Imagine a town, linked together with trails, where you can take a leisurely stroll, a quick bike ride or take a trail that connects to the Boggy Draw trail system.
That is exactly what town officials and others are invited to do tonight at Joe Rowell Park during the Town of Dolores Trails Plan Kickoff Barbecue from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Bikers, hikers, walkers and nature lovers are encouraged to attend the kickoff event, which will feature free food as well.
"Kids and families are welcome," said Ryan Mahoney, Dolores Town Manager.
The kickoff event is the first part in a process that will eventually develop a master plan for walking and biking tails in the Town of Dolores.
Mahoney said Thursday's event will give participants an overview of the process. Last year, the Town of Dolores was awarded a $26,350 Great Outdoors Colorado Grant that will help pay for the plan and the Town will contribute $5,000 toward the plan, which will be put together by RPI Consulting from Durango.
The comprehensive plan, Mahoney said, will need public input and a stakeholders' group and a steering committee will need to be formed.
"We want to know what people's trail dreams are for Dolores," Mahoney said.
Having tails connect will be a big idea for the town, allowing people to walk loops and stop at rest areas. Another possible component to the plan is a House Creek Connection, which may begin by the Dolores cemetery and travel up to House Creek trails and connect to the Boggy Draw Trail system.
"Because that trail section is on public land," Mahoney said. "The Dolores Trails Plan, will more than likely focus on designing some sort of tail head for the House Creek Trail."
Tonight's meeting will hopefully gather a collection of outdoor lovers and their plans for a good trail system in town.
"It is to allow people to have a safe, fun, secure non motorized trail system."
Mahoney is hoping a trail system will attract visitors as well and will include interpretive signs and kiosks that tell users the length of trails.
"At the end of the process too, we want to develop signs letting people know we have trails so people driving through can stop ans stretch their legs," Mahoney said.
