Clinton signs bill transferring park

Clinton signs bill transferring park

Dec. 21, 2000

By Jim Mimiaga
Journal Staff Writer

A bill transferring ownership of Joe Rowell Park from the Forest Service to the town of Dolores was signed into law by President Clinton this week.

The bill, carried by Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) at the request of the town, officially puts the scenic riverside park in the hands of the Dolores community rather than with federal government agencies who did not want it anyway.

"It’s the perfect Christmas gift for Dolores," said Marianne Mate, planning and zoning chairperson for Dolores. "I can hear the champagne bottles popping off now."

No money exchanged hands in the deal, which was seen as a win-win deal for the Forest Service and Dolores. The 25-acre park was considered the only piece of Forest Service property with lighted softball fields.

"That never made any sense to me, and I do not think that managing ballfields was ever in their mission statement," joked Allard yesterday. "I am glad we got this turned around."

The bill had initial opposition from the Forest Service, which cannot hand over federal land without adequate market compensation. But Allard said that in discussions with Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman, who oversees the Forest Service, he was assured "that this was not something he wanted to go to the mat on."

"I compliment him for graciously stepping in and recommending to the President that it be signed," Allard said.

Joe Rowell Park had been operated by the town through a special-use permit after it was taken from them by the Bureau of Reclamation during the construction of the Dolores Project for flood control purposes. It was then transferred to the Forest Service.

"It was not totally recognized that it was taken from them in the first place, so it is appropriate they get it back," Allard said. "I am delighted to have played a role in helping the citizens regain that ownership."

Over the years Dolores has put $400,000 worth of improvements into the community park including several ballfields, playgrounds, basketball courts, a riverwalk, and a concert pavilion.

But without the ownership transfer, routine improvements and even general maintenance required expensive and time-consuming environmental-impact statements, a situation that hamstrung both the town and the local Forest Service office.

Mate added that park ownership is required in order to obtain grants needed to help pay for and develop recreation there, such as with lottery funds.