Douglas County’s youth sports teams serve thousands of kids and their families every season. Youth sports groups work to instill in all players the challenge of competition, the joy of victory, the reality of defeat, the importance of commitment, and the spirit of teamwork. Reaching these goals wouldn’t be possible without the involvement of caring parents, volunteers, and safe facilities where youth sports can happen. Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and football teams practice and play in many parks in Douglas County. This November we can vote and extend the current sales tax that supports parks, trails, open space, and historic preservation for 15 more years.

This sales tax extension is needed to maintain existing parks and build new parks as the county’s population continues to grow. Without this tax, Douglas County residents will face a drastic reduction in maintenance and service at current park facilities. I hope you can support this sales tax extension, which will be used to fund open space, trails, historic preservation, and parks, which are the foundation for team sports, serving as the hub at which current and future youth develop character and skills to help them succeed in the future.

Aaron Nagel

Castle Rock

Executive director, Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club