My name is Omayra Acevedo. I was born in Puerto Rico. My family moved to the States when I was very young. I began learning American English at the age of 12. After my first time in college, I moved to Colorado, where I came home to a place I’d never been before. I also lived in Europe for a couple of years and then moved back to Colorado. I work multiple jobs so I can live on my own. I love being single and having endless freedom. Especially, so I can do the things I love, including hiking, traveling, and exercising.

I thoroughly enjoy hiking, but when I can’t be outdoors, I love spending my time challenging myself, physically. I find challenges in physical fitness to be rewarding, even when I don’t see immediate change. Going through menopause, fitness has been my gamechanger!

Parks & Recreation is important to me because it’s a place I can do things I can’t do in other places. Specifically, at the Gilpin County Parks & Recreation Community Center, I can find the same equipment any gym has and then some. Whether I want a cardio fix or want to test my strength, I know I can do it at the community center. If I want to go for a swim or a walk out of the snow and wind, I can do it there too. I love that yoga and memberships are offered at an affordable price.

Though I’m introverted, one of the things I also enjoy is seeing great people when I go to exercise. When I walk through the doors and I’m greeted by my first name and a smile, that alone is worth the visit. I don’t think Parks & Recreation is important to the community. I know it. Parks & Recreation is essential. It not only helps maintain a mentally and physically healthy community, but it strengthens it.