Media Contact: Chynna Cowart
chynna.cowart@state.co.us | 303-656-7464
The Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA) Colorado Main Street Program has designated the Town of Pagosa Springs as an official Main Street community. Pagosa Springs joins 22 other cities and towns in the Colorado Main Street Program, which offers support for community-led downtown revitalization and helps communities thrive by providing a customizable framework to focus efforts, energy, and resources to create a more vibrant community.
Pagosa Springs is one of a kind—a place of natural beauty, diverse cultures, and genuine community. The area was home to several indigenous tribes, including the present-day Ute Tribe; in fact, the name of Pagosa came from the Ute word meaning “water that heals.” The natural hot springs attracted Hispanic and White settlement in the late 19th century; soon thereafter, mining in the San Juan Mountains drew more people from afar, including foreign lands. Timber, ranching, farming, and tourism helped Pagosa Springs grow at a slow but steady pace until the 1970s when land developers, drawn by the natural beauty and panoramic views, came and doubled the population in Archuleta County. Pagosa Springs is a destination all its own as well as a popular addition to any trip to the Wolf Creek Ski Area and the San Juan National Forest, which offers hunting, hiking, fishing, rafting, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
The Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation will host the local Main Street program, with the mission to ignite a Main Street spirit in Pagosa Springs by being a catalyst for movement on foot, wheels, and water; connection of people and places; and creation of memorable experiences for folks who work, live, and play there. The Colorado Main Street Program provides a framework for helping with this economic development challenge. The Colorado Main Street Program assists all of the official Main Street cities and towns in building the community engagement and support to attain their long-term visions for the future of their downtowns.