News December 18, 2019

News December 18, 2019
I’m grateful for….
When I was 5 years old the only present I wanted from Santa was a “Chatty Cathy”. A doll with a pull string that talked. Mom and Dad were struggling financially as elementary school teachers and cautioned that Santa might not be able to deliver. I refused to accept that and thought my heart would break Christmas morning when there was no Chatty Cathy under my tree. I recall vowing never to want something that much again.
I’ve broken that vow repeatedly through the years. I really wanted to be the Executive Director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition. I longed for an amazing staff who shared my passion for our trails, parks and open space. Each time I’m out on one of our trails I revel in my good fortune and “chat” with most people I pass as if someone were pulling my string.
I partly blame my parents for my stubborn optimism. Shortly after that Christmas, my Dad mumbled about Santa’s mistake and tucked a brand new Chatty Cathy into my arms.  Lesson learned: don’t easily give up on something you really want.
Truth is, I was a “tomboy” and never did like dolls – Cathy was my first favorite and last. I eventually buried my Barbie doll in my backyard. I loved baseballs and footballs, tree houses and bicycles, deep forests and long paths.
This time of year I think about those wonderful Christmases of my childhood and enjoy the gifts of beautiful public spaces that General Palmer and others gave us all those years ago that we celebrate today.
Happy Holidays!
-Susan Davies, Executive Director
City and County Updates
New Nature Center Location
Fox Run Regional Park will be the site of El Paso County’s new Northern Nature Center! After an extensive public process during the recent feasibility study, parks staff and consultants agreed that Fox Run Park has many advantages and would provide excellent educational and programmatic opportunities as well as visitor and funding potential. Black Forest Regional Park was 1st runner up.
Next steps: create an Interpretive Master Plan and final design for the facility.
A capital campaign will get underway soon with an anticipated cost of
$2.8 million. Construction could begin as early as Spring of 2022 with the opening scheduled for Summer of 2023.
El Paso County Master Plan
El Paso County has been experiencing rapid growth and shifting demographics. A new Master Plan will establish priorities, projects, and recommendations to help manage these trends and make our County a more competitive place to live, work, invest, and visit. Residents are encouraged to provide input by completing the questionnaire.
Gold Camp Road Gate Closure?
Consider the proposal to permit the City of Colorado Springs to close gates and restrict access to Gold Camp Road during park closure hours and conduct routine maintenance on the road segment. Please submit your comments to US Forest Service by 1/17/2020.
Upcoming Events
TOSC BIG DAY – Friday Dec. 20th
Holiday Lights Walk 5:00 – 6:30 pm
BIG DAY @ REI 11:00 – 1:00 pm
Come celebrate our BIG DAY, and help us collect 100 donations to support our parks, trails and open spaces! Donate at IndyGive.com/Trails.
As you give this season, don’t forget to check with your employer about matching gifts!
Many businesses offer to match employees’ philanthropic donations with a matching gift program. This is an easy way to essentially double your donation to TOSC.  If your employer has a matching gifts program, provide the following information:
TOSC Tax ID: 84-1156471
Address: 702 E. Boulder St. Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Contact Number: 719-633-6884
Friends and Partner News
Mueller State Park Hike
Sat. Dec 21, meet at 9:15 am
Homestead Trailhead
Winter begins! What do the wildlife do in winter? Watch for winter birds and signs of wildlife. Dress for the weather, and bring water and a snack. 4-mile hike led by Naturalist Nancy. We will start out on Homestead trail then Black Bear, Geer Pond, Lost Pond trails.
Visit cpw.state.co.us or call 719-687-2366 for trail conditions.
Nature Hike with Santa
Sat. Dec 21, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Fountain Creek Nature Center
320 Peppergrass Ln, Fountain
Participate in the interactive reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” poem and make snowflake crafts while waiting for Santa to arrive at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Then hike the nature trail with Santa to see what gifts nature gives us! Space is limited; prepaid registration required.
Register here or call 719-520-6745.
Winter Solstice Trail Social
Sat. Dec 21, 4:00 – 7:30 pm
3103 W Colorado Ave
Celebrate the shortest and darkest day of the year by getting out on the trails after dark with friends old and new! This event will serve as a special after-dark edition of the Trails End Trailblazers – Run, Hike & Bike, featuring your choice of a group mountain bike ride led by the Trailblazers crew, a group hike led by Hiking Bob, or a group run led by the Pikes Peak Road Runners! Bring your headlamps and reflective gear.
First Day Hikes @ CMSP
Wed. Jan 1, 10:00 – 2:00 pm
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Sleet, snow or 20 below, come and enjoy the first day of 2020 with a hike! Choose from three different hikes ranging from 1, 3, and 5 miles long. All hikes will start at 10 a.m. from the Limekiln Trailhead. After you finish, stop by the Visitor Center for some hot chocolate. Fun swag giveaways and an all-around great time make this the best kickoff event to ensure you have a healthy and fabulous new year!
Volunteer Projects
Our outdoor work season is wrapping up, but keep an eye on our Volunteer Calendar for park and trail projects in 2020.
Sand Creek Clean-up Project
Sat. Dec 21, 12:00 – 5:00 pm
3750 Astrozon Blvd. #120
Gather at The Community in Astrozon Plaza then head down to the Sand Creek Trail to clear the trash that is overtaking the neighborhood. Its time to do our part to cleanup the community where we live and commute everyday. Facebook Event.
Bob Telmosse Annual Christmas Giveaway
December 19 – 21, 9:00 – 3:00 pm
Norris Penrose Event Center
The Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway needs volunteers for setup and the day of the give away. Please click here to volunteer!
The Foundation is still collecting toys and monetary donations for the 2019 Giveaway. Most requested items: bikes and presents/gift cards for teenagers and parents. Drop off your donations at Honest Accurate Auto Service,
Ted’s Bicycles or Hot Tub Heaven.
Great Gift Ideas for Pikes Peak Outdoor Enthusiasts
This holiday season, give gifts that benefit the places outdoor lovers like to play!
Calendars & Books
Group Memberships
Random Goodies
In Store Only
o  TOSC Chocolate Bar from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
o   Cañon Blend Coffee at Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop
o  Shop Mountain Equipment Recyclers for new & used outdoor gear
What’s your favorite trail?
Spread your love of parks and trails,
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