PROS plans Arbor Day and expands Kids to Park Day to multiple sites

Board members reviewed plans for Arbor Day and a broadened Kids to Park Day during the Feb. 19 meeting.

Staff said Arbor Day will include tree plantings—two trees planned for Harvest Park—partner outreach (the library and local volunteers), a proclamation at a board meeting and park programming. The event will follow the town calendar and staff intend to publicize the day as an opportunity to engage residents and promote the master plan.

On Kids to Park Day, staff proposed making the event multi-site rather than focusing on a single park. The main site will partner with Kiwanis for fishing and an area near Wellville will be the hub; staff plan to stage programming at four or five additional locations so families can find activities close to where they recreate. PROS members discussed ideas for family engagement—scavenger hunts, stamp booklets or pencil rubbings for each park, photo contests tied to social media and prizes such as national park passes or Larimer County park passes.

Staff and PROS agreed to use these events to capture public input for the master plan and requested volunteers for staffing and outreach. Members also asked for printed park maps to distribute at events so residents can locate other parks and learn features during the summer outreach period.