(Spirit Lake)– Another step has been taken into what officials hope will lead to Spirit Lake being named a Blue Zone Community…a special health initiative being put on by Well Mark Blue Cross, Hy-Vee and the Iowa Sports Federation. The designation, which has $50 million in funding tied to it, will be awarded to 10 Iowa communities.
Norm Johnson of YMCA of the Okoboji’s is among those spearheading an effort to submit an application on behalf of the local community. He told the Spirit Lake city council Tuesday Spirit Lake and the Iowa Great Lakes could hold a special advantage over other areas of the state in landing the designation. Johnson says he was given that impression after meeting with a statewide advisory board that will oversee the selection process… Click here to hear mp3 file
Johnson says he’s very optimistic based on the local involvement they’ve seen in activities to gauge the level of interest in the Blue Zone initiative…Click here to hear mp3 file
Johnson added to his knowledge, there would be no ongoing financial or other obligations to the community in the event it lands the designation… Click here to hear mp3 file
The council voted unanimously Tuesday to support a resolution directing Johnson to complete a statement of interest to apply which will be submitted to the state advisory board. If the board approves it, Spirit Lake would be able to submit a formal application for the Blue Zone Community program.
