"We are so appreciative of this, I think most people were very respectful and very careful not to cause any problems like that," Coburn said.

Durango City Council budgeted $50,000 for the feasibility study, which was conducted on one of the 7 acres that make up Chapman Hill's skiable terrain. Councilors also approved $300,000 to install the equipment pending a successful study. Mayor Doug Lyon said the task force spent only $7,500 of the $50,000 on the study, and he said he will fully support a permanent system if the decision comes before the council.

"Snowmaking on Chapman Hill is a great idea, because it's a great outlet for the energy of our youth, and it permits children who might not otherwise have access to a skiing experience to get a convenient and low-cost experience without going up to DMR (Durango Mountain Resort)," Lyon said. Lyon said he expected lift tickets at Chapman to cost about $5.

The project also has a powerful ally in DMR. General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Hank Thiess echoed several residents who spoke in favor of the local hill as an after-school haven for children.

"There are so many different right answers in this for the community, and especially for the kids," Thiess said. "I really think this is a great public project."

Metz said the Recreation Advisory Board will discuss the snowmaking project at its meeting today at 5 p.m. at the Durango Community Recreation Center. If the board forwards a positive recommendation to city staff, staff likely will recommend to council that work begin this summer to install the snowmaking equipment permanently.

City-sponsored snowmaking on Chapman Hill is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Durango Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Metz led a meeting Wednesday at the Chapman Hill pavilion at which the Chapman Hill Task Force presented the results of this winter's snowmaking feasibility study. It was also an opportunity for residents to voice concerns about the project and ask questions about future plans for the ski area.

Patrick Morrissey, a task-force member since the study began in 2003, said all requirements of the study were met during the winter, including temperature, water quality, noise levels and other weather factors. Morrissey said the snow made in December by fellow task-force member Brian Campbell, who worked as a snowmaker for six years at Durango Mountain Resort, was still on the ground in early March.

About 25 people attended the meeting. No residents in attendance complained about noise from the snowmaking equipment, although Metz mailed letters to nearby residents informing them of the meeting. There were a few comments from parents concerned about safety for young children amid more aggressive and experienced skiers and riders. Metz said Parks and Recreation employees will staff the hill whenever it's open, and will enforce the skier's responsibility code as well as maintain an authoritative presence for young children.

Rustin Coburn, who used the area regularly this winter with his friends and the Develop Clothing snowboard team, said most of those who ski at Chapman don't want to jeopardize the privilege.