What is going on next to the Pine River Library? A community park!
A unique partnership between the library and Town of Bayfield was formed in 2015 to get feedback from the community and study the feasibility of using the library’s lot to provide a space for our community to play, exercise, read and enjoy our beautiful outdoors. With two grants from Great Outdoors Colorado and The Colorado Health Foundation we were able to obtain 84 percent of the funding for the park.
Some people may question why a library is a partner in building a park. The answer to this is pure and simple. This is not your grandparent’s library. Libraries now serve as community centers, not just warehouses of books and places to study. Books are one of many ways our library assists in “connecting people with possibilities,” which is our vision statement.
This park will allow our community to get outside and appreciate our great outdoors. The connection of these two assets eliminates physical barriers between the learning resources and the physical needs of our community. Construction is expected to be completed in early November, and includes a playground, picnic tables, an environmental classroom, a basketball and pickle ball court, a grassy playing field and a perimeter walking path.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact the library. We have a model and poster boards that depict the community-led design.
Shelley Walchak, Pine River Library
Bayfield
