Durango is getting ready to connect once again with a human chain on the Animas River Trail, scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Last year, the first Durango Connect connected an estimated 9,000 people while celebrating the completion of the river trail becoming contiguous for seven miles.
Going forward, the event will celebrate whatever “brings people together,” said organizer Jack Turner.
He said the trail could become a local version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame recognizing local achievements.
This year, Connect will bring attention to the Durango Parks & Recreation Department for its many accolades.
Parks & Rec won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence for communities of less than 25,000 from the National Recreation and Parks Association.
It also received the Columbine Award, given by the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association for best practices and creative ideas. It won the award for last year’s Durango Connect.
A ceremony is scheduled for 9:50 a.m. Wednesday at Rotary Park.
In another difference from last year, not all of the trail will be available for the human chain because of construction work. It will be closed behind the Durango Harley-Davidson to the BMX track in Cundiff Park and from 29th Street to the 32nd Street bridge.
Turner is not planning to make another documentary this year.
“Done that,” he said.
A helicopter will fly overhead as a signal to form the human chain. Aerial photos will be posted at www.durangoconnect.com.
Turner is expecting another big turnout this year because Durango School District 9-R and charter and private schools have committed to participate.
jhaug@durangoherald.com
