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OPINION: A Modest Proposal for Reservoir Hill |
Norm Vance | 1/23/12
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I have been informed recently that many people think I am for the more extravagant plans recently forwarded by the Town Tourism Committee’s Reservoir Hill Task Force. I am not.
I favor, instead, a “happy medium.”
I helped begin the Reservoir Hill Project when asked to come up with ideas for greater utilization of the hill property for locals and tourists. I tried my best to think of improvements respecting the ambiance and natural environment on the hill while still providing better access and tourists attractions.
Following additional direction from the Town Council and administration, the task force added several more features that I do not believe should be installed on the hill. There is nothing wrong with theme-park type facilities, but not in Town Park and not on Reservoir Hill.
It is obvious that some people have a longer term and stronger bond and respect for the hill than others.
A first step is a better road to Folk Festival Meadow. This work has already begun. A two lane road to Folk Festival Meadow is a must. A related idea is a small parking area in the first corner of Folk Festival Meadow. I see this as looking similar to the Treasure Falls Rest Stop with a few lanes of parking and a restroom. The road beyond this area would be used for walking and for service vehicles during events.
I see reworking the meadow’s surface for drainage, installing paved walkways around the meadow and picnic tables.
A proper stage combined with a secure service building should be erected on the meadow’s north side. This facility would vastly improve the current music festivals and the ability to have large and small events. It could be used for weddings, family reunions, scout gatherings, school gatherings etc. This facility should be a multi-purpose design with additional restrooms, a few showers and a kitchen.
We lost a large event for this coming summer because we do not have a tenting camp ground with minimum facilities in town. This facility on Reservoir Hill would be perfect for such events. Ultimately it might become the center for year around recreation users with a small restaurant / refreshment function.
 Such a municipal facility is common and well used in many locations. The town can charge use fees. With good promotion it might be in use a fair part of the summer season. During winter it might be used as a warming center for Nordic skiers, sledders and other users.
For fire safety reasons and the forest’s health, the trees need thinning on the hill. I suggest construction be done with logs from the thinning and stone, very rustic and fitting on the hill.
I see an enlarged hiking, Mountain biking and Nordic skiing system on currently unused acres and improving the sledding and snowboarding hills.
From the time people first came to the hot springs they likely hiked to the high point on the north east corner of the hill for the stunning Continental Divide view. I see erecting a two or three floor log and stone lookout tower there with scenic, historic and geologic exhibits related to the view and to Pagosa Springs. Research discovered a tower near a like sized tourist town drawing 60,000 visitors a year.
On any given day people will still hike, bike and ski the trails in quiet bliss and the hill will retain its charm. Yes, more people will be there to enjoy that charm, but this isn’t an amusement park or carnival atmosphere except during big events.
Reservoir Hill is a significant natural resource that should remain natural. It merits our attention for the benefit of all. |
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