Carbondale, Colorado’s Park System Master Plan process addressed small-town challenges of engaging community members and stakeholders to inform the creation of a plan and support its implementation. Carbondale’s challenges to gathering public input included limited staff time dedicated to stakeholder coordination and broad community outreach, limited consultant funds, community fatigue from recent community planning efforts, and a variety of barriers to participation.

The Gunnison Valley is a special place. Life in this high mountain valley is idyllic in many ways—excellent quality of life for many, clean air and water, beautiful landscapes, vibrant small towns, fantastic recreation opportunities and great people.