Half-cent tax a small price to pay 

In a few weeks, if you are a registered voter in the City of Durango, you will receive a ballot with a very important question on it concerning the renewal of a half-cent sales tax. Please reflect on the following.

For 50¢ out of $100 spent you get:

• Gleaming green grass for rolling on, running, jumping, kicking and passing a ball, playing with frisbees, dogs frolicking, gleeful children abound.

• Gorgeous groomed fields with all ages testing their skills in soccer, la crosse, flag football, softball, baseball and more.

• Nine miles of our treasured Animas River Trail for walking, hiking, biking, transport, daydreaming, exploring, fishing, wildlife viewing and river access providing connectivity with more miles to come.

• Acres and acres of open space full of trees, bees, meandering paths, native flowers and bushes, animals of all sorts – from squirrels to bears, deer and coyotes – and birds galore, delighting our senses with calls, colors and majestic flight.

• Lovely parks large and small from Santa Rita, the gateway to our town, the newly acquired Durango Mesa Park, the Whitewater Park, Overend Mountain Park, Horse Gulch, Dalla Mountain Park, Oxbow Park and Preserve, Twin Buttes, and Three Springs, with something for everyone.

• Swimming, frolicking, paddling, water skiing, floating, boating, fishing, picnicking – ah, the joys of Lake Nighthorse.

• Spaces for organized sport, whether it be pickleball, tennis, basketball or BMX riding for young and old.

• Preserving our precious Animas River to keep us splashing, fishing, boating, contemplating or spending time on a bench just watching the world go by.

• The preservation, maintenance and expansion of all these amenities, both organized, active and loud, as well as calm, quiet and individual. This small amount of money will allow Durango to continue to be the wonderful paradise we all enjoy every day in some small way.  

Please vote yes on Ballot Issue 2A. For more info., go to: opt-indurango.info.

– Sandy Burke, former member of the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board