Pathways to progress
Citizens get a look at LAPS network plans
By James Wynn
Staff Writer

It was help they asked for, and it was help they received.
During a public hearing on Wednesday, The Lander Area Pathway System, a proposal developed by the Lander Greenway Committee, was revealed to the public for the first time since its inception a few years ago.
The first public hearing, which was an informal way for interested Lander citizens to ask questions or make suggestions about the LAPS proposal, was successful to the extent that committee members got a chance to hear from those who the pathway systems would most benefit.
After an introduction by Mayor Mick Wolfe and community resource coordinator Gary Michaud, Lander Greenway Committee member Don Webber unveiled the plan.
“When we first formed as the Greenway committee, the idea was to establish a greenway through McManus Park,” he said, “with the second phase to extend the greenway out to Poor Farm Road. Situations have come about in Lander that would really give a chance to expand the scope of the original plan.”
That new plan would involve a pathway system linking parks, schools neighborhoods and the community.
“It is a way for us to incorporate safe access with the ideas of healthy living into everyday lifestyles,” Webber said. “But in order to do this, there needs to be civic commitment.”
According to the draft, the committee would develop safe routes to school paths on Canyon Street and Popo Agie Street to Fourth Street for South Elementary School, plus the high school to the middle school and the community pool.
The draft also has plans to connect Pathfinder School to the rest of the system.
“We have a unique opportunity because of how we are rebuilding the elementary schools,” Webber said. “It’s an opportunity we shouldn’t pass up.”
Webber also cited the new business park as a way to integrate not just the schools, but also the community as a whole into a pathway system.
“We have developed the plan,” Webber said. “At this point, where we are now, we need your input. We need your help.”
A complete version of the draft is available at the Parks And Recreation Web site, or at the Parks and Rec office, 240 Lincoln St. Forms for public comments can be found at both these locations as well.