County staff directed to advance Mill Creek Park improvements, seek public survey and RFP estimates

San Miguel County commissioners reviewed conceptual plans for the one‑acre Mill Creek Park parcel and gave staff direction to proceed with select foundational work this year while surveying the public on longer‑term amenities.

Parks and Open Space Director Janet Cask described the parcel — transferred to the county in 2016 and located at the entrance to Telluride — as a passive‑use site where preliminary design concepts from consultant Superbloom include pollinator gardens, a natural play area, a bike skills track, a bicycle repair station, picnic shelter and interpretive historic signage. Cask said the county had previously conducted a 2020 community survey and a cultural resources report in 2021 as part of concept development.

Budget and scope: Staff presented a phased approach and a current estimate from Superbloom that included a substantial soil preparation and grading line (presented in the packet as an estimate of roughly $175,000 for topsoil and fine grading), a transformer estimate of about $12,000 for power, porta‑potty screening, a shade structure and fencing to better manage parking along Mill Creek Road. Parks staff said the Town of Telluride is considering waiving a water tap fee; with that waiver staff said installing a water tap and irrigation system could be less costly than using temporary water tanks.

Public input and constraints: The 2020 survey had 99 respondents and favored passive amenities (picnic seating, pollinator gardens, benches) and indicated biking and walking as primary access modes. Commissioners and staff reiterated that the parcel is restricted to park/open‑space use under the Mill Creek and Deep Creek PUD dedications and subdivision covenants; changing the deeded use would be legally complex and could require replacement land or litigation.

Commissioners' direction and timing: Commissioners agreed to let staff issue RFPs for the foundational, safety‑related elements (grading, soil preparation, screening for the porta‑potty, fencing and minimal picnic amenities) and to return bids for commissioner review before awards. Commissioners also asked staff to run a fresh public survey to refine the final plan and recommended leaving the survey open through May, June and July to capture seasonal and second‑home residents. Staff said completing RFPs and survey responses would inform follow‑on phases and final plantings.

Costs, risks and next steps: Staff noted the high cost of topsoil and emphasized that the estimate could change when formal bids return. Parks staff said much of the earlier, less expensive work had been done in‑house last year (south parcel grading, tree pruning and initial safety improvements) and that a phased approach could reduce near‑term spending while preserving long‑term options. Commissioners asked staff to pare the proposed RFP scope where possible and to prioritize safety and erosion control work so the site can be used this summer.

Public comments at the meeting supported the park vision and suggested additional outreach to park operators, adaptive sports programs, Telluride Town Park staff and transit provider SMART to ensure connectivity and accessibility. Parks staff will return bids and a refined schedule to the board for authorization before contracting.