Fall Election Parks Related Initiatives
This will be an unusual election with two competing park land exchange initiatives.“Protect our Parks,” was created and championed by the same folks who opposed the land exchange involving Strawberry Fields. After that exchange was approved by City Council, the group started a city sanctioned process to come up with a land exchange initiative to put on the ballot. “Protect our Parks” creates guidelines and a list of protected city parks. If it passes, any future proposed land exchange involving those parks would require voter approval.
The second initiative requires a supermajority of 7 council members for any land exchange involving parks. The thought behind the super-majority approach: any park land exchange should be carefully considered and require a higher bar of approval.
The TOSC Board of Directors considered the two options and ended up supporting the supermajority approach; though not a unanimous vote. For more information on why the Board voted as it did visit www.trailsandopenspaces.org.
Corral Bluffs Open Space
Corral Bluffs and Jimmy Camp Creek Park are hidden gems, located on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, chock-full of historical, geological, paleontological and natural resources. In 2007, El Paso County was considering Corral Bluffs as a potential location for an Off-Highway Vehicle (motorcycle, dirt bike, ATV) park. Concerned that the unique cultural and natural resources of this area were in jeopardy, a large group of open space advocates, paleontologists, archaeologists, botanists, historians, politicians, teachers and residents banded together to oppose OHV development. Corral Bluffs Alliance (CoBA) formed and begun the visioning process for a regional park. In order to protect and preserve the sensitive assets in Corral Bluffs and Jimmy Camp Creek, theses areas are not currently open to the public. CoBA offers guided hikes lead by local experts, including NOVA star, Sharon Milito.
If you were unable to join TOSC for our Member Adventure last weekend, you can contact CoBA to schedule a hike. Go learn about the unique, well preserved rocks and fossils that tell the story of the extinction of the dinosaurs and the evolution of mammals and their ecosystem. Discover an historical area with evidence of habitation from 4500 years ago to the days of the trappers, the cowboys and ranchers. Explore the diverse landscape and wildlife habitat that supporting 500+ species of plants and animals.Request a guided hike (suggested $5 donation)
PARK AND TRAIL News
Northern Incline Return TrailIncline Users now have more choices! A new one mile trail connects railroad tie #1300 to the Ute Pass Regional Trail. Users will enjoy a pleasant, meandering trail that takes them back to the base of the Incline. Trail construction funding was provided by Incline Friends. The goal of the trail is to improve safety and take some of the pressure off Barr Trail. First time Incline users will now have a safe alternative should the trail prove more challenging than expected. Seasoned Incline users now have an additional recreation choice with lovely views of Manitou Springs and beyond.
TOSC
TOSC Member Ride – Legacy LoopSunday Sept 20, 9:00 – 12:00 PM
Join TOSC for a pleasant September pedal cruise around the Legacy Loop. We will tour the full 10 mile loop; which includes the Pikes Peak Greenway and Shooks Run Trails! Learn about the history of COS and the future projects along the way. Ride will be lead by Community Engagement Guru Allen Beauchamp. Group will be limited to 10 participants, masks and physical distancing will be required.
This event is currently full, but if you are interested please join the waitlist!
Urban Trail Challenge
Friday Sept 25 – Sunday Sept 27
TOSC invites you to come out for a DIY bike ride adventure! TOSC has cleverly crafted a list of challenges for riders to complete during this 3 day event. Some challenges are geared toward avid cyclists (furthest distance, how many parks can you link along urban trails, etc…). Other challenges will be for everyone (take a selfie with a landmark in the background, ride in costume or have a dance party on a bridge). The majority of the challenges are family friendly and have social distance in mind. This will be a selfie scavenger hunt on an epic level! Plus, riders will receive a commemorative neck gaiter. Create your own urban trail route or pick from routes created by TOSC.
TOSC Member Hike – Fall Color Photography Sunday Oct 4, 8:00 – 11:00 AM
Autumn is just around the corner! We can’t predict what the Fall colors season will be, but we have plans to hike in Mueller State Park on some trails that traditionally offer phenomenal Autumn leaves. The hike will be 2 to 3.5 miles, and easy to moderate in difficulty. Along the way, Bob will offer his tips and tricks on how to best capture memorable photos. Bring along your camera or cell phone, and your imagination.
State Parks Pass is required, Daily Vehicle Pass: $9. (If you do not have a State Parks Pass, you have a chance to win one by participating in TOSC’s 20|20 Parks Challenge! Simply visit Wildflower Park in September and share a picture of your outing on Facebook or Instagram using #tosc2020challenge. Two lucky participants will receive Annual State Parks Passes, courtesy of Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park and CMSP!) Due to Covid we will not be carpooling and masks will be required.
Please note this hike is for TOSC Members only. Want to become a member? Join Trails and Open Space Coalition by making a donation at www.trailsandopenspaces.org/becomeamember/.
For questions about membership, please email sharie@trailsandopenspaces.org.
Community
Equestrian Skills Course Work DaySat. Sept 12, 9:00 – 2:00 PM
The Friends of the Equestrian Skills Course were able to secure additional building materials and are ready to go! Join them and help with building bridge obstacles, installing signage, picking up trash and general maintenance. There will be work available for all ages and levels of experience/abilities. Remember, the course is built entirely by volunteers and is free for all! If you would like to volunteer, but are not available for Second Saturdays or prefer off-course work, please email friendsequestrianskillscourse@gmail.com for other opportunities in planning, fundraising, marketing and more!
NeighborUp Month is Council of Neighbors and Organizations’ annual event in September, where CONO encourage and assist neighbors in connecting with one another.
Week 2: (Sept. 7th-13th) Neighborhood Clean-up Week
Have a neighborhood clean-up day, work together to beautify the neighborhood. CONO partners with Waste Connections and the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department to supply dumpsters for cleanups. Typically, CONO provides dumpsters to members at no cost, but for NeighborUp Month we will provide dumpsters to any neighborhood, regardless of whether they are CONO members. Apply at www.cscono.org/clean-ups
Creek Week September 26 – October 4thThe Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District and its many community partners are looking forward to the 7th Annual Creek Week Cleanup! Creek Week is a safe, fun, and rewarding outdoor volunteer opportunity. Due to COVID19, small group cleanups (less than 25 volunteers) are recommended. Participants are asked to wear proper personal protective equipment, including gloves and a mask, practice social distancing, and follow mandates provided by local and state health agencies at the time of the cleanup.