News November 19, 2014

 Our parks need you to speak up! Please come to one of the last three Community Meetings hosted by Mayor Bach between now and Dec 4, and let the Mayor know that parks are a priority and as important as fixing potholes–they are necessary for our quality of life, and are an economic driver for the region.

• Thurs, Nov 20. 21st Century Library (Northeast), 1175 Chapel Hills Dr, CO 80920, (Mountain Metro bus Route 25 services this location-involves a 3 block walk)
• Tues, Dec 2. City Auditorium (Central), 221 E Kiowa St, CO 80903, (Mountain Metro bus Routes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9A, 9B and 11 service this location)
• Thurs, Dec 4. Cheyenne Mountain High School (Southwest), 1200 Cresta Rd, CO 80906

Topics at the Community Meetings will include the highest priority, backlogged capital improvement projects in YOUR neighborhoods for streets, public safety and parks. We encourage residents to come to the meetings with your questions and concerns, and speak up for the importance of our City Parks.
See more information and the full schedule at our website.

Friends of Monument Valley Park Fundraiser, Wed, Nov. 19, 5:00-7:30 PM at Johnny’s Navajo Hogan, 2817 N Nevada. Proceeds will go towards restoration of the historic stonework in the park. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks at happy hour prices. Navajo Hogan will be donating 20% of additional food purchases.
Come on out and support one of our great Friends Groups, and a worthy project!

In the past five years with Indy Give!, your donations have helped us make a real difference in our community for trails, parks and open spaces.

Starting now and running through Nov. 22, donate your outdoor gear on behalf of TOSC, who will receive 50% of items sold, and YOU will be entered to win great prizes. Prizes include items from Sierra Designs (a $550 mountaineering tent!), Kelty, Fox River, Optic Nerve, Klymit, Camelbak, City Rock, Unlimited Bodywork, Gordini, and MUCH more! Stop by anytime during business hours, the event Friday the 21st, or the sale Saturday the 22nd.Donate any of your acceptable outdoor gear and be entered to win! Did we mention the Sierra Designs tent is valued at $550!? There are over $1,000 in prizes to give away!

Friday, Nov. 21, 7 pm. A Thousand Takeouts, a multi-media presentation about rafting through the Grand Canyon. Food from McCabe’s Tavern and refreshments from New Belgium. Prizes, giveaways, and great conversation.
Saturday, November 22, 10-6, party and sale. TOSC benefit.
– Discounts up to 50% off store inventory.
– FREE lunch for first 100 guests starting at 11:00.
– Live music.
– Prizes and giveaways.
– Free chair massages from Unlimited Bodywork.
– TOSC will receive a portion of the sales and be present with prizes if you donate through the Indy Give.
Get more information and see our complete FUN event schedule at www.trailsandopenspaces.org/give

Despite the cold weather, there was a good turnout for the Ute Valley Park Master Plan meeting last week. Participants gave input on two alternative plans for the future of the park. Next steps–Parks staff is working on a draft Master Plan using input from the two public meetings that have been held so far, and will present it at an open house Jan 27, 5-7 pm at Eagleview Middle School. To see the input from the first public meeting and the stated goals of the process, see this link. To give your input on the proposals, email sbryarly@springsgov.com.

Pike Peak Area Council of Governments is moving forward with a draft transportation plan for walking and biking. PPAGC staff and committee members considered 68 traffic corridors and selected 10 which they considered priorities. The goal of the effort is to make nonmotorized transportation, such as biking and walking, more attractive by ensuring that bike lanes, trails and other infrastructure “are safe, connected, easy to use, and well-maintained,” according to the PPACG press release. A draft transportation plan is scheduled to be released for public comment in January 2015. Stay tuned for information about the plan, and how to comment, when it is released.

An excellent overview of the process, especially as it pertains to the West side of Colorado Springs, was published in the Westside Pioneer–you can read it at this link.