Memorial Park and Prospect Lake
Recently Memorial Park has been in the spotlight. The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has decided to allow motorized boating on Prospect Lake in Memorial Park. This is a reversal of a decision made in February to close the lake to motorized use and install an aerationsystem that would help combat issues the lake has had with blue-green algae. The plan to add an aeration system has been pushed to September. The decision to reverse the policy was made after spirited public comment from supporters of motorized boat use was received by Parks staff. This summer, Prospect will still operate under a “swim at your own risk” model on “non-motorized” use days (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and when there are no special events and preplanned activities. The final decision on motorized boat use at Prospect Lake will take place this summer after the final design of the aeration system is completed. Read City’s Press Release about Motorized Boating on Prospect Lake.
Memorial Park has a new addition, “chain-gates” have been installed in some of the parking lots around the park to cut down on criminal activity and prevent after hours use of the park.
What is your opinion, should Prospect Lake be closed to motorized boats?
Click here to participate in a short TOSC survey.
PARK AND TRAIL News
Kane Ranch Opens Soon!!
Kane Ranch Open Space will welcome hikers, cyclists and equestrians starting March 23rd. The 440 acre opens space is located 4 miles east of Fountain on Link Rd. 3.4 miles of easy trail provide great views the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains and of course Pikes Peak. You might even see burrowing owls as you explore El Paso County’s newest Open Space. Park Staff delayed the opening in order to install a gate which will limit access to daytime hours. A large trailhead parking lot will make this open space popular with equestrians.
Learn more about Kane Ranch Open Space.
Pikes Peak Greenway Trail Maintenance UpdateWed. March 16, 10:00 AM
The project, which is now halfway complete, is removing existing asphalt from the trail section and replacing it with concrete. Work is taking place between the overpass at I-25 and Rockrimmon Boulevard north to the confluence of Cottonwood and Monument Creeks, near Pikes Peak Indian Motorcycle. The new trail section is wider and includes a new gravel running path adjacent to the trail. Bridge decking has also been removed and replaced, plus other stormwater improvements, all aiming to enhance safety and mobility along the popular corridor. Trail construction on schedule!! Work is expected to be complete in late spring 2022. Join project manager, Steve Bodette, for a virtual progress report.
Parks Staff Steve Bodette Retires
Capital Projects Coordinator Steve Bodette is retiring this month. Award winning bathrooms, pickle ball court lights, trail improvements, sports courts resurfacing – Steve has managed these projects and so much more. His experience and work ethic will not be easily replaced. Best of luck to Steve!
TOSC
Spring Break Traffic Has ArrivedPikes Peak Region tourism is booming right now after two long COVID-19 impacted years. This is fantastic news for shops, restaurants and attractions that depend on tourists to make ends meet. The same level of enthusiasm is not usually felt from the local outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The “season of patience” has begun. This past weekend, traffic stretched for miles as visitors waited to drive through Garden of the Gods. Parking was nearly impossible to find in North Cheyenne Canon Park and reservations for the Manitou Incline were all taken. It is now that time of year to “Get Out and Spread Out”. TOSC has a carefully curated collection of walks, hikes and rides on our Get Out Spread Out page that will give you ideas of where to explore when crowds fill up our region’s popular landmarks. If Garden of the Gods is your usual quick hike destination, consider Woodmen Valley Park or the Lori Cohen Memorial Trail in Austin Bluffs. If you want the challenge of the Incline, but not the challenge of finding parking, consider the Dixon Trail in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Tourism is the lifeblood of Colorado Springs economy, and we are lucky to live in a place with incredible access to the outdoors. Soon spring break will be over and crowds will slowdown… until Memorial Day weekend.
TOSC Dogs
Are trails and parks just as important to your favorite furry friend as they are to you? Make your dog an official TOSC member! Dog members get a “TOSC Dog” bandana to showoff that they are a trail lover and supporter.
Community
Nature Nerd Trivia
Wed. March 16, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Fountain Creek Brewshed Alliance will be at Peaks n Pines for an evening of watershed, creek and nature themed trivia. Play with or against your friends in the first-ever Liquid Lecture trivia night! Attendees get $1 off beers and there will be prizes for the winner.
Intro to ClimbingFri., March 25, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Join UpaDowna at City Rock to give climbing a try! UpaDowna wants to help individuals, couples, or families experience a new adventure in a safe and fun environment. This class is designed for folks that are new to climbing, or just getting back into it. You’ll get a tour of the facility and learn the basics of climbing taught by seasoned climbers. This amazing, donation-based package, is complete with climbing gear rental, expert instruction from CityRock and UpaDowna staff, a $15 donation per person is suggested, but feel free to donate what you can afford!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO AND TO SIGN UP
N. Cheyenne Cañon Volunteer Training & Potluck
Sat. March 26, 10:00 – 1:00 PM
Learn more about several Cheyenne Cañon Volunteer Programs, meet fellow volunteers and eat delicious food at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center. New and returning volunteers are encouraged to attend.
For more information and to RSVP, please email Lead Interpreter, Caroline.Miller@coloradosprings.gov