"The center was designed with the needs of our community in mind," says Bob Prince, Broomfield's director of Recreation Services. "The warmth of the building and its bright colors encourage visitors to come in and have fun."
The building was named after former longtime director of Broomfield Parks and Recreation, Paul Derda. Known as the "Director of Fun" for his promotion of Broomfield Days and other community events, Derda retired in 2001 after serving 21 years as director.
Brady Blackburn, the 14-year-old son of Steve Blackburn, principal-in-charge of the project for Barker Rinker Seacat, was responsible for one of the recreation center's most unique water features, a "river water slide" that flows within the 12,000-sf natatorium to channel and conserve water.
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