Neighbors within a three-block radius of Kiwanis Park on the northeast side of Cortez are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on the Kiwanis Club’s plans to develop the park into a tricycle track and story walk for preschoolers.

Hosted by the Cortez Department of Parks of Recreation Department and the Cortez Kiwanis Club, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at Kiwanis Park. Should inclement weather arise, the meeting will be held at the Conquistador Golf Course’s pro shop.

The Cortez City Council will also hold a public hearing at their April 7 meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The Cortez Kiwanis Club is asking for the city council’s blessing to develop a nearly two-acre pocket park bearing their club’s namesake into a tricycle track and story walk for toddlers and parents.

The park site would be outfitted with a concrete tricycle and strider bike loop replete with tunnels, turns, road signs, toy gas pumps and parking, geared to preschool children.

Around the edge of the track, the club wants to install a walk that would allow parents to walk with children and read to them.

The club would fully fund the roughly $40,000 project, in large part with a grant. The city, however, is concerned about the park’s rather remote location and lack of permanent restroom and shade facilities – both of which are not included in the project’s budget.