The City of Durango offers residents an ambitious and comprehensive recreation program with activities for every age group. More than 100 different programs are offered, ranging from alpine skiing to arts and crafts. Included are swimming lessons for infants, drama programs for children, softball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer for youth and adults, programs for the handicapped, and activities for senior citizens.

The Parks and Recreation Department operates Chapman Hill ski area and its ice and roller skating rink. It also offers outdoor activities at the Fort Lewis Recreational Complex, operates the Senior Center, and the Mason Center.

The state-of-the-art Durango Community Recreation Center opened in early January 2002 and includes lap and recreational swimming pools, gym, fitness center, dance studio, and more.

The city has 32 parks spread over more than 193 acres of developed park land. Most of the parks feature picnic facilities, playgrounds, skateboard facility, fishing areas, bicycle and feet trails, and open space. Several parks sit along the Animas River, including Whitewater Park, a popular area for kayak racing events known for its nation-wide competitions.

The Fort Lewis Recreation Complex, built by Parks and Recreation and located at Fort Lewis College, provides playing fields for softball and soccer. For Parks and Recreation information call (970) 375-7300, or visit www.durangogov.org/resident/parks_leisure/parks.html.

Durango is also known as a road and mountain biking Mecca. It is the home of the annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, site of the 1990 World Mountain Bike Championships, and the 2001 World Cup.

Winter brings other outdoor activities from skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling. The region’s reputation for hiking and fly-fishing has expanded to a year-round activity. For more information contact Durango Mountain Resort at (970) 247-9000, or the San Juan Mountain Association at (970) 385-1312.

The art, music, and theater scene embraces dozens of galleries and community supported arts. For more information on upcoming performances at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, visit www.durangoconcerts.com. For more information regarding the local art community contact the Durango Arts Center at (970) 259-2606 or visit www.durangoarts.org.