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6 Not to Miss Events in Durango, CO This Summer, 2022

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1. Concert Hall at the Park

Grab your ebike (or rent a bike!), blanket and camping chair and head down to Buckley Park for live music every Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm. A great way to enjoy Summer with your friends and family. Created over ten years ago with the simple goal of bringing the community together to showcase and celebrate musicians. Every week a different genre is played from country, folk, reggae and everything in-between. Pets are allowed but make sure to bring a leash! Whether you want to dance or just relax in the park on a warm summer day this event has it all. For a full event schedule click here.

2. Music In the Mountains (July 7th-31st)

This three week classical music festival has been a staple in the Durango community for decades. Bringing music to the mountains with the support of The Durango Herald, Fort Lewis College, the Bank of Colorado, Morley Ballantine and Durango Mountain Resort. Music in the Mountains has an impressive line up of performers showcasing some of the best classical music in the four corners. Performances are typically held at outdoor venues so make sure to pack accordingly. Parking can be a nightmare so why not rent an ebike and save yourself the hassle. Plus, by ebike you can show up dressed to the nines without breaking a sweat. To view the full schedule visit this link or you can find tickets here.

3. Pine River Festival (Eagle Park, July 30th, 12pm – 7:30pm)

A fun filled family friendly afternoon in Bayfield located just 25 minutes south of Durango, CO! This event features artists such as Elder Grown, Liver down the River, High Country Hussle, amongst many others. Not only will the music be flowing but also drinks and food will be for sale. All proceeds go to help the students in La Plata County Be Frank Orchestra programs. The Be Frank non-profit organization is committed to the engagement of youth development through the power of music and community. Click here to buy tickets and join the festivities.

4. Movies In the Park

The “Movies in the Park” movie series is a family friendly entertainment event presented by the City of Durango and the Credit Union of Colorado. Movies such as Jungle Cruise, Sandlot, Spiderman and many others will be played throughout the summer. This event will have food vendors, local talent performances, giveaways, and other hands on activities. Seating will not be provided so make sure to pack accordingly. Most of the parks are located right off the animas river trail making it perfect for ebike access. For a full schedule of their events click here.

5. Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show (July 8th-10th)

This three day show features over 60 gem and mineral dealers from all over the U.S. providing stunning rocks, gems, minerals, fossils, crystal, shells, and many more! Bring the family and enjoy panning for gold or embark on a treasure hunt. This event is 3$ or free for children under 12 with an adult. Doors will open at 10am at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango, CO. There will be a wide range of food and beverage services along with classes on Lapidary and Metalsmith techniques. If you want to support this event you can volunteer by signing up here. Save yourself the hassle of parking and rent an ebike to make the commute apart of the fun!

6. Big Mountain Enduro (Purgatory Resort) July 16th-17th

The Big Mountain Enduro Series is back at Purgatory Mountain Resort for another round of mountain bike racing and shenanigan’s for the whole family. Mountain bikers from all over the U.S. come to test their skills in the breathe taking San Juan mountains. The village plaza at the base of the resort will have food and beverage services along with fun filled activities such as zip lining or the inferno mountain coaster. Online registration opened on January 1st and typically sells out so make sure to register if you haven’t already. Even if you aren’t racing this event provides entertainment for all! If your visiting Durango for the race and looking for other activities make sure to check out ROLL ebike and paddle board rentals to experience Durango like a local.

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ROLL
Ebike & Paddle Board

When you rent an ebike or paddle in Durango from Roll, you skip the rental hassle with 24/7 online booking, free door-to-door delivery, and your choice of time and duration from 8am-9pm, 7 days/week. Plus, you get choose from 2, 4, 8 hour and multi-day ebike rentals (including free delivery within 10 miles of Durango). We offer something for everyone—singles, couples, families (kids 6+), groups, employee team building days, and ebike and paddle board combo packages. Make your day really special and add a gourmet lunch at check out.

City Growth in Durango, CO

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Since Durango was founded in 1881, it’s seen drastic infrastructural improvements leading to it being one of the best places to live in southwest Colorado. Its dramatic landscape offers amazing views and provides a plethora of outdoor activities for a wide variety of interests. This outdoorsy melting pot is one of the primary reasons Durango has grown to be such a memorable destination. In recent years, the City of Durango has been working on some developmental changes to our parks and transportation landscape. Let’s dive into some of the improvements that have either already taken place, or are currently being developed. 

32nd Street Animas River Crossing

Development of a new 170ft bridge crossing overarching the animas river off 32nd Street is currently being finished. The bridge will allow for a safer path for side traffic by connecting part of the animas river trail. This development is accompanied with construction for two new river access points on each side of the bridge. These will help decongest the overcrowding at the current 32nd put-in allowing for more access for river recreation and rafting companies. 

Affordable Housing Initiatives

North Downtown Affordable Housing District (Urban Renewal Authority) / 1% La Plata Impact by Local First Foundation

The North Downtown Affordable Housing District (URA) housing plan aims to create more affordable multi-housing units in a 50 acre stretch towards the north end of downtown through subsidizing housing developments. Through redevelopment they plan to increase property values which could yield an estimated $35 million towards financing. The city plans to finance between 100-500 new units of attainable housing over a 25 year period. Along with the 1% La Plata Impact Fund created by the Local First Foundation aims to give back to the community through raising funds through the local economy. Business’s that partner with this initiative agree to donate 1% of their gross revenue to help mitigate our communities most pressing issues. They have recently supported the West Side Mobile Home Park by giving $535,000 to help owners gain more ownership over their land. Local First also has a role in the downtown redevelopment concept which will be presented to the city council on May 17, 2022. Durango’s housing market has created a bubble that only affluent buyers can manage. This has inevitably increased rental prices and pushed out the lower to middle class. Durango is heavily based in the tourism industry which makes it crucial to support the class of workers that support our service based economy.

Oxbow Park & Reserve 

This 44 acre plot has recently been developed into a park providing river access along with a trail system that winds through a nature preserve. This project came to fruition with its grand opening on October 27, 2020. Oxbow park has since then grown into a recreational hotspot located just north of town on 36th street. This project also entailed extending the Animas River Trail to increase its accessibility. Though its development has seen controversy, it’s proven to be a great spot for both locals and tourists.

New Pickleball Courts at Smith 

How is pickleball played? Do they use kosher pickles? How do you score? These are some common questions you might hear from someone who has no idea what pickleball is. Luckily the Durango Parks and Recreation Department is proposing to develop a new pickleball court at Smith Sports Complex at Fort Lewis College. Design ideas are still being voted on though construction is planned to commence in Fall of 2022 with an aim to finish construction in spring 2023.  A public process will begin with an open house on Tuesday, April 26th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Durango Community Recreation Center. According to USA Pickleball the sport has seen an 11.5% average annual growth rate over the past 5 years. This makes pickleball one of the fastest growing sports in America! Durango is truly embracing this sports evolution by making efforts to provide courts for the community. So whether you like pickleball, or don’t know what it is yet, Durango will soon have courts to play. Dill with it!

Santa Rita Park Updates

From what used to be the smelliest park in town due to the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility (SRWRF). Has recently been revamped into one of the best parks in Durango for a beautiful day by the river. Not only has the SRWRF been redeveloped but also the parks recreational amenities have seen great improvements throughout 2021. This includes new volleyball courts, basketball court, along with additional parking to accommodate for its inevitable increase in popularity. 

At Roll our purpose is to put a smile on your face, deepen human connection through experienced based travel, and be a company that benefits the planet.

Roll is part of a growing movement of purpose-driven sustainable businesses in Durango that are carving a new path toward a life sustaining economy. As a sustainable business, we offset our carbon footprint through the Four Corners Carbon Fund and partner with Shaw Solar to power our ebikes and office at the Smiley Building, American Sustainable Business Council, Green Business Roundtable, Durango Farmers Market, and Local First.

This is how we Roll

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If you’re like me, you might look at an ebike and think it’s just like any other bike. It’s got handlebars, a seat and wheels. Can you tell I’m not a cycling expert?

But wait! This ebike also makes going up hills easier. And it can give me an extra boost when I need it. What is this sorcery?

At first I was a little intimidated by a bike with apparent magical powers. That is until I learned a bit more and discovered Roll.

Ebikes are bicycles with a battery-powered “assist” that comes from simply pedaling or use of a throttle on the handle bar. They feel like you’re riding a regular bike, but putting in a lot less effort going up hills or out long distances, plus you have greater control of your speed. Ebikes make it easy to accelerate and feel like a powerful biking master without breaking a sweat. Or just make you look really cool when you’re out for a leisurely excursion and have come from sea level to 6,512ft elevation.

All of these things sound good to me. But enjoying my maiden voyage on an ebike while enjoying southwest Colorado and doing my part for the planet sounds even better. That’s what Roll lives for.

Roll rents out Pedego ebikes to explore Durango.

Based in Durango, CO, Roll is a solar powered electric bike rental company. They offer same-day or advanced booking ebike rentals for both the spontaneous adventurer and planning types. Roll often does discounts for advanced bookings so check their website: http://www.rollebike.com.

We all know the best way to spend summer in Durango is by getting outside. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, those Rocky mountains are calling. Thanks to Roll ebike rental, you now have a new way to experience all that Durango has to offer. And you can choose your own adventure with eCruisers, (throttle only), interceptors (pedal assist and throttle) or eTandem bikes, which are perfect for kids 8+ in the back and a parent on the front. Roll offers 2, 4, 8 hour and multi-day rental packages.

But there’s more to Roll than just ebikes: Roll takes the hastle out of renting with easy online booking, plus delivery to your hotel, Airbnb, VRBO or home within 10 miles of downtown Durango. Moreover Roll ebikes are solar powered. Roll is a company with a purpose to put a smile on your face, and deepen human connection—eco-friendly style. That’s something I know I identify with.

This summer, you’ll find me “Rolling” along the Animas River, Durango bike paths, up to Fort Lewis College, out to Lake Nighthorse, and anywhere my ebike will carry me. Next vacation I just might skip the rental car and go by ebike. Doing good while looking good—that’s how I like to roll. Hope to see you out there.