We are dedicated to the preservation of open space and parks, and the creation of a network of trails, bikeways and greenways for the Pikes Peak region.
NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF July 16, 2014
City Parks Master Plan draft released.
Public comment period open now.
We are very excited about the new draft Colorado Springs Parks Master Plan! It’s ambitious, visionary, and sets the stage for solving many of the most persistent problems in our parks system.
Some of the highlights:
Sets priorities for critical trail connections, particularly getting to the east of Powers Blvd, and connecting a 60-mile loop around the entire City.
Proposes adding more than 20,000 acres of open space in the west, southwest and east of the City.
Suggests ways to take care of and improve on what we have now, and how to pay for it.
Compares what we have (and how much we spend to take care of it) to similar cities.
Includes population and recreation trends.
The public comment period is open now, with a target close date of July 23rd. Don’t wait! Download the plan at this link and get your comments in today! Email parksmasterplan@springsgov.com with corrections, comments, or issues with specific statements. Please reference a Plan page number in your email.
City Launches Bark Ranger Program.
Volunteers with dogs needed.
The City of Colorado Springs Parks Department is looking for a few good dogs (and people) to launch the inaugural Bark Ranger program. As a Bark Ranger you will help to positively reinforce great pet behavior in our parks and educate the public about the benefits of keeping dogs leashed and proper waste disposal. Bark Ranger duties can take place during your regular walks in the park–no need to solicit, you will answer any inquiries from the public and make notes about the type of pet behavior observed during your hike.The first Bark Ranger informational meeting and training will occur at the end of the month. If you are interested in learning more or participating please contact Dylan Voneiff at dvoneiff@springsgov.com for additional information.
Crew Leaders needed July 19th
Cheyenne Cañon Trail Project
Friends of Cheyenne Cañon have a trail maintenance day,Saturday July 19th, and they are in need of Crew Leaders! There are plenty of volunteers, but they need people to lead teams on the project. If you have crew leader certification and would like to help, please contact Jeremy Bise: jbise@gmail.com.
Goose Gossage Bike Park Work Days.
Volunteers needed July 17th-21st.
Colorado Springs is about to get their first public pump track! City staff and a professional bike park builder will be on site and need volunteers to help build the park.
Thursday & Friday July 17 & 18, 3 pm – 7 pm.
Saturday & Sunday July 19 & 20, 10 am – 2 pm.
Monday, July 21, 3 pm – 7 pm.
Come one day, or all the days–bring a shovel if you can, otherwise tools will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. Contacttammy@imba.com for questions, or call 303-775-0962.
Call for Volunteers
Help needed for ADT Marathon, Labor Day weekend
Trails and Open Space Coalition partners with the Pikes Peak Road Runners for the ADT Marathon(which includes a half-marathon, relay marathon, and kids’ “fun run” as well). We need 250 volunteers to help coordinate the race.
* Saturday August 30 – Packet Stuffing, Antlers Hilton from 1 to 3.
* Sunday August 31 – Race Registration and Packet Pickup, Expo at the Antlers Hilton, 11 am to 5 pm. Loading and unloading gear at America the Beautiful Park most of the day.
* Monday September 1 – Race day–lots of opportunities, something for everyone.
To sign up or get more information, email volunteer@pprrun.org.
Erosion Control, Trail Maintenance, Trail Building
Trail Closures and Detours
Greenway, Templeton Gap work
The Greenway Trail is closed by Pikeview Reservoir, south of Garden of the Gods Road., for installation of a new storm drain by Colorado Springs Utilities.
Templeton Gap trail is closed for upgrades between Sinton and Nevada.
There is a dirt detour on the Greenway at America the Beautiful Park, where heavy equipment is coming in to create the Creekside water project. Road bikers take care!
TOSC Members-only hikes July and Aug
Explore Mt. Muscoco; Pineries Open Space
One benefit of TOSC membership is that we offer Members-only hikes, often to land that is inaccessible without special permission.
Our next member hike will be July 26th in The Pineries Open Space in Black Forest, which was in the process of becoming a public open space when fire and floods damaged it and other Parks properties in Black Forest. El Paso County is allowing us to take a limited number of Members behind the barriers, where we will tour the property to see what it looks like now and find out what is in store for the future. http://hikejul2014.eventbrite.com.
Join us August 16th for a very special Members-only hike up Mount Muscoco in Cheyenne Cañon! Our hike leader is Bob Falcone, better known as Hiking Bob, trails blogger for the Colorado Springs Independent, President of the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon, and Business Friend of Trails and Open Space Coalition. http://hikeaug2014.eventbrite.com.