If you’ve recently been near the site of Mountain Heritage Park (MHP) on ‘S’ Mountain, you’ve seen quite a lot of activity! Mountain Heritage Park is nearing completion after an extended delay due to the impact of the Pandemic.
Screens awaiting final installation of Portalet at Mountain Heritage Park. Craig Nielson photo
All site excavation, final grading, and rough landscaping have been completed; the 3 large rusting steel architectural pavilions have been installed. The area has been transformed from the previously barren site. The rusting steel parking lot fence is finished. Portalet screens are up and awaiting a much-needed Portalet, while the parking lot has been expanded and leveled.
The project has been undertaken by the local nonprofit Chipeta Mountain Project (CMP) in partnership with City of Salida and many other local organizations. Mountain Heritage Park is a destination for people of all ages who want to learn about the rich mountain culture and the history of Salida’s iconic ranges.
About the Park
MHP has been created to highlight and celebrate the rich cultural and natural history of Salida’s mountain heritage and become a gathering place of rest, reflection, and connection. It has commanding views of two distinct mountain ranges that have shaped the history and culture of Salida and south-central Colorado for generations.
MHP was designed to be a low-maintenance interpretive mountain pocket park focused on the rich history and culture of our mountain heritage. It features three significant mountain vistas:
Pavilion at Mountain Heritage Park. Craig Nielson photo
- The southern end of the Sawatch Range, including the 14ers: Mount Antero, Mount Shavano, Tabeguache Peak, and 13ers: Taylor Mountain, Jones Peak, and Mount White.
- Ute Heritage: Centennial Thirteener Mount Ouray, the newly re-named Chipeta Mountain, and Pahlone Peak.
- The geographic northern end of the rugged and dramatic Sangre De Cristo Range, including the hometown landmark, Methodist Mountain.
The park will also feature a native ethnobotany flora garden, a geographical and geological welcome sign, and view benches.
CMP is looking for volunteers and contractors to help finish the park. The remaining work includes installing the interpretive signs on the three pavilions, installing the welcome sign, site cleanup, and installation of the native flora garden. If you are interested in helping as a volunteer or paid contractor, reach out to 719-221-2200.
There will also be upcoming volunteer opportunities this summer, as CMP prepares to plant the native flora garden. Once all the work is completed, there will be a public dedication ceremony of this park .
Chipeta Mountain Project is an all-volunteer community group. Because it is not a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it cannot offer you a tax deduction, but it can offer a great deal of satisfaction in helping to make the community a better place. All financial donations will be used exclusively for project expenses.
Donation checks may be made out to Chipeta Mountain Project and mailed to: Chipeta Mountain Project, 407 E. 3rd Street, Salida, CO 81201
Featured image: PJ Bergin surveys the improvements underway on May 1, 2022 as Mountain Heritage Park receives pavilions, with interpretive signage to follow. Merrell Bergin photo
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