News January 1, 2020

News January 1, 2020
TOSC 20|20 Parks Challenge
The Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) wants to encourage people to get out and enjoy our parks. So, we have selected 20 different parks for you to visit. Snap a photo while you are there, share it on our Facebook and/or Instagram. Visit all 20 parks in 2020 and you will earn bragging rights and a fabulous “I Love Parks” sticker. Keep an eye out for our TOSC rocks when you visit each park! Each month we will feature a different park; visit Cottonwood Creek Park in January! Post pictures from you visit on our Facebook or Instagram (#TOSC2020Challenge) and you will be entered for a chance to win a reward from this month’s sponsor, Urban Egg!
Recycle, Reuse & Reduce
You were thrilled to get that new back-pack or bicycle, but now you are wondering what to do with the old one.
We have a solution!
Donate it to Mountain Equipment Recyclers at 1024 S. Tejon St. on behalf of TOSC. By donating your gently used outdoor equipment and making TOSC the beneficiary you:
·        Keep perfectly good items in use and out of your garage or even landfill.
·        Allow someone else the use at an affordable price.
·        Support the trails, parks and open spaces you use and enjoy!
For business hours check out www.merecylcers.com
Park & Trail Updates
WAAP / Midland Trail Update
Unfortunately, the last section of the Midland Trail will not be completed by the end of the year as originally planned. Wildcat didn’t make as much progress as they anticipated before their winter shut down, December 21 t January 1. Wildcat will resume working on the trail on January 2, and the trail should be done within the first few weeks of January.
Foothills Trail Update
Great progress is being made toward reopening the Foothills Trail in Garden of the Gods Park, however, recent cold temperatures have delayed placement of the final portions of concrete pavement. We greatly appreciate your patience as the project team works to complete construction on the trail in temperatures that are more favorable to achieving high quality construction. The trail will reopen as soon as possible with a little cooperation from the weather.
For more information on the Garden of the Gods flood mitigation project, visit https://coloradosprings.gov/gogdetention.
El Paso County Master Plan
If you live in El Paso County and appreciate county parks, trails and nature centers – WE NEED YOU!
EPC is asking residents to fill out a short survey to complete their county master planning process.
Your answers will help shape county priorities for years to come.
If you value regional parks (Bear Creek, Fox Run, Fountain and Falcon) and trails (Santa Fe, Fountain Creek and Rock Island) – please fill out this survey.
This is your chance to let them know that funding for county parks and trails is important! Thank you for your taking the time to share your thoughts.
Park Reservation
2020 El Paso County Park Reservation Season Opens for Reservations on Jan. 2, 2020! Please note facility reservation for Regional Parks runs from April 1 – Oct. 31st. You may reserve Pavilions, Tennis Courts, Archery Range or a Wedding Gazebo. For more information visit our website at www.elpasocountyparks.com or call El Paso County Park Headquarters at (719)520-7529.
Upcoming Events
TOSC Benefit Night at Red Leg
Wed. Jan 8, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Red Leg 4630 Forge Rd, Ste B
Join us for a pint! Red Leg Brewing Company is hosting a Pint Night in support of Trails and Open Space Coalition! $1 from all pints sold will be donated to the organization! Come play BINGO in the taproom from 6-7 pm & enjoy Bison Brothers Food Truck from 4-8 pm!
Member Hike – Snowshoeing at Mueller State Park
Sat. Jan 25, 8:00 – 1:00 pm
Mueller State Park
Let’s go snowshoeing! Mueller is the perfect place to enjoy a winter outing. “Hiking Bob” Falcone, will lead this moderate 4-mile trek in a majestic snow-covered forest. Mueller State Park has stellar views of Pikes Peak and is home to abundant wildlife.
Friends and Partner News
Rescue Run 2020
Wed. Jan 1, 8:30 – 12:30 pm
Palmer Park: 3650 Maizeland Rd
Ring in the New Year with a challenging 5K or 10K at Palmer Park. The Rescue Run has been a New Years Day tradition and local favorite since January 1, 1979! Bring your friends and family and start the New Year with some healthy competition. All proceeds benefit the El Paso County Search & Rescue.
First Day Hikes @ Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Wed. Jan 1, 9:00 – 12:00 pm
Red Rock Canyon: 3550 W High
9:00 – 11:00 am
Red Rock Immersion Hike: This easy to moderate 3 mile loop features several geologic and historic points of interest. This hike is perfect for those looking for a longer trail to start the New Year.
10:00 – 11:30 am
Scenic Views Hike: This easy, 2.5 mile loop hike features a walk through the canyon, views of surrounding areas from above the canyon, and historic sites.
Remember to dress for winter weather and be prepared for icy, muddy, and snowy trail conditions- traction devices are strongly recommended!
More info on Facebook.
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!
As you give this season, don’t forget to check with your employer to see if see if it will match your donation! 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
What would life be like without your favorite trial?
The Trails and Open Space Coalition has been advocating for parks, trails and open spaces in the Pikes Peak region for more than 30 years. Want to help? Join the coalition!
Translate »