Thursday, March 10, 2022

This Is Aurora - City Newsletter - March 10, 2022

 

Free recreation center visits for youth on spring break, Aurora Library celebrates over 1 million checkouts in 2021, and more

 

March 10, 2022

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Image of various youth smiling and playing sports with the words Spring Youth Days 2022

 

Free activities, food and fun for youth during Aurora's Spring Break Days

 

Youth ages 12 to 17 will have free access to Central and Moorhead recreation centers over spring break as part of the city’s Spring Youth Days, featuring free activities, food and fun. From noon to 8 p.m. March 14 to 18, drop-in admission to the recreation centers will include access to activities in the gym, basketball tournaments and related competitions, swim, fitness and more.

 

The city is also planning special events throughout the week, including the Five-O gaming trailer from Aurora Police Department, nature programs with live animals, and instructors to focus on helping with basketball skills. Aurora Public Libraries will connect youth with library cards, and the Aurora Youth Advisory Council will hand out giveaways and information about the city’s Youth Violence Prevention Program.

 

Free meals and snacks will be provided throughout the day by Aurora Public Schools. For more information, contact 720.859.4999.

 

 

 

Emergency Siren Test Set for 11:30 a.m. March 15

The city will conduct an audible test of its emergency outdoor warning sirens at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15. If you are outdoors, you should hear a three-minute wailing sound that is an indication to take shelter in the event of an emergency.

Read more
www.auroragov.org

 

Children browse through shelves of library books

Aurora Public Library usage significantly increased in 2021

 

Usage of the Aurora Public Library increased significantly in 2021, indicating the library system is recovering well following impacts from the pandemic, according to newly released library data.

 

The Aurora Public Library showed an increase in item checkouts, library visits, program participations, computer use, and library cards issued over the previous year.

 

In 2021, the total number of item checkouts was 1,068,265, including physical and digital content, reflecting an increase of 6% to the previous year. The total library visits to the six branches increased 12% compared to 2020, to 365,986 visits. Program attendance saw the largest boost, from 197,026 in 2020 to 561,670 in 2021, a 185% increase. Given new virtual programming methods, program attendance data was collected differently in 2021. The most popular programs were Harry Potter Book Night and Aurora Mini-Con, both virtual, garnering more than 17,000 views each.

 

Aurora Public Library issued 23,257 new library cards in 2021, an increase of 46% from 2020 to reach a new total number of 271,896 library cardholders. Library computers were used 96,010 times, 6% more than the previous year, and library staff answered over 300,000 questions from the public, 25% more than in 2020.

 

Learn more about library statistics, and the most checked-out items of the year, at AuroraGov.org.

 

Featured city board/commission

Art in Public Places Commission

 

The city of Aurora is accepting applications for residents to serve on the Art in Public Places Commission.

 

The commission provides recommendations to the Aurora City Council and city staff on the development, maintenance and promotion of a public arts program that may apply to public areas and assist the development of public art on private property. To learn more and apply, visit AuroraGov.org/Boards.

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Council Member Town Meetings

Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information, and to find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."

Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, March 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Library, 9898 E Colfax Ave.

Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Wednesday, March 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place

Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle

Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, March 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St.

Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E Vassar Place.

Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, March 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway

 

City Council Regular Meeting

Monday, March 14, 6:30 p.m.

Attend the meeting in person or view online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda and details on providing public comment.

Aurora Municipal Center, City Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

 

Mayor Mike Live

Thursday, March 31, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This show has moved to an hour-long format airing every last Thursday of the month, with continued conversations led by Mayor Mike Coffman and Aurora City Council members on various community-based topics. Topics for the March show will be announced soon.

Live on Facebook and AuroraTV.org.

 

Quincy Reservoir Now Open

Quincy Reservoir opened March 1 with limited hours of operation of 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Regular hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily will resume March 15.

18350 E. Quincy Ave.

AuroraGov.org/Reservoirs

 

Aurora Singers: "Around the World"

Saturday, March 12, 7 p.m.

The Aurora Singers present a free virtual performance of folk songs from many countries and cultures.

Visit AuroraSingers.org at the performance time to access the link for the show

 

Aurora Youth Night

Wednesday, March 16, 4 to 8 p.m.

Youth are invited to attend a free night of fun at FieldhouseUSA and Airhouse Adventure Park located at Town Center at Aurora. Free admission, food and resources for youth ages 8-17, including more than 300 giveaways. The event is sponsored by the Aurora Police Department. 

14200 E. Alameda Parkway

Registration required: EventBrite.com

 

Red Tape Reduction Committee Public Hearing

Thursday, March 17, noon

The Aurora City Council’s Red Tape Reduction Committee wants to hear from businesses, community groups and others about their experiences working through development planning, permitting, review and other processes.

Visit EngageAurora.org/RedTape to sign up to speak or provide online feedback. An additional public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 20.

 

Aurora Neighborhood Leader Network Meeting

Tuesday, March 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Elected leaders of neighborhood organizations and HOAs are invited to attend the next Aurora Neighborhood Leader Network virtual meeting to share ideas, challenges and solutions on various neighborhood topics. Registration is not required. Email language@auroragov.org by March 25 for language interpretation assistance.

Find meeting details at AuroraGov.org/Liaisons.

 

Tri-County Health Daily COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Daily through March 31

Noon to 7 p.m. seven days a week (times are subject to change)

Walk-in and drive-through clinic supported by Jogan Health and the city of Aurora. The clinic offers Pfizer and Moderna, first, second and booster shots. Pfizer pediatric shots for ages 5 to 11 require an appointment (see website for details).

Aurora Municipal Campus south parking lot, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraGov.org/Vaccine

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Clinics

Thursday, March 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 9, noon to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 7, noon to 7 p.m.

Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place

Wednesday, April 13, noon to 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.

Clinics offer Pfizer and Moderna first, second and booster shots and Pfizer pediatric. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. Visit the website for details.

AuroraGov.org/Vaccine

 

COVID-19 Testing Site

Now open through at least March 31

Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance, and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required.

Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park

 

Colfax Art Jams

The first Saturday of the month starting April 2 through October 1

noon to 4 p.m.

Join the Aurora Culture Arts District for free concerts and performances surrounded by local artisans and more.

Fletcher Plaza, 9800 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraCulture.org

 

The Rise of the Aurora Suburb during the Cold War

Open through April 24

Join the Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites for an in-person exploration of Aurora's economic prosperity and suburban expansion during the Cold War. The exhibit includes local stories experienced by Aurora residents during the Cold War to enrich the understanding of the period. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Aurora History Museum, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway

 

Without a Home in Aurora Exhibit

Open through May 29

Housing insecurity is a key issue facing Aurora, and to build a wider understanding of people who are often overlooked, misunderstood or unheard, staff at the Aurora History Museum engaged in an oral history project on the streets of the city. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Aurora History Museum, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a comment, question, or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

 

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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

 

Questions?

Email communications@auroragov.org