In 2004, a Three Springs Development Agreement was recorded, committing the developer to set aside 75 acres for a Durango Community Park. A 54-page Master Plan for the Community Park, costing $20 million, was adopted by the Durango City Council.
In 2007, City Council abandoned all planning and grant-writing for construction of the Durango Community Park, as the “area has few Durango residents.” Now, the Three Springs developer is poised to begin Phase 2 into the northern part of the valley. In keeping with their continued commitment to the Community Park, they will provide over $8 million of infrastructure (road, utilities) to a shovel-ready, 75-acre park and 40 acres for middle and elementary schools. The abandonment of this Community Park in lieu of a costly $20-30 million infrastructure for Durango Mesa Amphitheater seems imprudent. Compare that to shovel-ready access for the 115-acres Durango Community Park and schools in Three Springs.
Three Springs, along with Trails 2000, has installed temporary trails through these 115 acres, with access through the Spur Line Trailhead on Willson Gulch Road, behind the Cottonwood Center. I invite you to walk or ride your bike on the Spur Line Trails and dream, along with me, what that portends for the future of recreation and education. Consider the possibilities of community centers, community gardens, artist cooperatives, dog parks, 9-R educational enrichment in arts, recreation and crafts, sporting fields, ponds, etc.
I challenge you, here in this forum, to present your idea in this public pulpit. Dream out loud, along with me.
Bill Frederick
Durango
