BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Citizen workgroups of Let’s Move! Blue Springs have made significant progress on the initial project ideas that came out of the July 9 Citizen Summit facilitated by StandUp Blue Springs. These workgroups have been meeting since the Summits’ conclusion.
“I can’t say enough about all the work these groups have done on this initiative,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “It shows that when residents, business owners and stakeholders come together, we can make positive, long-term measurable change for the wellness of our community. We are indeed a City on the Move.”
Dave Wright, President of StandUp Blue Springs and Chair of the Let’s Move! Steering Committee, echoed the Mayor’s praise for the citizen-driven, grassroots efforts. “Since Day 1 of the Let’s Move! Blue Springs initiative, it has exceeded my expectations. Our approach to engage citizens has received not only local, but even national recognition for its uniqueness and innovation.”
Added Wright, “We have incorporated the four E’s in our efforts: Enlist, Engage, Energize, and Empower. When Blue Springs citizens are given the opportunity to ‘step up and make a difference’, they always do, and I am confident that the improvements, options, and opportunities that have been and will be implemented as a result of their efforts will make our community healthier, more vibrant, and be an example for other communities across the nation to follow.”
Community 5k Training Program
The Community 5k Training Program began on Monday, September 12. Registration for this class of walkers and runners of all ages and abilities is still open. The goal is to complete a 5K event (3.1 miles) at the end of six to eight weeks. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (816) 228-0137 for more information.
Coach Shannon Smith of the Blue Springs Y is training the 26 program participants to build endurance to complete the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K ~ A Let's Move! Event in Downtown Blue Springs on Saturday, November 12. Anyone who would like to register for the 5K only, visit www.gotrkcmo.org.
"Livable Streets" Policy
At the September 19 City Council Meeting, the Let's Move! Blue Springs "Livable Streets" workgroup shared with the City Council a presentation and "Livable Streets" resolution for adoption. Workgroup presenters included Samara Klein, KC Healthy Kids; Mike Schweder, A Healthy Change Hypnotherapy; Monica Meeks, StandUp Blue Springs and Scott Allen, City of Blue Springs.
“This resolution adopted by the City Council puts into policy something that the City has been doing in practice,” said Monica Meeks, Executive Director of StandUp Blue Springs. “This policy focuses on not only the walk-ability and bike-ability of Blue Springs, but also the future development and enhanced travel options for all Blue Springs residents.”
Planning for "Livable Streets" enhances active transportation options for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, cars, trucks, motorcycles and buses. "Livable Streets" are designed and operated to safely facilitate movement of people of all ages and abilities from destination to destination along and across a continuous travel network.
Let's Move! Saturdays!
Multiple Saturdays each month have been designated as "Let's Move! Saturdays." These events offer a structured opportunity for movement at different locations throughout the City for no or low cost.
The first Let's Move! Saturday event will be September 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at Dynamic Dance, 1901 SW US Highway 40 # B. This event is open to youth and families. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children. Cost is $3 per person. Reservations are requested, call (816) 224-5510; walk-ins are welcome.
To see a full list of Let’s Move! activities, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/letsmove.
About Let’s Move! Blue Springs
At the July 9 Citizen Summit, participants prioritized more than 150 ideas that were generated in the June 18 Summit. Through a multi-voting approach the group narrowed the list to these initial project ideas.
The project ideas are:
• Backpack Food program
• Children’s Triathlon
• Community Gardening
• Community 5K Training
• Expansion of Girls on the Run in Blue Springs
• Healthy Schools
• Let's Move! Saturdays
• Livable Streets
• Let's Move! Marketing and Public Relations
Residents are encouraged to join these workgroups by calling StandUp Blue Springs at (816) 478-4500 or emailing LetsMove@StandUpBlueSprings.org. Several workgroups are seeking additional members
Blue Springs was officially designated as a Let’s Move! Community in March 2011. The Let’s Move! Blue Springs initiative is part of a national effort to raise healthier generations of citizens. This initiative is a comprehensive approach to engage the many sectors that reach children, including parents, families, schools, community leaders, municipalities and businesses. The Let’s Move! goals are based on four pillars: 1) make healthy family choices, 2) create healthy schools, 3) provide access to healthy, affordable food; and 4) promote physical activity.
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