Editor:

Children need to be able to run around, climb, swing, slide and jump at their recess time. They need to be able to exert energy to get the good endorphins flowing so they can better concentrate on their studies.

The kids at Basalt Elementary School (BES) are being challenged with not enough equipment to play on as well as some existing equipment that is not working. The playground is over 20 years old. At that time it held the smaller class sizes but now the school has grown tremendously to over 650 kids — kids who only get a few minutes to play out there and most of them end up waiting in line to have a turn.

Our Valley prides itself on being a fit and healthy community so I am asking for your support. I have organized with the help of the school, Parents In Education (PIE) and Basalt Education Foundation (BEF) to host our first BES Halloween Fun Run on Oct. 27. All proceeds will go to refurbish and add to our existing playground. You may register at Active.com under BES Halloween Fun Run or in person on race day. The fundraiser includes a 5K, 1 mile family walk and a 100 yard dash (for children 12 and under). Please visit Active.com for more information or there are signs up throughout the valley.

It will be a fun event. You can wear Halloween costumes too. Please come out and support us in this effort to improve our kid’s futures. Children have so much pressure on them today. Let’s help them stay healthy and strong by giving them a better playground.

Thank you for your support.

Melissa Bowman
Race director, BES Halloween Fun Run
Basalt