Dog Parks
For our furry friends who like to romp and play, the Pikes Peak Region offers a variety of off-leash areas where they can play to their heart’s content. The Trails and Open Space Coalition has compiled information about our local dog parks and created an interactive map. Check it out!
Mask Up ColoradoWhile many businesses and activities are now able to open; the state of colorado is still under a Safer-at-Home order, which recommends residents stay home as much as possible in order to keep the transmission of this virus low in our communities. Research shows that people who have no symptoms can spread COVID-19. Vigilant hand washing and wearing a non-medical face mask helps minimize the spread of the virus. Everyone should wear a mask when out in public, this includes outdoor spaces. CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people outside of their household, especially when physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
Visit www.coloradomaskproject.com. You can help keep local businesses open. #MASKUPCOS
PARK AND TRAIL UPDATES
Hazards on Trails in Stratton Open Space
Last weekend, there were several large logs placed across the Arroyo Grande trail in Stratton Open Space. Logs were blatantly placed in spots that could cause harm to mountain bikers. Please be cautious!
If you encounter malicious hazards like these, please report them to the police department by calling the non-emergency number, 719-444-7000.
Trail Damage at Fox Run Regional Park
El Paso County Parks staff say recent heavy rains have caused flooding and erosion in some parks leading to limited damage. They encourage park users to remain watchful to avoid injury.
Hiking Bob PodcastListen to Bob and Susan Davies, the Executive Director of the Colorado Springs based Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC), discusses the effect of COVID-19 on parks funding, closure of the Manitou Incline, Waldo Canyon, Ring the Peak project, TOPS tax renewal, and a whole lot more! Link to podcast.
Be on the lookout for RattlersWith so many more people currently out in local parks and open spaces, the potential for an encounter with a venomous snake can’t be ignored. That’s why it’s so important to stay on well-used trails where you are less likely to be at risk. Scrambling off trail through brush and over rocks is inviting trouble and also bad for the resource… wearing hiking boots and making noise will help keep you safe. Hiking poles, tapped on the ground in front of you as you walk, will create vibrations that may just convince a snake to take a route away from you. They are shy creatures and typically only strike if they feel threatened or consider you something to eat. Read the full article.
Revitalize the Leon Young Pavilion Leon Young Pavilion — an aging wooden structure in the Hillside neighborhood, named for the city’s first and only black mayor — is one step closer to becoming a space for local gatherings. The project completions: new lighting, electricity, picnic tables, benches, trash cans, a bike rack and more handicap-accessibility. Learn more.
TOSC
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.
El Paso County’s newest Open Space is 1000+ acres just northeast of the intersection of Vollmer and Shoup Rds. Shaped like a doughnut, it wraps around fenced private property. This is a non-motorized, multi-use dirt single track trail (Not strollers friendly) so watch for cyclists and horses. The loop is about 9 miles, most hikers opt for an “out and back” like this video. The full loop can be found on our Get Out Spread Out page.
TOSC 20|20 Parks Challenge
Congratulations to our June 20|20 Challenge winners!
To find out which park we are featuring in July visit on our website www.trailsandopenspaces.org.
Two Shoes Trek ChallengeTOSC and the Pikes Peak Road Runners (PPRR) present the inaugural Two Shoes Trek Challenge! This virtual running event will take place on two separate weekends in September (Sept. 5/6 and Sept. 12/13) and will highlight a handful of City and County trails all over the Pikes Peak region. A part of the challenge will be running curated routes and taking selfies with landmarks in given parks for extra bonus points. Signup is live and will end September 4th. Proceeds from the event benefit TOSC and PPRR.
Check out Facebook Event or Register NOW!
Community
Southeast Chalk it up!Sidewalk Art Contest June 26 – July 2
Artwork may be created within circulation area (from East Platte Avenue south to Milton E. Proby Parkway, and from Union Avenue east to Powers Boulevard) and on your personal private property, on city sidewalks or at one of the officially designated Art Areas. Original works may be of any size, and may be created in color or black-and-white non-oil based washable chalk. Artwork may be signed, in chalk, by the artist. More info on Facebook
Nature Center Activities
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Roly Poly Roundup Thur. July 2, 9:00 – 10:30 AMChildren ages 3-6, with an adult, will enjoy puppet shows or stories, crafts, hands-on activities, and discovery time on the trail.
Annual Firefly Celebration and Night Hike Fri. July 3, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Yes, we have spotted fireflies in the park over the years! Learn about the lives of lightning bugs, make a craft, and go on a guided hike to find these rare wonders of the park.
Bear Creek Nature Center
Day Camp Adventure at Bear Creek Thur. July 2, 9:00 – 3:00 pm
Parents, drop off your child (ages 6-11) for a full day of games, activities, hiking and stream exploration at Bear Creek Nature Center!
Kids’ Night Out- Let’s Get Bat-ty! Fri. July 10, 5:30-9:00 p.m.
Parents, drop your child (ages 6-11) off for an evening of hiking and batt-y activities.
Prepaid registration required! Limited to 10 participants.
4th of July Symphony on your PorchGet ready for the largest 4th of July event with fireworks erupting across the Pikes Peak Region. Enjoy the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s annual patriotic concert broadcast from your favorite radio station – all from your porch!
Visit CS4thofJuly.org for more information.
Bird Walk at Mueller State ParkThur. July 9, 8:30 AM Meet at Elk Meadow TH Meet at Elk Meadow Trailhead. Get to know the birds of the area with Naturalist Linda as she guides you through the spruce-fir forests of Mueller. Slow-paced 1.5–miles. Masks required. Limited to 15 people, sign up at the Visitor Center 719-687-2366.