PARKS AND TRAILS

BACKGROUND

In 1997 the Lakes, Fisheries and Parks Committee decided to begin a long range planning process for the area of Pagosa Lakes. This plan was to include a detailed study or the potential for Parks, Trails and Recreation in Pagosa Lakes. The plan also was to include implementation strategies, timelines and design for such projects. Vandergrift and Associates has hired in 1997 on a limited basis to help the committee begin the process. An inventory of greenbelt and open spaces was taken, as well as a survey of the Property Owners. The survey reflected a desire by the property owners to see such things as walking and biking paths, and recreational facilities planned for the future.

In 1998, Vandergrift and Associates has hired to begin working with the committee on the actual plan, and in 1998 a trail and pathway plan was designed that includes over 60 miles of non-motorized pathway in Pagosa Lakes. This was set as a priority by the committee due to the fact that the committee felt that the Pagosa Lakes area was devoid of any safe sidewalks or any other means of non-motorized transportation. During the same year Vandergrift and Associates also compiled a detailed demographics report that enabled them to determine recreational demand areas presently and in the future based on National Standards.

In 1999 the Lakes, Fisheries and Parks Committee desired to begin a planning effort to address Parks and recreation. Vandergrift and Associates was again hired to help with this process. This aspect of the plan entailed using the demographics information to determine future park and open space demands. It also includes a few concept designs for park areas. The Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan document is a compilation of all three of the aforementioned efforts, and is intended to be a guide for future programs in Pagosa Lakes. Park construction in the future will depend on funding and community support for such facilities.

The Master Plan is not "set in stone", it is and must be flexible according to the wishes of the Property Owners, and as always we are appreciative of any input the property owners may have in this planning process. The Lakes, Fisheries and Parks Committee, the Board of Directors and the PLPOA staff are very interested in what you have to say about these efforts. Please write us at PLPOA, 230 Port Avenue, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or email to plpoa@plpoa.com.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Portions of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan have been completed including the construction of over 2 miles of paved, 8-foot wide pedestrian and bicycle pathways. These are located adjacent to North Pagosa Blvd (approximately 1 mile), Park Avenue and Village Drive (approximately 1 mile total). These are dues funded projects that were completed with the cooperation and funding assistance of the Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County and substantially by the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund or GOCO. Two successful GOCO, Colorado State Trails Grants were awarded to the Association in 1999 and 2002 to help fund these projects.

The Association along with the County is currently seeking another State Trails Grant this coming spring (2006) for cost assistance on additional paved paths. The proposed paths include an extension of the North Pagosa Blvd. pathway and the construction of a pathway adjacent to Lake Forest Circle. We will know in May of this year if we were successful in securing this grant.

These pathways are very important for the future of Pagosa Lakes providing safe walking and biking lanes in our growing community. The streets and roads of Pagosa Lakes are becoming more and more busy and getting pedestrians off the main roads is the goal.

National Forest Trails
USDA - Forest Service
San Juan National Forest

On March 29, 2002, Pagosa District Ranger Jo Bridges approved the construction of 2.5 miles of new recreation trails on National Forest System lands, and to accept as public trails 4 miles of recreation trails to be constructed on private lands of the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners’ Association (PLPOA) adjacent to National Forest System lands. The trails are located 5 miles west of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest.

This approved trail is the Martinez Canyon Trail System and includes the construction of multi-use natural surface trails in the canyon as well as four future trailheads complete with parking and informational signs. Some work has already begun in the canyon with improvements to the existing trail. 2006 has been selected as a year to begin construction of the new trail sections down in the canyon bottom, headed down canyon to the west. Trailhead construction will also begin as funding allows. Trail work will primarily be performed by volunteers. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Martinez Canyon trail work please contact Larry Lynch at the Association office at 970-731-5635.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment and associated Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact are available upon request from the Pagosa Ranger District Office, 180 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, (970) 264-2268, and at the office of the PLPOA, 240 Port Avenue, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, (970) 731-5635.

Parks, Open Space Trails and Recreation Master Plan
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