News/Blog

Summer 2024 Recap

Construction and Maintenance

This spring marked the completion of the much-anticipated Meadow Hub, along with proactive maintenance efforts across the park’s trail network before its first full season.

• Meadow Hub: Finished in May, this beautiful gathering spot connects all the demonstration trails and will connect to the future Bike Park and other amenities. Features include: shade structures, informational kiosk and trail map, and scenic views of Durango and the La Plata mountain range.
• Spring Trail Maintenance: While the trails fared well after their first winter, crews took advantage of the moisture to conduct maintenance, fine-tuning, and adjustments to some of the features.
• Trail Signs: New signage installed for better wayfinding and to ensure compliance with trail regulations.
• Trail Survey: A big thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our Trail Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape the future of Durango Mesa Park. The survey is now closed, but we’ll keep you updated on the progress.
• Emergency Egress: Set for completion by November 2024, this essential infrastructure has been in the works for years and will allow for future events and expanded amenities.
• Annexation with the City of Durango was completed — a huge step in this exciting public-private partnership. Keep in mind that the land remains private and the Foundation and the City are working on a multi-year plan for future conveyance of the property.

Events

Durango Mesa Park hosted its first large concert and a series of exciting races for both cyclists and runners.

• Michael Franti Concert: Michael Franti & Spearhead brought incredible energy to kick off the season on May 26.
• Durango High School Cross-Country Race: Runners from across southwest Colorado hit the trails on August 31 for the park’s first trail running event.
• 2nd Annual Durango Derby: On September 1, racers competed in four stages over 31 miles of singletrack, either as solo, 2-person or 4-person teams.
• FLC Cycling Squawker MTB and Dual Slalom races: Fort Lewis College held a weekend of thrilling mountain bike races on September 7–8, continuing their strong partnership with Durango Mesa Park for training and competitions.
• FLC Cycling Durango Mesa CX: Fort Lewis College hosted a muddy cyclocross race at Durango Mesa Park on October 19.

Trail Design and Construction

• Hydrology Work: Focused on improving water absorption and stormwater diversion, critical for the park’s long-term sustainability.
• Storm-Resilient Trails: Despite heavy storms, the demonstration trails remained in great condition, proving the value of professional, sustainable trail design and construction.
• Park Impact: Durango Mesa Park is becoming a key component in Durango’s world-class trail network, promoting accessible outdoor recreation and sustainable development.

On Tap for 2025

Road Construction

We’re gearing up for major infrastructure improvements to enhance access and unlock more of Durango Mesa Park’s potential.

• Access Roads: Roadwork will enable consistent access for public use, events and future amenities.
  • Intersection improvements on Hwy 3
  • Ewing Mesa Road realignment

Bike Park and Community Gathering Master Plan

Years of community input and careful planning have gone into the Bike Park and Community Gathering Master Plan, and we’re excited to begin Phase 1. 

• Phase 1:
  • Connector Trail: Connecting the Meadow Hub to the future Bike Park trails in the upper zone, construction will start in November 2024 and wrap up in 2025.
  • Base Area Infrastructure: Preparation begins in 2025 to pave the way for a planned 2026 opening. Think parking lots, grading, trails and other critical infrastructure. 
  • BMX Track: Construction details and timeline are being fine-tuned.

We’re thrilled about the upcoming developments and the ongoing transformation of Durango Mesa Park. Stay tuned here for more updates!