Efforts by the city of Emporia to foster healthy living have been recognized in a big way.
The city received a Kansas Health Champion honorable mention award, courtesy of the Governor’s Council on Fitness. Vice Mayor Danny Giefer says this honor reflects a wide range of recent projects.
On top of that, the city has worked with groups like Healthier Lyon County to bring fresh fruits to the fronts of local grocery stores. Events like the Farmers Market, Dirty Kanza and Glass Blown Open also highlight the city’s emphasis on a healthy lifestyle.
City Manager Mark McAnarney credited a wide range of community-conscious residents for working to improve Emporia.
Healthier Lyon County and the Multi-Use Path Planning Board nominated the city. Healthier Lyon County grant manager Daphne Mertens says the honor is justified.
This is the eighth year for the Kansas Health Champion awards program.
Mertens says Healthier Lyon County will continue its work to increase access to fresh food through its current work to develop a food policy council. The city, meanwhile, will continue work on dedicated bike lanes and more park projects. Both Giefer and McAnarney say quality of life is a major selling point for the city, so it makes sense to keep emphasizing a healthy lifestyle.
