GoCo Reps Host Community Luncheon, Board Meeting for Prowers County

GOCO Representative Chana Reed

Members of the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund wrapped up a busy two day visit to Lamar and Prowers County this past Tuesday, April 16.  GoCo uses proceeds from the state lottery to provide funding for recreational outlets in Colorado and since 1994 has contributed $8.1 million for projects in Prowers, Baca and Bent counties.  The funds throughout the state are put to use for local and state parks, open space, wildlife and trail projects. 

Board members visited several sites in Lamar and Prowers County on Monday that have received GoCo funding, including the Lamar Sports Complex.  Tuesday,
board members conducted a public general meeting which reviewed finances, a 20^th anniversary book project update, an update on legislative issues, Colorado Parks and Wildlife investment proposals and an update on state trail grant awards.

Community Shares GOCO Funding Projects with Board Members

Board members also attended a community luncheon at the Lamar Community Building.  Chana Reed, former Lamar Chamber of Commerce secretary and southeast Colorado representative for GOCO, moderated an informal meeting which allowed community representatives to highlight how GOCO helped fund projects in their areas. 

Commissioners from Prowers, Bent and Baca counties were on hand, as well as John Sutherland, Lamar City Administrator, representatives from area schools, the Lamar Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and others mentioned past, current and future projects funded by GOCO.  Diane Pool of the Prowers County Fair Board spoke about planned shower and restroom facilities at the fairgrounds to compliment the pavilion which was built several years ago using GOCO funding, Talara Coen, principal of Alta Vista Charter School noted her funding which will be used to purchase $100,000 for new playground equipment, John Sutherland explained how development of Valco Ponds could be a cornerstone to improve the northern gateway into Lamar for visitors, Debbie Watson, Wiley Town Clerk, spoke about how funding will help finance a community playground for her town, Joe Kasza detailed a similar project underway for McClave which includes new equipment and a community pavilion which will be completed in the near future.  Other speakers included Rick Akers, Lamar Parks and Recreation Director, Lyndon Gill, Bent County Commissioner, Pat Palmer, Prowers Lodging Panel President and Ruthie Esgar of Wiley who thanked GOCO officials for funding used to refurbish the Rock School in her town. 

GOCO board members conduct similar outreach meetings in Colorado communities throughout the year.  They provide members with a hands-on look at the way in which funding is used to improve the quality of life for state residents.

By Russ Baldwin