A northern extension of Animas River Trail could get started in 2016, if other trail projects are put on hold.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board debated Wednesday the merits of prioritizing an extension of the trail, from its current end just past 33rd Street all the way to Oxbow Park and Preserve. However, any final decision on the project is likely months in the making.
To extend the trail north all the way to Oxbow Preserve in a single project could be efficient and give better access to Oxbow, said Cathy Metz, director of parks and recreation.
The northern trail extension is estimated to cost $2.7 million. To pay for the extension, the board debated delaying construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Animas River at 31st Street and a pedestrian overpass at 32nd Street.
Currently, the trail crosses the river at 32nd Street, and the board would like to eventually build an alternate bridge because the vision for the trail is to avoid all possible conflict with vehicles, Metz said.
Greater access to Oxbow Park, however, came up as a strong argument for potentially building a northern trail extension first.
“I think it’s probably in the city’s interest and citizens’ interest to move forward,” said Sandy Burke, board chairwoman.
Improving the 32nd Street crossing, however, was raised as a consideration for building the bridge and overpass, as planned.
“I’m not convinced it’s real safe there,” said Peter Schertz, a board member, who eventually voiced support for the northern extension.
However, the board is a long way from consensus because any Animas River Trail project will need to fit into the larger parks and recreation capital budget for 2016, which is in its early stages of discussion.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
