News November 6, 2019

TOSC has a new logo!
News November 6, 2019
2B Passed!
Special thanks to these partners who contributed to the success of 2B. Friends of Monument Valley Park, Friends of Boulder Park, Friends of Garden of the Gods, Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon, Incline Friends, Corral Bluffs Alliance, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Pikes Peak Pickle Ball Association, Home Builders Association, Downtown Partnership, CS Chamber and EDC/Government Affairs Council, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, Friends of Ute Valley Park and Visit COS.
Great news! Voters supported 2B, the TABOR refund. The Trails and Open Space Coalition was eager to spearhead that effort because it will address critical park and trail needs. For a complete list of projects check out www.voteyesforparks.com
2B is a great beginning. Our next battle will be when we take on the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) initiative. Expiring in 2025, our goal is to bring something amazing to voters in April 2021 that will fulfill the vision for our community of connected and well-maintained trails, improved and new parks and more acres of open space. More information to come!
New Trail Segment – Sand Creek
It’s exciting to see the newest section of trail that will become an extension of the Sand Creek Trail in Southeast Colorado Springs! This new section of trail was built as part of the Patriot Park Development; a new housing project being constructed along Space Center Drive. In 2020, the Platte Avenue bridge will be replaced and a new underpass will connect the Sand Creek Trail to this new segment north of Platte.
Little by little we are connecting trails and fulfilling the vision of the Park System Master Plan.
Map Key
Orange line – new trail section
Blue line – Sand Creek Trail
Yellow area – Completed Storm Water Project
Green area – Future Storm Water project
Park Updates
North Cheyenne Cañon Park
Starting Monday, Nov. 4, North Cheyenne Cañon Park will be closed and gated between the hours of 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.
The goal is to help curtail illegal activity that regularly occurs during the hours the park is closed. It is consistent with the closure process at Garden of the Gods Park and Palmer Park.
Garden of the Gods
Check out the massive upgrade to central Garden of the Gods! The new bathrooms with a view are now open, and parking lot #2 has re-opened.
photo by Larry Marr
Pineries Open Space
RMFI and MHYC have been hard at work on the trail network in the Pineries Open Space. Along with El Paso County Parks who is finishing up the trail, fencing, and signage. Custom security gates will be installed the last week in November, so it’s looking like closer to December for the opening date.
Upcoming Events
Give! Black Lager Release and Kick-Off Party
Fri. Nov 8, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Bristol Brewing Company 1604 S. Cascade Avenue
Join us for the 2019 Give Campaign Kickoff party! Enjoy live music, food, and beer. For every pint of Black Lager you purchase, $3 will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice. Visit Bristol Pub or Old Chicago throughout November and December (or until the beer runs out) and keep giving back.
View Facebook Event. Support TOSC through IndyGive, donate NOW.
TOSC Member Hike – Jimmy Camp Creek
Thur. Nov 21, 9:30 – 1:00 pm
Join TOSC for a rare opportunity to explore the beautiful, rugged terrain of Jimmy Camp Creek. Corral Bluffs and Jimmy Camp are not open to the public. Our friends at Corral Bluffs Alliance will take us on a guided 3-mile hike to discover a variety of unique natural resources. The rocks in this area tell the story of dinosaurs, their extinction and the subsequent evolution of mammals. Learn more about the MAJOR FOSSIL DISCOVERY in this area!
Check out Facebook Event
Garden of the Gods
No Moon Hike
Fri. Nov 29, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Garden of the Gods Park 1805 N 30th St
This Black Friday, come experience the magic of Garden of the Gods at night! The trail will have glowing markers so you can enjoy a self-guided hike under the stars. Join the Astronomical Society to gaze at constellations through a telescope, and check out nocturnal birds of prey with the Nature Educators. All proceeds will benefit the Trails and Open Space Coalition, Garden of the Gods Foundation, and Friends of Garden of the Gods.
#OptOutside
We will be staggering entry into the park this year, five time slots to pick from.
Friends and Partner News
Austin Bluffs Master Plan Meeting
Thur. Nov 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Grant Elementary School: 3215 Westwood Blvd
Pulpit Rock Regional Park, University Park Open Space and the original Austin Bluffs Open Space collectively make up approximately 600 acres of open space in the center of Colorado Springs. Help to develop the master plan for sustainable development of recreational opportunities in the open space as well as guidance for appropriate management of the natural resources.
Learn more on Facebook.
Bear Creek Bear Run
Sat. Nov 9, 8:30 – 12:00 pm
245 Bear Creek Rd
Join Bear Creek Nature Center for their family-friendly Bear Run! Hop in a bear suit and join the sloth of bears for a 3k or 5k fun run. Come early for pre-run Bear Yoga, costume contest, music and more! All proceeds benefit the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers.
To register visit
Canya Cañon
Sun. Nov 10, 11:00 – 2:00 pm
Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center
2120 S Cheyenne Cañon Rd
Run, walk or hike 5K or 5 miles in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. This trail race and family hike benefits the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon. Well behaved pets are welcome to join in the fun!
Open Space Wayfinding
Public Meeting
Tue. Nov 12, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
1628 W Bijou St
Come and learn about the proposed wayfinding and signage options for our Open Spaces. There will be a short presentation, followed by time for public comment. Please come share your ideas and feedback!
First Aid, CPR, AED Classes
Sat. Nov 16, 8:00 – 12:00 pm CPR/AED
1:00 – 5:00 pm First Aid
Bear Creek Nature Center
Learn how to provide immediate care in cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies until advanced medical personnel arrive. Upon completion, participants gain certification through the American Red Cross.
Volunteer Projects
Creek Week Results
Volunteer crews held cleanups in all of the Fountain Creek Watershed communities: Colorado Springs, Fountain, Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake, Pueblo, Woodland Park, as well as in Trinidad. The result…
3,203 participants removed 14 tons of litter and debris from our watershed!
Check out our Volunteer Calendar for details about community projects and how to connect with our amazing friends groups to help keep our parks, trails and open spaces in tip-top shape.
Friends of the Equestrian Skills Course
Sat. Nov 9, 9:00 – 1:00 pm
Bear Creek Regional Park
Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI)
Palmer Park
Concrete Couch and Urban Singletrack Project
Tue. Nov 12, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
1100 S Royer St
Do you love your local parks and trails?
Help support the parks, trails and open space in the Pikes Peak Region.
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