Complex is open for walking on Mondays and Wednesdays

MONTE VISTA — Some familiar faces have been seen at the Outcalt Event and Conference at SLV Ski Hi Complex, walking laps inside of the building.

New City of Monte Vista Recreation Director Dervin Taylor, Monte Vista Mayor Dale Becker and his wife Jennifer, to name a few. The City of Monte Vista is opening the building for free walking sessions from 8 to 10 a.m., and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

City of Monte Vista Ski Hi Events Center Manager Stephanie Ruybal, explained the program and how it started.

“We have been trying to work with our Recreation Department to see how we can obtain more recreation programs out here at Ski Hi,” Ruybal said. “A couple of people have made comments during the first year that the new building was open, that they would love to come in during the winter months just so they could get some type of exercise. They mentioned that it would be nice, to be able to come in, without having to pay for a gym membership, because they wouldn’t fully utilize the membership.”

Ruybal chuckled and said, “Last year we were a little busy, while we were trying to get things up and running. We talked about it, and thought that we would start January off right, by opening for a few days, and for a few hours a day, to see how it would go; kind of test it out and go from there. Every month the walking will change hour-wise, just depending on what events we have going on, and what we have scheduled. We definitely want to get people involved and make them aware that we have this here.”

Ruybal added that the walking program has expanded from what was originally set. They initially started off with just a couple of hours in the mornings, due to morning hours being the most requested. Ruybal said that after the morning hours were posted on the internet, she was flooded with requests to also open the doors during the evenings for the program.

“We listened to our requests and opened up for evening hours as well,” Ruybal said. “I have actually seen a lot more people than I expected, the first couple of times we were open. I think as people become more comfortable with it, we will gain more walkers. Most people walk in twos or threes, but this is a great way to walk because people can hold each other accountable too; strength in numbers. We have measured out exactly how many laps is a mile. I thought the walking was a great idea because it forces us as staff to take a healthy break and get our steps in too. We will post our new hours or days as we change them. We are excited to get our community involved and help them stay healthy now that its cold outside.”

Recreation Director Taylor was excited about the walking program and invited people to walk with him.

“My job consists of putting together recreation programs for adults and youth,” Taylor said. “This walking program is an expansion of recreation opportunities for folks. This allows them to come in and do some basic walking, at their own pace, at their own time, since it is chilly outside. I have been there walking. This past week the police chief showed up, so I got to walk with the chief as well as the mayor. I am inviting folks to come out and walk with me, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.”

Mayor Becker said, “My wife and I went out to Ski Hi and took advantage of being able to walk in the building where we were out of the cold weather. We very much enjoyed being able to do this alongside Dervin, the Parks and Recreation Director for Monte Vista.”

City Manager Gigi Dennis said, “Exercise is so important for all age groups and the winter weather can inhibit some people from getting out and stretching their legs. We are excited to see what the community involvement is with the indoor walking program.”

For more information on the walking program, visit the Outcalt Event and Conference Center at SLV Ski Hi Complex.