KEEPING UP
Remembering Lauri Dannemiller By: Hillary Roemersberger, CPRP, AFO, Director of Recreation Services, Apex Park and Recreation District
Center, Secrest Recreation Center, and the Apex Tennis Center. Also included in the bond projects were upgrading Lutz Sports Complex and Long Lake Ranch and improving the Apex Center and adding a Splash Pad. She later led the rebrand of the district creating a new logo, redesigned website, and the transition to not one but two new registration software systems. She supported the District and their partners to move forward with the Meyers Pool replacement project and helped rebuild or Lauri Dannemiller build several new parks. In her six years, Lauri Her leadership during grew the Apex district and worked hard the COVID crisis was nothing short to expand programming, facilities, and of incredible, always remaining calm staff. At the very beginning of her tenure, and sorting through legal public health she was tasked with passing a 25-millionrequirements while still managing to dollar bond and was successful. She went create opportunities for our community on to manage the development of the and staff to stay emotionally, socially, bond projects and was responsible for and physically healthy. She was always the building of the Fitzmorris Recreation dedicated to staff at all levels and created It is with a sad and very heavy heart that Apex Park and Recreation District announces the passing of our fearless leader, Lauri Dannemiller. Lauri was the Executive Director of Apex for over six years and lost her battle against cancer this week. Her bravery and strength as she valiantly fought this disease was unprecedented, and she worked and supported the Apex community until the very end. She was the definition of a fighter, and her legacy will live on in our community forever.
an internal Special Projects Team to give employees opportunities for professional development and growth. Her priority was always to make Team Apex the best it could be. Lauri was a quiet leader, preferring to be behind the scenes. It always brought her joy to see her staff own the spotlight and celebrate their successes. Her passion for the communities she served was obvious and she was dedicated to creating a pipeline of new leaders and growing the field of parks and recreation whenever possible. She was always thinking creatively and outside the box, encouraging innovation and service at every opportunity. Our community is healthier and more vibrant because of her service and leadership, and we will miss her terribly. Donations may be made to The Denver Hospice, or the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, 230 W. Monroe St. Suite 710, Chicago IL, 60606, foundationforwomenscancer.org, in Lauri’s memory.
Lauri was a quiet leader, preferring to be behind the scenes. It always brought her joy to see her staff own the spotlight and celebrate their successes.
Doug Romig Becomes New Thornton Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs Director By: City of Thornton
Doug Romig joined the Thornton Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs (TPRCP) team in December 2021 as Parks, Recreation and Community Programs Director. Doug comes from Des Moines, Iowa with 30 years of experience in Housing, Conservation, Parks, Recreation, and Community Development. For the last six years, Doug served as Deputy Director for Polk County Conservation restoring
Iowa landscapes to pre-settlement ecosystems (prairie, wetlands and woodlands) along with passive recreation, environmental education and special events. He is excited to live, work, and play in Thornton, and to continue to enhance the Thornton tradition of high quality and abundant Parks, Recreation and Communitybased programming and services.
Colorado Byline | Winter 2022 • 5
