Advocacy

"To save us from ourselves, perfect our harmony within the the natural world"

What are open space and trails? Open space can be characterized as land left in a primarily natural state containing significant natural, aesthetic, or cultural features that warrant protection. Land designated as open space is permanently protected, not a temporary designation for vacant lands.

Why do we need trails and open space? Trails and open space enhance a community's quality of life. Trails and open space help us maintain our western character and safeguard the visual interest which has brought so many people to our region. As our communities continue to grow, our need for trails and open space grows. More growth means more people accessing limited resources and depleting existing open space resources.

Significant areas such as Palmer Park and Garden of the Gods Park were donated many years ago and those donations remain as the largest source of public open space. However, significant donations have plummeted since the late 1930s. Communities in the Pikes Peak region have developed trails and open space master plans and update them periodically . These address the funding, acquisition and development of additional trails and open space. However, funding of the implementation of these plans has always been a problem. Other means to acquire public open space include purchase, leasing (Section 16), trading or land dedication; however, the growth of open space has not kept up with the population growth or development. Private open space may be secured through open space tracts, preservation areas, conservation easements or land trusts.

GOALS

Create the political climate in which local decisions to fund open space and trails are approved and supported.

Assist local governments in the formation and implementation of their trails, parks and open space master plans.

Build, encourage and coordinate grassroots support for open space and trails.

Develop public/private partnerships to benefit trails and open space.

Influence and coordinate with government agencies, community organizations and businesses.

Promote intermodal use of trails

Promote accessibility to all citizens, including youth, seniors and disabled.

Help the environment.

Be a voice that is heard. 

METHODS

Advocacy is essential to getting trails built or preserving open space. Private individuals and organizations make the most effective advocates. Government bodies; i.e., city councils, county commissions, park boards and others listen to their constituents. To be an effective advocate, you first have to know what it is you want. Define what you want in simple terms that anyone can understand.

Once you know what you want, educate yourself. To be an effective advocate, you have to become educated on a number of things: how the public process works in your community, public relations, fundraising, the master plans your project might fall under, the development process, trail construction and maintenance, how local government works and who the players are, what committees are there that might influence your project, wildlife and habitat, the Endangered Species Act, TEA-21, State Trails Program, Great Outdoors Colorado, TOPS and a host of other subjects. You also need to understand the important role trails or open space might play in your community.

Regularly Scheduled Meetings

Colorado Springs

Calendar

City Council meets in formal session at 1:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Council meets in Council Chambers on the third floor of the new City Hall, 107 North Nevada Avenue. Informal Council meetings are held at 1 p.m. on Mondays preceding formal Council days. All City Council meetings are open to the public, except portions of meetings in which legal, land acquisition, or personnel matters are discussed. Agenda.

The Planning Commission has final agency authority on numerous land use applications as well as acting in an advisory capacity to City Council on various other land use matters. To contact the commission, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Formal Planning Commission meetings are monthly, 3rd Thursdays, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. in the Regional Building Hearing Room, 2880 International Circle.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is an advisory body to the City Council on parks and recreation resources within the City, The Board holds a public meeting monthly to review matters pertaining to the planning, development, improvement, beautification, equipping and maintaining the public parks, playgrounds, programs, urban forest, recreation facilities and resources including golf courses and center street parkings. To contact the board, send email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Meetings are the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1401 Recreation Way.

This paper is broken into three parts: an executive summary, a longer, more detailed version and specific steps you can use as a roadmap to get started.. We have found it works for us and hopefully will help you as you increase your efforts on behalf of trails or open space.