Kane Ranch Update
An Ounce of Prevention….In this case the “ounce” is in the form of a security gate. Kane Ranch Open Space (east of Fountain) was scheduled to open this past summer. But during construction, it became clear to El Paso County park staff that the ranch’s remote location could lead to damage to the resource unless the property was secured. Now the plan is to install a security gate similar to the gate at the Pineries open space in Black Forest.
Sadly, this will delay the opening and increase the cost of the project. But reports of vandalism in city and county parks make this a prudent investment.
Once open, equestrians, hikers and mountain bikes will enjoy the 440 acre open space and nearly 4-mile Lariat loop trail. Burrowing owls are often seen on the property with lovely views of Pikes Peak as well as the Sangres and Wet Mountains.
PARK AND TRAIL News
Stratton Open Space Trail Project
October 2021
City crews will be rebuilding and repairing timber retaining walls along The Ladders trail in Stratton Open Space. The trail will remain open throughout the repair process. Please use caution and watch for work crews. Project will start October 4th and is expected to be complete by the end of October, weather permitting.
Leave No Trace Hot Spot Week
October 14 – 18
Colorado Springs has been chosen as a Hot Spot by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The city is one of ten Hot Spots selected nationwide to participate in this year’s education program. From Oct. 14-18, a Leave No Trace Team will work with park rangers and local park and recreation advocates to provide the community with information, service work and education that reduces outdoor impacts and promotes responsible recreation. The team will be focused on lessening impacts in Palmer Park and Stratton Open Space. Come out and learn more about LNT!
To view the full schedule of programs and volunteer events, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/HotSpotWeek.
Some programs require online registration.
Yes on 2C
We love hearing from our partners “why” they are supporting “2C.”
Christine Thomas is a member and one of the founders of Friends of Ute Valley Park Board.
She also was recently recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” by COS Parks and Rec.
“Parks are everything to me. That’s what Colorado Springs is all about. It’s why we live here. Parks are
our mental health check. We recognized the importance during COVID. Parks were the only place where we could be safe with friends. Absolutely vote yes for 2C!”
Yard Signs are Available! If you support 2C and live in Colorado Springs on a busy street please pick up a 2C yard sign at the TOSC office. Call us at 719-633-6884 and let us know you’re coming.
For more information: www.trailsopenspaceparks.com
TOSC
Scoop the Poop Challenge
Sat. Oct 16, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Join TOSC and Animal ER Care for the second Scoop the Poop Challenge! Help remove pet waste from one of four locations (Lower North Cheyenne Canon Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Fountain Creek Regional Park Dog Park and Fox Run Dog Park) and be registered to win a pet first aid kit and more!
TOSC Creek Week Wrap-up
The Fountain Creek Watershed District’s Creek Week is one of the great outdoor traditions in the state. This year, TOSC led or assisted with four cleanups across the region. TOSC assisted Scheels with a cleanup in the Pineries Open Space, Northrop Grumman with a cleanup on the Pikes Peak Greenway and helped Diverse Association Management fill the letter “E” in the Creek Week word “RESPECT” with litter found around Pulpit Rock. The week culminated with a TOSC cleanup with the Pikes Peak Road Runners on the Pikes Peak Greenway near America the Beautiful Park. Twenty-seven bags of trash were removed from along the trail and the creek by over twenty volunteers.
TOSC Board of Directors vote to support 1A, 2C and 2D
It only makes sense!
TOSC already supports 2C – the TOPS extension and increase.
1A (without raising taxes) provides $2million for El Paso County parks, trails, open space and nature centers through a TABOR retention.
2D (without raising taxes) provides $20 million to the COS fire dept. to provide wildfire mitigation near vulnerable neighborhoods adjacent forests, parks and open spaces. The dollars will be placed into an interest-bearing account to allow it to be used year after year.
So…….
Community
RISE Southeast Walking GroupRISE Southeast has created a Walking Group focused on providing safe and accessible opportunities for local residents to get out together as community and enjoy a casual stroll through two of our beautiful local parks. On Friday evenings, they meet at Wildflower Park and Saturday mornings, they meet at the newly renovated Prospect Lake Beach House. Both parks offer smooth, paved concrete walking paths, the distance and duration of the walk can be up to you! Come enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, meet new people, and engage in movement for greater health. Wear comfortable shoes appropriate for casual walking, a water bottle and sun protection as needed. TOSC is looking forward to incorporating these regularly scheduled walking opportunities into our Get Out Get Healthy initiative in partnership with Peak Vista Health Centers.
Friday evenings: 6:00 PM at Wildflower Park – 980 Nolte Drive West
Saturday mornings: 8:00 AM at Memorial Park – 619 Prospect Lake Drive
If you would like more info on the walks, contact: vip@risesoutheast.com
For additional information about RISE and to learn more about future events taking place in Southeast Colorado Springs, go to www.facebook.com/RISESoutheastCOS/
A GUIDED WALK THROUGH THE HISTORIC STONEWORK IN MONUMENT VALLEY PARKSat.October 9, 2021 10:00 – 11:30AM
“Stories in Stone: How General Palmer and the WPA Shaped Monument Valley Park” Guided by Tim Scanlon, Local Historian and Teri Peisner, Friends of Monument Valley Park Board Member. Meet at the W. Fontanero Street parking lot of Monument Valley Park (Intersection of W. Fontanero Street and Culebra Avenue). Reservations Required (limited to 30 individuals), please RSVP at info@fmvp.net
To learn more about the Friends of Monument Valley Park, visit www.fmvp.net.
Motorless Morning at GOGSat. Oct 9, 5:00 – 12:00 PM
Motorless Morning is back! Visitors are invited to experience Garden of the Gods in a unique, quiet setting. Park roads will be open to foot traffic, bicycles, and small wheel transport, allowing users to spread out and recreate on roads without cars. The event is free and open to the public! At noon, the park reopens to motor vehicles.
If you want to volunteer for this event, please contact John.Stark@coloradosprings.gov.