The spring months on my wall calendar are always full of scribblings. Lines and arrows mark trips planned and visitors arriving; bold notes scream reminders of tax payments to be made and anniversaries and birthdays to be celebrated.

This year there’s a new May notation sandwiched between Cinco de Mayo and Mothers’ Day…Valley Floor Day, May 9. 

Twelve months ago in Telluride’s Elks Park, a jubilant Mayor John Pryor announced the crossing of the Valley Floor fundraising finish line.  Fifty million dollars had, indeed, been delivered that afternoon to the district court. In an unprecedented success story of public/private partnership, the extended Telluride community had pulled off what had looked to be impossible. Meeting the Valley Floor purchase price set by the court three months earlier, we had demonstrated our common resolve to preserve the three-mile valley serving as the gateway to our landmark town site as public open space. In doing so, we had defined ourselves as a community of passion, commitment and vision. Mayor Pryor proclaimed May 9 as Valley Floor Day as citizens erupted in cheers; and supporters celebrated into the night.

I often reflect on the experience of having been part of this effort to protect the Valley Floor. It has stretched me personally, testing my priorities and forcing me to publicly define my values. I’ve been amazed by the tremendous financial generosity within our community and inspired by the unwavering optimism of citizens dedicated to responsible land use planning and the thoughtful stewardship of our fragile natural assets. I am proud to live in a community that both honors it’s history and stands up for its future.

While I had hoped that we would have had a favorable announcement from the state Supreme Court by this time to elevate our cause for celebration this Friday, there’s no news on that front yet.  It appears that our major wahoo will have to wait until later this summer.

So, what’s on my calendar for this first anniversary of Valley Floor Day?  I’ll be out on the valley, reflecting on all that has been accomplished and anticipating what is yet possible. There is, simply, nothing like a walk in the park.