Attendees explored design boards, architectural renderings, and a 3D “fly-through” video that brought the school to life. They asked questions about roads, trails, outdoor learning spaces, and the school’s nature-inspired design. District leadership, Board of Education Vice President Erika Brown, and representatives from the City of Durango, La Plata County, and the Three Springs community joined us — along with some enthusiastic kids (and a few babies along for the ride).
The vision behind the school
The design reflects key goals identified through months of planning and listening:
- Deep connection to the outdoors
- Bright, natural daylight throughout the building
- Minimal impact on the surrounding environment
- A warm and welcoming experience for all students and families
- Spaces that connect learners of all ages and programs
- Responsible use of taxpayer dollars
- A thoughtful fit within the Three Springs neighborhood
A mascot moment
Young artists — and some playful adults — sketched ideas for the school’s future mascot. Suggestions included a tiger, chameleon, salamander, snow leopard, scorpion, monkey, and even a tarantula. One standout idea came from La Plata County Commissioner Elizabeth Philbrick, who suggested the tiger salamander. “They are local. I’ve seen them in my backyard,” she said. “When a pond dries up, they can live on land. That’s a great symbol of resilience and transformation.”
What’s next
This unveiling marks an exciting milestone in the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond program. Architects and a Design Advisory Group — made up of Three Springs residents, parents, educators, and district staff — have been hard at work shaping the vision for this school.
Construction is planned to begin in spring 2026, with the school opening to students in fall 2028.
Stay tuned — we’re just getting started. There will be more opportunities to learn about this project and share feedback as we build a school that reflects our community’s values and inspires future learners.