Our Commitment to Inclusion and Equity in our Parks, Trails and Open Spaces
Amid the call for social justice and equity, we have to ask ourselves, are we doing all that we can as individuals, organizations and a community to promote inclusion and equity. As an advocacy organization, our goal is to represent the voices of our community as it pertains to our trails, parks and open spaces. But when we take a hard look at our membership and those using our trails and open spaces, the lack of diversity is strikingly clear. Is it an access issue? For some. Is it an issue of lack of inclusion. Perhaps. Is it a lack of exposure or knowledge of our local resources? Maybe. TOSC is committed to taking a hard look at this issue and what we can do to promote inclusion and equity in our parks, trails and open spaces. We aren’t sure what this will look like yet, as admittedly, this is not something we have a lot of experience exploring. But, we now commit to be part of the solution.
Monument Preserve
Have you ever witnessed a sunset at Monument Rock? Have you ever hiked or rode the trails near the Monument Fire Center? The trails network in the Monument Preserve have become a hot commodity. Due to the explosion in popularity during the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home order, trails are getting chewed up and widened. On July 14th, the Friends of Monument Preserve will have their monthly trail night where they will combat these issues with a social distance friendly volunteer trail maintenance. To learn more about the workday and to learn about how you can support the Friends of Monument Preserve, please visit their website at fomp.org. Even if you cannot attend a trail night at the Monument Preserve, you can help reduce stress on the trail network by staying on marked paths, packing out trash and avoiding adventures when muddy conditions exists.
PARK AND TRAIL UPDATES
Northern Incline Trail
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center is now open daily from 9am – 3pm. The restrooms, gift shop and park adventure tours are operating, with more services to follow soon. Stop by to purchase a fun souvenir and pick up a free park map. All proceeds from the gift store benefit Garden of the Gods Park.
Construction in North Cheyenne Cañon- Playgroun
ds have reopened with maximum user limit of 25. Signage will be posted at City Parks with capacity recommendation and physical distancing and hygiene reminders. - Youth and adult summer sport programs may begin practice June 15 with a maximum of 25 people per team, excluding coaches and referees. The sports office is prepared to support local public health contact tracing efforts if exposures to COVID-19 occur. Spectators are strongly discouraged for adult sports. Parents are permitted to attend youth sporting events as long as members from different households maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from each other.
ds have reopened with maximum user limit of 25. Signage will be posted at City Parks with capacity recommendation and physical distancing and hygiene reminders.For more updates visit coloradosprings.gov.
TOSC
SAVE THE DATE
Looking for a park or trail that has fewer people? TOSC is here to help! Visit Get Out Spread Out. We have created 100+ videos throughout the region. Explore virtually, then use our route info to plan your own outing. Please do your part to keep our community healthy by follow physical distancing guidelines while recreating outdoors.
Community
Equestrian Skills Course Work Day
Bike to Biz Week June 22 – 28
RMFI – Virtual Stewardship SoireeTrails and Open Space Coalition
Another happy TOSC dog out on the trail. Roxy supports the Trails and Open Space Coalition and you should too! Outdoor recreation is an important part of our Colorado culture, take a stand for the outdoors and become a member of TOSC.
