By SEAN VONROENN
Special to the Herald Times
MEEKER | Welcome to spring!
This spring several recreation items to note can be grouped into the following categories: programs, projects, and politics.
Programs: There’s always a wide variety of regular and special activities at ERBM. From the Spring Break Pool Party to the Spring Social, Father Daughter Ball, and Annual Recital (also known as the “Cutest Show on Earth”), there is something that you and your family will enjoy. New this year, ERBM will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree giveaway essay contest and park tree planting event. Get your submission in for your chance at one of the three great trees-—ERBM staff will even help you plant it!
Projects: ERBM has some tremendous improvement projects, both planned and proposed, in store for 2018. First, we will be working on improved signage throughout town and in the parks to better orient all who utilize these amenities. Also, stay tuned for information on a small action sports area (skateboard, scooter, etc.) addition to Paintbrush Park. This area has been a frequently expressed community interest since the previous area was repurposed.
Two collaborative projects, the expansion of the Meeker Trail System and Circle Park improvements, are currently in the planning stages of development. The trail system, pending grant approval, would add more than 4.5 miles to the already existing trails. The addition of a fishing pond at Circle Park is also in the works pending private and public financial support. Keep in-the-know on these projects as they become available via Facebook or at ERBM’s website, ERBMrec.com.
Politics: Lastly, ERBM would like to thank our outgoing Board of Director members for their dedicated public service over the last several years. With that in mind, we encourage all eligible district voters to get out and vote on May 8th to elect new members to our Board.
On that note, our Board, and the Town of Meeker Board of Trustees, is in support of the pending legislation Colorado Senate Bill 18-066, which proposes to solidify operation of the State Lottery Division funding for Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), Colorado Trust Fund (CTF), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For more information on the recreation, conservation, and economic benefits of these programs for every community in Colorado, please check out the newly released report at tpl.org/goco-ctf-economic-benefits. Learn more about how you can support this important cause at KeepitCO.org.
Sean VonRoenn is the Executive Director of the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District.
