Media Release

April 26, 2005

Media Contacts:

Rosann Doran

Public Information Officer

Bob Prince announces he’s movin’ on

 Bob Prince, director of Recreation services for Broomfield, announced today that, after 30 years, he’ll be moving on.  Prince, who shies away from the term retirement, looks at this decision as just another chapter in his busy life. 

“I’ve been thinking about this for awhile,” Prince said in his announcement, adding that he’s looking forward to what’s next. He points out that he has twin 16-year-old daughters looking forward to college, so he won’t be retiring in the traditional sense. He’ll still be working, he says, but he is hoping to spend more time with family. 

One thing he says he definitely will do is play golf at least three times a week with some of his retired golfing buddies. He is a licensed financial planner, and with his certification and broker’s license still active, he might do a little of that, too. He’s very quick to say that anything resembling work will be part time. 

The decision to leave Broomfield’s employ was long in coming.  Prince said he’d been wondering what would tell him when the right time would be.  That moment “just came,” he said.  He said he knew that the Recreation Division has a great staff and the department has a bright future, so one day, in a meeting, he realized that he could leave the department in great shape, and without any reservations. 

So he chose June 7 as his last day – it’s also his brother’s birthday, and that seemed fitting, somehow. 

Prince said other long-time Broomfield employees have commented to him over the years that they could retire together, but he decided he wasn’t going to wait for them.  “I’m ready,” he said.  He is characterized by his co-workers as quiet, pretty shy, and not at all fond of the limelight. Of himself, he says, “I’m just a regular guy working every day.”    

Prince looks back over his years here recalling early Broomfield as a place where youngsters were free to grow up in a small town atmosphere, something Broomfield officials still try to foster.  In the 2004 citizen survey, Broomfield recreation opportunities ranked high, “attributable to the recreation staff and Bob as their leader,” according to Hugh Brown, director of Community Resources for Broomfield. 

Prince was hired Jan. 23, 1975 as a recreation leader, and began working his way up the Broomfield recreation ladder.  He became the Community Center supervisor, then recreation superintendent, then deputy director, and finally director of recreation services. 

Through the years, Prince has been instrumental in the growth of recreation programs and facilities in Broomfield.  The planning and opening of the new Paul Derda Recreation Center in 2003 is a particularly notable accomplishment.  Prince’s mark is distinctly present in the state-of-the-art gymnastics center.  For many years, Prince did double duty, coaching various gymnastics teams, as well as teaching the sport. 

He was instrumental in planning and opening the ball fields and roller hockey rink at Broomfield Industrial Park, and, most recently, the Broomfield County Commons athletic complex. 

On his own time, Prince kept busy coaching other youth sports, too – soccer and volleyball were favorites.  He also has officiated at many youth sporting events. 

Prince was also placed in charge of Broomfield’s two cemeteries, Lake View and the Broomfield County Commons Cemetery. This came under the heading of “other duties as assigned,” he joked.  Under his leadership, tasteful marketing efforts have begun, and residents are becoming more aware of this city service.    

“You don’t find the dedication of a Bob Prince in people every day,” Brown said.  “He has been an innovative member of our management team and we all learned from him as he continually sought ways to better serve the community. 

“And we all wish him well.  I’m sure we’ll see him around!”