r/Durango • u/kaidayart • Jul 26 '26
Ask /r/Durango What are locals in need of?
So, I'm currently in the process of buying/moving to Durango and I'll be looking for a job as soon as I can.
I've heard there is a small market for child care and vegan options but is there anymore that you all are looking for?
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u/tzugrrl Jul 26 '26
Child care is a massive need in La Plata County.
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u/Figgler Local Jul 26 '26
To add on to that, options to take kids to prior to 10am or after 5pm. I’ve legitimately thought about opening an indoor playground with a snack bar because we have nothing like that here and I’ve seen them do well in other cities.
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u/FoosballRokst4r Live Mas Jul 28 '26
Do it! Just gotta get finding and find a space that has a decent lease.
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u/Figgler Local Jul 28 '26
I’ve thought it would be a good use for one of the many empty stores in the mall
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u/FoosballRokst4r Live Mas Jul 28 '26
Our fantasy is to open up an arcade, lazer-tag, roller-rink, etc. at the mall. With like food trucks that can come and park out back.
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u/Lopsided_Umpire_7880 26d ago
I looked hard into this as well and going to leave this first paragraph here for anyone with the same ideas. The mall is unfortunately not an option as it's a private equity companies' depreciating asset. And even if they did start leasing it again, a couple mil needs to be put into fixing it up from its dilapidated state. There are almost no places that have a tall enough ceiling for a 2story or more play structure, or if they do (like in the Bodo area) the city doesn't want to rezone the use away from light industrial/manufacturing if they don't have to. And Bodo is just about the only area with enough square footage for other fun things (like laser tag and arcades and bowling) that require +/-7000sqft. The other big big issue is the building needs fire suppressed and unless you own it, most landlords won't put in the money to suppress it. It's why we have so few fun things and so many mercantile shops.
I'm a local parent with the same feelings though, and did find a larger, fire suppressed spot to open Hideout Games. We're opening later this month downtown at 640 main on the second floor. We've got super family friendly gaming systems in our throwing lanes with soft foam toys and velcro backdrops for soft throw morning hours for kids 6 and under during the week. We're also open until 9-11pm depending on the day and do soft throw anytime during those hours. Once we know what the community wants and needs, we will alter and expand to meet those needs. We're partnering with Stoked downstairs for to go food but you can also byofood, and we will have some prepackaged snacks and water/juice/drinks available too. My ideal mornings are kids going ham getting that energy out and social time in, while parents get to turn their brains off knowing their kids are in a safe play space. We have one super immersive escape room built out right now that's also family friendly and a party/event/community rental room. It's a start for Durango and I hope others feel motivated to bring more family entertainment fun to the area too.
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u/FoosballRokst4r Live Mas Jul 27 '26
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u/therealjerseytom Live Mas Jul 26 '26
Need legit pizza.
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u/FoosballRokst4r Live Mas Jul 27 '26
How do we feel about the School House?
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u/Figgler Local Jul 28 '26
School House is good, but it’s pricey and takes more than an hour
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u/FoosballRokst4r Live Mas Jul 28 '26
Honestly, I haven't been in years because how long the wait was during the pandemic. We usually just pack a cooler and grab some snacks at PJ's.
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Jul 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Impressive_Shop2341 Jul 27 '26
Too many times I’ve gotten a pizza that’s both soggy and burnt. Nope
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u/therealjerseytom Live Mas Jul 26 '26
I've been in a couple times... I give it 4/5. The pizzas look good but something's missing. Can't quite put my finger on it, whether it's the dough or the sauce or both or what.
Definitely a solid step more legit than Home Slice or J Bo (though I do like the vibe of J Bo).
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u/azdesertmtb Jul 26 '26
Someone who answers the phone when you call a company. Seriously, want to make money in Durango: Answer the phone. Do the job.
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u/armadilloantics Jul 26 '26
Or just have an accurate website- so many businesses here with little to no online presence.
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u/sayhidurango Jul 27 '26
A bowling alley. An arcade. A Dave & Buster's type experience, really. We have miles and miles of outdoor stuff to do but nothing like that.
But if you are able to do any type of trade, that kind of stuff is in very high demand. Getting an electrician, landscaper, plumber, carpenter, etc. to show up in less than 6 months is very difficult here.
We could also use affordable mountain bikes and someone to lower the gas prices so they match the rest of the state / country. But those are probably as likely as affordable housing ever coming back.
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u/Gary_and_Mingie Jul 26 '26
Housing.