Healthy Places Week for Lamar, March 29-April 5

Everybody in Lamar is encouraged to voice their ideas about health oriented improvements in the community during “Wellness Week”, March 29 through April 5 at various locations around the town. 

Each day will focus on a segment of community improvement ideas from the public that will be incorporated into a Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan.  Lamar is one of three cities and the only rural community in Colorado that was selected to take part in the Healthy Places Initiative.  One million dollars is being donated to help fund studies needed to complete a Master Plan which can help fund resources to improve parks, trails and open space in Lamar.  Other segments include community efforts to increase commitment to a healthier lifestyle and identify local resources for fresh, healthy and affordable food. 

A different location, theme and subjects will be highlighted in a series of ‘Community Conversations’ between March 29 and April 5.  The public is encouraged to take part and offer ideas designing improvements at Escondido Park and the Civic Center area on March 29.  Designing Willow Creek Park and the Sports Hub will be held in two sessions on Sunday, March 30.  Free participation at numerous local recreation centers will be offered March 31 through April 5 such as Softball and BBQ at 1pm at the Sports Complex or test your athletic skills during Lope Olympics at LCC beginning at 5pm that afternoon.  Residents can enjoy a free community day at the Lamar Community Building on April 1, take a walk around the Hospital Loop at PMC on the 2^nd, utilize the exercise equipment at the LCC Wellness Center on April 3, come out for a BBQ at Northside Park on the 4^th at 5pm and get free glowsticks, necklaces and bracelets to celebrate the new lights to be installed at the park, and Saturday April 5 will be highlighted by playground painting at Parkview School at 1pm and a free, family oriented movie at Escondido Park at 7pm, viewed on a new, inflatable movie screen.  Lamar Library will conduct an open house that day between 10am and 2pm. 

Each event will be fun and each event will offer an opportunity for direct citizen input to helping create a Master Plan to improve Lamar’s parks, trails and recreation facilities.  Over 300 citizens attended the September build-day to erect new playground equipment at Northside Park last year and last spring, over 800 residents came to Willow Creek Park to enjoy a free, all-day, fund-day which was capped by the first in a series of free family movie nights.  Contact Rick Akers, Lamar Parks & Recreation Director, at 719-336-2774 or Emily Nieschburg, Healthy Places Coordinator, at 719-336-0261 for information about this upcoming week.

By Russ Baldwin