How Mountain Rec Supports Local Organizations through In-kind Facility Use

Mountain Recreation understands the critical role that recreational programs, services, and facilities play in fostering positive character development, promoting lifelong health and happiness, and reducing social isolation by building community connections.

Towards this end, Mountain Rec recognizes that many organizations in the community offer mission-aligned programs and services that may be outside our ability to effectively or efficiently provide to the community—thus, in 2019, we launched the Community Partnership Grant Program (CPGP) to support eligible organizations by providing in-kind use of District facilities and staff support.

Through this program, we aim to enrich the lives of Eagle County residents, expand access to diverse and affordable recreational opportunities, and create partnerships that enhance these offerings. Today, we are excited to showcase our collaboration with a 2023 recipient of the CPGP—Mountain Youth.

Mountain Recreation and Mountain Youth’s partnership is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to the health and happiness of our community. In September of 2023, Mountain Youth was awarded in-kind facility use for one ice-skating event for up to 150 people including skate rentals; the Edwards Field House for Tu Guía; one Zumba class at the Gypsum Rec Center for Aprendiendo Juntos and Move Chat Connect parents; one Edwards Field House full facility rental with the climbing tower for Valley’s Voice; and the Gypsum Rec Center full facility after-hours rental for Valley’s Voice.

Since assuming his role in 2021, Cameron Dole, Senior Manager of Youth Engagement at Mountain Youth, has observed firsthand the significant impact and positive outcomes that this grant has consistently delivered. A prime example being Mountain Youth’s Kickoff to Summer event hosted at the Edwards Field House in May 2024. Led by Mountain Youth’s Youth Advisors, the event featured soccer, kickball, basketball, bouldering, trampolines, food, and art—all provided free of charge and drawing over 60 youth.

“We were so warmly greeted by the Mountain Rec staff. This was an event that the youth were excited for, and word spread quickly. The Edwards Field House is incredible; it offers such a diverse array of activities that any youth is going to want to be engaged in,” Cameron shared.

Access to Mountain Rec’s safe spaces has contributed to Mountain Youth’s mission of ensuring that “all youth in our community thrive” as these spaces offer youth a vital sense of belonging.

“We want the youth to feel that they belong here, that they are welcomed here, and give them the opportunity to meet the community. We want them to know that Mountain Rec is a trusted resource,” explained Cameron.

Cameron also noted that all Mountain Youth events in partnership with Mountain Rec have been received graciously by parents and have provided invaluable opportunities to strengthen Mountain Youth’s connections with both parents and youth.

When asked about the outcomes of the events hosted at Mountain Rec’s facilities, Cameron highlighted that youth are taking home valuable social, problem-solving, communication, physical, and emotional skills that will help them thrive in our community.

These outcomes align perfectly with our belief that recreational activities are vital for teaching essential life lessons. Additionally, one of Mountain Rec’s goals is to support our diverse community across our recreational programs and services. Cameron pointed out that while youth in our valley are often divided by race, the Kickoff to Summer event provided opportunities for all ethnicities to come together, play sports, and form lasting friendships.

In the spirit of collaboration and community enhancement, Mountain Recreation invites local non-profits to apply for the 2025 Community Partnership Grant Program. Applications will be accepted once per year from July 15 through August 15 and will be presented to the Mountain Rec Board of Directors at their September board meeting. Organizations wishing to apply must submit an application form by 5pm August 15, 2024.

Cameron extends his gratitude for Mountain Rec’s steadfast support of local non-profits and to its staff’s flexibility in facilitating these valuable events. We look forward to your participation and hope you will join us in leveraging this opportunity to enhance our community and promote a healthy and happy life for all.

To learn more about the Community Partnership Grant Program, view all 2023 recipients, and to submit your application, please visit MountainRec.org/community-partnership-grants. For questions related to the program, please contact Anna Englehart, Superintendent of Recreation Programs at AEnglehart@MountainRec.org.