CREEDE— On March 7, Creede Town Board members listened to a proposal submitted by Parks and Recreation Director Annkate Sledd requesting the city consider using the gym facilities as a hostel during busy summer months in Creede. The report submitted by Sledd highlights possible income that could come from the proposed venture and how much it would cost the town if they decided to pursue it. Sledd spoke to the board about her thoughts on the issue and began a detailed conversation about supplying additional hotel-like opportunities for the town.

In the proposal, Sledd stated, “I would like the opportunity to discuss the options for creating a hostel that operates out of the gym during peak travel times. This meets the needs of those who visit our community for specific events throughout the tourist season. In theory, the parks and recreation department would use the gym as a hostel during high traffic weekends such as the music festival, 4th of July, the Runoff Runoff and other annual events.”

“Having a local hostel would bring in more young people who may not be able to afford to travel to these events under other circumstances. Operating a hostel out of the gym facility would bring more people to the town, which would generate revenue for multiple businesses in our community, as well as the parks and recreation department. During these summer events, operating the hostel a few weekends a summer would not hinder any recreation programming.”

Sledd continued, “Initially, the recreation department would offer sleeping space for individuals who bring their own sleeping bag, cot or air mattress and possibly a continental breakfast. If the service began to take off, we would have the option of purchasing inexpensive camping cots to rent out for a slightly larger fee. The gym is a great facility to offer this type of service due to the large area for people to sleep, as well as access to showers and bathrooms.”

“If each visitor of the hostel paid $15 per night for a sleeping spot and light breakfast, in one weekend the facility could potentially generate over $500. Doing this for three or four weekends of the year would greatly add to the revenue of the recreation program. If this program proved financially sustainable, we could expand to being open a few weekends in the winter to accommodate Wolf Creek guests.”

Board members were intrigued by the idea and voiced their opinion that it fits into previous conversations about how to add additional accommodations for people in order to keep them in town, rather than traveling to neighboring communities due to the lack of places to stay in Creede.

“I just wanted to bring it to your attention and let you know the idea is floating around out there. I think it’s actually a really cool idea,” stated Sledd.

Trustee Catherine Kim said the board had considered the idea in the past, but that there had been an issue with the fact that the space was being used as a recreational space and how the hostel would be monitored during those times. Kim also stated that if the venture did go forward the town would have to consider updating the locker rooms.

Mayor Jeffery Larson pointed out that he feels the venture should be done as a private business and not have anything to do with the town.

“It is a private enterprise, so maybe it should be a private person who does it. It should be someone private doing it; you’re getting government into private business,” said Larson.

Trustee Lori Dooley suggested that they first look into the liability for the town and check into insurance before deciding to go forward. Larson continued to point out that people coming could be potentially dangerous and that having it as a private business could help alleviate that issue by requiring reservation prior to arrival.

“It should be a private person who is willing to put up the insurance, put up the building and deal with the people. I don’t think that the city should be involved in that. It’s a private issue and that is just my opinion,” stated Larson.

Trustee Teresa Wall ended the conversation that they would keep the topic on their radar and discuss it further at a later time.