Point of View

Whenever you help someone, you move mountains. Whenever you encourage someone, you move mountains. Whenever you bring your smile into a room, you move mountains. ⛰ Mountains don’t move you. You move mountains!

CDC recommends > age 5+ get vaccinated.

Tuesday, 4PM - Municipal Court, 6PM - Parks & Recreation

Thursday/Friday, City offices closed for Holiday

Celebrating Work anniversaries this week: Community Center Group Fitness Instructors - Bridgette Alter - 2 years & Rebecca Gudehus - 1 year. Appreciation to Laura Mize, Neighborhood Specialist for her work on Community for All Ages.

MARC’s sponsored Communities for All Ages program recognizes those who create communities for a lifetime. With the number of older Americans increasing, cities need to ensure the needs of their older residents are met. CFAA in ES began in 2016 with an agreement to become age friendly. In 2017, ES completed a self-assessment of strengths & weaknesses. Below, is a summary of ways we have enhanced our community's livability:

• Parks & Recreation emphasis on serving all ages & abilities in public outdoor spaces & buildings. Opening Splash Park featuring flat, accessible surface, creating accessible gazebos & playgrounds, & expanding services to the senior community.
• Community Center design considered members/guests would be 0-102 years of age.
• Amenities for all ages include heated pool for swim lessons & water exercise classes. Every second grader is taught to swim. Nutrition counselor is available for consultation. Staff trained in specialized needs of different ages. Center is a designated SAFE place. Agreement with Orrick & ES Special Ed on internship programs. Dr. Lisa Adams oversees Swim lessons & fitness classes for children/adults with special needs. The Center hosts weekly Farmer's Market providing access to fresh, nutritious food, & plans are being made for Phase 2, which includes an outdoor pool. Sr. Center provides dedicated staff & volunteers, programming just for seniors. Fitness, lunch, & speakers on subjects pertinent to seniors.
• Partnerships between Hospital, School District, & Community Center to provide fitness & wellness options for hospital & school employees. Clay County Senior Services Board partners in helping our city serve our aging population for life-long learning education, discounts for senior memberships, & funding exercise instructors. Residents benefit from transportation services to Sr. Center & Medical Appointments, home repair, in-home support services & Lifeline.
• Planning & Zoning Commission is reviewing existing Codes, including accessory dwelling units, shared dwellings, & a range of housing options. The city adopted codes allowing Universal Design & accessibility features. The city has Remodeling for accessible homes guidebooks.
• The City’s Neighborhood Specialist is focused on policy & programs related to neighborhoods, codes, & property maintenance & includes: Assisting property owners obtain financial assistance for property improvements; connecting property owners in need with organizations who can help them with accessibility renovations or repairs
• Connecting those who need help with simple tasks such as yard work, shoveling snow, or changing batteries in smoke detectors with volunteers who can assist through the Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteer program.
• City did a comprehensive survey & information campaign regarding Safe Streets/ Sidewalks to discover areas of town where residents felt sidewalks were most needed. We are currently seeking funding for these projects.
• The city sets an example regarding hiring retirees in their ENCORE careers.
  
• One more way, we improve the livability of our community is the creation of a Community Foundation to receive charitable donations directed to programs you care about. Just to mention, ES Police's Outreach & Community Center programs. In addition to the Foundation, the Community Center's Giving Tree is in place. Please visit the tree & learn ways to make Christmas brighter for our families in need.

Things To Do in Excelsior Springs posted in Exploring Omaha & Beyond, 10/10/18 - A trip to Excelsior Springs, Mo., was a long-time coming for me. I’d first heard about the famous historic hotel. It seemed to be a destination in itself, an epic Midwest spa destination. I wanted a couple's getaway. But, I also knew there were other great things to do in Excelsior Springs, so we ventured out into town.

Email: mmcgovern@excelsiorsprings.gov
Website: cityofesmo.com
Location: Hall of Waters, 201 E. Broadway, 64024
Phone: (816) 630-0752