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Telluride Forever Park, A project of the Telluride Foundation

  • Published
  • On January 28, 2016
Blueprint map

The Telluride Foundation is proposing the creation of a “public pocket park” as a gift to the community.  The park would be located at the south east corner of Aspen street, west of the gondola building.  Currently the location is not maintained or landscaped, has a few abandoned bikes scattered about, and has no walkway nor sidewalk.  The Foundation believes this space is an opportunity to gain unique access to the river, provide better and safer pedestrian flow, and connect to and compliment the overall gondola plaza area, all while simultaneously creating a unique Telluride refuge where the public can gather, relax, and enjoy our special town.

In 2016 the Mountain Village and Telluride will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the gondola’s opening. Also, the Town of Telluride has embarked on a long-term effort to restore and re-align the San Miguel river. The Telluride Forever Park compliments and highlights these two important community milestones.

After and regional and national search, a Telluride Foundation committee consisting of Mike Armstrong, Bridgitt Evans, Joan May, Dan Jansen, Sean Murphy, and spearheaded by Karen Conway, hired landscape architect Michael Boucher. Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture (www.boucherlandscape.com) is a landscape design firm that has done numerous projects in and around Telluride and has a significant portfolio in the west.

To test interest with various stakeholders, the Telluride Foundation initiated the design process. In addition to a series of committee calls, Michael Boucher visited Telluride in November 2015 and met with town of Telluride and town of Mountain Village staff and officials. While the Telluride Forever Park is located in the town of Telluride, the land is owned by the town of Mountain Village. Therefore, guidelines and regulations of both towns must be met.  Boucher developed several design ideas for the park that the coommitte narrowed down in late fall 2015, which was then presented to the Foundation’s Board of Directors in December.

After the Foundation Board meeting, Foundation staff presented to the Mountain Village Town Council and Town of Telluride planning staff. The project  received strong support.

Next steps include the following:

  • Cost analysis of snowmelt
  • Detailed wet area review and approval
  • Contract for construction drawings
  • Construction budget
  • Fundraising
  • Town’s approvals
  • Construction