Fond farewell to Hodgden

After serving 21 years on the Golden Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Jerry Hodgden celebrated his last Board meeting on April 21, with a piece of cake decorated with a tree, bike and a dog.

The cake was a thank-you cake from Golden staff for years of dedication to Golden Parks and Recreation.

Pete Gotseff and Stephanie Sung are two additional long-time members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board who, like Hodgden, are term-limited and attended their last meeting as board members on April 21.

Hodgden started on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 1994, drawn to the Board as an opportunity to encourage the City to build dog parks. An avid dog walker in town, Jerry built two dog parks during his early years on the Board.

“I joined the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at the perfect time, the City had funding to build some amazing projects which have made the community the destination it is today for recreation. I have fond memories building a great infrastructure including Fossil Trace Golf Club, the Splash Aquatic Park and the Clear Creek Whitewater Course to name a few. The last few years we had to tighten the belt, so we modified the way we do business, maintained our infrastructure, were open minded and progressive. It is a special, unique and rare accomplishment to have an Accredited Parks and Recreation Department and Gold Medal winning operation,” Jerry said in a city statement.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is one of 13 volunteer advisory boards and committees representing City of Golden residents. Established in 1982 to encourage community involvement, board members are appointed by City Council. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board makes suggestions about policies and procedures, fees and charges, acceptance of park land, design of parks and other projects.

Jerry plans to continue to make a difference in parks by visiting the Jefferson County’s Open Space Advisory Committee, the Colorado State Parks and Wildlife Commission, and serving on the Golden Landmark’s Association, to keep active and do what he loves.

“I’m very proud of all that we have accomplished in Golden, enjoyed working with my fellow Board members and Parks and Recreation Department staff,” Jerry said. “I would encourage my fellow citizen’s to visit the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and share your thoughts and hopes for the future of parks and recreation in Golden.”