The Journal

Great Outdoors Colorado board awarded two grants totaling $283,493 to projects in Montezuma County. The town of Dolores received a $173,493 Local Park and Outdoor Recreation grant to renovate the playground at Joe Rowell Park, and Montezuma County, in partnership with Manaugh Elementary School, received a $110,000 School Yard Initiative grant to build a new playyard at the school.

With its LPOR grant, Dolores will build a new community playground at Joe Rowell Park. The playground will include two separate structures: one for toddler-aged children and another designed for children ages five to 12.

Community volunteers plan to assist with the construction of the playground, which is slated to open to the public by June 2020.

Manaugh Elementary School, in partnership with Montezuma County, will use its SYI grant to enhance its outdoor spaces, replace outdated playground equipment and improve ADA access. The new amenities will replace much of the school’s old blacktop area and construct a fitness loop. The school plans to eventually add a sensory garden, accessible treehouse climber, sand play area, ADA-accessible swing bay and additional outdoor gathering areas.