Contrary to what was written, I’m not a commercial rafter. I’m principal owner of Four Corners Riversports, a retail store and small paddle school. The rafting company, Four Corners Whitewater, does seasonally rent space in the same building as my business. Neither myself nor my partner own any interest in the rafting. While I’m not opposed to some form of commercial access at Oxbow, I have never advocated for it.

My participation in this process (I, too, have been to every meeting) serves my 30-plus year goal to see well-designed, functional, aesthetic, public access and riverside parks in Durango; parks and put-ins respecting the river, nature and surrounding neighbors, while allowing all in our community reasonable, safe and legal access to the river. I do believe there will be little commercial raft interest at Oxbow. Stand-up paddleboard tours/classes, small commercial kayak groups and the like? Probably.

If the city and the public want to restrict or ban such uses, I think those are reasonable discussions to have. Such restrictions should not, however, jeopardize the public’s right to functional access.

Through a multi-year series of meetings (Animas River Trail; Animas River Management Plan; and now the Animas River access design) the public has participated and voiced its varied opinions. Oxbow was identified as important to help disperse congestion at 33rd and 29th streets on those 20 to 30 peak summer days. Desired amenities were identified, concerns were addressed, options were hashed, re-hashed – then hashed again!

The consensus was, and is, that Oxbow, with riverside access, is an important addition to Durango’s limited launch sites and can be achieved while respecting neighborhoods, nature and the river. I understand the frustration of neighbors who have not gotten all they want. But, to say they have been ignored – that the city has not listened – is ludicrous! This has been a thorough, inclusive process. The city has listened and is moving forward with the greater community’s wishes. That some feel slighted is unfortunate, but inevitable.

Andy Corra

Durango