News July 19, 2018
Expansion for Blodgett Peak Open Space
Blodgett Peak
The TOPS Working Committee and Parks Advisory board approved the purchase of 3 parcels that would expand Blodgett Peak Open Space by 64 acres, making it almost 40% larger. The open space is located in the northwest of Colorado Springs. The proposal now goes before CS City Council. In addition to protecting the mountain views, the property provides a connection to Blodgett Ranch Trail and Pike National Forest. Read more on our blog.
Kane Ranch Open Space Hike
Sat, July 28, 9 am – 12 pm
Kane Ranch Open Space isn’t yet open to the public, but you can join El Paso County Parks and the Trails and Open Space Coalition for a guided preview hike. FREE for TOSC and EPC Nature Center Members, $5 for non-members. Registration required, call 719-520-6977.
Save the dates–PlanCOS meetings
PlanCOS, the Colorado Springs Comprehensive Plan, is now in draft form ready for your input. View it now at: coloradosprings.gov/plancos. Deadline for comments is Aug 6th.
Volunteer Projects
Please help at the ADT Races!
We could really use your help at our big end-of-summer event: The American Discovery Trail Races on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3! We need volunteers for all aspects of the race from packet pickup (Sunday, Sept. 1) to helping at water stations and even the fun job of passing out medals to those happy and deserving finishers.
Sign up with your volunteer interest here!
Creek Week Crews Forming
The 5th Annual Creek Week regional cleanup will be held September 29 through October 7. Creek Week organizers are seeking volunteer Creek Crews and Crew Leaders. If you have an interest in starting up a Creek Crew or other cleanup project, please contact Carolyn Best, cabest@csu.org by Friday, July 20.
Upcoming Volunteer Events
Friday, July 20 –Barr Trail
Saturday, July 21–Cheyenne Cañon Trail Day
Friday, July 27–Barr Trail
Saturday, July 28–Pikes Peak Summit Transplanting
Save the Date for National Public Lands Day Sept 22
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Saturday, Sept 22, 8 am-noon
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a volunteer service project! Come work alongside City of Colorado Springs staff to restore and close an illegal trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
Friends and Partner News
Brews for Crews and Friends
You are invited this August to Trails End Taproom, 3103 w Colorado Ave, for dialogs with members of our outdoor recreational community.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon (FoRRC), Friends of The Peak (FOTP) and Manitou Trail CATS are hosting short talks and Q & A discussions of issues about our open space and trails.Trails End Tap Room, the first self-pour taproom in Colorado Springs, has generously offered to donate all tips in the month of August to support the work of FOTP and FoRRC.
Go to our blog for a complete list of discussion topics and dates.
Summer Concerts in Bear Creek Park
Bring your picnic, lawn chairs or blanket and the family to enjoy the summer nights with some great outdoor entertainment in Bear Creek Park. All concerts are free.
  • August 1, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m Academy Jazz Ensemble
  • August 8, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. New Horizons All In Jazz
  • August 22, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m Triple Play Quartet
  • August 29, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m USAF Academy Band Falconaires and Alumni Band.
For more information, call 520‐6977, or visit www.ppjass.org
Musical Monday in Monument Valley Park
Monday, July 23, 7-8- pm
On the lawn west of the Fine Arts Center, Mesa Rd and W Cache La Poudre.
Join the Friends of Monument Valley Park for a Musical Monday concert July 23rd, featuring Tribe, playing blues, reggae and New Orleans R & B.
The Concert is FREE. Come early, bring a blanket and picnic. Food for purchase is available.
TOPS Working Committee Needs Volunteers for monthly meetings
The TOPS Working Committee helps guide the City in the acquisition, stewardship, development and preservation of Trails, Parks and Open Space, with the goal of creating a legacy for the future in the Pikes Peak region. Find out more at this link.
Some spots are coming open on the committee. Apply by Friday, July 20th. Send applications and resumes to cmehew@springsgov.com.
Dewey’s Backpack
Summer Family Fun
Fun, FREE and Engaging Experience for your kids this Summer–Stop by the Utilities’ Conservation & Environmental Center to experience Dewey’s Backpack. Have free fun with Dewey while learning about water and energy.
Mon – Fri, 8 am–5 pm
Info, 719-668-8232.
Parties for Parks
Join us for a Celebration of El Paso County Parks. Enjoy Food, Drinks and Fun! Drop in to meet the dedicated Friends Groups and Staff. See what’s new in your local Parks.
FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS!
North Region Aug 166-8 pm, Pikes Peak Brewing
South Region Aug 306-8 pm, Fountain Creek Nature Center
Central Region Sept 136-8 pm, Bear Creek Nature Ctr
East Region Sept 306-8 pm, JAK’s Brewing
America the Beautiful Park
Photo by Jeremy Van Hoy
Photo Contest
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is excited to announce the 6th Annual Discover Colorado Springs Calendar. Share the beauty of our parks, trails, and open spaces. Photos must be submitted by the photographer, who must be the owner of the submitted photo. The deadline for photo submissions is September 25, 2018See the city site for more information and guidelines.
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