3 September 2019 Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR CONTINUED In the year 2000, I closely followed the Louisville city charter commission deliberation on ethics and open government (as my wife was on the commission). Our city has extensive and unique open government rules, which I believe are critically important to who we are as a community -- even as much as our small town character and open space. Our home rule charter encourages citizen involvement, which leads to better decisions by the city council. At recent meetings, I have observed the council listening and deliberating with active participation from you, the public, and our decisions are better for hearing from you. We don't all always agree, but each of you has the right and privilege to be heard in our participatory democracy. We can still do better and we have recently hired a communications specialist to try and get more information out to residents. Some unexpected experiences also shaped my tenure. I didn't expect the great recession or its long lasting impacts on city government. I certainly didn't foresee the worst natu- ral disaster in Louisville history, with the massive flooding in 2013 wiping out County Road Bridge, the golf course, much of our trail system, and our water intake in Eldorado Canyon. There were good things I discovered as well. I didn't know I would become fascinated with our water system -- how we have water rights in two distinct basins, how we move water from the mountains, how we store water, and how we treat it and deliver it to your homes. And I didn't know how much I would enjoy working with city staff. Whether managing the city and its budget, operating a recreation center or plowing a street on a snowy night, they are consummate profession- als. It's been my great pleasure and honor to work with and get to know many of them. Finally, it's about you, the citizens of Louisville. You are an amazing group of people...willing to volunteer serving seniors, pulling weeds on open space, working in the Library, the Museum, at the Street Faire and our cultural events, and any number of other places in our community. Dozens of you serve on city advisory boards and commissions. Many of you come and testify on issues you care about before the city council. You've voted to support historic preservation in the city, to strengthen our open government rules, to build the library and most recently the major expansion to our Recre- ation & Senior Center and Memory Square Pool. And you have honored me with your votes and sup- port all these years. I thank you and wish you fair winds and following seas. Bob CITY SPOTLIGHT: KATHY MARTIN Recreation Superintendent Kathy Martin shares an update on the Recreation & Senior Center. It is an exciting time here at the Louis- ville Recreation & Senior Center. We've been adding new classes, hosting more events, and welcoming more guests than ever before. The journey so far Having been a part of the Parks, Recre- ation and Open Space Team at the City of Louisville for over 20 years, I really enjoyed overseeing the expansion and remodel of the Recreation & Senior Center. It's been so rewarding to see the reaction from Louis- ville residents and our many guests. The expansion added many new amenities including brand new exercise equipment, new pools including a 'lazy river', and a great new turf gymnasium. In addition to the new amenities, we also offer programming options for everyone from babies to seniors. If you haven't had a chance to use the facility, I hope you come visit us soon. There really is 'Something for Everybody! As too many of us in Louisville are aware, the hailstorm last June caused a lot of damage (see page 10). The damage to our roof and skylights extended the renovation project and we are grateful to everyone for their patience during the repair work, which is on track to be completed this fall. A part of the community We see the Recreation & Senior Center as so much more than exercise or sports. Every day we welcome Louisville residents and guests to the Center where they make new friends, enjoy some time for themselves, find resources to age in place, or feel connected to the Louisville community. Being a part of this experience is the best part of the job for me and my staff. Catch the view Although the Recreation & Senior Center is my"office; I still enjoy the facilities just like everyone else. It's difficult to choose my favorite part, but it's hard to beat that beautiful view of the mountains from the Cardio Area. I think it's fair to say we have some of the best views in the world (but as a Colorado native I'm probably a little biased!). LOUISVILLE LOVES READING! Over 3,000 kids, teens, and adults signed up for the Library's 2019 Summer Reading Challenge - and there was a huge 92% increase in participants finishing the 30 day challenge! If you missed this year's challenge, don't worry! The Library will be running it again next summer with the aim of building on this year's success. In the meantime, 50 Books in First Grade starts September 3 (see page 6 for details). Page 2 • September 2019