Three-day workshop planned for Feb. 23-25 at Ski Hi Complex

MONTE VISTA — The City of Monte Vista and San Luis Valley Great Outdoors has organized a three-day workshop on Feb. 23-25 at the Ski Hi Complex to get the public’s perspectives and help create an action plan to grow the outdoor recreation economy, create opportunities for physical activity and health, revitalize Monte Vista's Historic Downtown and main streets, and become better stewards of our natural resources.

Topics of discussion include community values, assets, challenges, and visions for the future; improving connectivity between neighborhoods, recreation assets, and to downtown; activating and growing businesses in downtown; and promoting activities and events that highlight recreation assets to residents and market Monte Vista as the central hub of the San Luis Valley.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. The format will be interactive, engaging, and informative. Participants are encouraged to join for as much of the agenda as possible and people can come and go as their schedule allows. Childcare will be available on Day 2 of the workshop, facilitated by Kid's Connection on site at the Ski Hi Complex.

Workshop Overview

• Day 1: 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 23 at Ski Hi Complex
• Day 2: Feb. 24 at Ski Hi Complex

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Opportunities and Strategies Work Session

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Lunch will be provided — Registration is required for lunch

1:30-5 p.m. — Action Planning Work Session

• Day 3: Feb. 25 at Ski Hi Complex

8:30-10:30 a.m. — Open House and Action Planning Work Session

The City of Monte Vista with its partner, SLV GO!, was among 25 communities nationwide selected to participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Recreation Economy for Rural Communities” (RERC) planning assistance program.

The program is a collaboration between the EPA, USDA, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The RERC planning assistance program helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their Main Streets.

“The City is thrilled to receive the EPA grant,” said City Manager Gigi Dennis. “This will allow for community involvement and input on creating a plan that will help diversify our economy and re-energize the assets of Monte Vista and our surrounding area of natural resources.”

For more information and to register visit the City of Monte Vista website, https://cityofmontevista.colorado.gov/.