Nature, raptor center may close

[Zombiewire]

If they close the Nature Center then what will become of that area? There must be some funding somewhere in Pueblo county to keep that program running.
I did my part to get the log rolling.

[large]

Hmmmm, long story . .

The nature center is a product of the Pueblo Planning Commission when it was directed by the Puebllo Council of Governments . . . in the early '70s . . a good idea, but never self supporting . . As are many of Pueblo's neatest things . . It came about at the same time PMI was "Invented" and the directors of PMI chose the "Welfare" route for many years. however it was designed to be and is now, I believe, "Self Supporting" and little if any funds are "Given" to that entity, although their "Friday Nite" and I think, last summer they had "Wednesday Nite Drags" that the city helps with financially because it keeps a lot of the street racers off the street. I think it's about $5000 per year . . Dunno for sure!

But, all of the things designed into Pueblo as Freebies then, had to learn to support themselves as others dreamed up grander and grander things for Pueblo. And the NEW ones are the NEW Investments the city has made and can't, for political reasons, deny money to.

HARP is a good example . . At the planning stages, it was supposed to bring MONEY to the Older Downtown Area, becoming self supporting in a very short time . . Unfortunately, just this morning's paper told the real story . . Ain't never going to happen! The taxpayer will forever foot the cost of the maintenance and upkeep of HARP. I really love the place, but like a lot of other things the citizens have been sold under the guise of becoming independant, never will . .

And as I said when the city fathers started talking about a "Kayak Course and Fish Ladder" in the Arkansas Channel through Pueblo, "IF, it's such a good idea, lets draw up a business plan and let a private entity go to a bank and get the money!" . . . no takers . . And they have continued to fund and build it, even though they still aren't even sure there will even be water to flow through it!

Soooo, HARP gets the money the nature center used to get . . And soon, the Kayak course will be competing for the money with HARP, and we'll have somebody else standing with their hand out for another grandiose idea . . .

[Zen Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Zombiewire

If they close the Nature Center then what will become of that area? There must be some funding somewhere in Pueblo county to keep that program running.
I did my part to get the log rolling.

I'm interested in the future of events already planned for the area. One of the finer music festivals in the state, Bluegrass on the River, uses the Nature Center facilities - if that closes down, does the Festival also lose its home?

Take Care -

ZC

[large]

Sadly, probably . .

Things like that have very little impact on the powers that be . . We have built a convention center and the taxpayer gives a good sized chunk of money every year to maintain and advertise it . . But to support with "Just a Little Help" . . OUT OF THE QUESTION . . It's a virus you get when you live in Pueblo . . it's called the "How much are YOU gonna make?" Virus . . If you live in Pueblo, you shouldn't make a profit . . somehow . . .

We had that problem when the NSRA "Rocky Mountain Nationals" were brought here . . The City, the C of C even, nobody wanted to help, sponsor anything, or do for the attendees . . But we finally got the fact to soak in . . These people weren't "Homeless" or clerks off on a weekender . . These are people who come to Pueblo in a $40,000 toy,and SPENT MONEY . . everywhere! Roughly $2 million . . every June, and each year since Pueblo woke up, more come . .

But, without a place . . and a purpose . . probably won't happen . .

[Zen Curmudgeon]

From today's Chieftain:

Public saves nature center from closing - for now
By KAREN VIGIL
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

A good response from the public has saved the Pueblo Greenway and Nature Center gates from closing, according to spokesman Dave Anderson.

http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1112740828/16

While there are still financial issues ahead, at least the immediate jeopardy seems to be averted.

Take Care

ZC

[large]

OK, now I don't want to sound snippy here, but now . . you have expressed your support for the Nature and Greenway Center . . How much are you going to write a check for this year? And the next? and each year after that? Those are the committments these things need to keep going . . pledges, memberships, sponsors . . if you can't afford $300 a year for them, give them $300 worth of your time, helping them make the money to stay afloat.

Going to an event they sponsor isn't anywhere as effective as a membership or Sponsor check . . the checks are like FREE money to them!

We(my wife and I) support several of the things we like and believe in, that the City and County can't fully support, or doesn't give money to at all any more. This is what it takes to keep all these wonderful things that make our community a neat place to live . . .

[Zen Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by large

Going to an event they sponsor isn't anywhere as effective as a membership or Sponsor check . . the checks are like FREE money to them!

And yet my support of the annual music fest is part of the Center's biggest revenue source. The Chieftain's article reports The center generates most of its revenue during the summer, with the bulk of it coming from the Bluegrass on the River Festival. I'd be happy to support other like events. I do see a lot of competition for my recreational dollar, but I don't see the Center competing effectively for it.

As you noted earlier, "The nature center is a product of the Pueblo Planning Commission when it was directed by the Puebllo Council of Governments . . . in the early '70s . . a good idea, but never self supporting ." We still have a symphony (a kickass one, too) and community theatre seems healthy enough. I don't believe there's a lack of public willingness to support the NC, but I do wonder how well the Center's managers have leveraged their considerable assets.

Take Care -

ZC