September 25, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Michelle Pak, Associate Planner, at 234-6278 or mpak@pocatello.us

or

Rick LeBrasseur, Center for Green Space Design, at 801-483-2100 or

rick@greenspacedesign.org

COMMUNITY INVITED AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND OPEN SPACE VISIONING WORKSHOP

The City of Pocatello’s Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) and the Center for Green Space Design (CGSD) are hosting a community visioning workshop. The event is set for Tuesday, October 21, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the ISU Student Union Building Wood River Room.

At this workshop, community members can participate in a unique interactive visioning exercise to identify valued ecological, recreational, agricultural and cultural community resources. Community members will be asked to prioritize open space conservation goals. Gathering public input at this workshop is an important part of developing the goals, priorities and policies for an open space plan for the City. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to participate. OSAC is being assisted by the CGSD, a non-profit group with extensive experience in open space planning and design.

According to Lisa Safford, OSAC Chair, workshop participants will be working in groups with maps to share their ideas about a long term vision for open space in Pocatello. The workshop promises to include a thought-provoking and intense discussion of community values.

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About Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC): This volunteer advisory board for the City of Pocatello was established in 2007. Their purpose is to advise the Mayor and City Council on securing and maintaining open spaces for the purpose of preserving habitat, protecting the aquifer and providing undeveloped areas for public use and recreation. The Committee is also responsible for educating the public. Its membership consists of community members.