CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending April 20, 2012

City’s Earth Day Celebration and Water Festival draw a large crowd

On Saturday, April 14, 2012, the City’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Division hosted the 12^th Annual Earth Day Celebration at South Park (event summary and  photos). Event features were the Parade for the Earth hosted by KU Environs and the Water Festival for Douglas County (event summary and photos) organized by the City’s Stormwater Division. Over 1,000 citizens participated in the Earth Day activities which included live music, sixty informational booths, and South Park tree identification tours led by the Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Lawrence Transit System offered free rides all day, providing the experience and benefits of public transportation on all fixed routes. Earth Day, observed on April 22^nd, was created in 1970 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment.

Common Ground update

Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator, has provided the attached report on the progress of the Common Ground program.

KaBOOM! Names Lawrence “Playful City USA”

The City of Lawrence is being recognized for taking an innovative approach to make play a priority for the health and well-being of children. Lawrence earned national recognition as a 2012 “Playful City USA” community by KaBOOM!, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing play back into the lives of children. Lawrence is among only three cities in Kansas to receive this recognition. This honor qualifies Lawrence to apply for future playground construction grant opportunities offered by KaBOOM!.