Durango City Council approved two monetary donations to the city totaling $33,000 for Parks and Recreation Department projects last week that include a feasibility study about a surf wave on the Animas River within the city.
Animas River Surfers donated $13,000 for a feasibility study into a potential low flow river surf wave. The Durango Montessori School donated $20,000 for new playground equipment at Mason Center Park on East Third Avenue.
The feasibility study will be carried out by Recreation Engineering and Planning Consulting, said Scott McClain, Parks and Recreation director. The consulting fee is $40,000, which Animas River Surfers’ donation will help pay.
McClain said the study will evaluate multiple locations on the river, narrowing potential sites down until one is chosen. Concerns and opportunities, environmental regulatory considerations, and construction cost estimates will be evaluated in the study.
He told The Durango Herald the study will “evaluate engineering feasibility, river hydraulics, flow variability, environmental impacts, ecosystem health, fish passage, public safety, construction feasibility and maintenance costs” in addition to “site access, trail connections, and proximity to nearby residents and infrastructure.”
Councilor Gilda Yazzie asked if drought conditions will be considered in the study, noting the low water year.
“Depending on where the surf wave ends up being located and the engineering, how that fits the site, they can provide some estimate on what low flows – high flows – the wave would be effective at,” McClain said.
Historical river flow records would inform estimations of what percentage of the year the surf wave would be usable, weather depending, he said.
McClain told The Durango Herald the study will feature a focus group including Trout Unlimited, River Outfitters, Animas River Surfers, Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“A strong candidate site would demonstrate favorable river hydraulics and seasonal flow conditions, safe construction feasibility, compatibility with fish passage and river health, and minimal conflicts with existing infrastructure or nearby properties,” he said.
He said the city will consider river access and how well a potential site connects to existing parks and trails, the availability of parking and restrooms, and the location’s ability to support community events and spectators.
Animas River Surfers Board President Amanda Kiessel said in an interview the group is “thrilled” the study is underway.
“When we presented the donation check to the city at the recent City Council meeting, it felt really meaningful as it was primarily from small donations from local river lovers and a generous Round Up grant from LPEA (La Plata Electric Association),” Kiessel said.
She said Animas River Surfers is eager to hear more from Recreation Engineering and Planning as the study produces more information about a possible low-flow river wave, and she is pleased with input from anglers, paddlers, agriculture users and other community members.
“So much recent drought makes looking into a low-flow surf wave seem especially important for the future of river recreation access in Durango,” Kiessel said.
Councilors said they appreciate Animas River Surfers contributing money to fund the project. Likewise, they thanked the Montessori School for its contribution for new playground equipment after old equipment was vandalized.
The Montessori School raised $20,000 to help with the $158,000 replacement of playground equipment at Mason Center Park, McClain said.
City staff has met with students and school staff to plan what the playground will look like.
McClain said the project is currently out to bid with bids expected to be received by Monday. Those bids will inform the construction schedule.
The playground has been on the city’s radar for new equipment for a couple of years and was bumped up in priority after it was vandalized, he said. The playground equipment is old enough the city could not find replacement parts for it, necessitating new equipment.
The Montessori School is just across the street from Mason Center Park and students regularly use it for recess and breaks, McClain said.
“Montessori School is not the only one who is going to benefit off this, so I really appreciate the fact that they’re looking out for the other schools around that area and in that neighborhood as well,” Councilor Kip Koso said.
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