Should the Animas River Trail really be controversial? I would guess that most every Durangoan has enjoyed the ART sometime during their residence.
There is always opposition. Remember when no one wanted the Rec Center? It is now one of our most used and appreciated amenities.
Similarly, the Animas River Trail, used by all walks of life in our community, has become a coveted amenity.
The bridge proposed over 32nd Street and the Animas River is one of those elements that is expensive and controversial, like the Rec Center. But it is important to see the forest through the trees.
The bridge idea came from a 15-year, arduous, incredibly inclusive process that involved numerous meetings attended by hundreds of citizens, resulting in a common goal of extending the Animas River Trail to the north in a continuous, safe and vehicle-segregated path. The result of this incredibly inclusive process included a bridge over 32nd Street and the Animas River to connect the existing ART to the north extension.
As an architect in the community, I have seen over 50 years of positive change and growth. I see the bridge contributing to the quality of life and expanding the community connectivity. This structural skywalk can be elegant and artful. After all, are we concerned with preserving views of the two-story, stucco wall of City Market or the abandoned recycle center? Imagine the experience, rising above the morning rush hour to see the fist light on Perrins Peak.
Janet WileyDurango
