The D Mountain Park and Recreation District (“DMPRD”) (formerly High Valley Park and Recreation District) is currently awaiting a decision from Rio Grande County regarding the possible conveyance of the Linear Trail Land/Del Norte Community Park property to DMPRD for the benefit of the people of Del Norte, and the surrounding communities.

DMPRD serves the entire Del Norte community, as a state-recognized park and recreation district, whose exclusive mandate is to enhance local recreational opportunities.  Since 2019, DMPRD has received quarterly Conservation Trust Fund monies, which must be used for building projects specifically designated to enhance Del Norte local recreation activities. 

GOCO is a state-funded organization which grants local communities to fund outdoor recreational infrastructure projects.  In recent years, the people of the San Luis Valley have benefited greatly from GOCO grant funds, including trail-building projects throughout the SLV, and the Alamosa ice-skating rink.  This year, GOCO funds contributed greatly to the construction of the new Rio Grande Riverfront project in Del Norte, which is extremely popular.

The similar mandates of DMPRD and GOCO create opportunities for collaboration which may greatly benefit the adults and children of Del Norte.

In 2010, GOCO awarded a $26,000 grant to support the original construction of the looping walking trail, 3,000 feet long and nine feet wide, made of crusher fines.  At that time, the Del Norte C-7 School District (now the Upper Rio Grande School District) was charged with the responsibility of maintaining the walking trail.

The Linear Trail Land/Del Norte Community Park is a 13-acre parcel of land located directly south of the new school complex, and including restrooms and a large loop walking track, however, the property has been neglected, creating a need for immediate repairs and consistent maintenance.

In 2020, DMPRD engaged in discussions with Rio Grande County officials, the Town of Del Norte, and GOCO with the aim of taking over ownership and stewardship of the parcel, including its maintenance responsibilities. 

DMPRD pledges to immediately refurbish the walking trail—with help of local businesses and community members who have already verbally committed to provide materials, heavy equipment, and labor-- and employ an architectural firm to design a master plan for the property, which will include plans for constructing a new Del Norte Community Recreation Center.  After the plans are drafted, DMPRD will utilize those plans to apply for various grants to fund the full implementation construction of the design, including the recreation center.

DMPRD is reaching out to the people of Del Norte to garner community support for acquisition of the property, and the eventual construction of a new community recreation center.            All members of the community are welcome at DMPRD’s monthly meetings.  Meeting times and locations are posted on its website:  www.dmountainrec.org.

Mark Loy, D Mountain Park and Recreation District Board Member/Treasurer