In 2019, MetRec was approached by the owners of Wood Product Signs, a small, family-run business based in Parlin. Their reason for reaching out: internet. For several years, owners Taylor and Emily Hefftner made the most of limited internet service. Wood Product Signs manufactures custom signs for public land
Despite the myriad challenges faced over the last year, MetRec, in collaboration with its many partners, has helped achieve a lot in 2020. One thing is clear, the Gunnison Valley is a resilient community home to incredible organizations and passionate people. Early in the year, we convened and re-convened
Given the on-going impact of COVID-19, the Gunnison Valley finds itself preparing for a unique winter. This summer, easy access to trails, parks, and open space provided residents the opportunity to responsibly recreate and socialize. The winter season is expected to present additional challenges for residents, including increased feelings of
Grit and Passion Fuel Gunnison Nordic’s Volunteer Operation Author: Stephanie Maltarich- a Gunnison based freelance writer Since 2003, Gunnison Nordic, a 100% volunteer fueled operation, has provided grooming and access to roughly 45 kilometers of cross-country ski trails in and around the City of Gunnison. With seven board members and
A History Lesson on the Big Mine Ice Arena and the Role of Matching Funds The corner of Crested Butte that now buzzes with the energy of young Nordic skiers, hockey players and hot coco sipping kids was once home to a high-grade bituminous coal mine lined with coke ovens.
A key role identified for MetRec to fulfill as part of its strategic planning process was to serve as a catalyst for recreation opportunities. MetRec’s 2020 Community Collaboration grant program brought many critical recreation needs to the forefront, including the opportunity to help launch Gunnison High School’s first-ever
Following a refresh of its mission and vision in 2019, MetRec engaged in its first-ever strategic planning process. A Strategic Plan was developed for both tiers of MetRec’s dual mission; Recreation and Television Operations. The desire to develop the plans stemmed from MetRec’s 2019 Recreation Needs Assessment
This year, MetRec allocated $135,000 towards community recreation initiatives; the largest annual recreation contribution since MetRec’s inception. The majority of the funding went towards MetRec’s two grant programs. A total of $80,000 was awarded through the Developed Recreation Grant Program. The aim of this program is to
For the third year in a row, MetRec has partnered with Gunnison County, the National Forest Foundation and a variety of other local businesses and government entities to collaborate and help finance stewardship of our public and conserved lands; the Gunnison Stewardship Fund. “The Gunnison Stewardship Fund is an
In January, 2020 MetRec launched a four-part outreach series in partnership with the Gunnison Times and Crested Butte News to increase community awareness of MetRec. The need for this came from MetRec’s 2019 Recreation Needs Assessment, in which several survey respondents noted not knowing or understanding what