During a regular meeting held by the Pagosa Springs Combined Parks and Recreation Board on June 4, the board heard updates on various projects and grants from Town of Pagosa Springs staff.
Parks and Recreation Director Darren Lewis explained that the town had been awarded a grant to take care of some much-needed work behind the River Center on the east end of town, including dredging the ponds and other cleanup work.
He noted the grant awarded $103,791 with a 25 percent local match of about $26,000.
“That was nice to hear,” he said.
The next grant Lewis spoke about “involves Reservoir Hill,” which is the Forest Legacy grant that will award $5.7 million to the town for the purchase of approximately 300 acres of land adjacent to the current Reservoir Hill park.
Lewis mentioned the town had been notified that it made the president’s list, being in the top 11 applications chosen for funding.
He noted the town’s application ranked seventh.
“It looks extremely promising,” Lewis said, clarifying that the town had not yet been officially awarded, “but making that list is very favorable in regards to bringing that to fruition.”
Lewis indicated that there will be more information on the awards this fall, explaining that it usually takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months to receive the funds, if awarded.
Lewis added that the town’s application was the only one from Colorado chosen in this round of grants.
In response to a question from the board, Lewis explained that there were more than $300 million worth of “asks” in this round, with the federal government choosing to fund about $90 million in projects.
“Amazing,” board member Kevin Metzler said.
“It’s looking good,” Lewis added.
He also explained that the town is looking at a few other grants to help complete the purchase of property.
Recreation Supervisor Amanda Gadomski explained the town is still in negotiations with the seller.
“We still have a pretty big gap from the purchase price,” she said.
Gadomski mentioned that the Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition (PARC) is planning to put out a letter of intent to “help with some funds for that purchase.”
She also noted that a future Great Colorado Outdoors (GOCO) grant could be applied for to help “minimize” the stress of fundraising goals for the project.
In response to a question from the board, Gadomski indicated that there is still about a $2 million gap in the purchase price of the property, and the plan is to apply for $1.5 million through GOCO.
Master plan
During the meeting, Lewis also spoke about a new master plan in the works for parks and recreation “just for the town.”
He noted the community surveys will take place this summer, with the goal of having a draft plan completed by the fall.
Lewis explained that the last parks and recreation master plan was a county-wide plan, “and this one is strictly for the town.”
He mentioned that the master plan will update future goals and provide a reminder as to what amenities are currently offered in the town.
“Just helps us move forward in parks and rec,” Lewis said.
Gadomski mentioned that PARC is currently working on a final draft for its recreation plan that encompasses all of Archuleta County and parts of Hinsdale and Mineral counties.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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