From kids munching lunch at the Summer Feeding Program to screaming fans at Bobstock, the Dahms-Talton bandshell has improved lives and provided a place for the community to connect.
You know the place, but you might be less familiar with the people who moved the project forward. Alan and Polli Dahms lead the Dahms-Talton Foundation. The Dahms-Talton Bandshell is a tribute to Polli’s late father who was an active philanthropist.
Alan and Polli launched their foundation in 2005 with the idea that they wanted to make a difference. Alan resolutely said, “The idea [for the foundation] was that both of us are very grateful for those who helped us along the way. We want to pay it forward. We want to make a difference.”
They direct their foundation’s resources toward projects that support education, community connectedness, and healthcare. Morgan County beneficiaries include Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center and Morgan Community College.
A New Movement
And now Alan and Polli are supporting another project, designed to improve quality of life for all ages in all of Morgan County.
Morgan Strong is a local non-profit with one goal: to bring sustainable, affordable, and expanded recreation to Morgan County. Alan and Polli were among the first supporters of Morgan Strong and have committed over $70,000 towards the project.
They affirmed, “What Morgan Strong is presenting is so close to our heart.”
In a state well-known for good health and recreation, Morgan County has fallen behind. Childhood and adult obesity rates are significantly higher than the rest of the state. Rates of physical inactivity are much higher in Morgan County than other parts of Colorado. This is due, in large part, to lack of access to affordable recreational opportunities. Despite the best efforts of recreational staff in Brush!, Wiggins, and Fort Morgan, the area is fifteen to twenty behind in recreation programming and facilities.
Morgan Strong convened community leaders across the county to create real solutions. Alan and Polli appreciate Morgan Strong’s unique approach to address complex issues. “Morgan Strong started with the people affected, the residents of the county. Then they found professional assessment, design, legal, and financing resources. They worked with experts to gather feedback from residents and then made a plan to move forward based on those findings.”
The Morgan County Recreation Needs Assessment indicated that residents are eager for coordinated recreation across the county and improved facilities. Morgan Strong recommends and supports the creation of a Parks and Recreation District to meet these requests and close the gap on access to recreation.
Alan believes that the timing is ideal. Brush, Fort Morgan, and Wiggins are all poised for recreation projects, and this effort ties together goals for all three towns. Alan calls this, “Synchronistic serendipity. That’s when things come together in a positive way. That’s magical.”
Both Alan and Polli are grateful for leadership among city leaders. “We admire the leadership of the municipalities, to be open and collaborate on this.”
If voters approve the creation of the Morgan County Parks and Recreation District, there will be more affordable recreation opportunities and sustainable ways to fund updated and new recreation facilities.
“I want to paint a picture of what Morgan County looks like in five years. We will have healthier young people. Healthier older people. Grandchildren are more likely to stay.”
What about residents who aren’t yet sure?
Alan spoke to the community members who aren’t quite ready to commit to the idea of a recreation district:
“This is something that has never been done in the county. It has been talked about – but never happened. It has so much potential for serving individuals.
“I believe in the people who are backing this. I believe this is something that the county needs. It can be done.”
Want to get involved?
Join the movement to bring expanded recreation to Morgan County by signing up at