The Cortez historic preservation board has finalized plans for this year’s Historic Preservation Day.
During their monthly meeting on Wednesday, the board agreed on a schedule for the event, which is set for May 20. The theme this year is “Cortez, City of Parks,” and the celebration will coincide with the first Colorado Public Lands Day, which was proclaimed by Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday. Historic preservation board members put up posters for the event around City Hall and other city property after their meeting.
The public event will begin at 10 a.m. in Cortez City Park with a proclamation by Mayor Karen Sheek, followed by other speakers who will discuss the history of the town’s parks. Parks and recreation director Dean Palmquist will speak about future plans for the parks. Town officials will also honor long-time park employees and dedicate a new plaque to be displayed in City Park. The historic preservation board also plans to decorate the area with posters and signs, and encourage attendees to explore the city’s other public spaces.
“The city workers, today, were busily moving the pedestal that the new signage goes on, so...I think we’re actually going to see it happen,” Davidson said on Wednesday. “It’s exciting.”
Although the board plans to hold all festivities in City Park, the Cortez Cultural Center will be a back-up location in case of bad weather.
The event will be sponsored by the city of Cortez and by the Cortez Retail Enhancement Association, which helped pay for promotional advertising.
Cortez has eight public parks within city limits: Centennial Park, City Park, Parque de Vida, Denny Lake Park, Montezuma Park, the City of Cortez Softball Complex, Carpenter Natural Area and Hawkins Preserve. According to the Cortez website, there are also several “pocket parks,” small green spaces set aside for public use in residential areas.
During the meeting, the board also voted to donate $150, half their annual budget, to the McElmo Flume restoration project. Board members Dale Davidson, Janet Weeth, Terry McCabe, Patricia Lacey and Jill Carlson voted to approve the donation. Mitchell Toms was absent and board vice president Linda Towle recused herself. Rebecca Levy, who plans to replace Danny Giannone as the planning and zoning representative on the board, was also present, but she did not vote because her appointment hasn’t been approved by the city council yet.