Sand Creek Trail connection under Powers Blvd
The Sand Creek Trail is one of the main urban trail corridors that serves our vast community. It spans in sections from the south, where it connects to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, to the far northeast portion where some of our newest development is taking place near Marksheffel and Woodmen Roads. It currently serves several distinct regions of Colorado Springs and holds the potential to provide connectivity along what will be 12+ miles in length when fully completed. To show you how it fits into the vision of our urban trail network, please reference the image showing the Ring the Springs concept from the 2014 Parks Master Plan next to a photo taken Tuesday morning.One of the major connectivity barriers identified is Powers Boulevard. We are pleased to report that staff from our Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service department are working with Public Works and other project partners to create the underpass this year that will allow trail users to smoothly and safely connect under the major roadway from Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Ave. This is the first of several trail projects taking place on the east side of Colorado Springs that will increase connectivity for residents throughout this central region and provide future access to the planned Coleman Park development. City staff is working on the designs currently, anticipating bids to go out in Q2. We look forward to bringing you an update on when construction for this high-value connection will begin, and anticipate assisting in the celebration once completed.
Learn more about Sand Creek Trail.
PARK AND TRAIL News
Coleman Community ParkMaster Planning Coleman Park was on the 2B (2019 Tabor retention) list of projects and is about to get underway. Once built, Coleman Park will be the city’s newest community park and the first one on the city’s northeast side. The 70-acre site is east of Powers along Barnes Road and connects to the Sand Creek Trail. Coleman Park is one of 15 promised parks on the city’s list waiting to be planned and constructed. Now that the planning team has been hired, public meetings will be scheduled allowing residents to provide input. Check our Trail Talk for updates.
Chamberlain Trail and Twilight Canyon LoopLocated just 15 minutes to the southwest from Downtown Colorado Springs, this route gives you a mountain experience without having to drive all day. The Chamberlain Trail Parking Lot located in the southern portion of North Cheyenne Canon Park (corner of Mesa Ave and Evans Ave) is where this adventure starts. This easy/moderate route then follows the Chamberlain Trail until the Twilight Trail branches off and cuts across the Strawberry Hill area toward the gates of Seven Falls. The Twilight Trail then loops back with some elevation climb providing breath taking views of the city and of Mount Cutler to the west. This 1.5 mile route can be done in less than an hour but can get muddy and icy after winter storms. Traction devices are recommended as the western portions of the trail rarely get sunlight in the winter. Preview this hike with TOSC Relive Video!
Check out more TOSC Get Out Spread Out Videos.
Rampart Range Bighorn Sheep
With the relocation of a couple dozen bighorn sheep and the annual celebration of bighorn sheep at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, the spotlight has been shining on the Rampart Range herd. With just over 100 sheep, the Rampart Range bighorn sheep herd is one of the most prolific and healthy herds in the state of Colorado. Rampart Range isn’t a historic location for bighorn sheep! Back in 1946, the predecessor of Colorado Parks and Wildlife decided to relocate 14 bighorn sheep from Tarryall-Kenosha Mountain to Pikes Peak. While on Ute Pass, the truck carrying the sheep broke down. Fearing for the safety of the sheep, the crew decided to release the sheep with hopes they would head south toward the Pikes Peak area. Instead, the sheep took off to the north. All but one sheep survived a harrowing adventure that involved crossing railroad lines and Highway 24 to reach Waldo and Queens Canyons. Today, the herd’s territory runs from the Garden of the Gods to the area just south and west of Blodgett Open Space.
Seasonal Outdoor Jobs
Do you love working outside, getting your hands dirty, engaging community volunteers, and playing a direct role in the protection of public lands? Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is hiring multiple Field Instructor and Field Coordinator positions for the 2022 field season! Ideal candidates possess a strong work ethic and deep passion for public lands stewardship. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. All positions begin on March 21, 2022.
Learn more and apply at www.rmfi.org.
EPC Park Champions – Partners in the Park
El Paso County parks celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. As park staff plans for the next 50 years, they have generous park partners supporting them. These are individuals and businesses who make annual contributions of $5000 to steward EPC parks. Since the program began in 2009 over $250,000 has been donated to county parks and trails. The money is used to improve dog parks, bathrooms, pavilions – whatever the park needs to make it safe and sustainable. EPC Parks Advisory Board honored the partners at this month’s meeting.
Learn more about the program: communityservices.elpasoco.com
TOSC
TOSC BREW SPECIAL TAPPING
Mon March 7, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Join us at Lost Friends Brewing Company for the special tapping of our own custom “Hazy Hound” Mango Hazy IPA (made by TOSC staff!). Pints and crawlers will be available, with $1 from each sale of this beer being donated to TOSC. Our staff will be on site updating patrons on the latest park and trail news and raffling off some prizes, including our new dog bandanas! Lost Friends Brewing Company is VERY dog-friendly, so be sure to bring your favorite hiking buddy along!
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
Corral Bluffs Alliance Red Robin FundraiserThurs Feb. 24, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Red Robin, 3770 Bloomington St (this location only) is supporting Corral Bluffs Alliance! This Thursday enjoy a meal at Red Robin and let your server know you are there to support Corral Bluffs Alliance, and 20% of your ticket will be donated to CoBA. IT WONT COST ANYTHING EXTRA, available for dine in AND to-go orders.
City Auditorium Community MeetingThurs Feb. 24, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
This will be the third and final community meeting on the Future of 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.
Palmer Park Work Day
Sat March 5, 9:00 – 1:00 PM
Do you LOVE Palmer Park? Come out to help the Guardians of Palmer Park keep the park clean and safe for all users. Sign up for one of the crews:
-Trash Cleanup – cerv.is/0132giENhXa
-Off Leash Dog Area Cleanup – cerv.is/0132gBk5wjB
– Trail Project – TBD, please check for updates on our Volunteer Calendar.
Community Garden Plots!!
It is already time to start thinking and planning for your garden! You can rent full-size (20 feet x 40 feet) and half-size (20 feet x 20 feet) plots at The Charmaine Nymann Community Garden in Bear Creek Park. The garden is surrounded by a five-foot high fence with seven gates. An underground network of water pipes delivers city water to faucets located adjacent to each group of four plots. Fees cover the cost of tilling, water for the entire season, and all other repair, maintenance and clerical expenses. Gardeners renting a plot also become members of the Bear Creek Garden Association.
Green Mountain Falls Trail AmbassadorsGreen Mountain Falls has 12 miles of scenic trails that are visited by many hikers during the summer. Our Trail Ambassador program is to help educate and guide these hikers to optimize their outdoor experience. Our volunteers give 2-4 hours per month of their time to share their love of the GMF beloved trail system. The Trail Ambassador program is active from Memorial Day to Labor Day on weekend mornings only.
If you would like more information, please contact Nancy Dixon at gmftrailambassadors@gmail.com.