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Animas River Trail Update The Animas River Trail (click Here for a high-resolution PDF map with designated areas of construction) currently has approximately 6 miles of hard-surface trail running through the town of Durango along the Animas River, with 4.2 additional miles planned for the future. The north end of the trail is the intersection of 32nd Ave. and E. 2nd Ave. (across the river from City Market North). It travels south through several city parks and across five bridges to the south end. The development of the Animas River Trail in Durango has occurred over several decades, beginning in the 1970s. Kevin Hall, Parks Open Space and Trails manager for the City of Durango has been working hard on obtaining grants to continue this project in the future and says there are over 7 projects in design or build stages for 2009. In 1999, City residents approved a one-half of one percent sales and use tax (one-half penny of every dollar spent, called the Recreation Complex/Trails Fund) to support construction of the Community Recreation Center and completion of the Animas River Trail. The resolution enacting the approved ballot measure, in part, reads “after construction (of the Community Recreation Center) has been completed, any tax revenues generated in excess of amounts required to make annual payments on the debt may be used for the operation and maintenance of the Community Recreation Center and for the development and construction of the Animas River Trail, including adjacent greenway areas.” This separate tax and the additional grants fund the Animas River Trail projects. As we move forward on the Animas River Trail, we’ll also work on connecting to SMART 160 (discussed in the previous Safe Roads Coalition newsletter found Here). Trails 2000 formed the SMART 160 working group more than 10 years ago to work with the County, City, CDOT and other interested parties on realizing connection and alignment opportunities. Over the years, Goff Engineering has provided pro bono work to help determine the best alignments. As we continue to look at ways our community can enjoy the many alternative transportation and recreation opportunities, the Animas River Trail will continue to play out as a very important piece to this mix. More details will follow in the next Trails 2000 newsletter for members (Archives can be found Here). Trails 2000 and its volunteers contribute over 3000 hours annually to work on trails on City, County, private, Forest Service and BLM lands. On trail, bike path, walking or riding, they work hard to make your ability to get around a more pleasant experience. To support the great work that Trails 2000 does for our community please join at: http://www.trails2000.org Mary Monroe is the Executive Director of Trails 2000. As a founding member of Bicycle Friendly Communities and the Safe Roads Coalition, Trails 2000 works to enhance all types of trails for every trail user group by making connections. Feel free to contact Trails 2000 with your ideas or questions at 970-259-4682 or Info@Trails2000.org.
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