Pizzeria Rustica Small Vineyards benefit dinner Nov 18.
Upcoming Volunteer Events.
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 OCTOBER 29, 2014
Update on City Parks Budget
General Fund up 3%; Parks portion to drop by $643,000.
TOSC spoke during last week’s Budget Hearing before City Council. Some members of Council are wounded by our charge that general fund support is budgeted to be less in 2015 than it was in 2014. Here are the facts: yes, the overall parks budget is larger in 2015 because more money will be used from TOPS, Conservation Trust and PPRTA to support projects and water. General Fund support will decrease by $643,000. Why is this important? When we voted for additional taxes for projects and maintenance (through TOPS and PPRTA, for example), public officials promised that those new funds would be in addition to maintaining General Fund support, rather than replacing it, so that Parks would end up better off.
Rather than reduce General Fund support, we think the City should be increasing it! Especially with a 3% overall increase in tax revenue. In the years of recession, Parks took the largest share of budget cuts–their portion of the General Fund is still not back up to 2008 levels.
The 2015 Parks budget includes a list of important projects that will be taken on next year. We are happy to see that! Our concern is with the trend of eroding General Fund support for Parks in Colorado Springs.
The Colorado Springs Walking Club and the Woodland Wanderers invite you to walk Colorado’s newest state park, Staunton State Park, this coming weekend:
DATES: Saturday and Sunday, Nov 1 and 2.
START TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon – FINISH BY: 3:00pm
REGISTRATION: Rainbow Roundup Trout Ranch 12833 Elk Creek Rd. Pine, CO 80470
DISTANCES: 5Km (3.1 mile) trail and 10Km (6.2 mile) trail.
For more information, or to find out about the Colorado Springs Walking Club, contact lynwalks@hotmail.com.
Give! Campaign for TOSC starts Nov 5
First TOSC event Nov 6th, 5:30 pm at City Rock
Come on out for one of the most fun events of the year at Rock the Give! on Thursday, November 6th at City Rock. TOSC and four other great local nonprofits invite you to enjoy circus performances, munchies and beer, prize drawings, and have fun with the great folks from TOSC, RMFI, the MAT, Kids on Bikes and Medicine Wheel! Free entry with suggested donation to one or more of the nonprofits through Give!
Two fun benefits for Give! are happening Saturday, Nov 8th–the Give 4 the community run/walk in the morning, and the Masquerade in the evening. Check out the links for more information and registration.
Make sure to get your ballots in! A list of drop off locations is on the return envelope for the ballot. See the 1A website for the list of projects and some of the supporters.
Volunteers Needed for Ute Pass Trail Nov 14
Erosion control near the base of the Incline
Project: Installation of erosion control fabric and trail repair on the Ute Pass Trail (near the base of the Incline in Manitou Springs.
Date:Friday, November 14th.
Meeting Location/Time: Free parking lot next to Memorial Park in Manitou Springs at 8:30 am. We will carpool to the site as parking is limited. Details: Volunteers should bring sturdy work shoes and long pants, lunch, water bottle and gloves (gloves can be provided). We need 10-20 volunteers. The work is moderate and volunteers should plan on a 4 – 5 hour work day.
If you have a passion for parks and live east or south of downtown, consider joining the El Paso County Parks Board. Information on the Parks Advisory Board is on the El Paso County website; see the map of District 5 at this link. Questions? Call Bill or Susan at TOSC, 719-633-6884.
Wacky Waldo Waldo event another success!
More than 3,000 participants; benefiting TOSC.
TOSC Board and Staff members volunteer at America the Beautiful Park.
We found more than 3,000 Waldos last Sunday at the Waldo Waldo 5K, a benefit walk/run starting and ending at America the Beautiful Park. Morning yoga started off the day (helping Waldo find himself), and the festivities continued with prizes, contests, fun booth activities, food and drink, and of course the group photo of ALL THE WALDOS (and Wendas). Thanks to all the participants and volunteers who made it possible.
Part of the proceeds from this event will go to the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
Pizzeria Rustica Benefit Nov 18, 6 pm
Small Vineyards Dinner with Coaltrain Wine & Spirits
Act quickly; these dinners sell out! Pizzeria Rustica and Coal Train Wine and Spirits team up Nov 18th for an amazing journey, “Small vineyards passport to Elba.” Five delectable food courses are paired with exquisite wines from small vineyards-think Bocelli Prosecco, or Perazzeta Syrah (tasting notes say only 80 cases made!). See the menu here: Pizzeria Rustica Menu. Proceeds benefits the Trails and Open Space Coalition. $59/pp + tax & service. Reservations: 719-475-9700.
Act quickly; these dinners sell out! Pizzeria Rustica and Coal Train Wine and Spirits team up