Current Projects

Columbine Drive Landscape Improvements

Trees, shrubs and perennial flowers were planted along Columbine Drive to finalize the Safe Routes to School/Needham Connect project. In addition to landscape improvements the project included new sidewalks, curb and gutter, and traffic-calming bulb-outs. Below is a rendering of the common space landscape design. 

Picture of Columbine Drive Common Space Landscaping


Renovations at Hillcrest and Pioneer Parks

A new playground ,ADA accessible walkways, and beautiful landscaping with wildflowers have been installed at Hillcrest Park. The shade structure at Pioneer Park received a new roof and the supporting steel frame was painted. Additional renovations at Pioneer Park include the installation of ADA accessible walkways, new trees, and large boulders for interactive play.  

New roof and ADA accessible walkways at Pioneer Park
Picture of Shade Structure and ADA Accessible sidewalks at Pioneer Park		Wildflowers in front of the new playground at Hillcrest Park
Picture of new playground with wildflowers in the foreground


Outdoor Pickleball Courts at Schneider Park

Construction is progressing in Schneider Park!  FCI Constructors, Inc. has placed fencing and has started work that will include a six-court Pickleball facility, the addition of Animas River Trail lighting, public art, shade structures, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, a swing set and surrounding landscaping.  Existing trees have been protected and relocated. The project will proceed as weather permits this year, with completion and landscaping to occur in spring of next year. During construction, the drive aisle access to Schneider Park, the parking and the Animas River Trail will remain open and accessible. This project will provide an activation of the park with additional improvements proposed in 2024 to include the re-development of Roosa Avenue and new restrooms.

 A neighborhood meeting was held on Wednesday, September 6th and was well attended by approximately 40 residents. City staff provided a summary of the project and an opportunity to answer questions. Local park users and Pickleball enthusiasts were upbeat about the launch of the project.

Aerial picture of Schneider Pickleball Court Construction on a fall day

Drone Shot of Schneider Park Pickleball Court Construction 


Drawing of aerial view of Schneider pickleball courts looking southwestConceptual sketch of Schneider Park pickleball courts.

SMART 160 Trail East to Three Springs

The multi-use, hard-surface, SMART 160 Trail connection will be the primary community trail corridor between the Three Springs area of Durango and the Animas River Trail within the City of Durango. The final build out of the SMART 160 Trail will provide approximately 2.6 miles of trail.  Progress has been made with development of portions of the trail on the both the western and eastern ends of the connection.  

The preliminary alignment for the remaining portion of trail has been identified in coordination with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and adjacent property owners.  The 1.25 mile long trail segment corridor included in SMART 160 East Trail Connection project will provide public trail connection between a proposed future underpass of Highway 550/160 at the Sale Barn trailhead and the developed trail at the Highway 550/160 overpass bridge structures, linking central Durango to the Three Springs area of the community together. 

Trails Open at Durango Mesa Park

On Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. six new trails totaling roughly seven miles on Durango Mesa Park were opened to the public. These new trails include three directional downhill-only mountain bike trails for beginners, intermediates and up, as well as three multi-use, multi-directional trails to connect riders and hikers to the Horse Gulch trailhead and to the Telegraph Trail system. 

The community was invited to share in the celebration of the trail openings by joining the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Horse Gulch Trailhead parking lot. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the community was invited to join guided rides and hikes to The Hub on Durango Mesa Park to cut the ribbons on the trails and ride back to the trailhead. 

The next phase of development is the design of infrastructure to the mesa, including improved roadways, water, sanitary sewer and electric. 

"It is exciting to be celebrating both the opening of the demonstration trails and the completion of a first big step towards this larger vision of Durango Mesa Park," said Interim Director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department Scott McClain.

Durango Mesa Park Demonstration Trails

Demonstration Trails map board Opens in new window

Click on image to view a larger pdf of image

Durango Mesa Park Project Process

Durango Mesa Park Project Process

Click on image to view a larger pdf of image

Durango Mesa Park Timeline From 2015 to TodayDurango Mesa Park Timeline Opens in new windowClick on image to view a larger pdf of image

Durango Mesa Area Plan - Adopted August 2018 (pdf)


Animas River Trail Asphalt Replacement Sections


There are three remaining sections of the Animas River Trail in need of paving improvements - North of Santa Rita Park to the DoubleTree Hotel, South of Santa Rita Park to Nature's Oasis, and from Demon Bridge to 29th Street.  Design plans for all three sections are underway with the section north of Santa Rita to be constructed in 2024. The failing asphalt surface will be replaced with a minimum 10' concrete path and includes new railings and path lighting to improve safety. Preliminary structural analysis of the Low Bridge and Demon Bridge concluded that both are at the end of their lifespan and should be replaced; therefore, design includes replacement of both bridges with construction prioritized as funds allow.

Picture of the cracks in the asphalt on a section of the Animas River Trail