Red Rock Open Space Parking Improvements
Red Rock Open Space is one of the region’s most popular places to recreate. Minutes from downtown, it’s a favorite for hikers, runners and cyclists. Because of its popularity, parking has always been challenging. Now there is more parking on the east side of the open space for 17 additional vehicles at the 26th street trailhead. In all over 125 stalls for cars have been added over the summer with the main lot expansion and the Sand Canyon Trailhead. Additional parking and the new trailhead were recommended in the 2013 Red Rock Canyon Master Plan. New signage maps (kiosk) will come next.
PARK AND TRAIL UPDATES
Since reopening playgrounds, there have been a series of unfortunate incidents where people have been cutting down swings at neighborhood parks. Sadly, this has happened several times at the following parks: Bonforte, Boulder, Lunar, Otis, Roy Benavidez, and Shooks Run.Due to the frequency of these occurrences, City Parks will be unable to repair immediate future damage due to cost. Playgrounds are open for public use, and we ask that people respect our parks and responsibly use the equipment provided for the community’s enjoyment.
If you have any information about this vandalism, please report it to the Colorado Springs Police Department non-emergency line at 719-444-7000. You can report general park maintenance needs by using the GoCOS! app or the website, www.coloradosprings.gov.
TOSC
Teens Help with Hikes
Leadership Pikes Peak has a teen program called the “Leading Edge.” TOSC was invited to partner with a group of ten inspired youth on a project that is outdoors, allows for social distancing and provides a benefit to our community. We asked this group of young leaders to create “teen-oriented” Get Out Spread Out hikes. Check out what they are producing, visit our Get Out Spread Out page.Thanks to Leadership Pikes Peak and Leading Edge for the excellent work. We think it’s great!
GET OUT ‘n GET SNAPPY PHOTO CONTEST
If you love getting outside and snapping photos on your phone – this contest is for you! Submit your favorite photo(s) that express how you feel about spending time on our local trails and in our parks and open spaces. And the best part? Your entry fee will support the organization that advocates for the outdoor spaces you love so much! $10 per Photo, submissions due by July 31, 2020. EXCITING PRIZE PACKAGES FOR 3 CATEGORIES: FOR THE DOGS, KRAZY KOOL KIDS and THE ADVENTURER
CLICK HERE For more information on prizes and to enter contest.
TOSC Member Hikes and Bike Ride
Hikes – Sat. August 1, 8:00 and 8:30 AMBike Ride – Fri. August 14, 8:00 AM
We know many of you are eager to hike the region’s newest public open space – the Pineries. TOSC is excited to gather with a small group of members to explore the area. Join Hike Bob for a 9 mile hike that loops around the entire open space. Or join Susan Davies on an up and back 5 mile hike. Or accompany Allen Beauchamp on a bike ride of the 9 mile loop on August 14.
In accordance with current state health regulations, each hike will have a maximum of 10 participants – plus the hike leader. Masks are required. Check your schedule and register early!
Long hike: www.eventbrite.com/e/112709954508
Short hike: www.eventbrite.com/e/112712608446
Mountain bike ride: www.eventbrite.com/e/112712879256
Please note these outings are for TOSC Members only. Want to become a member? Join Trails and Open Space Coalition by making a donation online. For questions about membership, please email Sharie@trailsandopenspaces.org.
Give! Matching GrantsTOSC is looking for local supporters to provide Matching Grants for this year’s Indy Give! Campaign. If you or your business want to support TOSC and our mission to create and preserve trails and open spaces in the Pikes Peak region, please contact us at 719-633-6884 or info@trailsandopenspaces.org.
Community
Friends of Ute Valley Wednesday Work NightWed. Jul 15, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Come join the Friends of Ute Valley on our Wednesday night volunteer work session! We will be continuing our rerouting of the Popes Valley entrance to the park while practicing social distancing! Please wear closed-toe shoes, bring work gloves, sunscreen, water, snacks and SOMETHING TO ACT AS A MASK that covers your mouth and nose (bandanna, buff, etc.). Meet at the Popes Valley entrance: 1220 Popes Valley Dr.
JoyRide – Every Wednesday @ 6:00 pmMeet up with a group of bike lovers at Streetcar520 for a joy ride. Route will vary each week depending on crowd size. Each time you ride, you will be given a ticket. A drawing will take place on September 2nd and one lucky person will roll away with a limited addition NB cruiser. Group is expected to practice social distancing and wear masks. If you need wheels or have not tried out an e-bike, Pike Ride is still offering FREE 30 minute rides. Please RSVP on Facebook.
The First Recorded Ascent of Pikes PeakThursday, July 16, 6:00— 7:00 PM
Join History Colorado on Zoom. In this new online, participatory format we will hear from Phil Carson. Carson is an independent science writer, journalist and author. Carson retraced naturalist Edwin James’s ascent of Pikes Peak in July 1820 – 200 years ago this summer – based on James’ unpublished diary and personal letters, which contain geographic descriptions and notes on geology and botany. Native Americans undoubtedly made prior ascents over the 12,000-plus years prior to James’ effort, but they left no known records. James made his climb as a member of Major Long’s expedition to the Rockies that summer, one of the first American expeditions into the West to bring trained scientists to document a region largely unknown to a young nation.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Reptile RoundupSat. July 18, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Turtles and lizards and snakes, oh my! Learn about the remarkable reptiles that call Fountain Creek Regional Park home and make a craft. Afterwards, hike with a naturalist to search for the animals that slither, scurry, and slide. Limit 10 participants. Prepaid registration required.
Wildflower Photography Online WorkshopSun. July 19, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Flowers are blooming in the park which makes this an excellent time to learn how to take great flower photos! Join award-winning photographer and hiker Bob “Hiking Bob” Falcone for an online lesson in wildflower photography. Learn Bob’s secrets for making outstanding photos in all kinds of weather and lighting conditions, using anything from a cell phone to a high-end digital SLR. All levels of photography and experience are welcome, and this is a great class for beginners.
Sign up is free, please e-mail programs@gardenofgods.com to get a link to Zoom.