SSPRD holds election followed by tragic loss

BY FREDA MIKLIN
GOVERNMENTAL REPORTER

On May 2, Pam Eller and Ken Lucas were elected to the South Suburban Parks & Recreation District (SSPRD) board of directors. Lucas will serve his second and final four-year term. Eller will be in her first term, although she previously served on the Board of Directors from 2010-2018.

SSPRD Board of Directors Vice-Chair David Lawful, of blessed memory.

Eight days later, on May 10, current SSPRD board vice-chair David Lawful passed away in his sleep unexpectedly. He is survived by his wife Helene and sons Benjamin and Elliott.

David was first elected to the board in 2018 and re-elected last year to a second term. No information was available as of this writing as to how the board will act to fill his position.

Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet, who David had described to us as his longtime friend and mentor, told The Villager, “David truly had a servant’s heart and generously shared his talents with the Lone Tree community and beyond. While his public service may have focused on recreation, parks, and open space, David was a champion for all things Lone Tree. He was a treasured community member, advocate, and volunteer and his bright smile and engaging spirit will be deeply missed.” 

The SSPRD election will be certified on May 16. The unofficial election results to fill two open positions, as of press time, are: 

  • Michael Edwards 213
  • John Priddy 461
  • Pam Eller 949
  • Ken Lucas 631
  • Elizabeth Watson 502
  • Alexis Barrere 497

SSPRD is a 46-square mile special district that serves over 151,000 residents in  the Town of Bow Mar, Town of Columbine Valley, City of Littleton, City of Sheridan, City of Centennial west of I-25, City of Lone Tree, and unincorporated portions of Douglas County, Jefferson County and Arapahoe County.

It includes “four rec centers, one entertainment center with two sheets of ice, one community center, a sports complex with indoor turf fields, courts, and three sheet of ice; four golf courses; three 18-hole miniature golf courses; 50 tennis courts; a BMX track; batting cages; athletic fields; 100+ parks; 61 playgrounds; more than 3,800 acres of parkland and greenways; and nearly 100 miles of trails. South Suburban offers a wide variety of programs for tots to seniors to exercise their bodies and minds, make social connections and hone their talents in art, performing arts, martial arts and more.”

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