Current Projects

Animas River Trail North Extensionand Oxbow Park River Access

For project details please visit the Animas River Trail North Extension and Oxbow Park River Access page. 

Lake Nighthorse Accessible Fishing Area

The City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department is making improvements to Lake Nighthorse. This project involves the installation of a shade pavillon, retaining walls, paved walkways, picnic tables and an accessible fishing dock. Construction will begin July 22, 2019.  Access to Lake Nighthorse will remain uninterrupted however, the area under construction as well as portions of the boat ramp parking area will be closed the duration of construction. Access to the existing courtesy dock will be closed on an as need basis to construct the new walkway.

SkyRaider Trail Proposal Overview

Trails 2000 proposes a new “SkyRaider” trail off the Powerline Trail with its ascent starting near Molas Drive. Trails 2000 proposes a trail that traverses the hillside from the subdivision to the top of Raider Ridge at the point near where Half Ridge Trail meets Extended Ridge Trail, allowing connection to Down-N-Out for ready access to the main Horse Gulch area.  On January 14, 2019 the Natural Lands Preservation Advisory Board recommended proceeding with the development of the proposed SkyRaider Trail.

Trail Proposal Summary: 

  • Trail Name: SkyRaider
  • Max Grade: 15%
  • Vegetation Type: Oak and Pinion/Juniper
  • Tread Width: 18-24"
  • Length: 0.71 miles
  • Construction Type: Hand Built
  • Average Grade: 8-10%

Durango Mesa Area Plan

The City of Durango is initiating the development of an area plan for Durango Mesa, the property previously known as Ewing Mesa. With the assistance of the community, the City and its partners will identify future uses for the property that will focus on recreation, cultural amenities, open space and other public purposes consistent with the goals of the City’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan and the soon to be completed Parks, Opens Space, Trails and Recreation Master Plan. The plan will also incorporate the findings of the recently completed La Plata County Multi-Use Event Center Master Plan. Development of the Durango Mesa Area Plan is being funded through a generous $100,000 grant from the LOR Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing livability and quality of life in the Intermountain West.

May 3, 2018 Durango Mesa Area Plan Community Meeting Conceptual Master Plan (PDF)

April 5, 2018 Public Meeting Presentation and Information (PDF)

Cundiff Park/Santa Rita Park Planning & Design

The Durango Parks and Recreation Department hosted an Open House #2 on May 10, 2018 to present park design concepts developed for Santa Rita Park and Cundiff Park following thorough public input received at a February 6, 2018 Open House #1. The City received generally positive and constructive public input toward the proposed design concept options at Open House #2, but will continue to seek additional comment on the proposed design concepts through early June. Please let us know what you think about the proposed park design concepts for these two valued city parks

Both Cundiff Park and Santa Rita Park provide important recreational amenities to the greater Durango community.   Please join City staff and representatives of DHM Design to help guide the future development and redevelopment of these two multi-faceted public parks.

Cundiff Park & Santa Rita Park Concept Plans:

Recent History:

History

Animas River Trail to SMART 160 Trail Connection

The City of Durango is evaluating the Animas River Trail to SMART 160 Trail connection with consideration of several alternatives. The trail planning and design involves the area between River Road and the existing section of the SMART 160 Trail at the west end of the Grandview interchange.

Animas River Trail to SMART 160 Trail Connection  

Durango Whitewater Park

Durango Whitewater Park in-stream construction is finished and open for boating. Construction on the shoreline amenities adjacent to the in-stream Whitewater Park features will continue the remainder of this year. To scout the Smelter Rapids at the Whitewater Park, use river right at the Off Leash Area (dog park) and portage river left and walk on the re-route of the Animas River Trail around the wastewater treatment plant to put back in near the restrooms.

The improvements will secure the City’s Recreational In-channel Diversion (RICD) water rights for the Animas River. The improved Whitewater Park will add features for top level and recreational boaters.

View the Whitewater Park Design (PDF)

Whitewater Park Community Vision Workshop - November 21, 2013 (PDF)

Updated Information from the Whitewater Park Community Workshop

Preliminary Design Options

River Access Access Design Process

Please visit the River Access Design page for updated information and a list of public meetings.