Recreation
DESIRED OUTCOMES & RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Recreation is one of the key components to the lifestyle, culture and character of Routt County and should ensure inclusivity for all populations, ages, genders, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.

FUNDING
Desired outcome
Enhance recreational opportunities through development of sustainable funding utilizing a county-wide collaborative partnership.
Possible interest groups/stewards
Government; city, towns, county; public land agencies; non-profit recreation organizations; municipalities; community foundations
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Recommended actions |
Timeframe |
- Develop and implement a county-wide recreation organization or coalition that:
- Develops and coordinates partnerships, both public and private;
- Leverages larger funds;
- Distributes funding through grants;
- Develops and supports volunteer coalitions.
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short term |
- Research the development and implementation of a county-wide recreation district, organization or coalition to ensure financial sustainability for recreation.
- Combine municipal efforts;
- Implement regional programming.
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long term |
- Encourage county and municipal participation in open space, recreation and trails coordination for non-incorporated areas of the county that are adjacent to municipalities.
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mid term |
- Develop a cost analysis of operating programs and facilities.
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short term |
- Develop mechanisms that identify those activities that should be self-supporting and those that need subsidization.
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short term |
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AMENITIES
Desired outcome
Ensure that a variety of quality recreational amenities is available, both outdoor and indoor, organized and unorganized, that support diverse recreational activities and meet the needs of a changing and growing population.
Possible interest groups/stewards
Government; elected officials; community foundations; non-profit recreation organizations; municipalities; schools, businesses; developers; private landowners and interest groups such as Friends of the Yampa
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Recommended actions |
Timeframe |
- Decision-makers adhere to parks and recreation plans.
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ongoing |
- Develop a county-wide recreation organization or coalition that ensures the coordination and linkage of parks and recreation master plans and ensures these reflect the greatest public interest and are not led by special interest groups.
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short term |
- Provide safe and affordable opportunities for youth including teen programs and afterschool programs.
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short term |
- Research and develop a bike/pedestrian trail that connects all county municipalities.
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short to long term |
- Access to recreational amenities should be encouraged in proximity to urban areas and neighborhoods in both city and county planning processes and in planning new developments.
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ongoing |
- Coordinate and ensure a diversity of park options between natural open space and those with developed amenities. Amenities in parks have a variety of design applications that provides both natural environment and landscaped options.
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ongoing |
- Foster collaborative efforts and written agreements among schools, government, businesses and non-profits (including arts and culture entities) to ensure access and opportunity for both organized (leagues, competitions, etc) and non-organized indoor and outdoor activities (e.g. pick-up games, dog parks, drop-in sports, etc.).
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ongoing |
- Encourage the inclusion of multi-use, multipurpose recreational amenities in new public and private developments.
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ongoing |
- Form a county-wide coalition and partnership for recreation on and access to the Yampa River to assist with coordination of activities and the health and sustainability of the river.
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ongoing |
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