I'm so glad that Basalt is asking the residents to approve a new community recreation center. We just moved here from Breckenridge, and I so miss its facility. At this time, folks who live in Basalt have to drive either to Aspen (20 miles) or to Carbondale (10 miles) for any type of indoor workout, which means most people just don't go.

Until you have a community recreation center nearby, you don't realize just how much it improves the area. It becomes a magnet for children's programs, family leisure time and general health routines for all ages — especially in this area, where people are always getting ready for the next sport, like ski training, winter bike training, lap swimming, tennis and prep for triathlons, just to name a few. This new center will become invaluable.

Also, there will be a climbing wall, swim lessons for kids, exercise and weight machines, free weights and possibly personal trainers. For those who enjoy group exercise, there will be yoga, Pilates, strength, dance and stretch classes. Leagues for volleyball and basketball also can be started. Visitors will want to stay in Basalt just to be close to the Crown Mountain Park and Recreation Center, which will bring revenue to the entire area, not to mention increased property values.

This will be such an improvement to one of the most beautiful areas in Colorado. It needs to be approved by a mail-in ballot, so please make sure you vote and return your ballot by the Nov. 5 deadline. You won't be sorry!

Sandy Kucharczyk

Basalt