Daniels Pass Trails Update
Daniels Pass is part of the 208 acres that Colorado Springs received 5 years ago as part of the Broadmoor land exchange. Now part of North Cheyenne Canon, 6.5 miles of new trail is under construction and should be completed next month weather permitting. Parks Staff designed a system of integrated loops to accommodate different users and abilities. The 3 mile Sweetwater Trail was made possible by a generous contribution from Friends of Cheyenne Canyon and support from Bristol Brewing Company. Included in the list of trails is a ¼ mile hiking only connection to the top of Mount Muscoco. Users will find the Sweetwater Trail a little wider than similar trails. Park Staff is calling this the “Covid Creep.” With more users, increasing trail width to 48” does a better job of accommodating mountain bikes, hikers and equestrians. Users will be rewarded with scenic overlooks and a thick lush forest that will provide a wilderness experience – far from the crowds at Helen Hunt Falls. The area remains closed until the old alignment is decommissioned and trail construction is completed.PARK AND TRAIL News
Shooks Run Trail Closure
A section of Shooks Run Trail between Lilac and Uintah streets will be affected by construction as Colorado Springs Utilities replaces an aging underground electric line. The trail runs north and south, generally east of downtown Colorado Springs. The first phase begins this week and will close the trail between Lilac and Jackson streets. Construction will be phased over the next several months so that only a few blocks of trail will be closed to the public at a time. Construction will move from north to south. Trail is also closed for construction at Fountain Blvd.
While work is underway, trail users are asked to remember that heavy construction equipment and workers will be operating in the trail corridor. The active construction area will be defined with fencing and signage, please reduce speeds and use caution around vehicles, equipment and work crews.
Closure at Bear Creek
On October 15th, a water main break behind the Bear Creek Nature Center forced the building to close temporarily. During the repair process, Bear Creek Regional Trail near the Nature Center will experience intermittent closures. The rest of the park trails will remain open.
Look for updates on El Paso County Parks
Website or Facebook Page.
New Signs in Stratton Open Space
Park Staff is installing trail decals on posts this week. 100 posts are in place. Temperatures must be 55 degrees or warmer for the glue to work. Blodgett Open Space will follow with 60 posts already secured. Better signage is one of the top suggestions we hear from members and visitors.
RMFI and BLM Seek Input from Shelf Road Users
In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management – Royal Gorge Field Office, RMFI is administering a survey to gather information about the current usage, satisfaction, and needs at Shelf Road Recreation Area. Approximately 10-15 minutes will be needed to complete the survey.
The survey will close October 31. TAKE SURVEY NOW!
Leave No Trace Hot SpotCongratulations to the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department for hosting a wildly successful Leave No Trace Hot Spot Week! The action-packed week brought the Colorado Springs outdoor community together for a wide variety of stewardship activities and outreach events to promote Leave No Trace Principles. TOSC was one of a handful of organizations at Kinship Landing, promoting the importance of proper funding for our open spaces and trails.
Colorado Springs was chosen as one of ten 2021 LNT Hot Spots due to environmental impacts created by “ever increasing” visitor use. As a result of the different activations and site visits done by the Subaru/Leave No Trace Team during the Hot Spot Week, a report will be created by the team that will guide our community with suggestions and best practices to get even better at following Leave No Trace Principles.
November 2nd is Election Day40% of voters return their ballot during the last 48 hours of a campaign. That means there is still plenty of time to talk to those around you about the benefits of 1A, 2C and 2D. All 3 initiatives benefit our parks.
Some of the most commonly asked questions are:
Will 2C mean there are fewer dollars to buy open space in the years to come?
Absolutely Not.
The percentages change providing more dollars (off the top) for maintenance (taking care of what we have) and administration (getting the work done.)
But because we are doubling the TOPS tax, the Open Space Category will continue to have adequate funding for acquisition. And those dollars will roll over from year to year.
If TOPS doesn’t expire until the end of 2025…..Why Now?
It has not been “parks turn” until now. We had to deal with crumbling roads and potholes. We had to fix storm-water. Next year PPRTA 3 goes before voters. The following year is LART’s turn. City Council and the Mayor agreed that 2021 was finally “parks turn.” This is our best chance to extend and increase TOPS. We may not get another.
Ask questions, get the facts and Vote!
More info and FAQ at www.trailsopenspaceparks.com
Read Setting The Record Straight On 2C by Richard Skorman.
TOSC
“Trail Mix” Beer Release Party
Wed Oct. 27, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
TOSC partnered with Fossil Craft Beer Company again this year to create a custom brew. We invite all of you to join us at Fossil for the release party! Come try our amazing “Trail Mix” pretzel beer. $1 from every pint sold will be donated to support the Trails and Open Space Coalition. Let’s enjoy good beer and good company.
Art Walk RecapThank you to GE Johnson for hosting the “Get Out Get Healthy Art Walk” this past Saturday. The Fall weather was beautiful and it was the perfect opportunity for community building; GE Johnson and our GOGH project partner Peak Vista Health Centers were able to get to know each other a little better and share the work that they all do in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Together we enjoyed a nearly 3 mile walk through the Southwest area of Colorado Springs. The group toured over a dozen art installations, multiple historic sites, and witnessed a Porsche show being held on West Vermijo Avenue, our new walkable plaza street. Over 6,500 steps were taken in the 2 hours we were out experiencing the beauty and walkability of our downtown corridor.
We are very appreciative to the Downtown Partnership for their assistance and encourage you to take advantage of their ongoing walking tour series, Art on the Streets.
Find out more about our Get Out Get Healthy (GOGH) initiative, sponsored by GE Johnson and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Scoop the Poop Event
Last Saturday, TOSC teamed up with Animal ER Care to host the 2nd Scoop the Poop Challenge of 2021! We talked about the importance of removing pet waste at four different sites: North Cheyenne Canon Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Fox Run Regional Park (Dog Park) and Fountain Creek Regional Park (Dog Park). Huge thank you to everyone who completed the Scoop the Poop Challenge! Participants that helped scoop the poop so our parks and trails are safe and clean for all users were rewarded with giveaways on site and 8 lucky people will receive Pet First Aid Kits from Animal ER Care. Cleaning up after our pets helps protect our Fountain Creek Watershed.
Community
Ute Valley Park Season End Work SessionSat Oct. 23, 9:00 – 12:00 PM
Join the Friends of Ute Valley Park for the season ending work session! Help wrap up this year’s projects. Meet at the intersection of Centennial Boulevard and Crested Butte Circle. Please wear pants and closed-toe shoes, bring work gloves, sunscreen, water and snacks.
You must register to participate!
Community Cruise
Sat. Oct 23, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Please join the RISE|Southeast team as they host the last Roll with RISE Community Cruise along the Sand Creek Trail from the Southeast Armed Services YMCA to Wildflower Park and back. This is a fun, family-friendly pedaling event and is a true community collaboration with support from Kids on Bikes, Trails and Open Space Coalition, and Bike Colorado Springs. Come join the fun and be a part of the pedalin’ revolution in Southeast Colorado Springs! If you need to borrow a bike or helmet contact Jacquelinea@risesoutheast.com
Check out the Facebook Event
Annual Starsmore Halloween CarnivalSat. Oct 23, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Come enjoy an evening full of fun carnival games and candy. The spooky Rubber Ducky Races are a blast, and the haunted hike is sure to give a fright. This event benefits The Friends of Cheyenne Cañon. Entrance to the event is free, so are some games and activities; Punch Cards may be purchased at the event for some games and events $1, $5, and $10.
More info on Facebook
Volunteers NEEDED! Signup to help out.
Fall Fun at Fountain Creek!!Sat. October 30
Pumpkin Carving Party – 9:00 – 12:00 PM
Pre-scooped pumpkins, patterns, and carving tools provided! Show off your creation at the Jack-o-Lantern Trail. Pumpkins may be retrieved after 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Milberger Farms, Pueblo. Please pre-register, $5 fee.
Scarecrow Contest – 4:00 – 5:00 PM
The Nature Center will provide the frame and hay, and you bring the clothes and props. The scarecrows will be put on display during the Jack-o-Lantern Trail event (separate fee). All who attend the Jack-o-Lantern Trail will get a chance to vote on their favorite scarecrows. Voting closes at 7:30pm. Prizes will be given for the top three scarecrows! Please pre-register $15 fee.
Jack-o-Lantern Trail – 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Return at night to see your creations in action! Make a craft, hear stories, and roast a marshmallow before you embark on the lighted trail. Costumes strongly encouraged!
Please pre-register, $5 fee.
Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Photo Contest
Submit your CMSP photos for the Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park 2022 calendar! The contest is open to the public, amateur and professional photographers; limited to three photos per person. Entries must be received by 5:00 PM October 31st. Winning entries will be announced on November 15, 2021. $5 per photo entered (youth 14 and younger are free) will benefit Friend of Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Learn more at friendsofcmsp.org