Master Planning for Higher Quality of Life

The following is a copy of a press release dated August 9, 2007 that affects you and needs your comments. This is no time to be a wall flower, be a part of this open house, make your comments be heard. Over 60 people came to the first meeting, and that certainly informs our elected officials that the planning is important. Let’s crack into the three digit numbers this coming August 23^rd. Put it on the calendar now – make the time and commitment to help our community.

As the Valdosta-Lowndes community continues to grow, the importance of a safe, interconnected network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities increases.  To address this increased need, the Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is developing the Valdosta-Lowndes Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

In conjunction with the Genesis Group Consulting Firm (Tallahassee, Florida) and the MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Steering Committee, the MPO will host second public meeting to receive community input into the forthcoming plan and resultant projects.   This meeting will be held Thursday, August 23, 2007 at the Lowndes County Commissioners Chambers, located at 325 W. Savannah Ave. from 4:00pm -7:00pm. 

The meeting will begin with an overview of the data collection efforts and other analysis that has been completed as well as a look at the preliminary projects and priorities within the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  Attendees will then be asked to provide their comments and input to the Plan; voice any concerns with bicycle and pedestrian safety and accessibility; and provide feedback on target areas in which to promote bicycle, pedestrian, and transit mobility.

All interested citizens are invited to attend this public information open house, particularly those who may currently walk or ride a bike to work, church, school, or recreational activities.  Comments may also be forwarded to Dan McGee, MPO Planner via email: dmcgee@sgrdc.com, phone: 229.333.5277, fax: 229.333.5312, or in person at the South Georgia Regional Development Center located at 327 W. Savannah Avenue.

The cross country series that has been offered weekly by Get Active – Running and more and Valdosta Lowndes Parks and Recreation Department was a great success this summer. The number of participants doubled from the inaugural year. This event was open to all-comers; there was no cost. Middle School, High School and College runners as well as fitness runners of all ages would certainly benefit from the opportunity this presents. You are invited to come and enjoy next July and August.

VSU Centennial 5K is being presented for its 2^nd year on August 18^th. Applications are available at the VSU Recreation Department web site.

Kevin’s Race to End Cancer is a new event to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society and their event will be held on August 25^th in Valdosta. The event includes a 5K, 2 mile and 1mile.

Winnersville Triathlon will be held on 09/08/07 and starts at 7:30 AM. Flyers are available now. The distances include 0.25 mile swim, 14 mile bike and 3.6 mile run. Many are in training for this local Valdosta event; you too can be a part. If you are not comfortable with all three events, there is a relay offered as well. The YMCA Valdosta is offering help on the swimming preparation – check with them on what they are offering. Get your family or friends together and each takes a leg of the event. Keep listening to NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM, to get updates and training suggestions/opportunities. On August 29^th, one of the organizers will be the guest and the topic will only be about the triathlon. The show starts at 6PM every Wednesday evening on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA.

Wendy’s and Wild Adventures are teaming up to present the Wendy’s 5K Wild Adventures Run for Adoption to be held at Wild Adventures Theme Park. September 29^th needs to be set aside for you and the family to be involved with this event. Applications are now available at the store or we will email you a copy. Go to www.getactivevaldosta.com and request an application and one will be sent quickly. 

Monday, August 13^th there is a Fitness 101 class offered for people interested in finding out how to start or improve their walking or running programs. Class starts at 7PM at Get Active – Running and more store on North Ashley Street – use www.getactivevaldosta.com to get the directions.

There are weekly, FREE activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. Runners can show up at Get Active on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for runs from 1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. Thursday morning is a women’s ONLY run, and the other runs are all-comers. Cyclists can meet for rides on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.

Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend? Send, email or call the information in to me at Get Active – Running and more.

If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA to receive additional information or to ask questions.

Thank you,

Todd & Alice Smoot

GET ACTIVE 
Running and more

GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA as heard on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA Wednesdays
6 to 7 PM - call into the show at 229-241-1059
GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA  as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012 (F)

In the long run, one must have goals to succeed.

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve Prefontaine