FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Mandy Gauldin, Publicist, 970-945-5534
Peter Frykholm, Project Chairperson, 719-486-5300

LEADVILLE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF COMMUNITY PARK AUG. 29
Community rolls up its sleeves — and digs into its pockets — to turn Superfund site into sports complex with the nation’s highest synthetic turf fields and playground

LEADVILLE, Colo. (July 29, 2009) — The residents of Lake County, Colo., aren’t afraid of a little hard work. After four years of fundraising and volunteering, they are ready to celebrate the opening of the Lake County Community Park and Fairgrounds. Located within a Superfund site, the new park features an all-weather synthetic turf field with lights, restrooms and an adjacent playground. The grand opening celebration will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“This has really been a grassroots effort,” explained event chairperson Katie Baldassar. “From planning to fundraising to construction, it has been a community project from the beginning. We are so pleased to be able to provide our kids with a park of this caliber to where they can play, practice and compete.”

The planning for this project started in 2005. Since then, volunteers have included accountants, grant writers, heavy-machine operators from Colorado Mountain College’s Ski Operations Program and the county road and bridge crew, contractors of all sorts, restaurant owners and engineering students from the Colorado School of Mines. Fundraising efforts to reach the $1.5 million needed to complete the first phase have ranged from the “Playground Penny Pot” spearheaded by first graders at Pitts Elementary School to bake sales, golf tournaments and yard sales. More than 200 Leadville families have contributed over $100 a piece, and foundations, local governments and area businesses have kicked in sizable donations to help reach the goal.

The Community Park is located on McWethy Drive, just south of the Lake County Fairgrounds. Situated on top of the former Western Zinc Oxide Mill, the regulation-size field will be put to good use. More than 300 soccer players, adults and youth, will hit the turf spring, summer and fall. The Lake County Recreation Department will host a variety of outdoor sports leagues, including flag and Pop Warner football, lacrosse, and rugby. High school and middle school students will be able to practice and compete on a lighted field for the first time. Private organizations will be able to lease the field for tournaments, camps and special events. And, most importantly, the community will have a place to gather for informal recreation.

“With the highest synthetic turf field in the country, plus our proximity to world-class outdoor recreation, we are anticipating that teams from far and wide will want the opportunity to train and compete at this elevation,” explained Peter Frykholm, project chairperson. “"We are fortunate to have plenty of affordable lodging and restaurants nearby for tournaments and camps. And, Colorado Mountain College offers a large mountain campus with many other resources.”

Now that the park is almost complete, the community is ready to celebrate. The grand opening activities will include a ribbon cutting and dedication, followed by a day full of live music and family-oriented games and events. Food vendors will be on hand with refreshments.

“We’re inviting everyone to come out and help us celebrate,” added Baldassar. “This is an opportunity to see the positive things that can happen through generosity, collaboration and a united community vision.”

Contact the Lake County Recreation Department at 719-486-4142 to reserve the field or schedule a camp. Read more about the history of the park at http://www.leadvillescores.com.

Located in the geographic center of Colorado, Leadville is just 103 miles west of Denver and 129 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, on US Highway 24, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. Known for its authentic mountain-town hospitality, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America. With average high temperatures in the mid-70s this time of year, it’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat and explore one of Colorado’s most historic towns. Go to http://www.VisitLeadvilleColorado.info for more information.

###