Park,” Russo adds, “is a hidden gem—a serene and underutilized treasure that offers peace and tranquility just minutes from town.” Montrose’s development strategy has positioned it as a regional retail, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing hub. Russo highlights the diversity of industries in the town, including global leaders like Mayfly, known for Abel and Ross fly fishing reels, and Scott Fly Rods. “We also have TEI Rock Drills with cutting-edge technology and SWISS-O-MATIC, which produces precision components for aerospace and telecommunications,” he explains.This industrial diversity ensures Montrose is not reliant on a single economic pillar, making it a resilient and thriving community, ready to weather any storm. The town’s extensive trail system is another point of pride. A recently secured $2.5 million grant has supported a project connecting Colorado Outdoors, a major mixed-use development, with the city’s recreation center. “You can now traverse the entire town on trails,” Russo says.The recreation center is a standout amenity with pools, basketball courts, and spaces for myriad activities, cementing Montrose’s appeal for active residents. Efforts to reinvent Montrose’s waterfront have also transformed the community. “Historically, our downtown and businesses grew up around the rail,” Russo notes,“but the area along the river wasn’t wellutilized.”Through the Colorado Outdoors Project, the city has revitalized the Uncompahgre River corridor with walking trails, retail spaces, and conservation efforts to protect water edges. The combination of open spaces and urban amenities paints a picture of a town in motion, continually evolving to meet the needs of residents and visitors. “We’ve embraced being a hub,” Russo says,“servicing the entire region and providing everything from jobs to medical care to recreation.” Montrose is not just a place to live; it’s a community that inspires people to connect with nature and each other in meaningful ways, promoting a strong sense of belonging. DOWNTOWN MONTROSE: A BLEND OF HISTORY AND INNOVATION Montrose’s downtown has long been the heart of 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 MONTROSE, CO
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