Upgrading Bridges and Making New Connections
During the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail project (currently in construction from Rockrimmon Blvd to the Cottonwood Creek Trail Junction), the Colorado Springs Parks Department was able to secure funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation, via a local agency grant, to replace the decking on two existing trail bridges along the project route. These were not originally slated for upgrade, but COS Parks was able to leverage PPRTA funds for the successful 80/20 grant match. These will both be very welcomed upgrades to this project along with the new concrete trail surface along this popular urban trail route!COS Parks Department is finalizing the design for the missing connection of the Sinton Trail from Arrowswest Drive to 30th Street. Recently, the Sinton Trail (just east of this location) was upgraded to allow for a safer and more comfortable trail experience. The final piece will allow for an off-street trail connection to the Foothills Trail and into Blair Bridge Open Space and Garden of the Gods Park. The project is slated to take place in early 2022 and TOSC will keep you up to date on the progress.
Connections are the Key!
PARK AND TRAIL News
With Friends Like These…From time to time we want to put a spotlight on Friends Group Volunteers who go the extra mile and are making a huge difference in our region. Today we feature Trevor Becker of Incline Friends.
Trevor moved to Colorado Springs several years ago. He and his family settled in Manitou Springs for easy access to the outdoor resources they loved.
That love would manifest itself in a commitment to stewardship as Trevor embraced the responsibility of caring for the resources. Noting his efforts to clean up homeless encampments and litter in general, Incline Friends invited Trevor to join its Board of Directors. Since that time Trevor and his wife have only increased their stewardship efforts.
In 2021 the company Trevor works for awarded him an entire month off for the express purpose of pursuing altruistic work within his community. Trevor invested most of that time in the Incline and the Barr Trail, cleaning up graffiti and litter and leading efforts to control erosion on the trails.
Trevor’s passion, energy and infectious nature have made him highly successful in recruiting other volunteers to work on some of these projects. That success has earned him the nickname of “the Pied Piper of Volunteerism.” Lead on Trevor, as just one example of how members of “Friends” groups can make a difference.
Trailhead Permanently ClosingDuring the month of February, the USAFA North Gate Parking Lot and the New Santa Fe Trailhead will permanently close as construction of the infrastructure for The True North Commons Development commences. A new trailhead and parking lot will eventually replace what is being closed, once construction is completed.
The actual trail will remain open during construction and relocation.
The New Santa Fe Trail can still be accessed at:
- Edmondson Trail Head located immediately off Woodmen Road just west of I-25.
- Santa Fe Trailhead-Baptist just west of I-25 on Baptist Road.
- Third Street in the town of Monument.
- Ice Lake Trailhead on USAFA property (restrictions may apply).
New Manager Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain
TOSC is delighted that former Board Member Skyler Rorabaugh has been hired to oversee activities and operations for Pikes Peak Highway, the North and South Slope Recreation Areas and new Summit Visitor Center.
We recruited Skyler 6+ years ago when he came to COS from Estes Park where he was Executive Director of the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District. At UCCS Skyler was Director of Campus Recreation.
Skyler is a visionary and a strategic thinker. While American’s Mountain is already a popular destination for residents and visitors, we have no doubt Skyler will bring new ideas on balancing recreational opportunities and sustainability.
Congratulations Skyler!
Fountain Creek Regional Trail Repairs
El Paso County Parks will begin repairs on a section of the Fountain Creek Regional Trail that has washed out. The section of trail to be repaired is where the Fountain Creek Regional Trail intersects with Spring Run, a minor tributary of Fountain Creek. The repair is one mile south of Circle Drive and 2,000’ east of Janitell Road near the Fort Carson Railroad Bridge. Repairs will include installing a new box culvert, replacing concrete sidewalk, and new rip rap. The repairs are expected to start in mid-February 2022 and be complete by the end of March 2022. There will be a trail detour provided around the work area during construction.
Any questions can be directed to El Paso County Parks project manager, Greg Stachon at 719-520-6999
City Auditorium – Community Meeting #3This will be the third and final community meeting on the Future of the City Auditorium! Thursday, Feb. 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the City Auditorium. The community is invited to hear the vision to preserve and revitalize the Colorado Springs City Auditorium. There will be project updates as well as a project summary. There will be time for Q&A following the presentation. The meeting is free and open to the public. Attend and participate in the history of an amazing community landmark.
TOSC
Visit with TOSC on Winter Bike to Work DayFri Feb. 11th, 7:00am to 9:30AM
TOSC staff will be hosting a stop during the yearly Winter Bike to Work Day event. We enjoy celebrating those who choose to use a bicycle to commute to work and with our excellent location along the Shooks Run Trail at the Colorado Springs Sustain-a-Center (702 E. Boulder Street), it is a great fit! Hop on your bike and pedal on by, we will have some hot drinks and snacks to take the chill off. We would love to meet the users of our wonderful urban trail system. Thank you to our partners at Kids on Bikes and Bike Colorado Springs for taking the lead in keeping this annual event rolling!
Rampart Dog ParkRampart Dog Park is the hub of excitement for our northern Colorado Springs furry companions. Located in the eastern portion of the park closest to Rampart High School, there is a large flat fenced-in area for dogs to roam and agility equipment built into the landscape. The mature cottonwoods provide shade and a break from the strong north winds. If the dog park is busy and you need to spread out, there is a nice network of paved trails that loop around the rest of the park and connect to the Skyline Trail for longer regional options for leashed pets. TOSC created a Get Out Spread Out video for Rampart Park.
For more dog parks to explore, visit TOSC’s Dog Park page!
Pikes Peak Crew Leader Training
April 30 and May 1, 2022
Registration is now live for the annual Pikes Peak Regional Crew Leader Training (PPRCLT). PPRCLT is an intensive weekend-long training for stewardship volunteers who are interested in becoming certified and active Stewardship Crew Leaders. While in the training, participants learn how to lead safe, successful trail projects and build upon basic trail construction and restoration skills. The training is hosted by TOSC, Rocky Mountain Field Institute and the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
For more information, please visit www.rmfi.org/crew-leader-training
Community
Leave No Trace: Hot Spot Activation Alert
Join us from February 10th – February 14th for a series of Leave No Trace Hot Spot events focused on helping to preserve Berthoud Pass Recreational Site (Winter Park, CO). The Hot Spot program is a critical initiative for areas suffering from severe recreation-related impacts that can be revived with Leave No Trace solutions. During the activation week, Berthoud Pass Recreational Site will receive a blend of specific educational programs, service projects and more. We’d love for you to be a part of this important work. With your help, Berthoud Pass can be put on a road to recovery
Painting in the Parks: Ute Valley Park
Fri Feb. 11, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Whether you are a beginner or Bob Ross, your parks and open spaces provide fantastic backdrops and subject matter for art! Especially for a certain upcoming holiday you may or may not have forgotten about. Join the park staff at Ute Valley Park for this experiential-focused introduction to painting.
COST: $5/person (canvas and paint)
Liquid Lecture Series 2022A Creek on the Move: Changes Along Fountain Creek
Wed Feb. 16, 6:00-7:00pm at Atrevida Brewing Co.
Speaker: Dr. Laura Hempel (US Geological Survey Hydrologist)
Fountain Creek is a complex and dynamic river that is constantly changing, grain by grain. This talk will explore the fundamentals of river channel change, the existing USGS monitoring program on Fountain Creek (teaser: it involves lasers), and preliminary results of a historic aerial photo study by Colorado College student and former USGS intern, Spencer Shaw. All attendees will receive $1 off beers from ATREVIDA BREWING COMPANY during the event!
Please RSVP by emailing creekweeksoco@gmail.com
Waste Management SurveyThe City of Colorado Springs wants to know what you think about the current waste and recycling system in Colorado Springs. Please take a short survey and share what you think. Feedback will be used in applying for a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Front Range Waste Diversion program, which supports communities to increase recycling, composting, and waste reduction.
Summer Bike CampsKids on Bikes summer camps offer kids the opportunity to develop overall bicycling and mountain bike skills, see a variety of terrain, explore the local trail systems, and cultivate a love for bicycling at a young age. Proceeds support Kids on Bikes’ mission to break down barriers to bicycling and to inspire and empower all kids to lead healthy, active, and happy lives through bicycling. Need-based scholarships for summer bike camps are also available.