The Durango Community Recreation Center that was built with the ½-cent tax is one of the best things that ever happened to Durango. But since its completion, the millions of dollars that we keep paying through this tax have been used in questionable if not dubious ways.
Parks and recreation has for years represented that the excess funds from this tax could only be used for “new” trail expansion – not even to make needed repairs to existing trails. According to the ballot, however, this is not true. These funds appear to be hoarded to accommodate personal agendas by city staff.
One million dollars of this tax money was paid to the railroad in part to sue property owners in what still appears to be an illegal “taking” of their private property for trail expansion.
More money was used to purchase what is now the Oxbow Park and Preserve. Oxbow was purchased at substantial cost to create a destination to justify the northern extension of the trail. Originally represented as a preserve and open space, Oxbow is now being pushed to become another noisy staging area for commercial rafting companies.
Likewise, at 29th Street, thousands of dollars are being spent to turn this riverside park into another commercial rafting company launch site. Kiss goodbye the quiet enjoyment of another neighborhood park. The city staff has even been trying to expand the parking lot there on adjacent land designated as permanent open space only.
And while a BMX track for Durango would be fine, using prime riverfront property for it at Cundiff Park makes little sense. This land could become one of Durango’s premier quiet riverside parks for all to enjoy.
The current ½-cent tax will take in money for another four years. So why is the city pushing to renew this tax now? When the city can demonstrate that this tax money is being used wisely and openly to the public, then perhaps it could be extended by a vote of confidence by our residents.
Until that happens, vote “No” on this questionable and misused tax.
Geoff Lowminsky
Durango
