The city of Evans has offered youth recreation programs since 1984, using all volunteer coaches. The city serves a diverse low-income population and many families can’t afford sports equipment for their kids to practice.

Restricted by limited budget and storage space, the city couldn’t buy enough balls for all the children in its recreation programs. This meant kids had to wait for a turn to play and coaches often bought balls with their own money.

In 2007, the city set out to provide a ball to each child who registered for a sports program through the Ball for All program. Commercial sponsorships and a start-up grant from a community foundation helped to offset costs.

City staff regards the program as a success, and report that children are using the balls to practice even after the season ends. As a side benefit, giving families something fun and physical to do together helps the community’s fight against rising childhood obesity.

Ball for All has been recognized with awards from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association and the National Alliance of Youth Sports.

Meet the Manager

Aden E. Hogan, Jr.

City Manager (2007-2016)

Aden Hogan was appointed city manager of Evans in 2007. He is credentialed by ICMA for his management experience and education and is nationally recognized for his expertise in emergency management. Before coming to Colorado, Aden was assistant to the city manager for the city of Oklahoma City. Following the bombing of the A.P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995, Aden served as one of the directors of the city's Multi-Agency Coordination Team during the 17-day response to that disaster.