“Durango Connect” is Lined Up

Durango, CO – The City of Durango Parks & Recreation Department and citizen volunteers officially announce the Durango Connect project to be held on September 26, 2012 at 10 a.m. The event is a community-wide celebration of the linking of the Animas River from 32nd Street to Dallabetta Park on the south end of town.

The formal dedication ceremony will be held mid-span of the new overpass behind the Durango Mall that links the Animas River Trail from north to south. This section was completed in May and makes possible the continuous and uninterrupted path the entire length of town.

The highlight of the celebration is the attempt to form a human chain all seven miles of the trail, a feat that organizers estimate will take at least 8,000 people to accomplish. And if successful, will literally connect the citizens of Durango from one end to the other.

“The idea is to honor and showcase the Animas River Trail in a way that will be remembered for many years,” says City Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Metz. “It’s taken nearly 40 years to develop the river trail through town. We want to engage the public as participants rather than as spectators.”

Fifth generation local, Jack Turner is the Co-Manager of the event with Cathy Metz and is credited with the original concept. “I felt like an ordinary ribbon cutting couldn’t do justice to the people and organizations that had the vision to create and build the trail. I remember the days when the river was treated like a dump and now it’s the jewel of our town.”

Turner added that many individuals and organizations have stepped forward to participate in the project and help organize. “A real key has been the involvement of Durango 9-R, our Charter and Private schools partners. We think there will be over 5,000 kids, teachers, and school staff participating which will hopefully attract their families as well.”

“Durango School District 9-R is excited to participate in this community event,” says Victor Figueroa, Assistant Superintendent of 9-R. “This fits well with 9-R’s Strategic Plan and demonstrates to our students they are part of our community and that our community values healthy lifestyles.”

In order to create a festive “Durangoish” atmosphere and keep participants entertained during the lineup, event organizers are seeking musicians, jugglers, magicians, and street performers to be staged at intervals along the river trail.

Durango Connect will be broadcast live from 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM on three local FM stations (99X, QIQX, and KRSJ) to provide real-time information and updates to participants and volunteers. “This will be integral to communication with the public on event day,” says Turner. “We’ll have a series of volunteer trail captains who will relay information about where we need folks to complete the chain.”

Organizers plan for multiple cameras to document the event including an aerial helicopter shot the entire length of the human chain. Video will be uploaded immediately following the event to YouTube and for access by television broadcasters. A collaborative documentary film is also in the works.

To see photos and learn about Durango Connect, the Animas River Trail, and participant instructions, check out www.DurangoConnect.com. Contact information for individuals, businesses, and groups that would like to volunteer or contribute is also available.

For additional information about Durango Connect, contact Durango Parks and Recreation Department at (970) 375-7300 or by email at [email protected]