The Dolores Visitor Center will be getting a bit of a make-over this Spring.
The county's Lodgers Fund recently granted the Dolores Chamber's request for an additional $5,000 for the renovations.
Chamber manager Rocky Moss said the money is budgeted for several items, including sprucing up the outside of the building and upgrading tourism amenities inside.
First a series of six, heavy-duty banners with icons of area attractions activities will be installed in front of the center Center on Railroad Ave. (Colorado Highway 145)
"Iconography is more eye-catching for people passing through," Moss said. "Each one will have its own graphic: a paddler, an angler, a large elk, a hiker and other outdoor interests."
The phrase "Discover Dolores" will be at the bottom of the banners. Costs for the all the banners and custom metal hanging posts is $950.
Landscaping in front of the center will get $500 worth of improvements. Annuals will be planted, planter boxes will be improved, and the building facade and signage will be spruced up "for a nicer cleaner finish," Moss said.
Inside, a large smart-screen display with a sound bar will be installed and show video of local attractions, bands and documentaries of the region.
Some of the clips will be from local documentary filmmaker David Boyer as well as local bands such as the Porchlights and Lindells.
By connecting the smart screen to an iPad, maps of recreation areas, fishing conditions and river information can be displayed to help out visitors. Eventually, advertising for businesses who are Chamber members could be displayed on the screen.
Finally, a much-needed new camera and tripod will be purchased for marketing and to increase the town's online presence, for about $600.
Other plans include sales of T-shirts and caps, and displays organized into more distinct categories.
"Explore" will focus on archaeology; "Adventure" on boating, motorized activities and mountain biking; and "History" on the Galloping Goose, Dolores and McPhee reservoir.
Framed wall maps behind glass are also planned, They'll map recreation routes and highlight areas of interest.
New brochures for historical walking tours of Dolores will be available at the Dolores Chamber and Rotary booth at Riverfest, June 6.
"The vision of the chamber board is to figure out what will best serve our businesses and community," Moss said. "The additional funding helps fulfill our goals of becoming more of a presence worldwide."
jmimiaga@cortejournal.com
