Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
The EPRD Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a youth engagement strategy used to positively incorporate youth voices and help build the capacity of youth participants. This program was designed to provide young people the opportunity to directly support program processes and outcomes in ways that contribute to sustainability and scale, while also building on the skills and scope of knowledge of young people themselves.
The YAB consists of two (2) high school age students that serve as an extension of the EPRD Board of Directors. They work closely with the Board and Staff in and outside of Board Meetings to provide insights and feedback on program design, implementation, and evaluation; help define outcomes that are relevant to young peoples’ needs; and compliment or deepen existing youth engagement strategies. As a YAB member, individuals will develop their leadership skills, learn about the processes and structures within government entities, and utilize their passions within parks and recreation to engage with the local community in ways that make a difference in both the present and the future.
Email Maddy Evans or call 720-880-1020 to contact YAB Members.
Xavier Gomez
Position: Youth Advisory Board Member
Term: May 2024-May 2026
Hi, my name is Xavier Gomez, and I am the newest member of the Youth Advisory Board of the Evergreen Park & Recreation District. I look forward to using this position as a voice for the youth of the community I grew up in. I will be starting my junior year at Evergreen High School this August (2024). Apart from school, I spend a lot of my time utilizing EPRD facilities – whether that be working at Evergreen Lake House over the summer or winter, or using the weight rooms and the other amenities at the Recreation Centers. However, the largest amount of my free time is probably spent at the fields of Evergreen, as I am an avid rugby player and active in its community, both as a part of my teams and coaching for the local youth program. Overall I look forward to being a voice for the youth in Evergreen and surrounding areas, and I hope my input over the next two years benefits this community long past my time in Evergreen.
Paul Howe
Position: Youth Advisory Board Member
Term: May 2025-May 2027
Hi, my name is Paul Howe. I am the newest member of the Evergreen Park and Recreation District Youth Advisory Board. I am a Junior at Evergreen High School and have lived in Evergreen for nine years. I am excited for the opportunity to provide insight into how EPRD can continue to better our community for the many youth who live here. My three younger siblings and I have used EPRD facilities and participated in EPRD programs for as long as I have lived in Evergreen. From basketball to birthday parties to swimming and much more, EPRD has played a huge role in my childhood and has always had something to offer for every age. My experience with EPRD facilities and programs as well as my connections in the community will help me advocate for Evergreen’s youth. During my time on the Youth Advisory Board, I hope to learn how our community runs and contribute as much as possible towards further improving it. I cannot wait to be a positive voice for the youth in Evergreen and the surrounding areas, and hopefully my input will have a lasting impact on the community long after my time on the YAB.