The City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department made improvements to the park space located at 111 Ryler Drive, referred to as Ryler Park. The City-owned property is a 4,700 square foot lot that housed a small, dilapidated play structure with lackluster surroundings. The small space was transformed into a beautiful, inviting community amenity. Plans were completed in-house and the project was funded by the 2005 Sales Tax. Neighborhood input was crucial in this process, as we strive to create parks that reflect the preferences and desires of the community.

The new park includes a concrete loop sidewalk, perfect for strollers and striders; a pull-up bar and balance plate, intended for users age 14+; a bench with surrounding shade trees; beautiful, low-water and low-maintenance shrubs and perennials; and a footpath through a wildflower area with species that attract pollinators. The park did not previously have a water source, therefore a new tap was installed to provide automated irrigation.

Visit the park to enjoy some quiet time, exploration, or to challenge yourself with a bit of strength training!

UPDATE - MAY 2025: It's time! Construction will begin on Ryler Park the week of June 16th and continue through July. The park will be closed during this time, please expect construction activity in the area. Construction activities will include tapping a new water line for irrigation, grading the site, pouring concrete, installation of amenities, earthwork and landscaping. To help ensure safety and allow smooth progress, we kindly ask the community to refrain from parking in front of the park. The new neighborhood park improvements will include a concrete path to a bench, fitness equipment, shade trees, and pollinating shrubs, native grasses and flowers – all automatically irrigated.

____________________________

UPDATE - APRIL 2025: Parks and Recreation staff held a meeting at the park on April 25, 2024, to discuss potential improvements. The general consensus was to maintain the park as a quiet destination with shade trees and places to sit. Attendees expressed interest in updating the existing play structure to improve accessibility and explore alternative forms of recreation. Additional requests included bench seating and possible fitness equipment. While lawn or turf was not a priority, there was strong support for adding shade trees and plants that attract birds and butterflies.

In the months that followed, these ideas were developed into two concept plans and shared with the community for feedback. Based on that input, a final design was completed and the project has now gone out to bid. Bid submissions are due May 6, 2025, after which a contractor will be selected and construction will be scheduled.