LONGMONT

Union Reservoir swim beach opening delayed

Longmont is delaying the opening of the swim beach at Union Reservoir because of low water levels, following a safety review with recreation staff members, park rangers and risk management employees, according to the city.

The Union Reservoir Swim Beach, at 461 County Road 26, was planned to open Memorial Day weekend. But, according to a city newsletter, low water levels have exposed parts of the lakebed that still contain glass, fishing gear and other debris. Rangers have cleared the visible shoreline but can’t confirm that submerged areas are safe.

A new opening date will depend on when the water rises enough to cover the cleaned lakebed and sandy beach, according to the city, and could range from mid-June to August. Union Reservoir is open now for picnicking, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and some boating and fishing. The dog beach also is open.

For more information, visit longmontcolorado.gov/union-reservoir-nature-area or email Union@longmontcolorado.gov.

Volunteers wanted to create pollinator garden at Clark Centennial Park

Volunteers are invited to help create a pollinator garden at “Clark Centennial Park/Lashley Street Station” in Longmont on May 31, according to an event webpage.

From around 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers will remove turf, lay mulch and plant pollinator-friendly vegetation. The event is supported by the city of Longmont’s Stewardship Program.

All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Volunteers will meet at Lashley Street Station at 1200 Lashley St.

To register, visit bit.ly/longmont-pollinator.

SVVSD

St. Vrain Valley gets Best Communities for Music Education designation

St. Vrain Valley Schools recently received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

St. Vrain was one of two Colorado school districts, and 935 districts nationwide, to receive the designation this year. The designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all.

To qualify, representatives from the district answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.