The Durango Mesa Park Foundation has completed the transfer of 245 acres of Mesa Park land to the city of Durango. The city purchased 180 acres and the foundation donated 65 acres.
“This initial land conveyance includes existing trails in Horse Gulch, and specifically sections of the Meadow Loop, Telegraph and SendIt trails,” said Cathy Metz, Parks and Recreation director. “The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with the Durango Mesa Park Foundation on the start of the implementation of the Durango Mesa Area Plan.”
The total cost of the transaction was $1.5 million. The foundation has indicated that the land conveyance money paid by the city will be reinvested in Durango Mesa Park infrastructure improvements.
Moira Compton, Durango Mesa Park Foundation’s executive director, said the foundation has worked closely with the city during the past several years to accomplish the land conveyance.
“The 245-acre open space purchase accomplishes two goals,” she said. “Preserving the open space of Horse Gulch meadow, which has been a goal of the city for about 20 years, and providing the city’s initial contribution to partner in critical infrastructure required in order for Durango Mesa Park to open to the public in the coming years.”
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 375-7321 or rec@DurangoGov.org.
dgladden@durangoherald.com
