Group proposes pack‑burro race monument on Lake County courthouse grounds

Organizers representing the Western Pack Burro Association and local volunteers asked the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for permission to install a monument on county property near the courthouse to mark the history of the Mosquito Pass (Leadville–Fairplay) pack burro race.

Lisa Sandoval, who presented the proposal, said the association has raised about $2,000 so far and that the Leadville Pack Burro Race organization has committed to continuing fundraising for fabrication and installation. "The Western Packer Association is sponsoring it," Sandoval said, and the group plans to supply plaques listing past winners and to handle installation and ongoing maintenance.

Why it matters: presenters said the monument would serve as a visible local historical marker at the race start area and a place for families and former participants to find names and take photos. Sandoval said the Fairplay monument lists winners back to 1929 and that a similar feature in Leadville attracts family photographs.

Design and placement: Sandoval and a designer (Hal) described a roughly 6½-foot metal-framed monument with wooden planking and narrow‑gauge rail elements. Organizers said the frame would be metal, with wood elements treated and maintained locally; the design team expects to use recycled narrow‑gauge rail and to involve local welders and students for fabrication. Charlie Cooper and a welding-trained student at Colorado Mountain College were mentioned as volunteers.

The group said plaques would be small (about 1½ inches by 5 inches) and that the project would not require county funding; the group expects to raise additional money and to sell merchandise at race events to cover costs. Sandoval asked to place the monument on courthouse property near East Sixth Street by the flagpole or on the courthouse lawn where the race historically started; commissioners and staff suggested coordinating with county planning and with Michael (county staff) to confirm exact placement and to ensure compliance with recently updated sign codes.

County response and next steps: commissioners expressed support and said the county would not block the project. County staff advised organizers to consult planning staff and the county sign code, and to coordinate logistics such as foundations, lighting and access for installation. Commissioners said they would like to review a final design and confirmed the county could assist by checking code compliance and permitting needs. Organizers and county staff agreed to continue the conversation and to return with a final design and placement plan.