ALAMOSA — GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado) Inspire! awarded $868,805 to Alamosa to promote outdoor activities for youth, City of Alamosa Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rice informed the Alamosa city council this week.

“This is basically to get kids outside,” Rice explained. “It’s really exciting.”

Rice said the funds will be used for outdoor recreation and educational programs and to fund a full-time outdoor specialist for three years after which the city will pick up that position.

Rice said there are many opportunities in Alamosa ranging from trails and parks to the Weekends on the Rio program to utilize the GOCO funding. He said many partners are also involved with the city in this project such as Adams State and the Rio Grande Farm Park. They have come together in the Alamosa RIO (Recreation Inspired Opportunities) Coalition.

“This is really exciting for our community,” Rice said.