News February 27, 2019

News February 27, 2019
County Commissioners Vote to Restore Leash Requirements in Parks
Thur. Feb 28, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
Centennial Hall: 198 S Cascade
For the past several years the county has allowed dogs to be off leash in county parks if they were “under control.” This month, El Paso County’s Parks Advisory Board unanimously voted to restore the “dog on leash” rules in county parks. The rules match the city’s rules – all dogs must be on a leash in city parks and on city trails except in designated areas (dog parks and off-leash areas.)
The resolution now goes before the Board of County Commissioners who are expected to vote on it at their meeting on Thursday. The community is welcome to attend the meeting and provide input to the Commissioners.
Nature Center Survey
The first public meeting to discuss a new Nature Center in Northern Colorado Spring was held in January.
The county is looking for more community input and feedback to help identify priorities and local interests. Share your thoughts and opinions, take the survey.
Public Lands News
Land and Water Conservation Fund
On Feb 12, 2019 the Senate voted to indefinitely extend the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a key funding mechanism for national and local parks. Senate Bill 47, now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Events
City Council Candidate Debate
Thur. March 7, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Packard Hall: 5 W Cache La Poudre St
Attend the Energy and Open Spaces Debate: A Town Collaborative, for the upcoming Colorado Springs City Council Election. Hosted by The Collaborative for Community Engagement, Colorado Springs Independent, Colorado Springs Business Journal, and Trails and Open Spaces Coalition.
Sports & Recreation Expo
Thur. March 21, 5:00 – 8:30 pm
Ivywild School 1604 S Cascade Ave
Get ready for your summer of adventure at the Outdoor Sports and Rec Expo! Connect with local vendors to learn about events, fitness training and must have gear. Meet up with CityRock, SUP Colorado Springs, The Fix Colorado, cts, Colorado Fun Guide, and The Trails and Open Space Coalition.
25th Annual Starlight Spectacular
Sat. June 15, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Garden of the Gods: 1805 North 30th Street
The Starlight Spectacular Early Bird Registration is now open! This annual tradition has become one of the nation’s oldest and largest community bike rides.Cruise through the moonlit streets of Garden of the Gods and west Colorado Springs for 16, 21 or 23 miles—now with an early 4-mile kid friendly ride. This year we are celebrating “25 years of wild style”. Pick your favorite theme, light up your bike and join us for a spectacular late night ride.
We are still accepting event sponsors, this is a great way to advertise your brand to thousands of people! Sponsorship DEADLINE is Feb 28, contact aaron@trailsandopenspaces.org for more info.
Volunteer Projects
Palmer Park Work Day
Sat. March 2, 9:00 – 12:00 PM
Palmer Park 3600 Maizeland Rd
Traverse the park while doing some good. Volunteers are needed for picking up trash and collecting dog waste. Smaller groups will be led in performing light trail maintenance and clearing trail corridor throughout the park. You must register to participate!
Cheyenne Mountain State Park Trail Maintenance
Tue. Mar 5 8:30-1:30
Fri. Mar 8 8:30-1:30
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
410 JL Ranch Heights Rd
Volunteers needed! Trail Crews primarily perform routine maintenance on the 20 miles of existing trails. That can mean anything from pruning overhanging greenery to cleaning and re-building erosion control devices.
If you are interested in helping on a trail crew please contact Senior Ranger Darcy Mount, darcy.mount@state.co.us.
Equestrian Skills Course Work Day
Sat. March 9, 9:00 – 3:00 pm
Equestrian Skills Course atBear Creek Regional Park
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd
Come out and help build the only public equestrian park of its kind in the country! The Friends of the Equestrian Skills Course have started work on The Flats. Volunteers will be putting up fencing and possibly building obstacles to go in the area, as well as regular maintenance and trash cleanup.
For more information visitequestrianskillscourse.org.
Nature Center Volunteer Training
March 19 & 20, 8:30 – 2:00 pm
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Road
Train to become an Environmental Education Leader for school field trip programs at Bear Creek Nature Center. Learn techniques and programs for connecting students to the foothills and surrounding ecosystems.
March 21 & 22, 8:30 – 2:00 pm
Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain
Train to become a Volunteer Field Trip Leader at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Learn techniques and programs for connecting students to the wetlands and surrounding ecosystems. For more information, please contact Paula 719-520-6387 befcvolunteers@gmail.com.
North Cheyenne Cañon Volunteer Training
Sat. March 23,  10:00 – 2:00 pm
Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center 2120 S Cheyenne Cañon Rd
Support North Cheyenne Cañon Park by volunteering! Volunteer roles include providing visitors with information, directions, assistance (at centers & on trails), helping with education programs and park events (Hummingbird Experience in May, Canya Cañon Run/Hike in November), and/or park clean-ups.
Shooks Run Trail Clean-up
Thur. March 28, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
PikeRide Office
739 E Pikes Peak Ave
Join PikeRide for the monthly Shooks Run trail clean-up on PikeRide bikes! Please be sure to register so there are enough bikes on hand for everyone. You will be amazed by the impact you can make.
Friends and Partner News
Friends of Mueller State Park Meeting
Wed. Feb 27, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Mueller State Park Visitor Center
21045 CO-67, Divide
Show your support by joining Friends of Mueller State Park! Provide input for park projects and programs.
To learn more visit Friendsofmuellersp.com
Urbanism Goes to the Movies
Wed. Feb 27, 6:00 pm
Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center
825 N. Cascade Ave
Come for an evening of short films exploring how people and places around the world are building more resilient communities through innovation, place-making and design. Following the film, local change makers will provide commentary about their own projects that resonate with the themes presented on-screen.
Old Stuff Day at Red Rocks
Sat. March 2, 10:00 – 3:00 pm
3550 West High Street
Join City Park Rangers as they explore the history, paleontology, and geology of Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This free event will have an archaeology booth and guided hikes! All participants MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THE HIKES.
Hike at Mueller State Park
Sat. March 9, 8:30 am
Mueller State Park
21045 CO-67, Divide
Explore the Nobel Cabin Loop in Mueller State Park. Join Naturalist Cindi on this 4-mile moderate hike in the woods on lesser used trail. Meet at Camper Services parking area; bring water, a snack and dress for the weather.
Parties for Parks
Sat. March 16, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain
Join Fountain Creek Nature Centerfor a fun community celebration of our County Parks! Enjoy the short film “The Garden Experience” followed by Parties for Parks reception with food and drinks.
Women in the Backcountry and the Boardroom
March 19, 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Ent Center for the Arts: 5225 N Nevada Ave
Join El Pomar Foundation for a discussion about women’s opportunities, contributions and engagements in the outdoor industry. Hilaree Nelson O’Neill, one of the most accomplished mountaineers in the outdoor industry, will be sharing her team’s expedition to Khakabo Razi in northern Myanmar.
Parties for Parks
Wed. March 20, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
JAK’s Brewing
11860 Stapleton Dr, Falcon
Drop in to meet local Friends Groups and Parks Staff and chat about what’s new with County Parks. Enjoy food, drinks and fun provided by JAK’s Brewing and Papa Johns Pizza!
Report park issues to El Paso County
Anyone who notices issues on County Roads or in El Paso County Parks can use Citizen Connect to submit a service request and track its progress.
Do your shopping at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate to Trails and Open Space Coalition!
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