I’ve had the opportunity to observe pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns at all times of the day this summer and believe a major redesign would improve parking, while increasing time and money spent downtown by locals and tourists alike.

Here’s my plan: create two to four multistory parking garages on or near Main Avenue. Ask an historic architect to design the facades to blend in with the dominant architectural style downtown.

Next, eliminate all street parking on Main while expanding pedestrian walkways into the lanes cars currently park. Many of the buildings on Main predate the common use of cars, so it makes little sense to dedicate so much space to cars incongruent with the historic buildings. Expanded walkways could feature the best of our local public art, a scaled version of the Animas Valley with geologic references, expanded and updated historical markers, additional open-air seating for restaurants, a train exhibit, benches, water features and shade trees. Perhaps we could also redesign one of the cross streets just east of Main into an outdoor amphitheater, bringing cultural and musical performances right into the heart of downtown.

While such a plan would cost millions, it would more than pay for itself through an increase in sales-tax revenue from increased commerce. Durango has what other towns can only dream of: a unique and authentic history in the middle of natural wonders. We need to accentuate our uniqueness to compete for tourist dollars, while making our home a better place to live. Durango city planners of yesteryear gave us a wonderful space on Main to conduct business and celebrate all that is great about Durango.

We can give current and future generations a similar gift by relocating street parking while creating yet another unique community experience for tourists and locals alike.

Dave Dillman

Durango