Vote to continue POST tax

Many of us choose to live in Durango for the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Imagine what it would be like without the dedicated one-half cent sales tax authorized by voters in 2005 for the preservation, acquisition and maintenance of open space as well as the creation and maintenance of parks and trails.

Since that time, Durango have preserved more than 2,500 acres of open space including Horse Gulch, Dalla Mountain Park, and Oxbow Park and Preserve. The natural-surface trail system has improved with more than 100 miles of trails in town. Buckley Park in downtown Durango was purchased, and recreation at Lake Nighthorse was opened to the public with necessary improvements. The Whitewater Park, including Smelter Rapid, was enhanced and stabilized enabling a permanent water right on the Animas River for boating. Smith Sports Complex, tennis courts and an upgraded softball complex were developed at Fort Lewis College.  Development of the SMART 160 Trail was initiated and other connections to the Animas River Trail were completed. The dedicated tax for open space, parks and trails was key to securing $15 million in public grants to help fund high-priority local projects. Furthermore, these tax proceeds have paid for the maintenance of new open space, parks and trails acquired since the tax was approved, thereby alleviating the financial burden on the city.

On April 1, 2025, Durangoans will decide if the one-half cent sales tax, which amounts to 50 cents on each $100 of taxable purchases, should be reauthorized. Without creating either a new tax or a tax increase, we can build a community park in Three Springs, develop Durango Mesa Park, enhance the Animas River, and extend the Animas River Trail and SMART 160 Trail in addition to other projects. This reauthorized tax would continue to pay for the maintenance of existing open space, parks and trails assets.  

Without this tax reauthorization, the vision of the adopted Parks, Open Space, Trails and Recreation Master Plan may never be realized. Together we can assure future generations the quality of life we have enjoyed.  Learn more about Ballot Issue 2A at opt-indurango.info, and vote yes on 2A!

– Cathy Metz, former City of Durango Parks and Recreation Director