From summer camps and toddler playgroups to trails, swim lessons, and family events—Evergreen families rely on the Evergreen Park & Recreation District (EPRD) to connect, recharge, and play. This May, voters will select three new members for the EPRD Board of Directors, the team that shapes the future of our local parks, rec centers, and community programming.
Macaroni KID asked each candidate how they plan to support families. Five—Betsy Hays, Ally Hilgefort, Erin Graham, Mary McGhee, and Peter Eggers—shared detailed responses. Geoffrey Erdahl is also on the ballot but did not submit a Q&A.
Here’s where each candidate stands:
🌟 Who’s on the Ballot?
Betsy Hays (Incumbent, Board President)
Betsy has served on the EPRD Board for three years and is current Board President. She helped onboard the executive director and guided the strategic planning process. Betsy wants to continue implementing improvements—like new playgrounds, a lap pool, and better free amenities at Buchanan Park—in a logical, fiscally responsible way for the whole community.
Ally Hilgefort
A mom of two young kids, Ally is an engaged EPRD user and frequent feedback-giver. She’s running to amplify the voices of parents and children, expand offerings for young kids, and improve accessibility and communication.
Peter Eggers (Incumbent)
Peter, a cabinetmaker and former board president, has been involved in the EPRD for decades. He helped oversee major projects like the Lake House and brings deep knowledge, a focus on sustainable growth, and a commitment to serving future generations.
Geoffrey Erdahl
Geoffrey Erdahl is also running for the Board; Q&A responses were not available at time of publication.
Mary McGhee (Incumbent)
Mary has been a volunteer, employee, taxpayer, and current board member. She’s running to ensure the district completes its major infrastructure projects, including those funded by the 2023 bond, and continues to serve Evergreen residents at every age and stage.
Erin Graham
A communications and education professional, Erin moved to Evergreen in 2020. Drawn by EPRD’s mission of connection and wellness, she’s focused on listening to the whole community, building trust, and ensuring access to inclusive, high-quality programs for all ages.
🛝 What Are Their Top Priorities?
- Betsy Hays: Execute the strategic plan, prioritizing improvements at Buchanan Park (ADA playground, splash pad, skatepark), a new lap pool, and expanded courts. Emphasizes step-by-step progress and clear communication.
- Ally Hilgefort: Serve the entire Evergreen community, expand early childhood programs, and create more opportunities for family input.
- Peter Eggers: Execute the Strategic Plan with balance, maintain strong programming, and expand gathering spaces for teens and families.
- Mary McGhee: Complete necessary repairs, oversee bond-funded upgrades, and prepare for bigger projects to accommodate a growing community.
- Erin Graham: Advance EPRD’s strategic plan—maintain current resources, expand access, and foster inclusion through active listening.
👶 Supporting Children & Families
All candidates recognize EPRD’s existing strengths—like playschool, after-school programs, summer camps, sports, and seasonal events—and offer ideas for the future:
- Hays: Focus on serving children 4+, adding a lap pool with more lessons and a party room, and expanding summer camp staffing. Wants better feedback channels for parents with young children and to make sure families know about new and improved facilities.
- Hilgefort: Add more music, sports, and movement classes for toddlers and preschoolers; increase reliable drop-in care; improve parent/child programming.
- Eggers: Support programming for all ages and promote use of the Active4All scholarship program to keep recreation accessible.
- McGhee: Expand transportation from local schools, boost playschool availability, and invest in family-friendly facility improvements.
- Graham: Make access affordable and flexible; prioritize programs that support physical activity, play, and developmental growth.
🧒 Engaging Middle & High Schoolers
- Hays: Upcoming improvements at Buchanan Park—like the skatepark and expanded free amenities—will offer more activities and places for teens to gather.
- Hilgefort: Proposes life-skills classes, social clubs, and beautification projects; highlights the Youth Advisory Board as a valuable real-world experience.
- Eggers: Encourages more hangout spaces for teens, like the new skate park, and continued youth engagement on the Board.
- McGhee: Suggests social spaces like free outdoor basketball courts and enhanced pool access.
- Graham: Supports existing middle school activities (like track and guided gym use) and continued feedback to match community priorities.
💵 Keeping it Affordable
- Hays: Acknowledges affordability means different things to different families. EPRD aims to recoup expenses but offers scholarships through Active4All.
- Hilgefort: Encourages EPRD to partner with childcare providers to reduce costs for families.
- Eggers: Reminds families to use Active4All scholarships and affordable events to make the most of EPRD.
- McGhee: Emphasizes low-cost options like $2.80/hour playschool, sibling discounts, and scholarships.
- Graham: Highlights flexible punch cards and drop-in options to meet family needs.
✅ Why Should Families Vote for Them?
- Hays: Current Board President, seasoned problem-solver, and consensus-builder who has guided the district through recent successes and is dedicated to seeing strategic projects through.
- Hilgefort: Real-time parent advocate who knows what today’s Evergreen families need.
- Eggers: Long-term thinker with institutional knowledge and a passion for community service.
- McGhee: Deep historical knowledge, operational experience, and focus on completing big projects for the next generation.
- Graham: A fresh voice with expertise in communication, education, and fiscal stewardship.
📌 Hidden Gems to Know About
- Active4All: EPRD’s foundation arm provides scholarships and program fee assistance—recommended by both Hays and Eggers.
- Kozy Korner at Wulf: A cozy nook for kids with books and games during sibling activities (Hilgefort’s family favorite!).
- Out-of-district opt-in: For $375/year, out-of-district families can access resident pricing (tip from McGhee).
- Staff with EPRD roots: Many team members started as campers, showing the long-term impact of EPRD (Eggers).
📅 Ready to Vote?
Your voice matters! You can register for an absentee ballot by 4/29, ballots are due by 7pm on Election Day. In-person voting will be on May 6, 2025 from 7am to 7pm at Buchanan Recreation Center.
Visit evergreenrecreation.com for official info and to see all candidate bios.
Check the District Map to see if you're in district.
See opportunities for EPRD programs for all age of kids. Take our quick survey and tell us what you'd love to see!
Read how each candidate answered our 10 family-focused questions in their own words.
Portions of this article were created with the help of ChatGPT.
