As one of the 10 nominees in the Denver Regional Council of Government's (DRCOG) Live Work Play 2011 campaign, Lyons has everything they need to make the area a vibrant place to visit or live.
In 2010, Lyons completed one of the biggest public projects in history. Two blocks of Main Street were rebuilt. Everything from new water and sewer lines to energy-efficient lighting were installed.
The sidewalks were remodeled to include local sandstone, and water-conscious landscaping was added.
"We have a community that rallies around sustainable living," Economic Development and Community Relations Manager Jacque Watson said.
New outdoor art has added more flair to Main Street as well.
The new changes to the town encouraged local property owners to remodel their own businesses, bringing new life to the historic town.
New businesses and restaurants have opened, bringing more jobs to the area.
The surrounding open space makes for many recreation opportunities. Hiking, biking and mountain climbing are popular choices.
"We have turned our town parks into catch and release [fishing areas] and have gotten help from the Division of Wildlife to restock the St. Vrain," Mayor Julie Van Domelen said. "We have some of the best hiking trails in the region."
Lyons is also known for its exciting bluegrass and music festivals. Planet Bluegrass, the RockyGrass Festival and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival all make Lyons their home.
The Sandstone Summer Concert Series is another annual music event that shares music to Lyons.
In another green move, people are allowed to ride golf carts in the streets.
"We passed a law prior to the state of Colorado allowing golf carts on our streets," Watson said. "We are such a small community that we can walk everywhere, we can drive everywhere."
So why should you vote for Lyons?
"Lyons is a great place and we live well we work hard and we play all the time," Van Domelen said. "We have everything from world class music at Planet Bluegrass to great entrepreneurs like Oskar Blues, Dale's Pale Ale. We have 100 percent independent businesses that make a living here in Lyons."
"Lyons has everything you need. We've got great natural resources, we've got a great community, we've got great schools," Watson said.
Live Work Play is spotlighting ten great places, events and projects in livable communities in the Denver metro area. The winner will be picked by votes placed on DRCOG's website.
Anyone can vote as many times as they want.
Voting ends at noon on April 13, and the winner will be announced that evening at the Live Work Play 2011 cocktail reception.
Anyone can attend the reception, which will be catered by various restaurants in the region, by registering on the Live Work Play website.
To vote for Downtown Lyons or any of the other nominees, visit http://www.liveworkplay2011.com.
(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)