ERBM Update: Two years of progress and looking toward summer
- ERBM Marketing
- a few seconds ago
- 3 min read
By Josh Embrey, Executive Director
ERBM Recreation & Park District
Last week marked my two year anniversary with ERBM Recreation & Park District. Getting to know the ERBM team, our board of directors, and the Meeker community has been a highlight of my career, and I’ve gained deep insight into the unique challenges we face together.
Over the past two years, we’ve made excellent progress streamlining operations, stabilizing expenses, and completing long-awaited projects. We’ve had challenges along the way, but I am incredibly proud of the work our team is doing to serve this community and ensure financial responsibility and long term sustainability of District operations.
We are now in an excellent position to look toward the future and engage the community in achieving some new and exciting goals. In the coming months, we will be using this space to share current news and future plans for the District with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and trust. Here is your ERBM update for April and May.
ERBM Update: Summer Registration
Our recreation team has been working hard to turn last year’s Community Survey feedback into reality. Despite staffing challenges and space constraints, we’ve added several new programs, including a walking club, a free Field Day, and a youth triathlon.
We’ve also partnered with several local organizations to provide new opportunities:
Day at the Museum: Kids ages 7 to 10 can explore history and the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit with the Rio Blanco County Historical Society.
Meeker Junior Golf: We’re partnering with Meeker Cowboys coach Amanda Back to provide top-notch instruction for ages 8 to 14.
Growing with Yampatika: We are working with Yampatika to revitalize the Meeker Elementary School gardens and teach kids about sustainability.
You can find these programs and much more is included in our latest Activity Guide, available at erbmrec.com/summerguide. Summer registration opens April 10!
A note on registration: we heard your feedback regarding website and registration challenges and are currently implementing user-experience improvements - stay tuned for updates.
Annual Shutdown
Meeker Recreation Center closes annually for deep cleaning and repairs, but this year’s closure is slightly longer to accommodate a long-overdue HVAC replacement. To make up for the downtime, our Guest Services team will extend all active memberships by one month. Here is a look at some of our planned projects:
HVAC replacement and automation system: We are replacing our failing system with a high-efficiency unit. Combined with a new “Building Automation System” application, we can better manage pool temps, hot showers, and ventilation, reducing the need for unexpected closures and costly repairs and improving energy efficiency.
Pool environment improvements: Maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity levels in the pool area has been a persistent challenge. Rather than a $1.5 million roof replacement and six-month shutdown, our team has identified a smart mitigation plan for approximately $150,000. We will be repairing soffits, adding insulation, and improving the PoolPak unit to create more comfortable and consistent conditions and ensure efficient operations.
Fitness Room Improvements: We are removing unused equipment and adding new equipment requested in last year’s surveys, replacing flooring, and implementing a redesigned floor plan to maximize your workout space.
In addition to these big-ticket items, our team will deep clean and sanitize all areas of the facility, drain and clean the pools, and renovate the front desk area so we can serve you better. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure MRC is here to enjoy for future generations of eastern Rio Blanco County.
Join our team
As we gear up for summer, we are looking for part-time lifeguards and a seasonal Head Lifeguard (ages 15+) and a full-time Parks & Facilities Maintenance Supervisor to join our leadership team. Apply today at erbmrec.com/careers.
As always, please visit our website at erbmrec.com for the latest happenings or call the Front Desk at 970-878-3403 with any questions. The District looks forward to providing the highest level services to promote social, economical, and environmental benefits for the Meeker community! Thank you for your continued support!