There are amazing things going on all over our state, and I'm honored to be able to celebrate and support what makes Colorado special. As I hear from people all over the state, I am inspired by the positive spirit and optimism of Coloradans.

- Jared Polis

POWERING THE COMEBACK

#BOULDERSTRONG RESOURCE CENTER

Last Friday, I was honored to join Mental Health Partners of Colorado, Boulder community leaders, King Soopers leadership, and mental and behavioral health professionals for a tour of #BoulderStrong Resource Center and discussion on the state of mental and behaviorahealth care in Colorado. The Center was established as a resource for community healing and support in response to the March 22nd Table Mesa King Soopers shooting. Building our state back stronger means providing mental and behavioral health resources to all -- especially those who have experienced tragedy and acute trauma. Since this already urgent issue has been made even more so by the global pandemic, the entire administration has partnered with Colorado lawmakers to make historic investments that will transform our behavioral health system, helps programs like #BoulderStrong makes a lasting impact and ensures Coloradans can get the care they need, when they need it.

FRIENDS OF STAUNTON TRACK CHAIR PROGRAM

Later in the day, myself, staff for the Dept. of Natural Resources and Senator Tammy Story received a demonstration of Staunton State Park’s Friends of Staunton Track Chair Program. In 2016 the family of Mark Madsen contributed donations in his memory to start an accessible program at the park. With these funds the Friends of Staunton State Park held a fundraiser with the idea to purchase a motorized wheelchair . They were able to purchase the first chair in the fall of 2016 and the first hiker was able to hit the trails in 2017! The program is free to the user with the purchase of a Parks Pass. The Friends of Staunton financially supports the Track Chair program and since 2017 have purchased and donated 5 track chairs to Staunton along with equipment to make the trips more comfortable and enjoyable. The program has supported over 1000 hikers on the nearly 9 miles of accessible trails.

WILDERNESS ON WHEELS

Colorado’s outdoor recreation options make us the envy of the nation. Our vast, great outdoors offered respite and refuge during the darkest days of the pandemic. And in our state, accessibility and inclusion are important to ensure that all Coloradans can enjoy them. I met with the Bellamy family who operate Wilderness On Wheels. WOW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no paid staff. For over 30 years Wilderness on Wheels has provided access to nature for people with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers through the generous work of volunteers and donations from individuals, organizations and businesses.

RECOVERY ROUNDTABLE IN PARK COUNTY

I joined Platte Canyon leaders, local elected officials, and chamber of commerce members for lunch at the Cutthroat Café. We met to discuss how we can best partner on Colorado’s recovery efforts. Platte Canyon is uniquely situated in multiple counties that share many of the same issues and concerns. They often work together to solve difficult challenges facing the area and the state can learn from their collaborative efforts.

AL’S PITS BARBECUE AND FOOD

We had to make a pitstop to Al’s Pits Barbecue and Food to take a look at the large variety of unique jerkies. Al Gross has owned this shop for over 15 years and has a selection of over 65 different types of Jerky from beef all the way to kangaroo. Al also owns and operates ABC Excavating.

SASQUATCH OUTPOST

Colorado’s Tourism Industry is a multi billion dollar industry, it creates jobs and brings new people to our state. Tourism takes many forms and in Bailey Colorado Sasquatch Outpost provides a unique tourist destination. I met with Jim and Daphne Myers to get a tour of the Sasquatch museum and to see the evidence for myself. Jim provides outdoor excursions and adventure weekends for anyone interested in finding sasquatch.

WHAT THE GOVERNOR'S TEAM IS READING

A visit from the Governor (thanks to Elizabeth and Al Gross for visiting with me and The Flume for joining)

Colorado’s plan to build a foundation for industrial hemp

Book recommendation: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

Reasons why some people are now deciding to get the vaccine

WE GROW STRONGER WHEN WE GROW TOGETHER.

Office of Governor Jared Polis | Website