By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
What to do with the El Portal property has been a topic of conversation for some time in Raton. The City of Raton applied and received a grant to do a study and prepare a proposal for the use of the property that faces Third Street and sits between Park and Clark Avenues.
At the meeting held at the Shuler Theater Thursday evening April 11, 2024, pland Collaborative presented the three proposals that they developed based on over 425 responses they received from a survey on the subject. City Manager Rick Mestas began the meeting noting that economic development is the priority and should a business express interest in the property that will take precedent. He also noted that funding for a park project does not exist at this time and that the proposals give Raton a place to start to find grants and other funding to make the project a reality.
230 respondents felt a playful style park was important followed by 117 picking a flexible market style park with the remainder picking an art style park. Robert Loftis with pland Collaborative noted that several factors went into the development of each proposal taking into account activities, accessibility, sociable factors, possible events and how they can complement activities on First Street not take away from those things. Other factors included the proximity to other features in the downtown area such as extra parking for the Shuler or other events.
Emily Rogers with pland went over the different proposals. Option one is a flexible market park that incorporates parking as well as space for vendors to setup for a craft fair or farmer’s market. Option two, playful park, received the most votes of all the proposals incorporating play areas, pollinator gardens and small concert area. Option three, art park, incorporates a center area called and event lawn where artist could setup displays of artwork. There is also a space for a small, covered stage to perform outdoor theater or concerts.
Elements from each proposal could be incorporated into a totally different plan. As noted, these are proposed options and could change based on further input as well as funding that can be obtained for the project. Another concern brought up at the meeting is the backs of the building facing Second Street. It was felt that many could use some help to clean up and even make then look more like a store front to add to overall space.
