(Lander, WY) – In March, the City of Lander received a $10,000 donation from Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop, a convenience store brand with 382 locations across 12 western states, to support the purchase of the Popo Agie River Park. The purchase of new park lands will increase outdoor recreational opportunities in Lander.
“As Adventure’s First Stop, Maverik believes outdoor adventure promotes health, growth, confidence, enhanced well-being, development, and rehabilitation,” said Chuck Maggelet, President and Chief Adventure Guide of Maverik. “We’re proud to support the Popo Agie River Park expansion that will help support youth recreation, outdoor enjoyment, and community programs.”
The funds will be allocated solely on the land purchase of 36.4 acres of undeveloped lands that will become the Popo Agie River Park. Future community engagement and master planning will be forthcoming to determine the final recreational improvements for the park and will increase outdoor reaction opportunities for future generations. The new park will reduce current park overcrowding. The Popo Agie River Park is located at the north end of 1st Street off Poor Farm Road.
Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop joins other Foundations in supporting the land purchase. The City of Lander raised over $23,000 from last year’s Lander Community Foundation Challenge for Charities fundraiser with the potential to surpass that amount in 2022. A federal grant from the Land Water Conservation Fund is the main funder. T-Mobile has awarded $50,000, and a local private donor has contributed $10,000 for an ongoing 100% matching grant.
“I cannot overemphasize the importance of this opportunity. The acquisition of this land is fundamental to the basic principles of leisure service, community health, quality of life, active and passive recreation activities and overall enhancement of our community,” stated Don Reynolds, Past City of Lander (WY) Parks and Recreation Director.