The election for the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District will take place in the lower level of the Community Center, 660 Community Dr., on Tuesday, May 6 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The three candidtes for the two open seats on the EVRPD board are Aaron Dorman, Dan Derman, and Derek Vinge.

Aaron Dorman

As a lifelong Estes Park native, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying the many benefits the Estes Valley Parks and Recreation District provides.

From childhood to today, I’ve seen firsthand how vital EVRPD is to the well-being and vitality of our mountain valley. My vision is to help the district not only thrive but grow in its role as a hub for connection and service in a town that often hosts more guests than residents.

I’ve served in leadership at a local church for over 22 years and currently serve as its Lead Pastor. Through that role, I’ve developed deep roots in our community and extensive experience working with others to lead and serve well. I believe this background equips me to be a thoughtful and collaborative member of the EVRPD board.

It would be a true honor to give back by supporting and strengthening this essential part of our community. Thank you for your consideration.

Dan Derman

Serving on the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District Board of Directors over the past 18 months has been a true joy—one that has far exceeded my expectations. The Executive Director and the managing staff are not only capable but also genuinely kind individuals. What makes this organization stand out—and such a privilege to be part of—is its spirit.

I believe that spirit comes from EVRPD’s holistic focus on mind and body, which ultimately nurtures the soul. It truly is an extraordinary organization to be associated with, and I would be honored to continue serving a full term.

My family has been active members of the Community Center and Gun Range for several years. We deeply value the outdoor lifestyle that Estes offers and regularly enjoy the trails and walks around Lake Estes with friends and family who visit.

Professionally, I spent much of my career with UnitedHealthcare, a Fortune 6 company, where I led large organizations as a Senior Director. I’ve also held director-level roles in smaller companies, where every dollar mattered, and co-managed our own small businesses—where listening to customers and responding quickly is critical.

I’ve overseen budgets ranging from $25 million to small business operations, and I bring that same fiscal responsibility and strategic mindset to my role on the board.

I love working collaboratively to solve problems and naturally gravitate toward building consensus—I’ve had to be a peacemaker throughout my leadership career. My aim is always to find win-win solutions. I’m passionate about Estes and the recreational opportunities available in our community.

Everything about serving on this board aligns with who I am, my interests, and my commitment to getting more involved locally.

Above all, I am committed to listening—to truly understanding the needs of our community when it comes to parks, recreation facilities, and programs. As a board, our priorities should continue to be safety first, followed by improvements and then additions, all while being mindful of the financial constraints we face.

Thank you for voting!

Derek Vinge

My name is Derek Vinge, and I’ve been proud to call Estes Park home since 2016. I moved here from Minnesota to run my Edward Jones business, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of families in Estes Park and throughout the valley as a financial advisor.
As a father to two teenage boys, I’ve seen just how valuable our community’s recreational opportunities are. My kids are passionate about the community center, golf, pickleball, baseball, and fishing on Lake Estes.  At the same time, I work with clients of all ages who enjoy and rely on the amenities provided by the Estes Valley Recreation & Park District.

That’s why I’ve decided to run for the Estes Valley Recreation & Park District Board. I want to give back to the community that has given so much to my family, my clients and me. I’m invested in continuing the great work already being done, while also helping guide the district forward with a focus on transparency, strategic thinking, and sound policy governance.

I don’t believe this is a board in disrepair or in need of radical change. Quite the opposite—I see a strong foundation that just needs continued energy, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to keeping our district thriving as times evolve.

I’m not running against anyone. I’m running for you—and for the future of our district.