The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA) is looking to construct a new athletic field behind its existing recreation center.
During a regular meeting held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on Aug. 20, the board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the county to act as a fiscal agent for PLPOA to allow it to go after additional grant funding opportunities for the project.
County Attorney Todd Weaver explained the MOU would have the county act “basically as a fiscal agent on behalf of PLPOA to seek grant funding to build a youth sports field.”
Weaver noted the field would be constructed behind the existing recreation center on land that is currently owned by the PLPOA.
He explained the MOU does not obligate the county to spend any of its taxpayer dollars on the project.
He noted the main reason for the MOU is that since the county is a government entity, it would allow PLPOA the opportunity to pursue grants that it otherwise could not.
“So, we’re teaming up to help develop that into a youth sports field, which I’m pretty sure is pretty desperately needed here in Archuleta County — Pagosa Springs area,” Weaver said.
Commissioner Ronnie Maez indicated that after a joint meeting held with PLPOA representatives and the county, he was aware that PLPOA is interested in applying for funding through Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).
“I know they’re going to be going after GOCO funding,” Maez said, noting the Town of Pagosa Springs also applies for GOCO funding for construction and improvement of park spaces.
“I don’t want to go into competition,” Maez said, suggesting there might be another avenue to “work this out.”
Maez questioned if the town and PLPOA would be in competition with each other over the GOCO funding opportunities.
Town Parks and Recreation Director Darren Lewis, who was in attendance, mentioned, “It would depend.”
He explained there are multiple rounds of GOCO funding offered.
“We would certainly try to avoid the town possibly going for one at the same time as PLPOA,” he said.
He mentioned the entities would communicate and work together to avoid having both of them apply for the same round of funding.
“I don’t have real concern with it, to be honest with you,” Lewis added.
Lewis also mentioned that the town is applying for funding over the next few cycles.
“When there’s free money, everybody makes a grab for it,” Maez said.
Commissioner Veronica Medina mentioned there are other funding opportunities that PLPOA could pursue outside of GOCO funding.
“There’s a lot of other funding for this type of build for recreational — especially for rural communities,” she said.
Commissioner Warren Brown asked Lewis if he believes the field and the MOU with the county would benefit citizens.
Lewis explained that club teams in the community are in need of extra space, mentioning that the town has limited space.
“Certainly the town, we do not have enough field space,” he said.
He explained that the current recreation programs take up most of the field space available in the town.
Lewis also explained that PLPOA plans to charge club teams a fee to be able to use the field, noting that is something the town does not do.
“Certainly, added field space for the kids to play on in any way, shape or form, I’m for,” Lewis said, adding he wishes there was more developable land in the town limits.
He added, “At the end of the day, I think having more field space up there is beneficial.”
Maez also mentioned that PLPOA plans to let the public utilize the field for a fee.
Brown moved to approve MOU between the two entities, which was seconded by Medina.
The motion passed by a split vote of 2-1, with Brown and Medina voting in favor, and Maez opposing.
Maez stated his reason for opposing is that he does not want the town to be in competition for funding.
clayton@pagosasun.com
