Joe Rowell Park in Dolores is about to get a makeover.
The park reopened in 2020 after undergoing major renovations following its closure in 2017 because of safety concerns. After two years of fundraising, the park completed the necessary repairs to open.
The city now plans to add new features to the park.
The city of Dolores surveyed 42 residents to gauge interest in possible park features. Some respondents expressed interest in more walking trails, better river access, picnic shelters and a dog run. One person suggested creating space for a drive-in movie theater.
The city now has two master plans to consider. The concepts are similar but have a few differences.
Both park designs include new parking lots that would provide a combined total of 212 spaces. Both designs also have a community garden and orchard, adult exercise equipment, new picnic shelters, a stage, splash pad, river trails, park trails, a beach area by the river, and a pedestrian bridge across the river.
Master Plan 1 also includes a dog park and bike park, and Master Plan 2 has a food truck area and skate park.
The first update will include two adult exercise equipment machines, said Town Manager Kenneth Charles.
“The town has ordered two new pieces of equipment for the outdoor adult exercise equipment,” he said. “This includes an upright bike and a rowing machine. We hope to receive these and have them installed this fall.”
Incorporating adult exercise equipment into the park emphasizes healthy habits along with encouraging people to be active outside and in the sun. These kinds of exercises reduce stress as well.
Soon, the town will choose from the two designs. Once it has been decided, it will be posted on the town’s website.
Residents as encouraged to complete a park survey on the town’s website.
“We have an online survey tool, and our consultant Logan Simpson has been at Riverfest and Summerfest to gather public information,” Charles said. “The Parks Committee has been working with Logan Simpson, and the Town Board has been kept up to date. No decision has been made on any of the concepts.”
