MONTE VISTA— Renovations at Ski Hi Park to improve the facility and have it be used on a more regular basis may soon be reality. The first steps towards a sub-committee to be formed to begin a dialogue on the issue were approved at the Thursday, Nov. 2 meeting of the Monte Vista City Council.
Karla Shriver and Kathy Rogers attended the meeting on behalf of the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce to speak about a partnership that is being formed to start the process. “We all know how important Ski Hi Stampede and the Ski Hi Stampede grounds are including the multi-purpose building that I know the council has had many discussions over. We have a project that we’ve talked with the chamber and several other stakeholders about and we’ve been wanting to talk with all of you,” said Rogers.
Shriver then presented the main ideas to the city council. “It’s our belief that with a partnership with the chamber of commerce we should form a committee for the revitalization of Ski Hi Park; we can lead and champion an effort by citizens to approve the multi-purpose building at Ski Hi Park,” said Shriver.
Shriver explained that renovating the complex had started years ago with the improvements to the grounds and grandstands. From there the improvements were supposed to continue which would include the multi-purpose building. Due to some delays the multi-purpose building project did not begin as scheduled.
“We are now thinking that it is time to move that process forward and take it to the next level,” said Shriver.
With the help of many people it is believed that it can move forward and make a big difference for the community. “That’s a gem for Monte Vista and the whole San Luis Valley. I think the uses are endless and it’s already used for a lot of things. We’re hoping that we can find funding and resources and begin the process with your help and the help of the committee,” said Rogers.
Shriver said that the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce has approved moving forward with the formation of the committee subject to the council approving the idea as well.
“We all know that’s a city-owned property and should we be approved to move forward we know we can’t just go do whatever we want. We will make recommendations to the council should any improvements happen. It’s a partnership between the council, the community and all of us,” said Shriver. “Actually it’s the San Luis Valley Regional Complex if you really get down to it. The whole Valley uses that facility,” she said.
“We’re here to hopefully be those that will work on funding and work with you all for other things to try to make it a reality. It’s something that I think can really be successful and we can draw a lot of people into Monte Vista with. I think Monte Vista is just on the cusp and there are a lot of good things to come. We think this will be a help to that success,” said Rogers.
The city council unanimously approved permission for the sub-committee to be formed and to begin dialogue on ideas.