Scooters have Arrived
Electric Scooters are now available to rent in Colorado Springs. The scooters are allowed on some downtown sidewalks, streets and in bike lanes. They are not allowed on city trails at this time, or on the UCCS or Colorado College campuses.For more information on the city’s one year e-scooter pilot program: ColoradoSprings.gov/escooters
Submit Questions, Requests, or Concerns to City of Colorado Springs with GoCOS
PARK AND TRAIL News
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.
Waterline may Impact Fox Run ParkSat Oct. 16, 11:00 – 1:00 PM
Neighbors and users of Fox Run Regional Park are encouraged to attend an open house hosted by Triview Metropolitan District. Triview will engage Fox Run Regional Park stakeholders about the proposed Northern Delivery System pipeline project which will bring renewable water to Northern El Paso County. The pipeline would connect northern neighborhoods to a CSU water storage facility. The proposal could also include a water tank in Fox Run Park. El Paso County staff will also be available to answer questions regarding the County’s process for an applicant to obtain an easement through the Park and the 1041 “Areas and Activities of State Interest” process. Meeting will be held at Pavilions #1 and #3 at Fox Run Regional Park.
For more information on the proposed project, please contact info@triview.com or visit
Ute Valley Park Regional Trail UpdateIf you have frequented Ute Valley Park over the last few months, you have no doubt seen work in progress, on the newly upgraded section of the Regional Trail being constructed by staff from the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. This trail segment will provide connectivity from South Rockrimmon Drive area on the East to the corner of Vindicator Drive and Centennial Blvd on the West. Work has progressed well on the Phase 2 staff-built portion and while the trail is open, there are still several project elements to be constructed. The Phase 1 portion to the East will be constructed by a contractor and we will provide updates on the progress as they are available. We appreciate all consideration that can be given by park users to the closed sections of trail and areas under construction during this project.
This regional trail project is in support of the vision set forth in the 2014 Parks Master Plan and is an exciting new connection through this very popular open space. For additional information about other proposed trails and connections, check out the Parks Master Plan here: 2014-2025 Colorado Springs Parks System Master Plan
Fishers Canyon – TOPS Next Open Space PurchaseHave you heard of Fishers Canyon? It is 343 acres adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park and is likely to be our newest TOPS Open Space Acquisition. TOSC was delighted to start the process and submit the application a couple of years ago. The TOPS Working Committee unanimously supported the 4 million dollar purchase. With COS Parks Advisory Board and City Council approval, the property will be public and protected for perpetuity! We are excited because an additional 3 miles of Chamberlain Trail on the property will get us closer to finishing that trail. One day it will extend from Cheyenne Mtn State Park to Blodgett Peak! Fishers Canyon is beautiful – wild and rugged – presenting many recreation opportunities. We’ll keep you updated.
2C – Frequently Asked QuestionsWe’ve been asked the question, “who will manage the additional dollars if 2C passes?”
One reason the TOPS program is so popular – the budget has great citizen oversight.
A TOPS Working Committee and Parks Advisory Board vote on a budget each year before TOPS dollars are spent to support parks, trails and open space.
That will not change.
The two volunteer committees will continue to make budget decisions. They welcome citizen input and allow citizen comments at their monthly meetings.
The percentages will change, the program will provide more flexibility but the TOPS program will continue to be transparent and accountable to taxpayers.
More info at 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!
View Facebook Event
TOSC’s “Trail Mix” Beer Release Party
Wed Oct. 27, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
TOSC has partnered with Fossil Craft Beer Company again this year to create a custom brew. This year’s brew is a pretzel beer that we will call “Trail Mix”. All are invited to join us at Fossil for the beer’s release party! $1 from every pint sold will be donated to TOSC. It’s a win-win.
Vote to Support Trails, Open Space and ParksTOSC supports the three initiatives that are on this year’s ballot that support our trails and open spaces. 1A provides $2 million for El Paso County parks, trails, open space and nature centers through a TABOR retention (this does not raise taxes). 2C is the TOPS extension and increase. 2D (without raising taxes) provides $20 million to the Colorado Springs Fire Department to provide mitigation near vulnerable neighborhoods that are adjacent to forests, parks and open spaces. The dollars will be placed into an interest-bearing account to allow it to be used year after year.
Still looking for reasons to support 2C? Here’s why Jackie Hilaire, President and Founder of Corral Bluffs Alliance supports the TOPS extension and increase:
“I have felt for the many years I have lived in COS that the reason so many flock to this area and then ultimately make it their home is our extensive natural beauty. As our city’s founder, Gen. Palmer, knew the parks are a fundamental part of a great city such as ours. To continue to be a welcoming and great place we need to maintain
Palmer’s vision of a city with lots of open spaces, parks and trails.” Continue reading…
Community
Fossil Day CelebrationSat. Oct. 16, 10:00 – 3:00 PM
Celebrate National Fossil Day at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. There will be several fossil, dinosaur and natural history themed activities for all ages with lots of giveaways. Informative lectures, a live animal presentation, and much more at this FREE family friendly event!
More info at www.gardenofgods.com
Hunter’s Full Moon HikeWed Oct. 20, 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Explore Cheyenne Mountain State Park at night! Be ready to use all your senses on a 5K trail walk. Learn fun facts about the park’s history, how your eyes adjust to darkness, how nocturnal animals survive, and fun facts about the moon. Special guest Dave Warner, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, will provide a night sky tour using his laser and telescope! Safety: Due to El Paso County Public Health COVID restrictions, face masks are mandatory and practicing 6- feet social distancing. Free event, park pass required.
Call (719)576-2016 ext. 6 to sign up, space is limited to 10 participants.
Community Cruise
Sat. Oct 23, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Meet at SE YMCA for a Roll with RISE Cruise to Wildflower Park! RISE Southeast is teaming up with Bike Colorado Springs, TOSC and Kids on Bikes to bring the community together for an easy 4.3 miles of fun on bikes with FREE popsicles & smiles. Helmets are required. If you need to borrow a bike or helmet contact Jacquelinea@risesoutheast.com
Check out the Facebook Event
Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park2021 Photo Contest
Theme: Beauty & Spirit of Cheyenne Mountain State Park
All entries will be considered for publication in the Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park 2022 calendar. Entries must be received by 5:00 PM October 31st. Winning entries will be announced on November 15, 2021. The contest is open to the public and to amateur and professional photographers, entries are limited to three per person. Cost per photo entered is $5.00, youth (14 and younger) are free.
Learn more at friendsofcmsp.org