The missing link - Durango Telegraph

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photos by Todd Newcomer

After years of playing Frogger at the intersection of Main Ave and Camino del Rio, death-defying jaunts through downtown traffic are no more. Tuesday evening marked the official opening of the Animas River Trail underpass joining the north and south sections of the pedestrian thoroughfare. In conjunction with the City of Durango's 125th birthday celebration, the Animas River Trail underpass extravaganza got under way at Rotary Park just before dusk. Town representatives and community members were all on hand as Durango Mayor Dale Garland addressed the crowd and officially opened the underpass connecting the bike path. Commuting to and from work as well as lazy evening walks along the river are now easier than ever.

Pedestrians of all kinds get their first taste of the Animas River Trail underpass after the ribbon-cutting made the link-up official.

Bill Manning, of Trails 2000, gets into the spirit of Durangos 125th birthday celebration

Durango Mayor Dale Garland eyes up the abnormally large pair of scissors used for the ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday.

Parks and Rec Director Cathy Metz addresses the crowd, thanking all the community members responsible for the trails completion prior to introducing Dale Garland to the mic.

Local historian Duane Smith addresses a full house at Rotary Park during the celebration.

An enormous crowd turned out for the opening of the underpass and the birthday celebration. Very few were unable to resist the opportunity to try out the completed path.

Tom Doak and Suzanne Parker dress the part for Durangos big birthday celebration.

Cone heads, bright neon wigs, Burley trailers and trail users of all types rejoiced at the newfound freedom of a continous bike path running the entire length of downtown Durango.