News August 14, 2019

News August 14, 2019
TABOR Retention Proposal has been approved by City Council!
More info at VoteYesforParks.com
Project #2 Monument Valley Park – Lightning, Irrigation, Pavilion and Ponds
If the TABOR excess revenue initiative wins a vote of the people, $1 million will be spent in Monument Valley Park. This funding would be used for maintenance and improvement projects including: two pond restorations, sports lighting for pickle-ball courts, irrigation and tree replacements and restoration of a historic pavilion.
Learn more about this amazing community park and find out how you can make it better by connecting with the Friends of Monument Valley Park.
Next week: Palmer Park
Northern Nature Center Update
Wed. Aug 14, 1:30 pm
Centennial Hall, 200 S Cascade
Interested in the potential Northern Nature Center? Join the Park Advisory Board for a project update presented by the feasibility study contractor, Altitude Land Consultants.
Learn more about the project and study at elpasocountynaturecenters.com
Citywide Plan for the Future of Public Art
Colorado Springs Parks Department oversees much more than “parks.” With “Cultural Services” in their official title, public art is also their domain. The City is creating its first public art master plan. You can help get the process started by completing this survey. The City is looking for feedback about public art in our community and input about future projects.
Get more info at coloradosprings.gov.
Park Updates
New Trailhead at Blodgett
A new trailhead to Blodgett Open Space is NOW OPEN! The trailhead is located at the intersection of W. Woodmen Road and Blodgett Ranch Trail. It provides access to the new 64 acre expansion to the Open Space.
Prospect Lake Closed
Effective immediately, Prospect Lake in Memorial Park is closed until further notice. The closure is due to a precautionary water test taken on Friday, Aug. 9, that returned positive for toxic algae.
Upcoming Events
TOSC is HIRING!
The Trails and Open Space Coalition is looking for a Development Director to plan and coordinate all of our fundraising endeavors.
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.
This Saturday, preview the new County Open Space and learn more about the plans for Jones Park!  El Paso County staff will be leading this advanced hike including 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.
Hazy Trails Tapping
at Fossil Craft Beer
Save the date – Thur. Aug 22
Don’t miss the tapping of Hazy Trails!The Trails and Open Space Coalition had a ton of fun collaborating with Fossil Craft Beer Company to brew this Hazy IPA. We hope you will come join us for a pint when it is finally ready.
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
Calling all VOLUNTEERS!
We need people at aid stations and a couple of people to help with recycling.
To register please contact Sarah Reed at selamberg@gmail.com.
Proceeds benefit the Trails and Open Space Coalition and the Pikes Peak Road Runners!
Cerberus Anniversary Party & Beer Festival
All profits benefit Trails and Open Space Coalition.
Sat. Sept 7, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Cerberus: 702 W Colorado Ave
Don’t miss Cerberus’s BIG Anniversary Party! 225 lucky individuals will get access to this epic beer fest which includes a commemorative tasting glass, Cerberus sticker, free lunch, and unlimited pours for 4 hours.
More info on Facebook.
Friends and Partner News
Concerts in Bear Creek Park
Wed. Aug 14, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Bear Creek Regional Park East
Come enjoy some live jazz at Bear Creek Park! Grab a blanket or lawn chair and get ready to be entertained by Academy Jazz Ensemble. These free concerts are a great summer activity for the whole family.
For more information visit www.ppjass.org or call
719-520-6977.
Mountain Biking Presentation
Thur. August 15, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Starsmore Visitor Center
2120 S Cheyenne Cañon Rd
Join the Friends of Stratton Open Space for a presentation on Mountain Biking in Colorado Springs Parks and Open Spaces. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates will provide information about trail planning, construction, maintenance and etiquette. Plus, get the latest updates on the Chutes trail re-route and downhill designation.
To register please call 719-385-6086.
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.
Crazy Crawdads
Sat. Aug 17, 9:00 – 11:30 am
320 Pepper Grass Ln
After a brief introduction to our “freshwater lobsters,” hike or caravan to a nearby pond to catch and release crawdads. Supplies provided. Prepaid registration required.
More info on Facebook.
Survival Plant Hike
Sat. Aug 17, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Join survival skills expert Robert Seebeck “Cattail Bob” for a special guided hike in Garden of the Gods Park. Learn how to identify edible, medicinal, poisonous and toolcraft plants. He will discuss the traditional, and survival uses for these plants as well as harvest ethics and conservation. Reservations required, go to GardenofGods.com.
Downtown Stadium Project Public Meeting
Wed. Aug 21, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Centennial Hall 200 S. Cascade Ave
You are invited to attend the next public meeting for the Downtown Stadium project. This meeting is led by the City of Colorado Springs.
10th Annual Happy Trails BBQ Fundraiser
Fri. Aug 23, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Bear Creek Nature Center 245 Bear Creek Road
It’s time for the 10th Annual Happy Trails BBQ Fundraiser at Bear Creek Nature Center! The evening will include delicious BBQ, beer and wine, decadent desserts, and live music- all in the beautiful setting of Bear Creek. All proceeds benefit the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers.
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.
The Board of El Paso County Commissioners is seeking a community-minded citizen volunteer to serve on the El Paso County Park Advisory Board. Learn more and apply at elpasoco.com.
Application deadline is August 16.
Concrete Couch
Wed. Aug 14, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
1100 South Royer Street
Please RSVP to trails@concretecouch.org
Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates
Thur. Aug 15, 5:00 – 8:30 pm
245 Bear Creek Rd
Trail Maintenance
Thur. Aug 15, 7:30 – 1:30 pm
Wed. Aug 21, 7:30 – 1:30 pm
410 JL Ranch Heights Rd
Contact darcy.mount@state.co.us for more info.
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI)
Friends of the Peak, Colorado Mountain Club,
Mile High Youth Corps & U.S. Forest Service
Sat. Aug 17 & Sun. Aug 18, 8:00 – 5:00 pm
Spend a weekend camping and constructing part of the new Devil’s Playground Trail on Pikes Peak!
Trail Work
Sat. Aug 17, 8:00 – 2:00 pm
You must sign up in advance by calling 684-9811 or e-mail trails007@aol.com.
Bear Creek Dog Park
Sat. Aug 17, 9:00 – 11:00 am
21st St
Manitou CATS
Sun. Aug 18, 8:00 – 1:00 pm
10 Old Man’s Trail Manitou Springs
Public Land News
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.
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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