When the weather in Gunnison Valley springs into its balmy phase, residents are drawn to the area’s rivers like fish to water. It’s no wonder that valley-wide river access infrastructure has been a high priority for the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District, or MetRec. In the last few years,
Finding recreation opportunities in the Gunnison Valley is a no-brainer, given the area’s mountains, wildflower meadows, campgrounds, rivers and parks. But recreational amenities don’t maintain themselves, so it takes tax funds and public-private partnerships to keep recreation areas in peak condition. This is one of the key functions of the
This fall, KBUT’s News Director, Christopher Biddle, invited MetRec, the City of Gunnison and the Crested Butte Avalanche Center to the KBUT Studio to talk about the Outdoor Winter Recreation Initiative! Together, we discussed how the collaborative initiative came to be, some of the major outcomes, and what’s in
It is a special time of year when the Gunnison River rises and the surrounding cottonwoods pop with green leaves. The lushness of the corridor pulls us in. Rafts bob down the river with smiling anglers. Friends convene on the shores where dogs race to fetch sticks. The Gunnison River
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