Strategic Recreation Programming and Accreditation

Courtney Bakos has over 17 years of experience in the parks and recreation field, with a primary focus on fitness and wellness program development and operations. She is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and plays an active role in CAPRA accreditation, supporting quality standards and continuous improvement within her agency. Courtney is passionate about helping communities thrive through innovative, evidence-based wellness programming and strategic resource management.

Rebecca Erickson brings more than 20 years of experience in the park and recreation industry, including seven years as a staff member and seven years as a Parks and Recreation Commission volunteer for Town of Castle Rock. She holds a psychology degree from Arizona State University and completed the Teacher in Residence program at Metropolitan State University. From 2017 to 2024, Erickson served as the town’s therapeutic recreation coordinator, leading inclusive programming for individuals with disabilities, securing grants, and managing staff and volunteers. She also led the Teen Advisory Group (TAG), fostering youth leadership and civic engagement. Now a special project analyst, Erickson supports CAPRA accreditation, strategic planning, volunteer coordination and department-wide performance tracking. She leads the Recreation Programming Plan cycle, staff training and program evaluation to ensure alignment with community needs and agency goals. Rebecca is driven by service - helping others feel supported, connected and empowered through impactful recreation programming.

Jenny Nagel brings nine years of experience in the park and recreation industry — all with Town of Castle Rock. She holds a communications degree from North Dakota State University and specializes in community engagement, data analysis and CAPRA-accreditation compliance. Her work includes managing digital and print outreach, survey design and evaluation, analytics reporting, and tracking community feedback. Nagel plays a key role in recreation programming by developing and analyzing surveys, monitoring registration trends and collaborating with recreation staff to ensure staff efforts focus on high-performing programs. She was also part of the 2020 accreditation team that achieved 100 percent compliance with all 152 CAPRA standards. Nagel thrives on the variety her role offers. In a fast-growing community, she enjoys the constant challenge of improving processes to better serve residents — especially when those efforts support meaningful capital and trail development projects.

Jeff Smullen has more than 30 years of experience in parks and recreation, with a focus on park planning, development and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks Administration from Colorado State University and a certificate in public administration from the University of Colorado. Throughout his career, Smullen has played a key role in the successful delivery of major public projects that enhance community recreation and open space. Notable achievements include managing the development of Philip S. Miller Park, a premier regional destination offering a wide range of amenities, and leading efforts on the upcoming Castle Rock Sports Center. Smullen is committed to creating high-quality, sustainable park facilities that support active lifestyles and community well-being.