News August 7, 2019

News August 7, 2019
TABOR Retention Resolution
Antlers Park
Acacia Park
More info at VoteYesforParks.com
TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) requires that excess revenue be returned to taxpayers. But voters can choose to allow the government to keep the money. City Council is expected to ask voters to forgo $32 per household and use those dollars for improvement projects at local parks, trails and open space. In the weeks to come we will feature the proposed projects.
Project #1: Historic Parks – Antlers, Acacia and Alamo Square/Pioneers Museum
All three sites are currently going through a re-master planning process. Funds are needed to improve lighting, ADA improvements, new pedestrian areas and connections, potential dog park amenities, community gathering spaces and exhibit expansion.
City Council is expected to vote to place the TABOR retention proposal on the November ballot at its meeting on August 13th.
Opportunity for Public Comment on Improvements Affecting Garden of
The Gods Park
The city is soliciting input about the 30th Street Redevelopment Project. There are several aspects that directly affect Garden of the Gods, including: Gateway Road Roundabout and Vista Point, Foothills Trail Underpass and the Water Quality Pond. Please review the project plans and send your comments or concerns to project manager, Robyn Allen, roallen@springsgov.com.
Deadline for public comment is
August 31.
Criteria for Future State Parks
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is drafting criteria for evaluating potential properties to create future state parks or expand existing state parks. ​​​​​​​​​​You can help identify future places in Colorado that will be conserved and available for public enjoyment.
As CPW considers possible new properties, CPS want to hear from you about what characteristics and qualities you would like to experience at future state parks.
Complete the Parks Criteria Public Comment Form by August 15th, 2019.
Trail Updates
More info may be available on Facebook.
Pikes Peak Greenway
Trail Closure
A section (noted in red) of the the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail at Monument Valley Park is closed for repairs due to damage caused by a water main break. It is unknown at this time when the repairs will be complete. Please use caution and utilize designate detours.
Palmer-Mesa Trail Closure
Trail closed Aug. 5th – 19th
The Palmer-Mesa Trail will be closed for about two weeks for water-related construction work between Kissing Camels Drive and Fillmore Street. Trail users and other pedestrians are encouraged to cross Mesa Road at signal lights and use the sidewalk on the west side of Mesa Road.
More details on our Blog.
Trail Closure – Manitou Incline
Sat. Aug 24 – Sun. Aug 25
Manitou Incline will be closed the last weekend in August for the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. As some of the world’s best mountain runners compete in the 13.32-mile ascent to the summit of Pikes Peak.
Upcoming Events
Classy Ladies’ Cocktail Bike Ride
Sun. Aug. 11, 2:00 – 6:00 pm – Bott Park 907 S 26th St
Let’s get all dolled up & pedal to our favorite cocktail spots. This classy bike ride is made possible by Colorado Health Foundation, Organization of Westside Neighbors and Bike Colorado Springs, a program of the Trails and Open Space Coalition. This casual 8 mile ride will visit 3 neighborhood parks and 3 restaurants. Please RSVP to reserve your spot.
More information available on Facebook.
Member Hike – Jones Park Open Space
Sat. Aug 17, 9:00 – 2:00 pm
To register please call 719-520-6977.
Check out Facebook Event.
Preview new County Open Space and learn more about the plans for Jones Park!  El Paso County staff will be leading this advanced hike for TOSC Members. Skilled hikers will cover 8+ miles in 4-5 hours with steep elevation gains and rocky/uneven terrain.  Please be sure you are prepared and able to endure this hike before registering. Bring lunch and water.
Member Hike – Elephant Rock Open Space
Fri. Aug 30, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Elephant Rock Open Space is not yet open to the public, but TOSC Members are invited to join El Paso County Park staff for an easy hike to preview the property and learn more about its history. This hike passes through thick brush, so please dress appropriately and bring water.
To register please call 719-520-6977. Visit Facebook Event.
American Discovery Trail (ADT) Marathon 2019
Mon. Sept 2, 6:30 am
Runners’ favorite Boston Marathon Qualifier course is back! This point to point route starts in Palmer Lake and finishes at America the Beautiful Park. The Pikes Peak Road Runner’s 2019 American Discovery Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Kids 1K directly benefit organizations dedicated to supporting local trails.
Registration and more info at ADTMarathon.com
Not a runner, but still want to be a part of the fun? Be a volunteer!
To register as a volunteer, please email Sarah Reed at selamberg@gmail.com.
Proceeds benefit the Trails and Open Space Coalition and the Pikes Peak Road Runners!
Friends and Partner News
Concerts in Bear Creek Park
Wed. Aug 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Bear Creek Regional Park East
Come enjoy some jazz in the park! This week you will be entertained by Triple Play Quartet. So grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy some live entertainment at Bear Creek this summer.
For more information visit www.ppjass.org or call 719-520-6977.
Star Party at Garden of the Gods
Wed. Aug 7, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center: 1805 N 30th St
Come learn about astronomy with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society! Get a new perspective of the night sky when you use the telescopes to get a closer look. All ages are welcome. This is a weather dependent outdoor event.
FREE, no reservations required.
More info on Facebook.
Gallop in the Garden –
Free Weekly 5K Fun Run
Thur. Aug 8, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Enjoy an evening jaunt in the Garden. Everyone is welcome to run, walk or jog through the Park and Rock Ledge Ranch. Participants can earn great prizes for completing 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 run!
More info at GardenofGods.com.
Please preregister here.
Friendly Frogs
Sat. August 10, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Frog species come in a variety of colors and sizes. Learn to identify some common frogs and their sounds. Indoor activities include a fly catching contest and making an origami frog followed by a guided hike. For ages 6+.
Moonlight Storytelling Hike
Fri. Aug 16, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Bear Creek Nature Center
245 Bear Creek Rd
Enjoy the moonlit trails of Bear Creek Nature Center accompanied by storytelling. A great evening for all ages! Please preregister here.
Volunteer Projects
Check out our Volunteer 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. Aug 7, 7:30 – 1:30 pm
Fri. Aug 9, 7:30 – 1:30 pm
410 JL Ranch Heights Rd
Contact darcy.mount@state.co.us for more info.
Friends of Ute Valley Park
Wed. Aug 7, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
1648 Pinon Park Drive
Friends of the Peak
Thur. Aug 8, 8:00 – 2:00 pm
Sat. Aug 10, 8:00 – 2:00 pm
Friends of Monument Valley Park
Sat. Aug 10, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
W. Boulder Street Entrance
Friends of The Equestrian Skills Course
Sat. Aug 10, 9:00 – 3:00 pm
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd
Manitou CATS
Sun. Aug 11, 8:00 – 1:00 pm
10 Old Man’s Trail Manitou Springs
Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates
Thur. Aug 15, 5:00 – 8:30 pm
245 Bear Creek Rd
Public Land News
Milestone Moment for Pacific Crest Trail
The Trust for Public Land is proud to announce that after five years of negotiations and fundraising, conservationists have purchased a tract of land in the mountains west of Mount Shasta surrounding a 17-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California. The deal, in partnership with the Pacific Crest Trail Association, preserves over 10,000 acres, opens public access to ten previously off-limits alpine lakes, and protects scenic views along a thirty-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Read more at www.tpl.org.
TOSC encourages you to support local business partners and TOPS by shopping locally. If you shop online, Smile.Amazon.com will provide a small donation to Trails and Open Space Coalition.
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