Under district rules, the Estes Valley Recreation District board has 60 days to appoint a new member following Heather Bradley’s recent resignation.
“After thoughtful reflection, I have determined that stepping down at this time is the right decision. This choice was made with great care, and with the belief that the organization will continue to benefit from leadership able to fully dedicate the time, energy, and focus the role deserves,” said Bradley in her resignation letter that was submitted on April 14.
Those interested in completing Bradley’s term, which ends in May 2027, may apply for the position by submitting a brief letter and completing an application form by May 15. The board is scheduled to review applications at its May 19 meeting.
Bradley was first elected to the board for a three-year term in 2020 and was re-elected to a four-year term in 2023. She was elected board president on May 21, 2024, and re-elected to that position in 2025.
Vice President Mark Moraczewski will serve in her place until the annual election of officers occurs at the board’s May meeting.
In other business, the board learned that improvements at the Estes Park Campground at East Portal are being delayed due to high-cost estimates.
“Obviously, it’s not an emergency, but it’s an aging system,” recreation district Executive Director Tom Carosello told the board.
Five years ago, the district anticipated needing about $700,000 to replace infrastructure elements, including water, electricity, and sewer system replacement at the campground located at 3420 Tunnel Rd. To help offset that cost, the district received notification earlier this year that the Bureau of Reclamation had tentatively approved $350,000 in grant funding for the project.
However, since the project was first included in long-range planning, its cost has ballooned to at least $2.1 million, according to one estimate.
“We could probably throw $1 million at it without dipping into reserves that much, but that’s counting the Bureau money,” Carosello told the board. He also suggested the project could be split into phases.
In the meantime, Carosello told the board that district staff planned to decline using the previously approved $350,000 bureau grant and reapply for funding that would cover at least 50% of the project.
EVRPD serves as managing partner for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation-owned Lake Estes, Mary’s Lake, and East Portal properties. Certain capital projects may be eligible for BOR cost share when funds are available.
The next meeting of the recreation board of directors is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 19.