"Live Well Decorah" event is proposed for May 12th

Decorah resident David Paquette is working on developing an event in May that would encourage physical activity by closing three Decorah streets for a six-hour period.

"Live Well Decorah, a ciclovia event" is modeled after similar events held in Peru and in 40 American communities.  Paquette told city council members on Monday night that the Decorah event would "exemplify what the Blue Zone Project is all about."  The streets would be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on that Saturday, with participants using the closed streets for rollerblading, dog walking, biking, running, skateboarding and other activities.  "It's amazing the joy that can be generated by activities like these," said Paquette.

City council member Gary Rustad said he had concerns about closing Water Street, Heivly Street and Claiborne Drive, as requested by Paquette.  Rustad said there were "public safety concerns."

The city council's Community Development Committee has been asked to work with Paquette and other organizers of the event--and to report back to the full city council.