Vision: Sterling will be a model, on the Eastern Plains of Colorado, of good health and opportunities for physical activity.
Mission: To provide the infrastructure and leadership to make biking, walking and running prominent activities for residents and guests of Sterling.
The Sterling Loop Committee continues to move forward on the development of a multi-use trail that will loop around the City of Sterling. The trail is proposed to interconnect all RE-1 Valley Schools, as well as Northeastern Junior College; it will tie in three parks, including Pioneer and Columbine; and it will tie in Overland Trail Recreation Area, Overland Trail Museum and the Logan County Shooting Sports Complex.
Check out this video that shows the first leg of the proposed trail:
The committee has identified three objectives to meet their mission.
To build a multi-use trail around the perimeter of Sterling by 2020
To develop weekly trail use and bicycling activities
To raise awareness about the trail and the trail's potential
In conjunction with the trail project, the City of Sterling has submitted an application for the Colorado Department of Transportation "Safe Routes to School" grant, which is a non-infrastructure grant that provides instructions to physical education teachers and others about riding, repairing and safety related to bicycling so they will instruct students about these topics. If awarded, the grant will provide three bikes to each of these Sterling schools - Ayers, Campbell and Sterling Middle School.
A Tread for Trails event will be held May 14. Please watch for details.
Historic Woolworth Building Redevelopment Next Step in Downtown Sterling Revitalization
Through the generosity of Alan and Cindy Hoal of Sterling, the historic Woolworth Building property in downtown Sterling has now been conveyed to the Logan County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) for redevelopment.
Photo courtesy Sterling Journal Advocate
The main goal for the property redevelopment is to achieve preservation of the historic building through viable adaptive re-use as a multi-purpose community gathering place.
This building is a key component in the overall redevelopment of downtown Sterling. Through funding from Sterling Urban Renewal Authority and property owners, many downtown structures are being rehabilitated with new facades and interior renovations. As one of the largest buildings in the center of downtown, LCEDC will lead the project to establish downtown Sterling as the commercial, entertainment, and cultural heart of the community and region.
Old Town Bistro
Zoe's Nook
Glam Street
Additionally, the redevelopment will help to preserve and promote Sterling's history and heritage. Establishing a National Historic District designation was the first step addressing this goal and as a contributing State Historic Building, the ability to renovate and redevelop this building will help preserve the historic relevance of the structure and ensure it doesn't continue to deteriorate to a point of unavoidable demolition. The building, first constructed in 1906, has changed in size, function and use, but has been vacant for more than 30 years. It has approximately 13,000 square feet on the first floor and 5,700 square feet on the second floor.
Initial public input on the Woolworth Building came from a Logan County Chamber of Commerce sponsored visioning session in 2015 on the downtown area. The next steps are for LCEDC to hold a February community meeting, develop an online survey, and reach out to the community regarding the vision and purpose for the property. LCEDC received a technical assistance award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. The assessment has been completed and the report identifies the cleanup work needed. The specific report recommendations will be addressed at the LCEDC Annual Meeting on Jan. 25, 2016.
According to Dr. Jay Lee, president of Northeastern Junior College and president of LCEDC, "We are excited about the possibilities that the Woolworth Building may bring to Sterling and Logan County. We all know that the building has been sitting vacant for a long time and that its location is prime downtown property. It is tragic that this wonderful location has become an eyesore. There are great possibilities with this space. LCEDC is willing to lead the effort to move forward on this project and make something great happen for Sterling and revitalize our downtown. We look forward to completion of this project and of what the future holds."
These are festive and free events that feature musical entertainment, decorated buildings, carolers, a spectacular Christmas light display, cookies, apple cider, and roasted chestnuts!
Gather up the family and head downtown for the annual Parade of Lights Thursday, December 3 at 6 p.m. Don't forget to dress warmly!
The Sterling Police Department will be closing off streets near Main Street, so be sure to come early to pick your spot. The procession of colorful floats will be lined up and ready to display their creations at 6 p.m.
And, of course, the jolly ol' elf himself will make an appearance!
After the parade, be sure to meet at the corner of West Main Street and Division Avenue to enjoy this year's first bonfire with s'mores, courtesy of Walmart and Bank of the West employees. In addition, tours of the historical Logan County Courthouse will be offered beginning at 7 p.m.
Enjoy strolling Main Street to see all the local merchants' Christmas window displays, and to watch for holiday specials. Clarence's Corner will be open and hay rides will be offered. Santa will also be roaming the stores, and children's activities such as crafts and cookie decorating will be going on to allow adults to enjoy their shopping.
For the duration of the month of December, downtown merchants will continue to be open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays with hay rides and more children's activities available. (With exception, these merchants will not be open until 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.) Some downtown merchants are also extending their weekend hours to includes Sundays throughout the month. Contact the Logan County Chamber of Commerce at 970-522-5070 for further information.