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OTTUMWA, IA -- The Ottumwa Blue Zones site visit was Thursday morning at Indian Hills Community College.

Months of preparation had been put into making the day be hopefully unforgettable for the visiting Blue Zones Project Board from Des Moines.

Ottumwa was notified in February that it was a top 10 contender in becoming a Blue Zones City. The Blue Zones project is part of Iowa’s healthiest state initiative.

“We're looking at the engagement of the community, everyone from the restaurants to grocery stores, and the employers and citizens and schools, and the city government. We're looking at the enthusiasm of the community to implement change to their environment, changes that will nudge people to make healthier decisions,” said the visiting Iowa Blue Zones Director Mary Lawyer.

The Ottumwa Blue Zones Committee gave a presentation about the readiness of Ottumwa in becoming a Blue Zones City. A video highlighting Ottumwa’s trails, restaurants, and people was made special for the site visit.

The Ottumwa committee made it clear that Ottumwa has the people, resources, and heart to become a Blue Zones city.

Members of the visiting Blue Zones board held various breakout sessions that were geared specifically towards people's roles in the community.

“It was interesting when she asked who know each other and three-fourths of our group raised their hands. It reflected that this isn't a one time event. This is something where we do work together to get things to move and to change for the best for the community,” says Ottumwa Blue Zones committee chair Lynelle Diers.

Everyone involved with the planning of the Blue Zones cite visit is hopeful that Ottumwa will be chosen.