Winter Recreation

The Gunnison Parks & Recreation WINTER RECREATION PROGRAMS will be starting SOON!
Classes strarting next week, the week of January 6th, include FUNducation, recreation cross country skiing, adult ice sakting, youth ice skating, Tae-Kwon-Do, Kid's Cooking Afterschool Culinary Club with Mountain Roots, and aerial classes!
Classes starting the week of January 13th include, gymnastics, rock climbing, Kingston Swim Club, swimming lessons, Mite and Pee Wee basketball, 4th - 6th grade boys and girls basketball, 3rd - 6th grade youth volleyball, Pee Wee freestyle Duster wrestling, play 60 and cheerleading.

There is something for everyone!  Try something new!  Spaces are filling up so sign up soon to reserve your spot.  To register call 641-8060, stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer, or visit the website at www.gunnisonrec.com  Get out and enjoy the winter! 

New Year's Eve Celebration

To help usher out 2013 and light the way for 2014, there will be a FREE Torchlight Parade starting at 5:30pm, Tuesday, December 31st at Cranor Ski Hill.
If you'd like to help celebrate the New Year, bring your ski or snowboard gear, wear warm clothes and join in the festivities.  Bring a headlamp or flashlight for your "torch".  Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided! 

Happy New Year Everyone! 

Winter Recreation Program Offerings

Yes, that's right.  It's time to start thinking about what you and the family wants to participate in this winter with the City Recreation Department!  There will be a whole bunch going on!  There are indoor and outdoor activites available! 

The 2013-2014 Winter Program Offerings Information will be available on Friday, December 9th.  YOu can pick up a brochure at the Community Center, Ice Rink or at City Hall.  You can also view it online at www.gunnisonrec.com      Be watching for the offerings on December 6th!  

Thanksgiving Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from the City Council and Employees of the Cty of Gunnison.

Most City Offices will be Closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, Novmber 29th,  in order for the employees to celebrate Thanksgiving with their friends and families.  Business will resume on Monday, December 2nd.  Of course, the Police Departmeent patrol officers, Communications/Dispatch staff and Fire Department personnel will be working to serve and protect the citizens and visitors to our community.  Send them a special thank you if you see them. 

City Refuse Service:  if your trash is normally picked up on Thursday, November 28th, it will be picked up on Wednesday, November 27th for this week.  If your trash is normally picked up on Friday, November 29th, it will be picked up on Monday, December 2nd.  If you have a quesiton, call 641-8020. 

Community Center Holiday Hours:  the entire Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Facility will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 28th. The facility will reopen at 8:00 A.M. on Friday, November 29th.  There will be NO EARLY MORNING SWIM on Thursday or Friday mornings. 

Normal facility hours will resume on Saturday, Novemger 30th.  For more information go to www.gunnisonrec.com 

HAVE A SAFE AND PEACEFUL THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!

Veteran's Day Holiday

The City of Gunnison will be observng the Veteran's Day Holiday on Monday, November 11th.  In observance of this holiday, most City offices will be closed.  Police, Fire and Communications personnel will be on duty to protect the safety of the citizens of our community. 

If your trash is usually picked up on a Monday, it will picked up on Tuesday, November 12th.  City offices will be re-open for business on Tuesdady morning, November 12th.  Call 641-8020 if you have additional questions.  The Community Center will be open from 8am to 9pm on Monday, November 11th.  There will be NO early 6am morning swim on Monday.  Call 641-8060 if you have questions. 

City Council and staff thank all of the Veterans of our community and all of our active-duty service members.  We all appreciate your service to the Nation. 

In the Race Again!

That's right...the City of Gunnison has once again been selected to be a part of the USA PRO CHALLENGE.  On Wednesday, August 20, 2014, Gunnison will be the Start for Stage 3 of this prestigous international cycling event.



2011 USA Pro Challenge Riders         photo by Matt Burt

World-class cyclists will start in Gunnison and ride on US Highway 50 over 11,312  foot (3,448m) Monarch Pass to Monarch Mountain.  It promises to be an exciting event. 

Watch the City's website and Facebook pages for upcoming information. 

GO COWBOYS!

An incredibly exciting sports weekend is on it's way in Gunnison.

The Gunnison High School Cowboy Volleyvall Team team swept the Western Slope League regular season and is now in the 3A Playoffs.  This dynamic 6th seed team will defend thier standing on Saturday, November 2nd in the GHS gym starting at 10am.  The City Council and Staff wish all of the team GOOD LUCK in their upcoming games.  Get out and support the girls!  GO COWBOYS VOLLEYBALL!


Also sweeping the Western Slope League, the Gunnison High Schoool Cowboy Football Team will take on the Fort Lupton Blue Devils on Saturday, November 2nd at the HIgh School.  Kick-off is at 2pm.  GO COWBOYS FOOTBALL.  The City Council and Staff wish all of the team GOOD LUCK in their game.  Get out and support the guys!  GO COWBOYS FOOTBALL!

FRIGHT-FULLY FUN !!!

The City of Gunnison is hosting FRIGHT NIGHT on Friday October 25th at the Gunnison Community Center.  The spooktacular activities start at 4pm and continue until 6:30pm.  The entry fee is $5.00 per family and includes.......
pumpkin patch in the pool,  a tour through the haunted swamp, the ever-fun bounce house, , caramel apple and pukpkin decorating, a haunted house, costume contests,and the annual Community Thriller Dance at 5pm.
A waiver must be signed for the event.  There will NO gymnastics or aerial dance class the afternoon and evening of the 25th.  

Following the spooky Fright Night on Friday, October 25th, there will be a Middle School Teen Night from 8pm to midnight.  For $10.00, students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades can swim, climb, play games and participate in contests, and enjoy snacks and refreshments.  The facility is closed to all but the Teens and the organizers.  Join your friends and make some new friends at the great evening of fun! 

It may be fall but...\

The mornings are crisper, the skies are bluer, and "fall" is definitly in the air. 

Golen Gunnison River
Gregg Morin photo

Our abundant early autumn rains put a slight damper on the glorious golden 

Biking Hartman Rocks
Gregg Morin photo

and red aspen leaves we typically enjoy but it is still more than worthwhile to get out and enjoy the Gunnison Valley. 
Walking, hiking and biking are superb on the VanTuyl Ranch trails or at Hartman Rocks south of town.  The cool fall air is invigorating as you pedal your way through the granite boulders lining the bike and hiking trails.  And those pesky summer mosquitos are but a vague memory.   
Although the seasonal low water levels in the Gunnison River make kayaking and rafting more challenging at this time of year, fishing is still in full swing.  There's nothing like casting a hand-tied fly out over the riffles in pursuit of the whily rainbow trout.  Or just dangle your feel in the cool water, find your zen-center, and watch the golden leaves raft their way down river to Blue Meas Reservoir. 
You can hike, road bike, mountain bike, rock climb or just enjoy the great outdoors in a serene moment.  When evening stars to fall, head indoors at the Gunnison Community Center for swimming, sliding down the water slides, climbing on the indoor wall, play basketball in the gym or challenge the kids or friends to a game of pool in the game room. 
If you can't wait for winter, get acclimatized by strapping on your ice skates and playing hockey or practice your sitz spins at the indoor Jorgensen Ice Rink. 
Bottom line, there's lots to do in the fall in Gunnison - your Base Camp to the Rocky Mountains!

Gunni High Tri is here!

That's right!  The much anticipated first annual GUNNI HIGH TRI take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 7th, 2013, starting at 9:30am, at the Gunnison Community Cener, 200 E. Spencer Avenue in Gunnison. 
Participants wil compete as an individual or as a team. 

The athletes will SWIM 500 yards (.28 mile) in the pool, then BIKE 13 miles and finish up with an invigorating 3.2 mile RUN on the trails above the WSCU Bowl.  The finish line is at the Community Center. 

Come out and cheer on your favorite Gunni Triathlete.  Good luck to you ALL! 

City Council Action

The Gunnison City Council will be meeting in a Regular Session meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, August 27th, starting at 7pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue. 

Gunnison City Council

The City Counciil will be addressing the following items:
Action on the August 11th Council meeting minutes;
Action on a Contract for Service with the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association in the amount of $8,334.  to help fund the TA to place a mini-vacation planner insert in the Official Colorado Tourism Guide;
Action on a Contract for Service in the amount of $5,000 with the Gunnison High School Rodeo Team to host a high school rodeo in Gunnison this fall;
Action to approve new comments on the potential listing of the Gunnison Sage Grouse as an endangered species by the US Fish & Wildlife Service;
2nd Reading and apporval of Ordinance No 10, Series 2013, to make a major change to the Gunnison Rising Planned Unit Development (PUD) to add the master drainage plan of the property into the PUD;
and a semi-annual department report from Community Development Diretor Westbay on the status of the CD Department. 
Joining the Council will be this year's WSCU student liaison, Amber Leal.  Having direct input from the Western students in our community is important to the decision making process of City Council.  Welcome Amber. 
To view the information being discussed at the Council meeting, go to this City website linke.  
www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/council/epackets_home.html 
The pulic is welcome and encouraged to come to Council meetings.  They represent the citizens and your input is most welcome.   

Are You Training?

Are you in training yet?  If not, you should be!  The first annual Gunni High Tri sprint triathlon is rapidly approaching!
On Saturday, September 7th, starting at 9:30am,  participants will swim 500 years in the Community Center Pool, bike 13 miles around the beautiful Gunnison Valley, and then run 3.2 miles on the near-by Signal Peak trails and Western State Colorado University campus. 
Registration is $50.00 per participant or $50.00 for up to three-person team with each participant doing one leg of the "Tri". 
Following the timed events, there will be a fun-filled awards festival and after event party at the Community Center. Get registered by calling 970-641-8060 or stopping by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison. 
Get registered for this inagural event and Start Training TODAY! 

Even the kids can compete.  Starting off the event weekend will be a Healthy Kids Triathlon on Friday, September 6th starting at 5:30pm.  This event has two divisions:  the younger division for 3 to 7 year olds and the older division for 8+ year old kids.  Two routes will be available for varying skill levels.  For details and to register call the Recreation Department at 641-8060 or stop by the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer in Gunnison. 

So MUCH to do!

Summer isn't over by a long shot in Gunnsion.  There's a lot of activities and events to choose from this weekend. 
Going on since Thursday, the 8th Annual Carvin' Up Colorado Event is taking place at Legion Park on East Tomichi.  At the Park, you can watch talented wood carvers transform tree stumps into works of art with chainsaws.
Friday evenng, downtown on Main Street, from 5pm to 9pm, check out amazing cool cars, dance to live street music provided by the "Hillbillie Hellcats", and enjoy shopping and great dining at the Gunnison Car Club's Friday Evening Cruise-In. The 50's inspired event shouldn't be missed.  When you're throiugh checking out the cars and cool cats at the Cruise-In, head south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory. 

Gunnison Valley Observatory

This evening starting at 8:30pm,  learn about how "Stars are Born" and then view the spectacular Gunnison night sky through a variety of telescopes, including the 30", silver-dome housed telescope. 
Saturday mroning head back downtown for the weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, a variety of vendors will be selling fruits, veggies, baked goods, meat, eggs, cheese, wine and more. After the Farmer’s Market head to Legion Park on East Tomichi Avenue (Highway 50) for the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival from 9 am to 4 pm. This festival will be showcasing arts and crafts from about 60 artisans from around the region. While you’re there grab some lunch from some of the many food vendors and watch some more of the Carvin’ Up Colorado wood carvers as their creations come together.
Just across the street on the lawns at Jorgensen Park will be the 26th Annual Open Car Show from 8 am to 3 pm. Strolling on the soft green grass of the Park, you will see anything from exotic, one-of-a-kind custom street rods, high performance sports cars, tricked-out pickup trucks and of course the classics. The Car Show awards ceremony will be held midday and Carvin’ up Colorado will wrap up with judging at 4 pm.  The Gunnison Observatory will host a second evening of night sky viewing and a program in honor of the car show entitled "How Fast Can You Go?"  Hint..it's REALLT fast!
When you're done having fun at all of the events taking place, be sure and enjoy the great outdoor recreation that Gunnison has to offer. 
Finish out the fun weekend by relaxing under the trees at Legion Park for the Gunnison Arts Center's Sundays at 6" Free Concert.   

Whatcha Gonna Do?

As the old song goes...  And there is a whole lot going on in Gunnison this weekend! 
Start off your weekend with the 1st Friday Gallery Crawl at 5pm in downtown Gunnison.  You can enjoy art, music, refreshments and visit with your friends and visitors.  Find that perfect piece of art for your livingroom!  Pick up a brochure at the Gunnison Gallery, the Gunnison Arts Center or any of the participating galleries or restaurants.  While at the Arts Center, enjoy the free Fridays @ 5" live music on the patio.  Enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite malt beverage and then have dinner at one of Gunnison's great restaurants and cafes.  Whatever your taste - you can find it.  Once your tummy is full, head back over to the Arts Center and enjoy the annual  melodrama production.  This year it's Blame it on the Pony Express".  After the drama, head south out of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatoryand learn about "The Gas Giants".  There is observing of the night sky through the dome-housed 30" and samaller telescopes following the astronomy program.
Saturday morning, enjoy an early morning bike ride or run, then grad a cup of your favorite coffe at one of Gunnison's home-owned coffee houses.  Breakfast at one of the local restaurants should satisfy your hunger pangs.  At 9:30am, stroll over to the Gunnison Farmers' Market and pick up some delicious and healthy produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, crafts of all kinds and even fire baked pizza.
If Archery is your game, the West Elk Archers will be holsing a Benefit Shoot at the Gunnison State Wildlife Area on Saturday.  Put an apple oon your head - JUST KIDDING - and head out and watch.   
Saturday is your chance to out get into Gunnison - your "BaseCamp of the Rocky Mountains".  You can fly fish, lake or stream fish, hike, boat, waterski, sail, kayak, raft, swim, mountain bike, road bike, climg, ride your horse, or just sit in the sunshine and enjoy the summer.  If you want to be nostalgic about the good old days or want to learn something about Gunnison's heritage, the Pioneer Museum on the east end of Tomichi has fascinating displays of Gunnison's early days.  You can even ring the steam locomotive's bell. 
Satuday night you can once again catch the Gunnison Arts Center's Melodrama or watch some falling stars out of the Gunnison Observatory after dark. Down at the Rodeo Grounds, you can also attend the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Fundraiser Banquet and Auction.  Whew - tired yet?
Sunday morning, savor a leisurely breakfast at one of Gunnison restaurants, cafes or coffee houses.  You can also attend services at one of Gunnison's many churches.  Take a bike ride or hike on the miles of maintained trails at the City's VanTuyl Ranch, located at the east end of Spencer Avenue.  Then take the kids fishing at Pac-Man Pond located in Jorgensen Park, 501 East Tomichi Avenue (East Highway 50) 
Finish out the day by packing or buying a picnic supper and settle back in your lawnchairs at the Arts Center's weekly free Sundays @ 6 free concert in Legion Park.  check out the City's website for more information on many of these activities www.cityofgunnison-co.gov  
Have a fabulous August weekend. 

City Council Action

The Gunnison City Council will be meeting in a work session format tomorrow evening, Tuesday, July 16th, to discuss the following topics and issues:  

A Presentation from Trout Unlimited about the "Our Colorado River Project"; 
A presentation on the 2012 City Audit by Finance Director Wendy Hanson;
Continued Discussion on City Participation in the Community REbuild Program;
Discussion on the City Purchasing Policy;
An Overview of the City 5-Year Capital Projects Plan;
and ending with continued discussion on the City Council's Priorities and Strategic Planning.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  Council meetings are held at 7pm in City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison in the 2nd floor Council Chambers.  For more information call 641-8140 or get more information at  www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/council/epackets_home.html
 

A WHOLE lot going on!

That's right.  There is a whole lot going on in Gunnison! 
The Annual Cattlemen's Days Celebration is taking place at the Gunnison County Rodeo Grounds on South Spruce Street this week and weekend.

4-H ShowHogs

Today, Friday, July 12th, you can enjoy the 4-H Market Goat and then Cattle Show.  At 1:30pm you can see the 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Event.  Starting at 7pm, wear your red, white and blue, to the PRCA "Patriot Night Rodeo".  After the Rodeo you can dance the night away at the Elks Lodge on South Main Street, enjoy the thrills and chills on the amusement rides at the 

Watching the action!

Carnival, or head uptown for libations and live music at one of Gunnison's lively restaurants, bars, and brew pub.  For a break from the noise of the rodeo and carnival, drive south of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatory for public night sky viewing through the 30" publically owned telescope.  The observatory is open for public viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Go to www.gunnisonobservatory.org  for more information.
Saturday morning, head downtown early to claim your spot along Main Street for the Annual Cattlemen's Parade.  While you're waiting for the colorguard, marching bands, floats, antique cars and more, fill up on all you can eat pancakes at the Kiwanis Club's Annual Pancake Breakfast in IOOF Park.  After the parade, you can stroll through the weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market and get some fresh produce, baked goods, electic arts

Great Food at the Farmers' Market
The Dussault's Fire Baked Pizza

and crafts and a variety of foods.  For lunch, there's great food at one of Gunnison's restaurants, burgers and hotdogs provided by the Kiwanis Club at the IOOF Park or sizzling grilled burgers on the patio of the Gunnison Elks Lodge on South Main Street.  Don't forget to stop in the varierty of shops downtown and pickup some fun, colorful and stylish clothes and gift items.  After lunch at the Rodeo Grounds is the 4-H Livestock Auction.  Saturday evening is rounded out by the PRCA Family Night Rodeo, the dance at the Elks Lodge and the Carnival at the Rodeo Grounds.  For more information on the Cattlemen's Days events go to www.cattlemensdays.com

Cattlemen's Carnival

Sunday morning enjoy breakfast and coffee at one of Gunnison's outstanding restaurants and locally-owned coffee shops, then head into the great outdoors and partake in a wide variety of exciting and fun outdoor recreation activities.   You'll understand why Gunnison is the BaseCamp to the Rocky Mountains!  For more information go to www.cityofgunnison-co  Finish up the whirlwind of weekend activities by grabbing a picnic supper, your lawnchair or blanket and settling back to enjoy the Gunnison Art Center's weekly Sundays at 6 Concert at Legion Park.  It's a great way to finish out the weekend.  Enjoy! 

It's the Weekend!

After an explosively delightful Independence Day Holiday, it's time to enjoy a fun-filled Gunnison Weekend!  And there's a lot going on!  

This evening, Friday, July 5th, kicks off with the First Friday Art and Music Walk, in downtown Gunnison starting at 5pm.  There's music, refreshments, along with fantastic and diverse art works, showcased at 11 galleries and businesses.  Stop in the Gunnison Gallery or the Gunnison Arts Center and pickup your Art Walk guide.  There will be a drawing for art at the end of the evening.



Ready for Cattlemen's Days!

Over at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds (275 S. Spruce Street) starting at 6pm, is the Cattlemen's Days Kick-Off Dinner Dance! 

That's right - it's Cattlemen's Days in Gunnison!  Take your little buckaroos to the kickoff dinner and dance!  It's for the entire family. 
When the sun goes down and you're looking for a later night venue, head south of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatory for an astronomy program on the fasinating discoveries of the Hubble Telescope and then enjoy public viewing of the Gunnison night sky through the silver-dome housed, 30" telescope.  It's eductional and relaxing. Bring a jacket, it can get chilly once the sun goes down. 

Annual Trough Balloon Rally

Saturday morning kicks off EARLY, at 5:30am, with the launch of the brilliantly-colored hot air balloons from Jorgensen Park along East Highway 50.  After "chasing" the balloons, stop for your favorite coffee and breakfast at one of Gunnison's hearty breakfast spots. 
The 4-H Horse Show then starts at 8am at the Rodeo Grounds.  It's quite a show of these talented and hard-working young people.  Heading back "up town" at 9:30am to the 100 Block of East Virginia Avenue in the heart of downtown, where you can select fresh produce, natural meats, delectable baked goods, ecletic crafts and a selection of Western Colorado wines at the weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market.  There's also prepared foods and lively music. 
After this busy, fun-filled morning, recharge with a delicious lunch at one of Gunnison diverse eateries and then head out into the Gunnison Valley - your "Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains"!  The area offers a myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities.  There's just about everything you can imagine to enjoy the great outdoors in Gunnison.  


Ready for the Horse Show

After dinner, you can go back out to the Gunnison Valley Observatory and learn out "Comets, Meteors and Asteroids - Oh My!"  Kids may get an opportunity to create a meteor impact crater or two and to touch an actual meteor!  The program starts at dusk with telescope viewing following the program at dark. 

Sunday, July 7th, is the Cattlemen's Days Open Horse Show at the Rodeo Grounds.  Dust off your cowboy or girl hat and your boots and enjoy the show.  Finish out the weekend by relaxing in your lawn chair at Legion Park for the Gunnison Art Center's "Sundays at 6" free conert series. 

"TRI" it out !!!

Calling artists and creative people of all ages.  The Gunnison Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring a LOGO CONTEST for the upcoming "Gunnison High Tri" . 

The inagural Gunnison Triathlon will feature swimming, biking and running - hence the TRI.  Individuals are asked to create a logo with the three elements and the name "Gunnison High Tri" in the design. 

Artists may submit up to two entires and must complete an entry form for each.  There is a $50.00 cash prize for the winner.  The winner will be announced at the July 17th Triathlon Kickoff Party.  Enties must be submitted by 5PM, Monday, July 15th at the Gunnison Community Center. For more information and to get an entry form, email Ginny at gseckman@cityofgunnison-co.gov. 

Another "Cool" Weekend

If your brain is starting to melt in Grand Junction, the Colorado Front Range, Texas, Oklahoma or just about anywhere else, Gunnison, Colorado, is the COOL place be!  Not only are our tempteratures pleasant, we have a weekend of great activities for you to enjoy. 

Friday and Saturday heralds the First Annual Gunny Grass Bluegrass Festival.  The Festival is being held at the I-Bar Ranch, located just on the eastern edge of the City.  The venue offers on-site camping, ample crowd capacity, a stunning setting, and most improtant - "Hot" Colorado and National Bluebrass Bands - in this fantastic COOL setting.  If you're not into camping, Gunnison offers a wide variety of lodging availablity.  For more information about the festival, go to http://ibarranch.com/gunnygrass/ 

Farmers' Market

Saturday morning, after grabbing your favorite espresso or latte and a bagel at one of the locally-owned coffe shops, head on downtown for the Gunnison Farmers' Market.  There's fresh produce, delicious and wholesome baked goods, Western Slope Colorado wines, eclectic crafts, 5-minute massages, food, live music and congenial company. The Market happens every Summer Saturday starting at 9:30am at the corner of North Main Street and East Virginia Avenue.


Mountain biking with
the Wildflowers



Saturday afternoon experience why Gunnison is the  "BaseCamp of the Rocky Mountains"  If you want to be in the beautiful outdoors, Gunnison provides just about everything you can imagine in premier outdoor recreation opportunities, from the largest lake in Colorado (Blue Mesa Reservoir) to the granite cliffs-climbing routes of Taylor Canyon to the challenging and scenic singletracks of Hartman Rocks.  If cooling off is your primary objective, kayak or raft on the Gunnison or Taylor Rivers.  You can even drag a fishing line behind your craft.



Kayak the Gunnison



After a delicious dinner at one of Gunnison's fine restaurants, discover that Saturday night is the start of the Summer Astronomy Program Series at the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located south of Gunnison across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area.  Saturday, June 29th is "Family Night - Astronomy 101".  Dr. Suzanne Taylor of Western State Colorado University will talk about the constellations of the summer night sky.  The www.gunnisonobservatory.org for details. 

Gunnison Valley Observatory

Observatory opens at dark (you can't see the stars until then :-) No reservations are required and there is a small donation entry fee.  Go to

On Sunday mornng, after having a hearty breakfast at one of Gunnison's fine cafes or restaurants and then playing in the great Gunnison outdoors, finish up the weekend by kicking back, relaxing and listening to the "Sundays @ 6" outdoor live-music concert at Legion Park presented by the Gunnison Arts Center.  By the end of the weekend, you will be cooled off and relaxed! 

Come on Up...We're OPEN for Visitors!

Canoeing on the Gunnison River

That's right, Gunnison is welcoming visitors.  The large West Fork Fire Complex is located well south of the Gunnison Valley - across the Continental Divide and is not affecting all of the great outdoor recreation the Gunnison Valley has to offer! 

Although Gunnison County has implemented a precautionary Stage 1 Fire Ban, effective this morning, Monday, June 24th, visitors are still able to have small campfires in established campgrounds that provide metal and concrete fire rings.  So as of now, you can still make those s'mores and sing songs around the campfire.  We just ask you to be VERY careful.  There are plenty of Forest Service and Commercial Campgrounds in the area.  If camping out isn't your cup of tea, Gunnison has lots of hotels, motels, condos, and cabins, from luxurious to rustic!  

Mountain Wildflowers



Biking in the Wildflowers

The weather is great in the Gunnison High Country.  You can fly fish, stream and lake fish, kayak and raft on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers, rock climb, boat, swim, sail, and water ski at the State's largest lake - Blue Mesa Reservoir, road bike, trail run, hike, play golf or tennis, climb a mountain, pop some 360's on your skateboard at the Gunnison SkateBowl, mountain bike on scenic and seculded single track trails,  ride your BMX bike on the Jorgensen track, listen to toe tapping Bluegrass or Country Music at the I-Bar Ranch, jeep to ghost towns, crack rocks on old mine dumps, look deep into the night sky after dark at the Gunnison Observatory, shop for eclectic clothes and gifts, munch and slurp ice cream cones downtown, sip microbrews or fine wines, sample delicious food of all kinds from down-home BBQ to juicy steaks and seafood to Nepalese cuisine,  swim, catch a movie, or just slow down the pace and veg-out while looking at the blooming wildflowers.  Go to www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com for more to do!  It could take you all summer! 

Come on Up - We're waiting for you! 



Blue Mesa Reservoir



Those Darn Mosquitoes!

In response to environmental concerns related to the County's use of aerial spraying to control mosquitoes, County officials have decided to discontinue aerial mosquito control spraying this summer.

However, due to the presence in  Gunnison County of the type of mosquito that can carry and spread the potentially fatal West NIle Virus, the County will redirect mosquito control resources to ground based applications.  Colorado Mosquito Control is the local contractor for this application.  They are focusing on more targeted applications this summer.

Spraying for the current season has begun and will continue until data indicates that it is safe to stop, usually around mid to late August.  To report a problem area or to opt your property out of spraying, call Colorado Mosquito Control at 641-4249. 

Help Break a WORLD RECORD!

Gunnison Parks & Recreation is teaming up the nation's top water safety and training organizations to present "The World's Largest Swimming Lesson!"  This lesson is aimed at setting the Guiness World Record and will help build awareness about the vital importance of teaching children to swim and be water safe! 


Gunnison Community Center - 200 E. Spencer Avenue

 We want YOU to join us to break this world record.  Everyone ages 3 to 100+ is invited to register, this Tuesday, June 28th, starting at 8:30am at the Gunnison Community Center.  Everyone needs to be by the pool at 8:50am.  The World's Largest Swim Lesson will be held simultaneously at aquatic facilities around the globe.  This is 9am Gunnison Time. 
For more information, call 641-8425 or 641-8427.  See you there to BREAK THAT RECORD!

Summer (almost) Weekend

The calendar still says spring but our Gunnison activities are geared up for the summer season!
The highly successful Gunnison Growler biking events, the Sage Burner Running Races the funky townie takeover and the Gran Fondo to Mt. Crested Butte heralded the start of the summer tourist season last weekend.  The downtown businesses saw a lively weekend with their annual summer sidewalk sales.

And although you may need to batten down the hatches, small children and your pet poodle due to this late springtime wind, this weekend is shaping up to be great Gunnison summertime adventure. 


kayaking the Gunnison



Biking at Hartman Rocks

The kids are officially out of school today, so channel some of their energy and take a hike, fish on the river or Blue Mesa, paddle your duckies or kayaks at the Gunnison Whitewater Park (remember your pfd!), ride the mountain bikes on the fabulous trails at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area or the sublime trails on the VanTuyl Ranch (wear your helmet), visit the history-packed Gunnison Pioneer Museum (don't forget to ring the locomotive bell) and then take a relaxing swim at the Gunnison Community Center's Aquatics Center.

Satuday morning at 10am, head over to Jorgensen Park on East Tomichi Avenue, and have the kids participate in the FREE Youth Fishing Derby and Outdoor Sports Expo.  There's a safe shooting BB Gun Range, Smokey Bear, Wildlife Identification, an Archery Range and exhibits on wildlife and outdoor sports. Catch a lunker trout in PacMan Pond.  Fishing poles are provided or bring your favorite pole with you.   

At noon, get on over to the Gunnison City Shops at 1100 W. Virginia Avnue, for the City's Bike Auction.  It is a silent auction, so select the bike you want and write your bid on the appropriate bid sheet.  The auction closes promptly at 1pm.  No late bids!  You may find your new bike treasure among all of these unclaimed bicycles. Remember and register it with the Gunnison PD so it can be returned to you if you lose it!   


Sundays at 6 Concert at Legion Park

And to end the weekend, take your blanket, camp chair and picnic supper to Legion Park for the  Gunnison Arts Center's first of the summer "Sundays at 6" Concerts.  The Beatles Tribute Band  "Doctor Robert" will be starting off this summer's community concert series.  Kick back, meet and greet friends, and enjoy the retro-music. 

Police Center Groundbreaking

On a warm and beautiful spring morning, the groundbreaking for the City of Gunnison new Police Center took place.  With the assistance of a $650,000 grants for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the building will house the City's Police Department, which includes the emergency dispatch center for the entire Gunnison Valley.  The dispatch center currently resides in the basement of the County Courthouse, a building that will be demolished in the near future. 


City Manager Ken Coleman, Mayor Ellen Harriman, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Seymour, Councilor
 Bill Nesbitt and Councilor Sharon Cave at Police Center Groundbreaki9ng

 On hand for the groundbreaking were members of the City Council, City Staff, personnel from the City Police Department and Dispatch Center, County personnel and other local citizens.  The much-needed facility should be complete and occupied by the end of the year.  


Turning Dirt for the New City Police Center



Ana's Plege Bike Safety Event

The 2nd Annual Ana's Pledge Bike Safety Event for children Pre-K through 8th grade will take place this Saturday, May 4th, from 9am to Noon at Lake School, 800 N. Boulevard in Gunnison.

Registration opens at 9am closes at 11:30am.  Kids will ride the course, learn how to ride safely, obey traffic signs, and how to avoid hazards. There will also be a bike inspection station to detect possible bike defects and they can register their bikes with the Gunnsion PD.  ALL Participants must weat a bike helmet! 
Participants will receive a t-shirt, safety information, refreshments and will pledge to ride their bikes SAFELY!. 
Before the summer biking season starts in full-swing, bring the kids out for this fun and educational event. 

Think about SUMMER

Summer is just around the corner!  The Gunnison Summer Recreation Brochure will be available starting on Friday, May 10th.  Program registration starts on Monday, May 13th. 

Program brochures will be available at the Community Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue and at City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison.  The brochure is also available onlline at www.Gunnisonrec.com or at www.tinyurl.com/summerprograms2013  For more information call 970-641-8060.  Get out and enjoy an active, fun-filled summer in Gunnison! 

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Gunnison Parks & Recreation is offering a FAMILY FUN NIGHT this Friday, May 3rd, starting at 5:30pm at the Gunnison Community Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue. 
There will be fun for the entire family.  Come out and enjoy games, snacks and a movie in the pool - YES, in the pool!   There will be chairs and inner tubes to watch the  movie in the pool.  The bouncy house will also be in the pool for some slip-n-sliding fun into the lap pool.  This event is free for community center members and non-members pay the drop-in fee of $4 for youth and $6 for adults.  For more information, call 641-8060.  See you there!

It's FREE

The City Recreation Department is hosting a Lacrosse Clinic this Friday, April 12th at Jorgensen Park.  And the best part - it's ABSOLUTELY FREE! 
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders will participate from 4 to 5:00pm and 7th graders will go from 5 to 6:00pm.  Equipment will be provided but if your son or daughter has hockey gloves, elbow pads and/or helmets, please bring them. 

Participatns will work on throwing, positioning and shooting.  Come out and learn about the fast-paced game of Lacrosse!  If your student is interested in participating in this free clinic - call Dan Vollendorf at 641-8422 to sign up. 

Tree Dump Opens Today

Even though it looks like winter outside this morning, the City tree dump opens for this season today, April 9th.  The tree dump will be open through the fall on Tuesday through Saturday, from 9am to 3pm. 

The tree dump accepts organic materials, leaves, tree branches, grass clippings, yard and garden plant waste, etc.  It is located on County Road 51, north of Gunnison.  Take the road to Cranor HIll and turn right onto County Road 51.  There is a small fee to dump some items.  For more information, call the City Public Works Department at 641-8020 during business hours. 

Underwater Egg Hunt!

Saturday, March 30th, is the City's Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt.  This family fun event takes place at the Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Facility, starting at 9:45am. 
The event is for all kids, 0 to 12 years old.  The pool will have desinated areas for specific age groups. 

There will also be the bounce house in the gym, a scavenger hunt in the building and breakfast snacks.  The egg hunt will take place in 2 waves - one at 10am and the second at 11am. 

After the Underwater Egg Hunt!

Sign up at the Community Center.  The cost is $4.00 for non-members and FREE for members.  Doors open at 9:45am.  For more information, call 641-8060.  Happy Easter. 

Lucky Invasion!




City Hall has been invaded by Lucky Leprachauns! 
The 2nd graders at Gunnison Community School provided colorful Lucky Leprachaun Artwork to adorn the walls of City Hall. 

Leprachauns Everywhere!

Come in and take a look!  Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! 

City Election Process Started

The 2013 Regular Municipal Election process started this morning - Friday, March 15th.
Candidate petitions are now available for pickup in the City Clerks Office of City Hall during regular business hours. 
Completed petitions must be turned in by Friday, April 12th at 5pm. Ballots will be mailed out to active registered City voters on Tuesday, April 23rd. 
If you're interested in running for one of the four available City Councilor seats in this year's election, contact City Clerk Gail Davidson at 641-8140. 

EXTENDED Hours at the Community Center

Monday through Thursday evenings until Thursday, March 21st, the Gunnison Community Center and Aquatics Facility will be open until 9:00 P.M.  The swimming pools will close at 8:45P.M. to give everyone a chance to get out and dried off!  Visit the facilities and climb on the indoor climbing wall, swim in the lap or lesiure pool, shoot hoops in the pool or in the gym, try out the rope swing or the pool slides, play ping pong or pool or play a game of pickup basketball in the gym.  There's lots to do! 

Enjoy the extended hours for now.  Starting Monday, March 25th, the facilities will go back to the earlier closings at 8P.M., Monday through Sunday.  Call 641-8060 for more information. 

Spring Recreation Programs

The Spring 2013 Recreation Program  Brochures are available.  You can pick up a copy at the Gunnison Community Center, 200 E. Spencer Avenue or at City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue in Gunnison.  You can also go on-line at www.gunnisonrec.com and view the offerings. 

There's something for everyone!  For kids - you can choose "Sporties for Shorties", swimming, basketball, soccer, LaCrosse clinics, gymnastics, climbing, TaeKwonDo and much more.  Not to be left out, adults and seniors can participate in swimming, pickleball, square dancing, climbing, senior fitness and senior stretch class. 

The Spring Guide also includes the Community Center and Aquatics Facility schedules and information on the Senior Lunch Programming.  Get involved - get active! 

It's Snowing!

It's snowing just in time for Gunnison Nordic's Annual Full-Moon Bonfire Event at the City's VanTuyl Ranch.  The event is taking place this Friday evenng, February 22nd starting at 7pm.  Park in the Gunnison Community School's north parking lot off of West Spencer Avenue and then ski the nordic ski trails to the bonfire for some warm drinks, snacks and good company. 
Go to www.gunnisonnordic.org for more information on the event. 

It's FREE

Gunnison Parks & Recreation is offering a FREE Aqua Zumba class on Wednesday, February 20th from 5:30 to 6:15 P.M. at the Community Center pool, 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.  If you've tried Zumba on land -  now try it in the "less stress on your joints" pool! 

They are looking for individuals to come try this FREE class and then give them feedback.  Call 641-8427 for more information. 

President's Day Schedules

City of Gunnison Offices will be closed on Monday, February 18th in observance of the  President's Day Federal Holiday. 
Police, Communicaitons/Disptach and Fire Personnel will be on duty to ensure community safety. 

If your trash is normally picked up on Monday, it will be picked up on Tuesday after the holiday.  The Gunnison County Landfill will be closed as well.  If you have any questions,  please call 641-8020. 
City Offices will reopen for business on Tuesday  morning, February 19th. 

It's WINTER CARNIVAL time

They just finished up Carnival in Rio!  Now it's time for Carnival in Gunnison - WINTER CARNIVAL that is.  This annual event will take place on TUESDAY, February 19th at Jorgensen Park.  Yes, it's on Tuesday - the local school kids are out of school that day! 

The events include:
Biathalon at 10am    (nordic ski and shoot paintballs)
Snowmobile Joring at 11am  (navigate a course of gates and jumps behind a snowmobile)
Ski/snowboard Jib Fest at Noon (this is a judged event at the new jib park)
Hockey Skills Challenge at 1pm  (hockey agility, spped and shooting contests(
and the Annual Polar Bear Dive at 3pm.  (points awarded on your dive style and technique) Brrrrrr!

For more information on the events and on registration, please call 970-641-8060.  Come out to play!

Middle School Night

All 6th - 7th - and 8th Graders are invited to MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT at the Gunniosn Community Center.  This event will take place on Saturday night, February 16th from 8pm to 12am. 

It's a night full of fun activities and the cost is $10.00.    All participants must have a completed parental liability waiver.  Go to the event page at www.gunnisonrec.com for more information and to download the waiver form.  For more information you can also call 970.641.8427.  See you on Saturday night!

WHAT IS IT?

                Crop circles in Gunnison?
                        UFO landing sites?
            Just what is it?  Where are they?

These concentric circles are the newly installed drilled surface treatment on the pool decks at the Gunnison Aquatics Facility.  Contractors came in at night time when the pools were closed and drilled the circles into the concrete decking to create a more slip-resistant surface around the pools.  Not only are they "cool-looking" but they help with traction and safety around the pools.  Check them out at the Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Facility! 




Swim Time Again!

The next session of Youth Swimming Lessons start on Monday, February 11th.  They are held Monday and Wednesday evenings.  Call 641-8060 to sign up. 

The Adult Swim Program will meet tonight, Wednesday, February 5th at 5:15 P.M. in the Community Center Pool.  This program meets once a month and is for beginning and intermediate swimmers who want to build confidence and endurance in their own swim workouts.  This program is FREE for facility members.  No need to sign up - just show up! 

See everyone in the pool! 

Western in TOP 10!

Mountain Bike Action magazine has selected Western State Colorado University as ranking in the TOP 10 Universities for mountain biking!  

Biking at Hartman Rocks

WSCU's Mountain Sports Team Director Dave Weins stated "Gunnison and WSCU's backyard trail riding is top-shelf, second to none.  Our riders' daily bread is the magnificent 50+ mile trail network of the Hartman Rocks area." 

WSCU students, locals and visitors alike can bike this multi-level biking trails recreation area located a few short miles south of town.  The City of Gunnison co-owns the base area and provides parking, pit toilets and a covered picnic shelter with access to the trail system. 

WSCU has also been ranked as one of America's best colleges in Forbes Magazine in 2011, one of Forbes' Top 100 Best buy Colleges, one of the top liberal arts schools by Washington Monthly, and is listed as one of America's top "coolest schools" by the Sierra Clkub.  Way to go WSCU!

Nordic Fun this Weekend

The Gunnison Nordic Club is holding it's Annual Kenny Mac Nordic Fun Event this Saturday, January 26th starting at 10am at Mill Creek.  The event is sponsored by Acli-Mate.  All ages and skiing abilities are welcome to participate.  Races range from 1km to 30km and are for kids to adults.  The adults ski off at 11am and the kids follow at 11:15am.  There will be an after-ski party in the Mill Creek parking lot.  Registration starts at 10am in the Mill Creek parking lot and there is a registration fee.  Go to www.gunnisonnordic.org for more information.

The Kenny Mac Nordic Fun Event is named in honor of Ken McLennan, who passed away in June 2011.  Ken was the first Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Gunnison and was a well-known and respected local sports enthusiast in th Valley. 

Come out and enjoy some snowy nordic fun! 

MLK Jr. Holiday City Closures

City of Guunison Offices will be CLOSED on Monday, January 21st in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday.  City offices will re-open on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Police, Fire and Dispatch/Communications will be working on Monday.

Refuse Schedule:  if your trash is normally picked up on Monday, it will be picked up on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Please contact the Public Works Department at 641-8020 if you have questions. 

Community Center Schedule:  The Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Faciltiy will be open o from 8am to 9pm on Monday, January 21st.  There will be NO Early morning swimming on Monday.  The Community Center climbing wall will be open from 12 noon to 7pm.  Please call 641-8060 if you have questions. 

"Peace is not merely a distanct goal that we seek;  but a means by which we arrive at that goal."  Martin Luther King Jr.

Baby, it's cold outside!

If you've been outside in Gunnison lately, you may have noticed we're a tad bit chilly these days.  After a couple of years of milder winter weather, we seem to be back in the deepfreeze of yore.

By following a few practical tips, you can help avoid frozen water pipes this winter.
Maintain the heat at a minimum of 55 degrees inside your home. 
Don't turn your furnace off when you leave for a winter vacation. 
Avoid cold drafts by the water meter or on exposed pipes by replacing broken windows, caulking holes in the foundation and around window frames.
If the water meter or water pipes are near the foundation, in a crawl space, or in another area where cold temperatures are present, wrap the meter and pipes and insulate the area.
When the temperatures are severly cold, run the cold water faucet in the sink or tub at a MINIMAL rate to maintain water movement through the pipes to help prevent freezing. 
Stay warm!  Spring is just around the chilly corner. 

Welcome Back Bill Dowis

That's right!  Bill Dowis is back coaching the Coed Junior Basketball Program.  The program is for boys and girls in 4th to 6th grades and has practice every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. at the Community Center gym.  The Gunnison teams will play Crested Butte and Lake City at the end of the season for Valley bragging rights!

Coach Dowis coached this program for years and focuses on the kids having fun while learning the fundamentals of basketball.  If your child is interested in having fun, learning skills and playing in this basketball league, sign them up at the Gunnison Community Center, 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison or call 641-8060.  Sign up and Shoot Some Hoops!

Winter Programs Starting

The Gunnison Recreation's Winter Programs are starting.  Programs starting this week include: Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing, "Play 60", Junior Basketball, Tae Kwon Do, "FUNducation", and Duster Wrestling!
Next week they'll start Gymnastics, Mite and PeeWee Basketball, Cheerleading, "Sporties for Shorties", Volleyball, Rock Climbing, Pickleblall, Indoor Track, and much, much more! Whew!  There are also swimming lessons, kayaking lessons, diving lessons, and lifeguard training in the Aquatics Center. There's an activity for everyone.  Give one a try!  
For more information or to reigster call 641-8060, go to www.gunnisonrec.com or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue in Gunnison.