Thanks to the dedication of constituents, board, staff and community partners, Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) navigated both significant challenges and exciting accomplishments in 2025.

Last year marked a major milestone for MetRec with the publication of the Regional Recreation Master Plan—a community-led roadmap guiding recreation investment and collaboration across the District for the next 5–10 years. 

Through conversations, works sessions, surveys and public comments, community members shared what they want to see from MetRec in the coming years.

MetRec immediately began targeting the resulting implementation priorities through funding decisions, partnerships and leadership efforts.  

Constituent-Identified Priorities

Elevate the Recreation Grant Program 
MetRec awarded $729,784 in grants to 27 different local organizations. Grant sizes ranged from $1,400 to $100,000. 

Provide Regional Leadership 
MetRec stepped into a convening role, strategizing with partners on recreation investments and addressing shared community needs—visible in multi-use path projects, grant funding and land stewardship initiatives.  

Improve Regional Rec Path Connectivity 
MetRec embarked on the 100% design of the Crested Butte to Crested Butte South multi-use path, advancing a long-standing regional connectivity priority. 

Support Fields, Parks & Playgrounds 
Funding for the Crested Butte Community School turf field and playground directly addressed the need for accessible recreation spaces. Additionally, the contribution enabled Gunnison Watershed School District to fund a new field and first-ever student track at the Gunnison High School.

Support Recreation Planning & Land Use 
MetRec worked with multiple STOR stakeholders to design and fund Gunnison Ranger District summer recreation staff in the face of major federal budget cuts. 

Promote Multi-Use Indoor Recreation Facilities 
MetRec developed and priced out a variety of indoor recreation space prototypes, as well as joining the Town of Crested Butte PROST Recreation Planning Committee to advise on their strategic planning process.

Difficult Decisions and Innovative Exploration

Balancing public service with fiduciary responsibility, the MetRec board resolved to discontinue over-the-air television operations, effective June 1, 2025, for the remote chain and June 1, 2026, for the main chain, which serves Gunnison to Mt. Crested Butte.

The decision came in the face of significant market, technology and financial headwinds.

Challenges continued though the year, with 5G cellular signals knocking the television feed offline in August. In response, MetRec launched the Denver Direct Feed pilot, restoring service and exploring the long-term feasibility of an internet-to-OTA system. Significant issues arose during the pilot, with two of five feeds failing.

Meet some of the 2025 Rec Grant Program Recipients

MetRec is proud to support a number capital, operational and community initiatives that encourage physical, mental and social wellness across the district.