In this issue:
- Take Charge Challenge Ends in September
- Helping Homeowners with Needed Repairs
- Looking for something to do in Lawrence?
- Transit Times Go Mobile
Take Charge Challenge Ends in September
Only two months left to help Lawrence win $100,000 for local projects
The Take Charge Challenge, a friendly energy efficiency competition between the cities of Lawrence and Manhattan, will end on September 30. In the next few months, Lawrence needs residents to help boost the points totals for Lawrence and win the Take Charge Challenge to bring home the $100,000 prize for local energy efficiency projects.
So, far, Lawrence’s residents have been very supportive of the Take harge Challenge. Nearly 20,000 bulbs have been switched out for energy efficient CFLs and hundreds of people in Lawrence have signed up for energy audits – a great way to take charge of your energy use now and in the future. But, Lawrence is lagging behind Manhattan overall.
How can you help Lawrence win? Before August 31, Sign up for a free, professionally installed WattSaver thermostat at www.WestarEnergy.com. There are many ways you can participate, log on to lawrenceks.gov/takecharge for all the needed info! Take Charge Lawrence!
Helping Homeowners with Needed Repairs
City now taking applications for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program
When Lawrence resident Beth Meyer qualified for the city’s Comprehensive Rehabilitation Loan program, she thought she would get a new roof, at best. However, in the end, she received repairs ensuring safety throughout the interior and exterior of her home.
The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Loan program, funded through the Community Development Block Grant, provides funding for rehabilitation of Lawrence homes for qualified applicants for such improvements as foundation repair, wiring, plumbing, painting and more.
Prior to applying for a Comprehensive Rehabilitation loan, Meyer’s job had evaporated from a company that folded. Her 1960’s home was rotting and did not meet property maintenance codes. She needed a new roof but knew she couldn’t afford to pay for it on her own.
After qualifying for the loan, not only did Meyer receive a new roof, but also numerous repairs throughout her home.
The interior repairs include: new floors, counters and outlets in her kitchen and bathroom, new lights and windows in her basement, new window sills in the bedroom, and insulation in the attic.
Exterior repairs included a new roof with ridge vents, new siding panels, a new paint job on siding and shutters, new gutters, a porch railing and new drain piping.
"It’s wonderful to have a program that makes your house safe and easy to live in for people of every age. It’s literally like I have a new house. I don’t have to worry every day anymore," said Meyer.
Explaining her experience Meyer said: "No one slacked off; everything was done in five weeks, if that. I am an evangelist for this. I know so many people that would benefit from this program but don’t think they will qualify or have never heard of it."
The city is now accepting applications for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Loan program until 5 p.m. on September 1, 2011. Application information and additional program details are available online at lawrenceks.gov/pds or by calling (785) 832-7700.
Looking for something to do in Lawrence?
Lawrence is an exciting community all year long.
Check out these great activities that offer inexpensive (or free) fun for all ages.
Family Events
Kid’s Night Out: Back to School Bash (Grades 5-12)
August 19, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Indoor Aquatic Center
4706 Overland Drive
Must register by Wednesday, August 17. Cost – $15
Pooch Pool Plunge
August 22
4-7 p.m.
Outdoor Aquatic Center
747 Kentucky
Celebrate the end of pool season by bringing your dog for a swim at the 9th annual Pooch Plunge! $5 per dog. All dogs must have documentation of all current shots and must be under their owner’s control at all times. Fee includes a treat for all dogs.
Buck Night
September 22, after 5 p.m.
Indoor Aquatic Center
4706 Overland Drive
Swim for just $1 – fun for the entire family and a great excuse to get in some exercise.
Clinton Lake
Clinton State Park , 798 N 1415 Rd.
Fish, swim, boat, camp, bike, hike, hunt, picnic and more! Visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Clinton for info.
Gyms, Pools & Recreation
Aquatic Centers: Indoor Aquatic Center, Carl Knox Natatorium, Outdoor Aquatic Center, South Park Wading Pool
Recreation Centers: East Lawrence Recreation Center, Holcom Park Recreation Center, South Park Recreation Center, Community Building
Trails
Prairie Park offers ‘No Child Inside Hiking’ adventures on September 7, September 9, October 5, October 19 and November 2. Times are 3 to 4:30 p.m. Cost – $5 per child.
The City of Lawrence offers a trail map online at lawrenceks.gov/lprd/parks for a listing of all local trails.
Parks
Lawrence offers over 50 parks to choose from – visit lawrenceks.gov/lprd/parks to see a full listing of the parks in Lawrence or to use the REC-FINDER to find the park closest to your location.
Archery for Beginners
September 7
3 -4:40 p.m.
Prairie Park Nature Center
Ages 7-16. Cost – $10
Golf
Get into the swing of things! Lawrence’s public golf course, Eagle Bend, is located at 1250 E. 902 Road (just east of the Clinton Lake Dam).
Eagle Bend Two-Day Golf Camp
September 7 & September 8
8 to 10 a.m.
Ages 11-17. Cost – $60
Adult Sports
Get involved in an adult sports league! Parks and Recreation offers basketball, dodgeball, kickball, softball and volleyball. Visit lawrenceks.gov/lprd/adultsports for more information.
Youth Sports
Lawrence Parks and Recreation offers programs for elementary, middle and high schoolers including baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. Visit lawrenceks.gov/lprd/youthsports for more information.
Special Populations Programs
Swim Team
Outdoor Aquatic Center
September 10 to October 15
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Ages 13 and Up. Cost – $23
Visit lawrenceks.gov/lprd for information on all of these programs and many, many more!
Transit Times Go Mobile
All it takes is a few clicks to get on the next bus.
The coordinated website for city and university transit services has launched a new mobile browser friendly site. The redesigned site offers an easier and faster way to view transit times on mobile devices. Find your next bus at
www.lawrencetransit.org.