News April 24, 2019

News April 24, 2019
Cottonwood Creek Trail Connectivity
It’s time for trail-users to celebrate! The Academy Bridge Rehabilitation Project is almost complete. The aging, substandard bridge, on North Academy, has been replaced bringing the structure up to modern safety standards, while also providing an important new trail connection. On May 1st, the Cottonwood Creek Trail will finally link up to the Pikes Peak Greenway with a safe and convenient pathway under Academy Blvd. Soon, it will be possible to commute from Powers Blvd, past Cottonwood Creek Park, all the way to America the Beautiful Park entirely on trails.
Dedication of the Cottonwood Creek Trail/Academy Bridge
Wed. May 1, 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Kumar & Associates: 6735 Kumar Hts
Join Bike Colorado Springs, a program of the Trails and Open Space Coalition, for a pre-event bike ride from the Vincent Drive Trailhead – 6740 Vincent Dr – to the ceremony site for the dedication at 1:00 pm . Come revel with us as we rejoice about the new access this addition to the Cottonwood Creek Trail brings to our community.
Update on cyclist injured by trip line on Rock Island Trail
Follow up on Nard Claar, the cyclist that suffered broken bones, a concussion, and road rash when a booby trap cause him to crash. Nard shared that he is healing and eager to get back on his bike. Colorado Springs police are investigating Claar’s case as criminal assault, though they haven’t yet identified any suspects. Anyone with tips can call 719-444-7000.
Events
Neighborhood Input Meeting
Sat. May 4, 9:30 – 11:00 am
3103 W Colorado Ave
Westside residents, come chat with us about Connecting People to Parks and Trails.
OWN, in partnership with Trails and Open Spaces Coalition, Bike Colorado Springs, CONO and Colorado Health Foundation are looking for ways to increase awareness about the safe connectivity provided by the Midland Trail, create a series of family-friendly rides, and start a “Bikes and Eyes on the Midland” campaign. This meeting is an opportunity for Westside neighbors to share ideas and provide feedback.
More info on Facebook.
25th Annual Starlight Spectacular
Sat. June 15, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Garden of the Gods: 1805 North 30th Street
Join us for a spectacular late night bike ride! Venture through the moonlit streets of Garden of the Gods and west Colorado Springs. Enjoy a lively night of illuminated bikes paired with great food and entertainment. Only early birds are guaranteed a t-shirt, so register now. Have friends or family visiting from out of town? Starlight participants get access to special discounts for booking a room at Hyatt Place Garden of the Gods. You won’t want to missed this incredible community celebration benefiting the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
We need volunteers to help make Starlight a success! There are a variety of way you can help out before, during and after the event. Click here to sign up.
Friends and Partner News
Open House for Circle Bridges
Thur. April 25, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Solid Rock Christian Center 2520 Arlington Drive
Come learn more about the Circle Drive Bridges Project (I-25 and Harrison High, Hancock Expressway, BNSF railroad, Pikes Peak Greenway, and E Las Vegas St). These bridges were built in 1963 and have exceeded their lifespan. It is time to start planning for the replacement of the bridges.
Visit coloradosprings.gov for more info.
City Nature Challenge
Be a part of the 2019 City Nature Challenge! We need as many citizen scientists as possible to document all the flora and fauna we have in the region; that includes regional parks, open spaces, city parks and even your own backyard. Just download the free iNaturalist app and collect pictures and info of all the nature (wildlife, birds, plants and bugs) you see April 26 – 29th.
Panorama Park Open House
Fri. April 26, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Panorama Middle School
2145 South Chelton Road
Come learn about and share your ideas about the huge renovation project at Panorama Park! This 13.5 acre neighborhood park located in Southeast Colorado Springs will soon receive the largest neighborhood park renovation in city history. This initial meeting will focus on creating a multi-generational play experience that is welcoming to all.
Visit coloradosprings.gov or Facebook Event for more info.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Sat. April 27, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM &
Sun April 28, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Manitou Middle School
415 El Monte Pl, Manitou Springs
The Manitou Monsters High School Mountain Bike team is offering Wilderness First Aid and CPR training. This course is perfect for anyone who recreates, coaches or leads groups more than one hour away from medical support services. The training is open to the public and includes 16 hours of hands on training and a Wilderness First Aid Certificate upon completion.
learn more on Facebook.
Spring Fling 5K Poker Ride/Run
Sat. April 27, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
Equestrian Skills Course – Bear Creek Regional Park
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd
Join the Friends of the Equestrian Skills Course for a great multi-user trail event! Bring the whole family (including friendly horses and dogs) to play. Anyone can win the Spring Fling 5K Poker Ride/Run, its a non-speed event. Proceeds benefit the building of the equestrian skills course.
Fountain Creek Family Fun Day Festival
Sat. May 4, 10:00 – 2:00 pm
Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain
Come enjoy some family fun at Fountain Creek with loads of outdoor activity stations. Check out dinosaur fossils, solar oven s’mores, bird watching, bug sweeps, kite making, crafts, puppet shows and more.
Nature Quest Scavenger Hunt at Bear Creek
Sat. May 11, 10:00 – 1:00 pm
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Rd
Get ready, it’s time for a nature scavenger hunt! Teams will complete fun, quirky, and educational challenges, like identifying animal tracks, pollinating flowers and testing water samples. Prepaid registration required, activity # 101000-37.
Bear Creek Community Garden
Want an organic vegetable garden, but don’t have the space? The Charmaine Nymann Community Garden in Bear Creek Park is now open for planting, and a few plots are still available! For more information contact the Bear Creek Garden Association 634-4433 or visit bearcreekgardens.org.
Volunteer Projects
Spring is in the air and volunteer opportunities are blooming. Check out ourVolunteer Calendar for details about community projects and how to connect with one or several of our amazing friends groups that help keep our incredible parks, trails and open spaces accessible and beautiful.
Trail Maintenance
Wed. April 24, 8:30 – 2:00 pm
Fri. April 26, 8:30 – 2:00 pm
410 JL Ranch Heights Rd
Contact darcy.mount@state.co.us for more info.
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI)
Vollmer Road and Shoup Road, Black Forest
Visit www.GACPPP.com for more information.
Great American Cleanup
April 27, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
More than 20 locations
Be a part of the 2019 Great American Cleanup! There are several parks, trails and creeks throughout the Pikes Peak Region that need a good spring cleaning. You can make a positive impact in our community. #trashtag
Public Lands News
Colorado Wilderness Conference
Fri. May 10 – Sun. May 11
Buena Vista Community Center
715 E Main St, Buena Vista, 81211
Calling all wilderness lovers! The Colorado Wilderness Conferences is returning to Buena Vista to discuss the state’s most pressing Wilderness topics such as new designations, current management strategies, and grassroots organizing skills. Learn more about advocacy, stewardship and protections for Colorado’s Wildest Landscapes. Event includes workshops, speaker panels, networking and field trips; along with food, drinks & entertainment.
Visit cmc.org for more info and registration.
Do your shopping at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate to Trails and Open Space Coalition!
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