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September 2019 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 37 aims to help people transition into a new profession based on skills and knowledge from past jobs that don’t exist anymore – in this case, people who previously worked at the mine. This is the first time the Skillful initiative has targeted a rural community, but the pro- gram is seeing success, having already transitioned over a dozen individuals, withmore to complete the program soon. Naturita is not alone in its efforts. Regional coopera- tionwithNucla, Norwood and other neighboring towns has been key to identifying priorities and creating a regionally inclusive plan. Together, with other commu- nities that lie within the West End Economic Develop- ment Corp.’s umbrella, they are able to draw people to this part of the world who don’t want the crowds of Moab or Mesa Verde but still desire a world-class recre- ation destination. Fast-forward to Victor, another town with deep roots in the boom and bust cycle that is just one step ahead of Naturita in its timeline to develop and implement its parks and recreation vision. “Victor has implemented everything from its 2012 parks and recreation master plan. Looking back on it all, the involvement of the community in the planning process is what created ownership and appreciation for the im- provements that came over the last decade," said City Adminis- trator Deb Downs. “People are asking more and more to host events in the pla- za downtown. Maintenance of the soccer field and ice rink is completely volunteer-based. And the people trust the local gov- ernment now more than ever because they feel like they were listened to and heard,” continued Downs. Victor is now noticing that other towns of similar size are using Victor as an example of how to make infrastructural improvements that are authen- tic and attract visitors. For those who live, work in or want to help other communi- ties that fit within the recreationally inclined line of growth, it can be daunting. It takes time, a common vision, funding cre- ativity and communication to drive the process. Economies, even micro-economies, take years to change and for a community to grow with it. It takes time for attitudes to change. The more communication and listening that is built into the process, the easier everything will fall into place. “In working closely with these communities, our planners have discovered that the more communication and listening built into the process, the easier everything will fall into place,” Walker said. A critical lesson learned from these communities is to have a written, physical plan to reference moving forward. That helps to create buy-in and efficient decision-making and gives the community amore cohesive direction and identity. Another key piece of the puzzle is finding professional planners that “get” you – someone who understands your community’s potential and wants to help find the funds, create the plan, and see it through. Funding is out there. Often communities don’t get funding on the first try. “DHM’s knowledge of the grant process, the re- sources to access funding and the relationships we’ve developed over the years have allowed us to develop creative funding strategies formany of these small communities,” Christensen said. The more local foundations and legislators on board, and the more community support is demon- strated, the better. Great Outdoors Colorado, the Department of Local Affairs, and county grant programs are just a few of the resources. By fully embracing and including the com- munity members throughout the process – using their ownwords, and celebrating thewins togeth- er – even small steps lead to big change. Every mountain town in Colorado is full of life. The well-known resorts draw residents and visi- tors in with skiing and year-round festivals. The smaller, off-the-beaten-path-towns with their own special appeal haven’t gotten much atten- tion … yet. But their future is bright. \\ achristensen@dhmdesign.com ELEMENTS Small Towns The West End of Montrose County’s signage and wayfinding im- provements, driven by Region 10 Economic Development and Plan- ning, create awareness of the trails, historical sites, and other key attractions in and around the Naturita area. What started as a vacant dirt lot in downtown Victor is now a community plaza that sees year-round use, including the Victor Christmas Bonfire, Sinkhole de Mayo, the Gem and Mineral Show, and regular concerts and outdoor movie showings.