of the district for decades to come.

What skills, expertise, and perspectives would you bring to the board?

DAN DERMAN: I have a diverse background in education and career experiences. My master’s degree launched my career in higher education administration, but I later transitioned into the business world, where I spent over 20 years leading various departments at a Fortune 5 company. More recently, my wife and I started our own small business in property management and real estate. These combined experiences have shaped who I am today, and throughout my journey, I’ve learned that each role has reinforced the importance of listening as the most valuable skill.

AARON DORMAN: I am deeply connected to the Estes Valley community and have benefited from and supported the Recreation District in many ways throughout my life. As a youth and later as a parent, I have appreciated the district’s excellent youth sports programs. As a teenager and young adult, I was employed by the district, primarily at the golf course. As an adult, I have coached for the district, regularly used its walking and biking trails, enjoyed the marina, and benefited from the equipment at the community center.

Beyond my personal involvement, I serve as a local pastor and assistant high school football coach, which has given me the privilege of working alongside families and neighbors from all walks of life. These experiences have taught me how to collaborate effectively, balance budgets, and develop strategic visions. Most importantly, they have deepened my understanding of the vital role community and recreation play in enhancing the quality of life in Estes Park.

DEREK VINGE: A few items that I believe will be beneficial to the board are my background in finance and investments, business ownership in Estes Park, past work on boards ranging from the Chamber of Commerce to Sunrise Rotary to ENN to the Legion Foundation here in Estes Park.  Most importantly, I have experience with all sorts of generations of our community.

What are the most important challenges and opportunities facing the organization?

DAN DERMAN: This is one of the most well-managed organizations I’ve had the privilege of being a part of. The challenge lies in not becoming complacent with past successes but in continuously striving to ensure we are serving our constituents to the best of our ability.

AARON DORMAN: Estes Park is uniquely positioned for recreation. With Rocky Mountain National Park as our backyard and one of the most active populations in the nation, the variety of recreational opportunities here is vast. While this is an incredible strength, it also presents challenges—particularly in balancing budgeting and staffing to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Additionally, the rising cost of living is making it increasingly difficult for families to stay in our beautiful mountain valley. Providing affordable, high-quality recreational opportunities is a vital way to support our local families.

Finally, as a destination town, Estes Park often hosts more visitors than residents. While tourism is a strength, it’s essential that we also preserve and provide recreational spaces and activities that foster connection among our local population, strengthening the fabric of our community.

DEREK VINGE: Speaking on a macro level, a recreation district plays a key role in the quality of life for its community through its programs, parks, community center, courses and other facilities. However, like any organization, it faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

While challenges like funding limitations, infrastructure maintenance, and community demographic shifts are real concerns, there are many opportunities for recreation districts to grow, innovate, and improve. By focusing on community engagement, health and wellness initiatives, sustainability, and strategic partnerships, a recreation district can continue to provide meaningful services that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Below are some of the most important challenges and opportunities that a recreation district may encounter. 

Challenges — funding and budget constraints; maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure; demographic changes; environmental sustainability; technology and digital engagement.

Opportunities — community engagement and partnerships; health and wellness initiatives, expanding programming; leveraging grants and public-private funding; sustainability and green initiatives; leveraging data and analytics; developing multi-use spaces.

How should a board balance transparency with confidentiality?

DAN DERMAN: The good thing is that clear boundaries have been established on what information can be shared publicly and what should remain confidential. It’s critical that we continue to understand those boundaries and be as transparent as possible.

AARON DORMAN: The laws governing special districts provide clear guidelines on this balance. The public has the right to know what the board is doing, understand the status of the district, and ask questions. Board members should be as open, honest, and transparent as legally and practically possible, ensuring that trust remains strong between the district and the community it serves.

DEREK VINGE: A board should always strive for openness and transparency in its governance while understanding when confidentiality is necessary to protect the organization’s long-term interests. With clear policies, consistent practices, and a focus on ethical standards, the board can find a healthy balance between the two.  Ensuring that the following considerations are made creates a safe, ethical and balanced board experience. Define clear boundaries; adopt a clear communication policy, understand the legal and regulatory requirements; stakeholder expectations; use closed sessions wisely; ethical considerations, transparent decision-making; build trust; knowing when to disclose.

Do you have any other statement you would like to make to Estes Valley voters?

DAN DERMAN: The district’s leadership is outstanding. I’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with both district leadership and fellow board members to ensure that resources are managed responsibly and in a way that best serves our community. I joined the board about 18 months ago and would be honored to continue serving through a full term.

AARON DORMAN: My family and I have a deep love for Estes Park, its people, and the Parks and Recreation District. I would consider it a privilege to serve this community as a board member, knowing firsthand how essential the EVRPD is to the Estes Valley.

DEREK VINGE:  Only additional thought I have is that I look forward to learning more about OUR rec district and what our specific challenges and opportunities are.  I believe with my background professionally and as an invested resident I will bring value, time and attention to the Estes Park Recreation and Park District.