As road and water infrastructure work continues in the early development of Durango Mesa Park, the Durango Mesa Park Foundation is preparing to convey 392 acres of open space to the city for preservation as parkland.

The transfer involves a large parcel on the northeast end of Durango Mesa that overlooks flatter land designated for future events and recreation. If approved by Durango City Council, it would be the first of several planned land transfers from the foundation to the city.

Durango Mesa Park Foundation Executive Director Moira Compton said two historical trails – the 3½-mile Old Car Loop and a portion of Yellow Brick Road – run through the property, though there are no plans to expand them or build new trails.

She said the parcel serves as open space that connects the city of Durango to Bureau of Land Management land. Conceptual plans designate it for passive recreation.

City Council approved the transfer on Tuesday and will revisit the issue for final approval at its next regular meeting.

Councilor Shirley Gonzales asked why the lots are being transferred one at a time rather than all at once.

City Attorney Mark Morgan said the land is a generous donation from the Durango Mesa Park Foundation, which owns the property purchased by Marc Katz in 2015 with the intent to donate it to the community. He said it is the foundation’s preference to donate the land in phases, and the city is honoring that request “out of deference to the generosity of the donor.”

City Manager José Madrigal said the transfer reflects the public-private partnership between the city and the Durango Mesa Park Foundation. In exchange for the city investing in infrastructure and development on the mesa, the foundation is donating land to be preserved as parkland.

“This is one of the most amazing projects that I’ve ever seen. I’m hugely supportive,” Gonzales said.

Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Schmidt said the foundation will retain ownership of some of the lots slated for active development until the park is ready to be dedicated in its entirety – a process that may take 10 to 20 years.

Councilor Kip Koso asked whether using the lot as open space and parkland would conflict with a winter migration corridor on the backside of Horse Gulch.

Schmidt said the city and the foundation are working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to ensure proper closures during migration and that there have been no issues to date.

“We’re being very conscientious,” she said.

Project advocates envision Durango Mesa Park, once completed, as a “world-class” bike park and event space capable of hosting Olympic-level sporting events, grand music festivals and concerts, and a wide range of outdoor recreation.

Several miles of cycling demonstration trails have already been built. A connector trail to a central area known as the Meadow Hub is also under development, along with other trails and the bike park.

cburney@durangoherald.com