TOSC Supports 2A
The TOSC Board of Directors voted to support 2A on the November ballot. 2A asks voters to allow the City to retain and spend all revenue received in 2019 and 2020 in excess of TABOR limitations, and reset the revenue and spending limitations for future years to avoid the “ratchet down” effect.
2A asks, without increasing taxes to:
· Retain and spend up to $1.9 Million collected over the 2019 TABOR cap solely on Public Safety
· Collect, retain and spend the full amount of City revenues received from all sources in 2020
· Collect, retain and spend the amount allowed by TABOR in 2021 and future years, based on the total 2019 revenue and 2020 property tax revenue, adjusted in each year for inflation and city growth, thus continuing to limit future revenue growth
City officials say this would allow City services to be reinstated as the economy recovers and the City budget to reach 2019 levels in 2022. If voters approve this proposal, the City’s finances can recover in half the time it would take otherwise.
Why does TOSC care? When the economy declined in 2008, the parks budget was gutted. Major staff cuts took a toll on maintenance. Trees and turf were no longer watered. The resulting damage was enormous and expensive to remedy. Our parks, trails and open spaces suffered as a result. We have no doubt, if 2A fails, we will again face major cuts to our parks. Limited budget dollars will first go to public safety and other city needs considered more critical.
Vote Yes on 2A To learn more: Priorities COS (Protect our City)
PARK AND TRAIL News
Pikes Peak Apex ChallengeSeptember 24-27th
Mountain bike racers from around the country will learn first-hand how great our trails are when they compete in the Pikes Peak Apex Challenge. Best of all, the race is providing a $6000 Stewardship Fund that will support much needed trail work in Palmer Park. On Thursday, Sept 24th, Palmer Park will be closed to the public from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate racers. The remaining 3 days of racing will not close parks.
To learn more about the Apex races: www.pikespeakapex.com.
TOSC
Urban Trail Challenge
THIS WEEKEND!! Friday Sept 25 – Sunday Sept 27
The Urban Trail Challenge starts on Friday! Here are the top 10 reasons why you should register to be a part of the first ever Urban Trail Challenge today!10) Support the Trails you Love! TOSC advocates for the stewardship and creation of urban trails in the Pikes Peak region.
9) Perfect social distance friendly challenge for the family!
8) Get to know new neighborhoods across Colorado Springs.
7) With 22 curated routes covering 130+ miles of trails available, you will have plenty of routes to save for future adventures.
6) The DIY event bib is one of a kind that no other event is doing in the region.
5) Even though this is a biking event, you can still sign up and do the routes/challenges on foot or on a stationary bike in your house.
4) Get outside and enjoy the fall colors around town! The cottonwoods and willows are starting to turn.
3) With over 40 challenges to pick from, there are many ways to make your adventure even more exciting.
2) Complete challenges and post them to social media to be entered in the grand prize drawing!
1) The first 150 riders get an awesome “I am a champion for urban trails” neck gaiter!
TOSC Creek Week Cleanup!!Thur. Oct 1 & Fri. Oct 2, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Join the Trails and Open Space Coalition for Creek Week! We plan to get out and spread out to clean up the Shooks Run Trail close to Mid Shooks Run Park. Gloves, bags and a few other supplies will be provided, courtesy of Creek Week. We will be hosting two events: Thursday and Friday 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Please register for one or both days, we will be limiting our group size due to the current pandemic. We will meet outside at the TOSC parking lot. Volunteers will get a free I🧡Parks STICKER!!
SAVE THE DATETOSC Member Party
Saturday Oct 3, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Invitations with event details have been emailed to all members and we are looking forward to seeing many of you! If you did not receive your invitation, please contact Beth at beth@trailsandopenspaces.org.
Thorndale Park Painting Party Sunday Oct 4, 10:00 – 2:00 PM
We were so thrilled at how the community came together for parks last summer; now, we’re going to spruce up Thorndale Park! THANK YOU to everyone that donated to our fundraiser to make this volunteer project possible! The Organization of Westside Neighbors & Trails and Open Space Coalition will be hosting a paint party for the basketball court in Thorndale Park. Swing by, meet your neighbors & make a difference in our community. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Allen@trailsandopenspaces.org. Due to Covid group size will be limited and social distancing protocols will be followed. View Facebook Event.
Please contact Theresa Odello to register, 719-520-6977 TheresaOdello@elpasoco.com.
You will need to provide your name, email address and a phone number to sign up.
TOSC Member Hike – Cheyenne Mountain State ParkThursday Oct 15, 9:00 – 12:00 PM
Autumn is just around the corner! We can’t Join TOSC and the Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park for an easy/moderate hike in this lovely State Park. We will explore part of the Talon Trail to Zook Loop to Blackmer Loop and return to parking lot. Distance is approximately 5 miles; elevation gain is approximately 560 feet. Friends of CMSP Board members will be leading this fantastic history hike. Hopefully we will get to see some beautiful fall colors! Sign up for TOSC Hike
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
Bike to Wherever WeekSeptember 21-25
Bike to Work Day was postponed and has now has transformed to BIKE TO WHEREVER WEEK! The week of Sept. 21-25 is #BiketoWhereverWeek, a week-long celebration of bike commuting, biking to get around, and biking for fun! Join Bike Colorado Springs, Bicycle Colorado & Way to Go in pledging to swap a ride in your car for a ride on your bike this week. Plus, you’ll be entered to win great prizes! Make the pledge or Learn more.
Bicycle-Friendly Driver TrainingWed. Sept 23, 11:00 – 12:15PM
Help make Colorado’s roads safer for everyone! Learn the laws and safe practices for both road users, how to navigate on-street bicycle infrastructure and how to avoid common crashes between drivers and bicyclists. After the webinar, participants will complete an exam and those who pass will be emailed a certificate to demonstrate their new knowledge.Our laws, infrastructure and people on the road are constantly changing. All levels of drivers (and bicyclists!) will benefit from reviewing laws, rights, responsibilities and how to navigate around other road users. Register for FREE thanks to New Belgium Brewing. Sign up NOW!
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.
Firewood SaleSat. Oct 3rd & Sun. Oct 4th, 10:00 – 4:00 PM
The Friends of Mueller State Park are sponsoring a firewood sale! Forest thinning to reduce wildfire threat and improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and power line maintenance, have created stacks of wood that need to go. The wood is unsplit, mixed dry and green, cut to 12” to 24” lengths. $40 for short bed pickups, $50 for long beds. Loaded by you, and sorry, no trailers.
Learn more at friendsofmuellersp.com or contact friendsofmuellerSP@gmail.com.